Shirts honouring NHS snapped up by Chichester and Bognor rugby fans

O’Neills Sportswear began making the shirts at the start of the lockdown after they were enlisted to produce protective clothing for medical workers.

Josh Brown is a local rep for UK-based manufacturer O’Neills and said: “I’m currently furloughed so having seen some of the work my colleagues have been doing with other clubs and their NHS shirts while I’ve been off, I suggested the same to my club, Chichester RFC – and the idea was well received.

“Lots of members placed orders and ultimately we’ve managed to raise a great amount of money for NHS charities during this difficult time. “A number of club members and their families are key workers so it also means we’re able to support our own rugby family at the same time.”

Chichester’s pre-orders have raised a whopping £794 – and the shirts have also proved popular at Bognor RFC.

Bognor’s Doug Millen said: “We intend to donate all profits from the 74 shirts sold to donate to NHS charities.

“Our shirt sponsors, Rainbows Bognor of The Arcade and Regis Removals, have pledged to match the monies raised. Profits amounted to £378 from sales so we’ve all decided to round that up to a £500 donation each, making a grand total of £1,500 raised.”