In light of the phenomenal success of last year’s event, the tournament will return bigger and better for 2025, and has been christened as the inaugural Christie Cup, kicking off on Sunday, 6 July 2025.
The initial idea for the tournament came after rugby veteran Chris Bamber’s wife received a devastating cancer diagnosis.
Chris, who is chairman of the Manchester Select Rugby League team, teamed up with rugby pals to host the event at the Manchester Regional Arena last September.
The tournament saw a series of matches pitting Manchester Select against GB Police Men’s, while GB Police Women’s faced down the Keighley Cougars, in front of almost 1,000 fans.
This year’s effort is set to be a major step up from the previous, consisting of two events starting with a Family Fun Day on Sunday, 6th July at the Aldwinians RUFC.
This will feature a men’s and women’s rugby tournament, in which teams will compete to take home the all-new Christie Cup; along with children’s coaching clinics hosted by rugby league experts; food, drink, and cake stalls; and children’s entertainment.
A ‘Legends of Rugby League’ dinner will also take place on Wednesday, 17th September at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington.
An all-new Christie Hospital Hall of Fame will be established at the dinner, into which one male and one female member will be inducted annually.
Chris said: “What started as one incredible day of rugby has grown into a movement. We're proud to support The Christie with even bigger events this year, because every pound raised helps us to save more lives.
“The Christie Charity has touched the lives of so many, including our loved ones. The Christie Cup is about giving back, celebrating community spirit, and standing shoulder to shoulder with those facing the toughest battles.
“Our goal now is to build on the momentum from last year and turn these events into something the community can look forward to year after year.”
The 2025 Christie Cup will expand on last year’s programme of events, with men’s and women’s tournaments, children’s coaching clinics by seasoned rugby league professionals, plus food, drink, and entertainment.
Chris’s wife, Sarah, was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer and began treatment at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, with a prognosis of between five and eight years.
Her husband, along with Director of the event’s main sponsor The City Recruiter, Nick Ryan, were inspired to do something positive, and used their passion for rugby to give back to an organisation that has done so much for Sarah and others like her.
Speaking about the 2025 Christie Cup, Nick said: “After last year’s success in terms of both turnout and money raised, we knew we had to host it again and have gone bigger and better this time.
"This isn’t just rugby. It’s resilience. It’s remembrance. And above all, it’s the power of our community coming together to change lives.
"With every event, we’re not just raising funds. We’re building a legacy of compassion and connection that will endure for years to come."
A spokesperson for the Christie Charity added: “We are incredibly grateful to Chris and the Manchester Select Rugby League team for their commitment to this fundraising event. Last year they secured fantastic fundraising support from businesses nationally to generate nearly £80K.
“Their achievements have enabled the Christie Charity to make a difference to cancer patients by supporting the charity’s vital work.
“We hope that the 2025 event is an equal success and appreciate the amount of effort that goes into organising such events.
“With the passion of the organising team and the support of the Manchester communities we look forward to another great day.”
This event is still seeking sponsors. To find out more and register email: c-bamber@manchesterselectrl.co.uk.
Businesses interested in providing a stall for the Family Fun Day event are also encouraged to email the above address.