In the world of sports, we celebrate physical resilience every day – the carries, tackles, and scrums that push athletes to their physical limits. Yet beneath every championship celebration and highlight reel lies a crucial but often overlooked element of performance: mental fitness.
The pressure to perform, the scrutiny of online, the isolation of injuries, and the uncertainty of athletic careers create unique mental health challenges that affect athletes at all levels. Despite this reality, conversations about mental wellbeing in sports remain whispered, if discussed at all.
Join us as we explore how creating trust, breaking stigma, and accessing care aren’t just concepts, but actionable strategies that strengthen our athletic community from the inside out. Because true strength isn’t just physical – it’s mental too.
Hosts and Panelists
Will Hooley
Co-Host
A former Major League Rugby professional player for San Diego Legion & internationally for the USA. A career spanning over 12 years including 20 appearances for the USA Eagles & a Rugby World Cup in 2019, Will also played overseas in the Gallagher Premiership for Northampton Saints, Exeter Chiefs & Saracens, whilst also having a spell for Championship side Bedford Blues. After making the decision to retire in 2023 at the MLR Championship Final, he took up a role with MLR in the media side of the business.
With a degree in Sports Broadcasting, Media & Jounalism, Will is a lead analyst for the MLR Broadcast team and also hosts & produces The Rugby Network weekly show ‘The Rugby Rundown’. Will has been a proud LooseHeadz ambassador since 2021 and helped bring LooseHeadz into the MLR community in 2022.
Marc Stcherbina
Co-Host
Marc Stcherbina is a former professional rugby player whose 12-year professional career spanned teams in Australia, France, and the UK. His time in elite competitions like Super Rugby, International 7s and the English Premiership was brought to an end by a career-ending spinal injury—an event that profoundly shaped his outlook and fueled his passion for personal growth.
In the years since, Marc has become a leadership coach and founder of Winning EQ, where he helps individuals and teams develop emotional intelligence, conscious leadership, and winning team cultures. He is a vocal advocate for mental health, using his platform to promote open, honest conversations and coaching around well-being. Marc also remains involved in rugby as a commentator for Major League Rugby (MLR), “edu-taining” audiences while giving back to the game.
Kayla Jeter
Panelist
Derrick Furlow Jr.
Panelist
A former collegiate star football player, Derrick is the founder of SLB The Agency, the first NIL-focused mental health sports agency, Chief Athletic Officer & Co-Founder of OnRise, and President of XHunger, a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in America.
Dan Biggar
Panelist
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mental fitness?
Mental fitness refers to the psychological strength and resilience that allows individuals to respond effectively to life’s challenges. Just as physical fitness involves developing strength, endurance, and flexibility, mental fitness involves building psychological capabilities that help us thrive under pressure.
Who should attend this webinar?
This webinar is valuable for everyone in the MLR community – fans, coaches, players, team managers, medical staff, parents, and administrators at all levels of the sport.
Is this webinar only for professional rugby organizations?
No. While Major League Rugby is hosting, the content is designed to benefit sports organizations of all sizes – from grassroots clubs to professional teams.
How long will the webinar last?
The webinar will run for approximately 45 minutes, including time for Q&A.
Who are the speakers?
The webinar features mental health advocates with sports expertise alongside rugby professionals who bring firsthand experience with mental health challenges in the sport.
Is there a cost to attend?
This webinar is being offered free of charge as part of our commitment to improving mental wellbeing in the sports world.
What if I register but can't attend live?
Register anyway! We’ll send you the recording and resources afterward.
How can our club or organization get more involved?
We’ll share ongoing resources and partnership opportunities during the webinar.
Is this a one-time event or part of a series?
This inaugural webinar marks the beginning of our commitment to mental fitness in rugby.
Who are Major League Rugby's partners in mental fitness?
Strategic alliances with Onrise, the Official Mental Health Provider, and LooseHeadz, the Official Mental Fitness Partner, empower MLR to deliver comprehensive resources that strengthen mental resilience and challenge stigma throughout the rugby community. Together, we’re creating pathways to support that are as accessible as physical training resources.
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