[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”748.3px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.majorleague.rugby\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Version2_800x450_Banner_MLR_MentalFitness.png” title_text=”Version2_800x450_Banner_MLR_MentalFitness” url=”https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_NX3XL4TiQ5uLcSDj_OD8vg#\/registration” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In the world of sports, we celebrate physical resilience every day – the carries, tackles, and scrums that push athletes to their physical limits. Yet beneath every championship celebration and highlight reel lies a crucial but often overlooked element of performance: mental fitness.<\/p>\n
The pressure to perform, the scrutiny of online, the isolation of injuries, and the uncertainty of athletic careers create unique mental health challenges that affect athletes at all levels. Despite this reality, conversations about mental wellbeing in sports remain whispered, if discussed at all.<\/p>\n
This silence doesn’t just affect professional athletes – it reverberates through changing rooms, academies, and rugby communities worldwide. As Major League Rugby, Looseheadz, and Onrise unite in purpose, we’re bringing these crucial conversations from the shadows into the spotlight on May 8th with our inaugural webinar: “Mental Fitness: Why Don’t We Talk About It?” Together, we’re tackling the stigma head-on, creating a playbook for mental wellbeing that’s as vital as any match strategy.<\/p>\n
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Join us as we explore how creating trust, breaking stigma, and accessing care aren’t just concepts, but actionable strategies that strengthen our athletic community from the inside out. Because true strength isn’t just physical – it’s mental too.<\/p>\n
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\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/bit.ly\/MLRMFRSVP” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Join the conversation. RSVP today!” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”21px” button_text_color=”#ff0000″ background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Hosts and Panelists” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Will Hooley” position=”Co-Host” image_url=”https:\/\/www.majorleague.rugby\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_4272.jpeg” twitter_url=”https:\/\/x.com\/will_hooley” linkedin_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/will-hooley-26ab88135\/” admin_label=”Person” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A former Major League Rugby professional player for San Diego Legion & internationally for the USA. A career spanning over 12 years including 20 appearances for the USA Eagles & a Rugby World Cup in 2019, Will also played overseas in the Gallagher Premiership for Northampton Saints, Exeter Chiefs & Saracens, whilst also having a spell for Championship side Bedford Blues. After making the decision to retire in 2023 at the MLR Championship Final, he took up a role with MLR in the media side of the business.<\/p>\n
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With a degree in Sports Broadcasting, Media & Jounalism, Will is a lead analyst for the MLR Broadcast team and also hosts & produces The Rugby Network weekly show \u2018The Rugby Rundown\u2019. Will has been a proud LooseHeadz ambassador since 2021 and helped bring LooseHeadz into the MLR community in 2022.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Marc Stcherbina” position=”Co-Host” image_url=”https:\/\/www.majorleague.rugby\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/marc-cropped-scaled.jpg” twitter_url=”https:\/\/x.com\/TheYogBlog” linkedin_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/marc-stcherbina-53199838\/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii_image=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Marc Stcherbina is a former professional rugby player whose 12-year professional career spanned teams in Australia, France, and the UK. His time in elite competitions like Super Rugby, International 7s and the English Premiership was brought to an end by a career-ending spinal injury\u2014an event that profoundly shaped his outlook and fueled his passion for personal growth.<\/p>\n
In the years since, Marc has become a leadership coach and founder of\u00a0Winning EQ<\/em>, where he helps individuals and teams develop emotional intelligence, conscious leadership, and winning team cultures. He is a vocal advocate for mental health, using his platform to promote open, honest conversations and coaching around well-being. Marc also remains involved in rugby as a commentator for Major League Rugby (MLR), “edu-taining” audiences while giving back to the game.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Kayla Jeter” position=”Panelist” image_url=”https:\/\/www.majorleague.rugby\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2023-05-09-at-14.10.39-2.png” twitter_url=”https:\/\/x.com\/kaylajeter_?lang=en” linkedin_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kayla-jeter\/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” name=”Derrick Furlow Jr.” position=”Panelist” title_text=”dfurlow-ball-pic” image_url=”https:\/\/www.majorleague.rugby\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/dfurlow-ball-pic-e1746462519908-300×285.png” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ twitter_url=”https:\/\/x.com\/derrickfurlowjr” linkedin_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/derrickfurlowjr\/”]<\/p>\n A former collegiate star football player, Derrick is the founder of SLB The Agency, the first NIL-focused mental health sports agency, Chief Athletic Officer & Co-Founder of OnRise, and President of XHunger, a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in America.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_team_member _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” name=”Dan Biggar” position=”Panelist” title_text=”images” image_url=”https:\/\/www.majorleague.rugby\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images.jpeg” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Dan Biggar earned 112 caps for Wales over a 15-year test career, winning three Six Nations titles, two Grand Slams. Biggar is a British & Irish Lion, and he starred for the Ospreys, winning two Pro12 titles, before moving to Northampton and then Toulon. Off the field he co-hosts the Rugby Pod and works as a rugby pundit. Dan has announced his retirement from rugby at the end of this season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Frequently Asked Questions” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is mental fitness?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Mental fitness refers to the psychological strength and resilience that allows individuals to respond effectively to life’s challenges. Just as physical fitness involves developing strength, endurance, and flexibility, mental fitness involves building psychological capabilities that help us thrive under pressure.<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who should attend this webinar?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n This webinar is valuable for everyone in the MLR community – fans, coaches, players, team managers, medical staff, parents, and administrators at all levels of the sport.<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is this webinar only for professional rugby organizations?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n No. While Major League Rugby is hosting, the content is designed to benefit sports organizations of all sizes – from grassroots clubs to professional teams.<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How long will the webinar last?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The webinar will run for approximately 45 minutes, including time for Q&A.<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who are the speakers?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The webinar features mental health advocates with sports expertise alongside rugby professionals who bring firsthand experience with mental health challenges in the sport.<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is there a cost to attend?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n This webinar is being offered free of charge as part of our commitment to improving mental wellbeing in the sports world.<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What if I register but can’t attend live?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Register anyway! We’ll send you the recording and resources afterward.<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How can our club or organization get more involved?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n We’ll share ongoing resources and partnership opportunities during the webinar.<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is this a one-time event or part of a series?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n This inaugural webinar marks the beginning of our commitment to mental fitness in rugby.<\/p>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who are Major League Rugby’s partners in mental fitness?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Strategic alliances with Onrise<\/strong><\/a>, the Official Mental Health Provider, and LooseHeadz<\/strong><\/a>, the Official Mental Fitness Partner, empower MLR to deliver comprehensive resources that strengthen mental resilience and challenge stigma throughout the rugby community. Together, we’re creating pathways to support that are as accessible as physical training resources.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n