On October 11, 2025, the DB Pirates Seniors 1st XV will take the field in Round 3 of the HKCR Men’s Championship 3, donning a striking blacked-out jersey in a powerful tribute to mental health awareness. Timed the day after World Mental Health Awareness Day, this “Black Dog Round” draws inspiration from Winston Churchill’s metaphor for his struggles with depression, aiming to spark conversations and raise funds for mental health support in Hong Kong. The initiative, led by the DB Pirates, combines sport, community, and a vital cause, with all proceeds from a limited-edition jersey sale going to Mind HK, a leading mental health charity.

The Black Dog Jersey

The blacked-out jerseys, symbolizing the “black dog” of mental health challenges, will be available through a one-off kit shop. Pirates and supporters can purchase these exclusive jerseys, with every dollar raised directly funding free psychological support sessions for young people and adults battling depression or anxiety.

Get your jersey here: https://dbpirates.tsunami-sport.com

Funds raised

According to Mind HK, HK$5,000 can provide 12 sessions, HK$10,000 covers 25 sessions, and HK$15,000 supports 40 sessions, making every purchase a tangible step toward helping those in need. The DB Pirates are amplifying the impact by matching all funds raised dollar-for-dollar up to HK$10,000, doubling the potential support for the charity.

Community event

The Black Dog Round is more than a match, it’s a community event. Sponsors including Black Type, Coopers, Figo’s, and Three Sheets are rallying behind the cause, providing drinks and snacks for fans on match day and welcoming donations from players, supporters from both teams. To ensure everyone can join, the Pirates are organizing a supporters’ bus for families and supporters, creating an inclusive atmosphere to cheer on the team and champion mental health awareness.

This initiative reflects the DB Pirates’ commitment to using rugby as a platform for positive change. By wearing the blacked-out jerseys and rallying the community, the club aims to break the stigma around mental health, encouraging open dialogue and support.

The combination of a competitive match, limited-edition merchandise, and community engagement makes the Black Dog Round a highlight of our 2025/26 season. It’s a chance for the Pirates, our supporters, and the wider rugby community to come together, raise vital funds for Mind HK, and show that no one faces the “black dog” alone.

The Match

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Join the DB Pirates Seniors 1st XV this November to support a cause that matters, on and off the pitch.

Mind HK

Visit www.mind.org.hk to learn more about their work and find resources for yourself, a family member, a friend or teammate in need of support

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