If you think Six Nations rugby action is tough on the pitch, a group of 16 rugby fanatics is about to embark on a charity challenge that could be an even greater test of strength and endurance: An epic 3000km cycle to Rome via every Six Nations stadium – in just nine days!

This intrepid gang of amateur cyclists – Doddie’s Grand Slam Team - answered the call from former Scotland captain and My Name’s Doddie Ambassador Rob Wainwright to take part in the Foundation’s biggest fundraising challenge yet: All Roads Lead to Rome 2024, which follows on from the success of the DoddieCup 555 last year and aims to raise an incredible £1 million to fund much-needed research into Motor Neurone Disease.

The brief? Plucky teams must travel from any location and reach Piazza Navona in Rome by 5pm on Friday 8th March in time for the Six Nations Scotland v Italy match the following day. Any route or mode of transport is allowed – but air travel is strictly off limits.
Of the 20 teams taking part, Doddie’s Grand Slam Team has mapped out the most ambitious and arduous route to Rome: a daunting but dream cycling trip for any rugby fan, taking in six iconic stadiums - Murrayfield Edinburgh, Aviva Dublin, Principality Cardiff, Twickenham London, Stade De France Paris and Olimpico Rome.
Alongside an assortment of rugby fans - a farmer, scientist, engineer and aspiring actor amongst them - the group features some well-known names in the rugby world including:

• Team Ambassador Roger Baird, former Scotland and British Lions winger
• Team Co-Captain Ian Barr, former SRU president
• Team Co-Captain Rob Boyns, head of Doddie Aid Wales
• Huw Davies, former England fly-half with 23 caps to his name
• Paul Volley, England flanker and Wasps legend

With over £100,000 already donated by generous supporters, the team wants to raise funds and awareness for vital MND research and pay tribute to Doddie Weir’s legacy to rid the world of MND – through the work of the My Name’s Doddie Foundation which he set up in 2017 after being diagnosed with the disease.

This group also has the added pressure of carrying some very precious cargo in their panniers: the Match Ball for the Scotland v Italy Match on 9th March – which will be presented to them on departure by ex-player and Scottish Rugby Union President Colin Rigby.

The team is officially titled Dodd1e’5 Gr4nd S7am Team - incorporating the numbers 1,4,5 and 7 representing the late Doddie Weir OBE (5), the late Paul Rendall (Wasps/England) and two players who are currently living with MND: Ed Slater (Gloucester / 4) and Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhino /7). 

The Doddie’s Grand Slam Team adventure will start on 28th February, when they depart from the home of Scottish Rugby, Murrayfield Stadium, in front of a cheering crowd of friends, family, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation representatives and sporting VIPs from across the city.

The team has also just confirmed an exciting detour just before they reach Rome – to the glamorous principality of Monaco! News of their challenge reached the court of Monaco, leading to an invitation to the Palace with HSH Prince Albert of Monaco followed by a VIP dinner. It’s here that the team will hand the Match Ball over to former Italian international rugby player Marcello Cuttitta whose team will provide some extra pedal power and group morale for their final leg into Rome on 7th March.

Throughout the challenge, the team will cycle in four pods of four cyclists, riding in relay formation and in a race against time to ensure they reach ferry connections, stadiums and some of the events and celebrations that are planned along the route – including school visits to raise awareness and inspire young people to get involved.

The riders also have a support crew of 15 helping them perform to the max as they traverse tricky terrain, endure freezing temperatures, spend overnights in rugby clubs and take on long stints on the bike with a minimum amount of sleep.

The route (28th February – 7th March)

• Day 1: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium – Biggar (50km)
• Day 2: Biggar – Cairnryan Ferry Terminal (154km) Belfast – Aviva Stadium Dublin (225km)
• Day 3: Holyhead Ferry Terminal to Principality Stadium Cardiff ()
• Day 4: Cardiff - Newhaven via Twickenham Stadium ()
• Day 5: Dieppe - Auxerre via Stade de France Paris (372km)
• Day 6: Auxerre - Grenoble (400km)
• Day 7: Grenoble - Monaco (364km)
• Day 8: Monaco - Livorno (399km)
• Day 9: Livorno - Stadio Olimpico Rome (300km)

It’s the group’s admiration for Doddie Weir and their commitment to his Foundation’s cause of one day finding a cure for MND that will keep them focused – and team spirit will be boosted by the host of rugby legends set to join them on the way – with appearances by the likes of Paddy Johns (ex Ireland).

With the Match Ball safely delivered to Stadio Olimpico in Rome on 7th March, the 16 cyclists will have a chance to rest and recharge before joining thousands of Scotland fans as they march en-masse in Doddie headbands to cheer on their team as they take on Italy in the 9th March Six Nations match.

Team captain Ian Barr said: “I knew Doddie, I considered him a friend. He was just such an inspirational guy, a larger-than-life character. MND has affected quite a few high profile people in the rugby community, but it’s not a rugby illness. It’s in all different sports and walks of life.

“We did the ride last year and Rob Wainwright kind of threw it out there that the following year we’d potentially go to Rome. Then one of the other guys said they’d like to go around all the stadiums. Rob Boyns and I put our heads together and said, you know what, let’s do it!

“We’re working very closely with Rob Wainwright and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s going to be challenging, particularly at the end of February, but I’m looking forward to it. What drives people on is to make that difference, to make it better for somebody else. So when we’re feeling tired or sore, we have to remember that we’re not suffering like some others with MND are suffering. If we can help raise some money, raise awareness and make their lives better, that’s what will drive us on.”

Fellow team captain Rob Boyns added: “The challenge for the majority of the team will not be the riding, but probably the lack of sleep. We’re covering a huge amount of miles every day, with each pod doing between 60 and 70 miles, so it’s going to be tough.

“My ultimate aim is to inspire young people, engage with communities, complete the ride, get to Rome and have lifelong memories and lifelong friends. And of course raise lots of money for MND research.

“MND has no barriers, it’s an international disease. As Doddie said, some people say it’s incurable, it’s not incurable, it just needs funding. And I think raising money and asking people for sponsorship is one thing, but raising awareness leads to funding which becomes perpetual until we can crack it.

“By doing something and by engaging with the young people of today, if we can inspire them to either do something similar to what we’re doing, become sports people of the future, or become scientists of the future, then we’ve achieved something.”

There’s also a chance for people to take their place in the Doddie’s Grand Slam Team – from the comfort of their own home, school or gym! The challenge: can you beat the team on their Race to Rome – by cycling, rowing, swimming or running the full 3000km to raise extra funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. There will be prizes!