RUGBY players in Otley are preparing to run off their Christmas dinners at a Boxing Day fundraiser.

Ex-students of Prince Henry’s Grammar School will form a PHGS Barbarians side to take on Otley RUFC at the club’s Cross Green base on Wednesday, December 26.

The annual event will also see the PHGS U14s taking on Club Barbarian U14s and Otliensians Colts playing the PHGS 1st XV (in a sevens game) before the main contest. A raffle, with prizes including a signed pair of Danny Care boots, will also be held.

Proceeds will be shared between the PHGS Rugby Facilities Fund and Talk Outside of the Scrum (TOOT), which supports rugby players experiencing mental health issues. A Prince Henry’s spokesman said: “The rugby fund over the past three years has provided drainage work on rugby pitches, pathways, training tops and other equipment, as well as allowing us to travel to play the best independent schools.

“The match has also raised more than £3,000 for charity, raising £2,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust last year.

“This year players will be giving a ‘TOOT salute’ when they score a try.” To find out how to help e-mail Chris Smith at ce.smith@princehenrys.co.uk .