A team of eight soldiers from 1st (UK) Armoured Division HQ and Signal Regiment are going to cycle 1,000 miles in seven days to raise awareness for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Help for Heroes charities.

What makes this ambitious ride unique is that, with the backing of the English and Welsh Rugby Football Unions, the octet will be stopping off at the grounds of all 16 English and Welsh Rugby Union teams who are contesting this year’s Anglo-Welsh Rugby Union cup.

The climax of the trip will result in them handing over the rugby ball that will be used in the final of the Anglo Welsh Cup at 6 Ways Stadium, in Worcester.

Called Exercise Rhino Poppy, the trip has its roots in the combined interests of a number of soldiers whose passions include rugby union and cycling.

However, the main focus is generating the funds with which these two charities serve the needs of those retired and serving personnel who have been injured as a result of their service.

Event organiser and veteran cyclist Staff Sergeant Jay Butler, 39, says: “I can’t think of two more worthy causes I’d want to support. I hope that by completing this challenge we’ll help raise not only public awareness but also some additional and much-needed funds.”

The route will take the cyclists via Newcastle, Leeds, Stockport, Leicester, Northampton, Llanelli, Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Gloucester, Worcester, Bath, Reading, High Wycombe, Watford and Twickenham.

The week-long trip sets off from Newcastle (Falcons) on 14 March 2010. Further details can be found on the Exercise Rhino Poppy website by following this link