Devonport Bulls Rugby Club will host a charity round this Saturday in support of former player Luke Spring, who is undergoing a clinical trial in Sydney after being diagnosed with a genetic mutation linked to motor neurone disease.
Spring played for the Bulls for several years before moving back to Queensland with his partner Shai and their three sons Teddy, Reggie and Lenny to be closer to family during what the club described as “an incredibly difficult time”.
Club vice president Harley Parr said the event would be a first of its kind for the club.
“We’ve sort of never dealt with anything like this,” Parr told Pulse.
“Luke was ferocious, to say the least, on the field, but also probably one of the most gentle blokes you could have a chat with.”
Parr said Spring originally came to Tasmania for work and made a home in Devonport, where he played mainly as a centre before his diagnosis prompted the family to return north.
He said Spring is currently travelling from Queensland to Sydney for a clinical trial aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of MND.
MND is a progressive neurological condition that affects the nerves controlling movement, and there is currently no cure.
The condition typically worsens over time, leading to increasing loss of mobility and independence.
The Bulls will play the Taroona Penguins at home in a match featuring one-off retro jerseys based on a design from the club’s early days in 1964.
The jerseys will be auctioned off at the end of the game.
Parr said he worked with Whitehawk Apparel on the jerseys, which feature Spring’s initials and the words “never give up” on the armbands.
The day will include other auctions such as a signed 2015 Wallabies jersey and a limited-edition Jack Daniel’s bottle and handcrafted pouring cradle donated by the Penguins.
New club sponsor Island Sport and Performance will run games and activities for children and donate proceeds from a merchandise stall to the fundraiser.
Parr said Spring and his family would be at the ground for the emotional day.
“It’s a great honour to have Luke come down,” he said.
“I’m sure it’ll be high emotion, high intensity for the game.”
Those unable to attend can donate through a GoFundMe page set up by the club, with all funds going directly to the Spring family.
