We are set to tackle this extreme challenge, a relay across the South of France that is over 400km (250miles) completed in just 48 hrs meaning we’ll be running the equivalent of a 1.5 marathons each to raise funds for Wooden Spoon, a charity committed to helping children across the UK and Ireland. The team includes:

• Michael Young - Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers, Bath Rugby, Toulon, and Gloucester. Represented England 7s and Saxons. Educated at Durham School and played for West Hartlepool RFC.

• Will Welch - Newcastle Falcons, with the distinction of being the youngest and most capped captain in the club's history. Educated at RGS Newcastle and played for Northern RFC.

• Alex Tait - Newcastle Falcons, Barnard Castle School, and Darlington RFC.

• Mark Wilson - Newcastle Falcons, Sale Sharks, and England. Played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. Educated at Kendal High School and played for Kendal RFC.

• Tom Catterick - Newcastle Falcons, Barnard Castle School, and Mowden Park RFC.

• Perry Alexander - Newcastle Falcons, Sale Sharks, and Barnard Castle School.

Throughout our careers, we've shared many challenges on the rugby field. Now, in retirement, we’ve found ourselves missing that sense of challenge. When the opportunity arose to take on The Speed Project, we knew it was the perfect chance to reignite that drive and push ourselves once again, both mentally and physically. We’re excited to tackle this together as a team.

We’ve chosen to support Wooden Spoon, a charity deeply rooted in the rugby community, which does incredible work to ensure children have the best opportunities in life, no matter their background. Rugby has given us so much from a young age, and through this challenge, we want to give back to a cause that truly makes a difference in the lives of children.