Guide Dogs’ puppies to form guard of honour at Kingsholm Stadium

Round 4 of the 2024-25 Premiership Women’s Rugby season will kick off at 3pm on Saturday 15th November at Kingsholm Stadium. Gloucester Hartpury go up against Sale Sharks, with a few special visitors welcoming them onto the pitch.

Puppies from Guide Dogs will form a guard of honour for Gloucester players as they enter the pitch, to help raise awareness of the life-changing work the charity does to support people living with sight loss.

Guide Dogs are one of the UK's leading sight loss charities. Their expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs are here to help people affected by sight loss live actively, independently, and well.

Gloucester Hartpury co-captain, Zoe Stratford, says; “It’s an absolute pleasure to support Guide Dogs at this Saturday’s match. The work they do changes lives, helping people build confidence, independence, and connection through their amazing dogs. As players, we’re proud to stand behind such an incredible cause and help raise awareness for the difference they make every day.”

Several puppies, all in training to become life-changing Guide Dogs, will visit Kingsholm Stadium as part of their socialisation training. Saturday’s game is an excellent opportunity for the dogs to experience large crowds, loud noises and matchday excitement for the first time.

Learning to stay calm and focused during unpredictable situations is a big part of what makes a great guide dog, and experiences like this are brilliant for their development as they progress from puppyhood to partnership.

The puppies will be accompanied by their dedicated volunteer puppy raisers. Volunteers are absolutely vital to Guide Dogs’ work. From fundraising to puppy-raising, to helping behind the scenes – the organisation simply could not function without them.

To learn more about volunteering with Guide Dogs and about the amazing roles available, visit  guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer.

Get tickets for Gloucester Hartpury vs Sale Sharks at 3pm on Saturday 15th November!