Rugby Union News: Ashton Hewitt Urges Mental Health Awareness in the Sport
Welsh rugby player Ashton Hewitt is using Mental Health Awareness Week to encourage young athletes to seek support and open up about their struggles. Hewitt, who plays for the Dragons, has faced his own challenges, including online abuse that left him feeling “drained” and in “dark times.”
Hewitt, a grandson of the Windrush generation, has experienced racism throughout his life, but the hateful messages he received on social media were the “worst” he had ever encountered. The 29-year-old believes rugby still needs to overcome an “old-school masculinity” that discourages players from being vulnerable and seeking help.
“There’s more awareness of mental health in rugby, but how much action comes of it is another question,” Hewitt said. “We need a change of culture to encourage players to open up and normalize those conversations without fear that it might impact selection or even a contract.”
The pressure of professional rugby, from criticism and scrutiny to the uncertainty around contracts and job security, has only heightened the need for greater mental health support. Hewitt, who chairs the Welsh Rugby Players Association, has pushed for mental health first aid sessions to be implemented.
Mind Cymru, a mental health charity, echoed Hewitt’s call for more supportive approaches, particularly as young people face complex challenges in the digital era. As Hewitt has shown, finding a trusted advocate and speaking out can be an important first step.
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