Adrian Morley was sore but satisfied in Pisa this morning as he reflected on the toughest Rugby League Cares cycling challenge yet – which has raised more than £30,000 for the Seriously Injured Players Fund.
The Rugby League Hall of Fame member has been a regular on RL Cares’ main annual fund-raising event in recent years, and was joined by fellow former GB internationals Matt Diskin and Nathan McAvoy in a team of 14 riders who have pedalled 500 kilometres around the spectacular scenery of Tuscany in the 2026 Ciclo Italiano.
“With the hills and the heat, it was probably the toughest bike ride we’ve done,” said Morley, who joined RL Cares as Player Ambassador and Wellbeing Manager last year.
“We’re all stiff and sore, but that’s as it should be. It has to be a challenge for us to earn the amazing support we’ve had – and to raise so much money for the Seriously Injured Players Fund.
“That’s the main thing I want to say – thank you to everyone who has made donations on our Just Giving page, and also to all the riders who have worked so hard on and off their bikes to support seriously injured players.
"And a huge thanks to all our sponsors, many of whom have been with us all the way - including Pickups Self-Storage, who were our main naming sponsors this year. We've also had brilliant support from GBR-Price, The Bartlett Group, NL Commercial, BOOST Energy and Sport, Vawtx Ltd, Wolf Competitions and Oxen Sports - we couldn't do it without them.
“Being an ex-player myself, I can see first hand just what a difference the Seriously Injured Players Fund does make to the lives of these players and their families. The Just Giving page is still open Ciclo Italiano 2026 Cycling Challenge - JustGiving, and every bit helps.
“It’s been great to have some new riders with us this year, including Matt Diskin and his father - they've been great. The ride is always a fantastic experience – as I’ve said before, the closest thing I’ve had to the camaraderie of the dressing room in my playing days.
“Italy has been absolutely fantastic. We started and finished in Pisa, we got to see some fantastic cities and the scenery has been absolutely breathtaking at times.
“My personal favourite was Florence. I’d heard it was a beautiful city but I didn’t realise just how gorgeous it is, like a mini Rome, loads of historical buildings – it was great, I really enjoyed it.”
Morley also enjoyed exploring his inner Russell Crowe when the Ciclo took in the Wheat Field south of Pienza where Ridley Scott filmed the Gladiator scene synonymous with the former South Sydney owner.
“That was another little part of it, everyone was re-enacting the Russell Crowe walk in the field,” he added. “It was fantastic.
“We’ve had such a range of experiences through the cycling challenges. I can’t wait to see what gets arranged for next year.”
To support the Ciclo Italiano, and the Seriously Injured Players Fund, click here Ciclo Italiano 2026 Cycling Challenge - JustGiving
And for more information about the Seriously Injured Players Fund, and the new sport-wide Charity Round which will mark Rugby League’s 131st birthday in August, click here New RL Cares Charity Round to support Seriously Injured Players Fund
Photo - Adrian Morley and the rest of the Ciclo Italiano riders are pictured in Pisa at the end of their Tuscan adventure with one of the defibrillators that have been distributed around community clubs thanks to Rugby League Cares and the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund