DORCHESTER RFC officially launched their ‘Rugbyathon’ charity fundraiser with a 100 days to go event attended by club members, officials, charity partners, sponsors and local dignitaries.

A presentation was given at the club’s Coburg Road base which outlined the background to the initiative and how the event came into being earlier this year, since when it has grown in size and ambition.

Rugbyathon is an official Festival of Rugby event and will take place over two days starting on Friday, September 11 to celebrate everything that is great about the game.

While it provides an opportunity to raise funds for the club, the event’s organisers have decided to support Julia’s House Hospice, the Wooden Spoon Society, the Matt Hampson Trust, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and Ducks and Drakes.

There will be a large number of events held over the two days, the main one being the club’s attempt to set a world record for the largest number of participants in a rugby match.

Starting on the Friday afternoon with a Dorchester XV against a Wooden Spoon Invitational XV, the game is set to involve all of the club’s age grade sides, culminating in the first XV playing their opening home league fixture of the 2015/16 season on the Saturday after- noon.

Other attractions include a cider and sausage festival and live music on the Friday evening, children’s entertainment including circus skills, rugby taster sessions, a bake-off contest and a charity black tie ball which will be compered by Scott Bemand, the former Bath, Harlequins and Leicester scrum-half who helps coach Dorchester’s Under-10s.

Guest speakers include ex-Leicester and England hooker George Chuter and former Bath and Exeter Chiefs’ forward Peter Short.

Chairman of the organising committee Martin Bartlett said: “We have set ourselves a very ambitious challenge which I am confident we will ach- ieve.

“I would like to thank all those that have helped so far, in particular our chosen charities and sponsors who have been very supportive.

“We are always looking for more volunteers so if anyone wants to be involved please let the club know.”

More information can be found at rugbyathon.co.uk and on Facebook by searching rugbyathon.