CHINNOR’S players are in for an uphill struggle this weekend when they tackle the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge.

A team of 16 will aim to climb Pen y Fan, Cadair Idris and Snowdon inside 12 hours.

While they are looking to raise money for charity, the task also brings other benefits as new director of rugby Richard Thorpe looks to bond the squad together while they wait for news on when next season can start.

He said: “The challenge all National League 1 rugby clubs are facing at present is uncertainty around when we will return to play.

“As such, we need to find innovative and creative ways of getting some conditioning through our bodies, while taking the opportunity to do something slightly different.

“This will be a new challenge to many of our players.”

In doing so, Chinnor are aiming to raise £3,000 for Oxford Hospitals Charity.

The club have first-hand experience of their excellent care, having looked after head physio Lauren Cyster, who died from cancer in 2018.

Thorpe added: “Our key workers, particularly the NHS, have done so much for us through this period of isolation and lockdown, and this is our very small way of saying a huge thank you.

“We also get the added boost of supporting Oxford University Hospitals where Lauren was cared for and that means a lot to everyone associated with the club.”

To donate, search online for ‘Just Giving Chinnor three peaks’.