Mo Rugby FC is a movement focused on men’s health awareness, driven by Movember.

Founded in 2019 by Movember ambassadors Fraser MacDonald-Lister and Zein Jallad, Mo Rugby embraces Movember’s iconic moustache—a symbol of support for mental health, cancer prevention, and the fight against the stigma surrounding men’s health issues.

Since its start in 2003, Movember has raised over a billion Australian dollars for men’s health, sparking global conversations around critical issues like mental health and suicide prevention.

In rugby, a sport known for toughness, Mo Rugby is challenging stereotypes by showing that strength also means supporting mental wellness.

“We’re here to break down barriers, to talk openly about men’s health, and to let people know it’s okay to seek help”

For Mo Rugby, every game is a platform to promote these conversations, uniting players worldwide under a common goal of supporting both physical and mental well-being.

Movember is more than just growing a moustache. It’s about challenging the silent suffering that many men endure. Men are statistically less likely than women to seek help for mental health concerns, and they are at higher risk for certain preventable cancers and suicide. Movember’s moustache has become a symbol of courage for men to speak up about their struggles, seek support, and break down the stigma of staying silent. Movember highlights these issues globally, encouraging men to get regular health check-ups and providing critical resources for mental health support.

For Mo Rugby, Movember’s mission is deeply personal. “We want to inspire men to be open about their health,” MacDonald-Lister explains.

“Too often, men feel they have to tough it out alone, especially in sports. Mo Rugby is here to show that talking about mental health is a strength, not a weakness.”

A Rugby Club with a Purpose: Breaking Down Barriers

With Mo Rugby, each match and tournament becomes an opportunity to spark conversations about mental health and cancer prevention.

“We’re not just here to play rugby,” says Amy Reynolds, a player and manager for Mo Rugby’s women’s team. “Every event is a chance to talk about why it’s important for men to speak up and normalise those conversations.”

Through rugby, Mo Rugby is actively creating a space where men and women can support each other’s mental health, challenging the narrative that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

Within the club, players have found a safe space to discuss personal challenges openly.

“One player recently went through a tough time after losing a loved one, and he leaned on the team for support. That’s what Mo Rugby is about—a place where people can connect and talk.”

This support is exactly what Movember aims to achieve: reducing isolation and building a supportive community for men’s health.

Central to Mo Rugby’s identity is the moustache—a powerful symbol of Movember that team members proudly wear on and off the field. Men and women alike sport these moustaches, sparking curiosity and encouraging dialogue about men’s health.

“The moustache is what people notice first, and it’s a fantastic way to start the conversation”

For Reynolds and the women’s team, donning moustaches has become a meaningful tradition.

“The women’s team wearing moustaches has been such a great way to break the ice and explain our mission. People want to know why we’re doing it, and that curiosity helps us spread our message”

Mo Rugby’s unique culture of pairing male and female players as “Mo Bros” and “Mo Sisters” helps reinforce a supportive connection. Each pairing encourages players to look out for one another, emphasising that mental and physical health are team priorities. “These connections often turn into lasting friendships,” MacDonald-Lister says.

“It’s about being there for each other in and out of the game.”

To deepen these connections, the club hosts “Mo First Fridays,” monthly gatherings that bring players together to share experiences and raise funds for Movember.

“Isolation is a big issue, especially among men,” MacDonald-Lister adds. “Through Mo Rugby, we’re creating a family where men feel supported, understood, and empowered to seek help.”

Growing the Mo Family

Mo Rugby is dedicated to growing its community, welcoming new players from around the world who share their commitment to men’s health awareness.

“We’re open to anyone passionate about the cause,” MacDonald-Lister explains. “By joining Mo Rugby, players not only raise awareness but also become part of a larger support system that prioritises their well-being.”

MacDonald-Lister and Reynolds have ambitious plans to expand the club’s impact globally, including adding more teams and reaching new countries. “In five years, I’d love to see Mo Rugby covering men’s, women’s, and veterans’ rugby, as well as expanding into rugby league,” MacDonald-Lister says.

“We want Mo Rugby to be a model for others who want to combine sport with purpose.”

For Mo Rugby, each game, each moustache, and each conversation brings them closer to a world where men’s health is prioritised, and where no one has to suffer in silence.

For more information on Mo Rugby or to get involved, reach out via their Instagram or Movember’s official channels.