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Mental health awareness training is being offered to rugby clubs across Wales.

The online course helps teams, coaches and players to recognise and offer support to people who may be experiencing mental health difficulties.

The course, run by UK Coaching and mental health charity Mind, has already seen more than 400 football clubs across Wales signing up to take part.

More than £2 million of Welsh Government funding is also being invested in the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Research at Swansea University.

Wales’ mental health minister, Sarah Murphy, urged clubs to sign up to the training.

Speaking at a male suicide prevention summit at Newport’s Rodney Parade stadium on Thursday February 26, she said: “It is crucial men have access to support before reaching crisis point.

“Sport can play a valuable role in reaching men who are struggling with their mental health. We want more sports club to learn how to provide their players, teams and staff with support at an early stage.”

The summit, organised by the Welsh Government, included organisations such as Dragons RFC, Sport Wales, Samaritans, Mind, Lads and Dads, and 2Wish.

Expanding mental health training to sports clubs forms part of Wales’ Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Strategy, which was launched by the Welsh Government last year.

Rhys Blumberg, CEO at Dragons RFC, said: “We are always keen to expand the work we do to offer advice and guidance on mental health.

“We welcome news that awareness training is being rolled out to rugby clubs across Wales to provide people with the skills to help support them in the most appropriate way, and join the Welsh Government and other stakeholders in encouraging all clubs to access this vital new resource.”

Sports minister Jack Sargeant said: “Sports clubs are so much more than places to play – they are places where friendships are formed, where people find belonging, and where we can look out for one another.

“With more than 400 football clubs already signed up, I know our rugby clubs will embrace this opportunity with the same enthusiasm, and I encourage them to get involved.”