Matt Cornwell led the players in a challenge to bake, decorate and then sell 1,000 cupcakes in aid of Red Nose Day and Restart, the RPA charity that supports ill and injured players.
The team, which included Fraser Balmain, Tom Croft, Andy Forsyth, Sam Harrison and Julian Salvi, created their cupcakes in the bakery at Leicester College, which is next to Welford Road, with the help of food manufacturing diploma (bakery) students.
They visited offices around Leicester, including Leicester City Council and businesses at Colton Square, to sell their wares and raised £655. Fans can still support the players’ fundraising challenge by making a donation here.
Cornwell said: “It’s my first time baking and I have to say I’m very happy with the results. I did feel like I was on The Apprentice at times, it was a bit stressful but we managed to get them all done. The bonus is it’s all for a good cause.”
Salvi added: “I’ve tried to bake with my little boy before but it wasn’t very successful. I’ve enjoyed the experience and it’s great to do something worthwhile like this.”
Mark Wright, programme area manager for food and hospitality at Leicester College, said: “This is a great opportunity to team up with Leicester Tigers and it was great to see the players using our kitchen facilities to meet their challenge.
“Leicester College is keen to support Comic Relief and Restart. Our learners and staff were on hand to assist them and guide them. It was a great experience for all of us.
“Judging by their decorating skills the cakes looked and tasted great. They were of a great standard and the lads gave it 100 per cent.”
The event was supported by Sainsbury’s and is in association with Silver Spoon.
It is just one of a number of ways that Tigers have been supporting this year’s Red Nose Day. Fans can bid for signed Tigers items in an online auction to help the Comic Relief cause. A signed Tigers shirt, a 2012 Aviva Premiership Final matchball signed by the Tigers squad and a Tigers shirt signed by legends Geordan Murphy and Ben Kay are among the items on sale.
Some of the money raised could help towards the expansion of Hitz, a programme which aims to turn around the lives of young people at risk of anti-social behaviour and exclusion from school. As well as introducing young people to tag, touch and contact rugby, Hitz also helps to build their confidence and respect.
Click here to see the Premiership Rugby Red Nose Day auction items and place your bid.
