Alix Popham is a retired international rugby player. He won 33 caps for Wales and played in two World Cups in 2003 and 2007. In 2008, he was a Grand Slam winner. Alix retired from professional rugby in 2011. In April 2020, he was diagnosed with probable CTE and early-onset dementia as a result of traumatic brain injury developed in his rugby career.

With little support available, Alix and Mel Bramwell-Popham decided to do something positive about the sport they still love but want to make safer. Head for Change was founded to create a world where sport is as good for your brain as it is for your body, and to support ex-players who are affected by neurodegenerative disease as a result of playing football or rugby.

In October 2023, Popham was joined by ex-players from both rugby codes to swim the English Channel to raise funds for the charity. Now those same swimmers are coming together again for the annual Big Rugby Swim, which will take place at the Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff on 13 September 2025.

The Big Rugby Swim is returning on Saturday, 13 September 2025, at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff and will raise money for Head for Change to fund their BrainSafe education programme, protect players and protect the game and continue their research and care and support programmes.

The two teams (Rugby Union v Rugby League players) who swam the English Channel in a relay race in October 2023 and featured in Sky Sports' documentary ‘Rugby Concussion: Turning The Tide’ are coming together again to raise money for Head for Change with another swimming challenge, and we’d love you to join us!

The event is open to everyone over the age of 18, and all levels of swimmers are welcome. You can choose three distances: 600m, 1,200m, or 1,800m. We’ll provide all swimmers with a bright pink ‘Head for Change Big Rugby Swim’ swim hat on the day and the event will take place at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff on Saturday, 13 September.

Swimmers might find themselves in the water with former Rugby Union and Rugby League players, and it’s a great opportunity for anyone training for an upcoming Ironman to practice swimming with others.

An inclusive event, the Big Rugby Swim is designed to bring everyone together and enjoy the day with friends and family cheering the swimmers on from the reservoir bank. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available all day, and we’ll have a celebratory meal with the swimmers and supporters.

When: 12pm - 6pm on Saturday, 13th September 2025

Where: Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs in Cardiff

Cost: Minimum £20 donation to Head for Change

Email: hello@headforchange.org.uk to register