A cider collaboration between Bath Rugby and Thatchers Cider has raised over £4600 for good causes.

Farleigh Cider, a blend of apples grown pitchside at Bath Rugby’s Farleigh House, was pressed and crafted by Thatchers, in an innovative first for rugby and cider.

With each bottle signed by members of the Bath Rugby squad, the cider was raffled in aid of the Bath Rugby Foundation and the Thatchers Foundation, both supporting local communities in Somerset. Tickets were sold via the Bath Rugby Foundation website, with 38 prizes of a bottle of Farleigh Cider and a pack of Thatchers Gold.

A total of £4618 was raised, and will be distributed to local causes by the two Foundations.

Fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher says, “What an amazing achievement to raise these funds for good causes in Somerset. As we enter a new national lockdown, supporting our local communities remains as vital as ever.

“A big thank you to everyone who took part in the raffle.”

The apple trees in the Farleigh House orchard were planted in 2011 and the apples were picked last autumn by Bath Rugby players, including club captain Charlie Ewels.

Thatchers head cider maker, Richard Johnson, who blended the Farleigh Cider at Myrtle Farm, said, “At 5.5% abv, Farleigh Cider is a fantastic union of varieties. Like a scrum the apples used are a blend of strength and guile and all have their unique contribution. Pour this cider into your favourite cup and let it tackle your taste buds!”

Charlie Ewels said: “We’re all very proud of our partnership with such an iconic West Country brand and I can attest Farleigh Cider really is a very special drink.”

Thatchers, the family cider makers, are very much part of the Bath Rugby family, with the 2020/21 season marking the ninth year of partnership between the two brands deeply synonymous with the West Country.