Pink Matchday on October 17, 2026: HRC Turns Pink!

Community, Solidarity, and Responsibility in the Stadtpark

Rugby is much more than thirty athletes battling across eighty minutes for an oval ball. Rugby is a commitment to one another: when a teammate hits the turf, their comrades immediately bind together, form the ruck, and secure both the ball and their fallen player. Respect, integrity, passion, discipline, and unconditional solidarity — these core values of our sport do not stop at the touchlines of our rugby arena in Hamburg Stadtpark.

This October, we are bringing that spirit of unwavering solidarity far beyond the pitch. As part of global Breast Cancer Awareness Month (“Pinktober”), Hamburger Rugby-Club von 1950 e.V. is making a powerful, visible statement. Under the banner “Tackling Breast Cancer”, our 2nd Bundesliga home match on Saturday, October 17, 2026, is dedicated entirely to awareness, solidarity, and life-saving early detection.

On this landmark day, our home ground in the Stadtpark turns pink: featuring limited-edition charity match jerseys, a vibrant family programme, top-tier healthcare partners, and a free open medical keynote lecture for all visitors.

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Top-Flight Rugby with Heart: 1st XV Hosts RC Leipzig

On the pitch, a classic rugby battle awaits: on Matchday 6 of the 2nd Bundesliga North/East, our 1st XV Men welcome long-standing rivals RC Leipzig. Clashes with the Leipzig side have always delivered fierce, physical, and fast-paced rugby — neither side yields an inch in the scrums, mauls, and rucks.

Yet for this very special fixture, the Red & Black Lions will step away from their traditional club colours: our Bundesliga squad will run out united in custom-designed, vibrant pink campaign jerseys.

“For 80 minutes on the pitch, we’ll throw everything into every collision and contest every breakdown — but the most crucial battle that Saturday takes place off the field. By wearing pink jerseys, we want to show that nobody ever stands alone in the fight against cancer.”
— Tomy Capurro, Head Coach 1st XV

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Strong Healthcare Allies: Medical Excellence for Hamburg

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide — statistically, approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed during their lifetime. However, when detected early, modern medicine offers outstanding chances of recovery. Early detection saves lives!

To underpin this message with trusted scientific and clinical expertise, HRC has teamed up with three of Hamburg’s premier healthcare institutions:

• Asklepios Klinik Barmbek (Principal Partner)
  As a healthcare powerhouse in northern Hamburg and our direct neighbour at the Stadtpark, Asklepios Klinik Barmbek contributes world-class oncological expertise, cutting-edge medical technology, and dedicated specialist teams.
• Mammographie-Screening Hamburg (Early Detection Partner)
  The team behind Hamburg’s standardised screening programme provides on-site, evidence-based guidance about regular mammography screenings for women, demystifying the check-up process and answering personal questions.
• Marienkrankenhaus Hamburg (Healthcare Partner)
  Renowned for its certified, interdisciplinary Breast Care Centre, Marienkrankenhaus Hamburg has stood for decades for empathetic patient care, innovative therapeutic approaches, and holistic support for patients and their families.

Together, the rugby club and our healthcare partners form an unbreakable defensive line against hesitation, stigma, and the fear of preventive health checks.

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The Pink Matchday Package: Your Jersey for €39

Everyone can be part of this movement: starting today, you can order the official Pink Matchday Package for just €39.00!

What’s in the Package?

1. The Exclusive Campaign Jersey (Value: €35):
   High-performance, durable sports jersey sporting the eye-catching pink “Tackling Breast Cancer” design, complete with the HRC crest and partner logos. Available in all sizes — from youth sizes (116 to 164) up to adult sizes (XS to 3XL).
2. Matchday Ticket (Value: €4):
   Full access to the 2nd Bundesliga clash against RC Leipzig at the Rugby-Arena Stadtpark.
3. Charity Contribution:
   A substantial portion of every package directly funds awareness initiatives, preventive care educational campaigns, and cancer support projects.

Fill the Stadtpark and wear your pink with pride! Whether player, supporter, parent, junior, or corporate team — the more people wearing pink along the touchline on October 17, the louder our collective message will echo across Hamburg.

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Call to Action for Companies, Teams & Fans: Supporter Tiers

We invite local businesses, international corporate teams, sports clubs, medical practices, and groups of friends to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us. We offer four tailored supporter packages:

Supporter Tier	Features & Benefits	Best Suited For
1. Fan	• 1x Pink Matchday Package (Match ticket + limited jersey) for €39	Individuals, club members, families & rugby fans
2. Local Hero	• Contingent of 5+ Packages for staff or sports squads • Shoutout across official HRC social media channels	Local businesses, clinics, gyms, work teams
3. Match Champion	• Contingent of 10+ Packages • Official PA announcement & welcome during the matchday • Logo feature on website and matchday flyers	Mid-sized companies, partner sports clubs, sponsors
4. Pink Legend	• Major sponsorship commitment (25+ Packages & custom donation) • Pitchside banner branding at Rugby-Arena Stadtpark • Prominent logo placement on campaign assets & VIP hospitality	Corporate sponsors, foundations, community leaders

For companies, this provides an ideal team outing combining corporate social responsibility (CSR), employee well-being, and thrilling live sports culture in the heart of Hamburg.

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Schedule of Events: Saturday, October 17, 2026

The matchday offers an engaging programme for supporters of all ages:

• 2:00 PM (14:00): Gates Open, Jersey Pickup & Healthcare Info Promenade opens with interactive advisory booths.
• 3:45 PM (15:45): Ceremonial match ball kick-off presented by representatives from Asklepios, Mammographie-Screening, and Marienkrankenhaus.
• 4:00 PM (16:00): Kick-off: 2nd Bundesliga Showdown — Hamburger Rugby-Club vs. RC Leipzig.
• Half-Time (approx. 4:40 PM): Big Charity Tombola featuring premium prizes (signed memorabilia, sports gear, Hamburg restaurant vouchers) and pitchside interviews.
• 5:35 PM (17:35): Final Whistle & Grand Community Team Photo on the Center Court.
• 6:00 PM (18:00): Free Open Medical Keynote in the HRC Clubhouse / Verbandshaus
  Following the final whistle, leading specialists and senior physicians from Asklepios Klinik Barmbek, Mammographie-Screening Hamburg, and Marienkrankenhaus Hamburg will host an accessible, informative presentation:
  • “Early Detection, Risk Factors, and Modern Therapies in Breast Cancer – Why Looking Closely Saves Lives”
  • Admission is completely free for all matchday spectators, players, members, and Stadtpark neighbours. A Q&A session will follow immediately afterwards.

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Club Voice: “A Gesture of Courage and Care”

For Lena Lundius, Head of Partnerships & Cooperations at HRC, Pink Matchday is deeply personal:

“In rugby, we are taught from our very first training session to watch out for each other. When cancer affects someone in our personal circle, the world can feel like it’s turning upside down. With Pink Matchday, we want to prove that our community stands tall. We are using the reach and energy of rugby to eliminate taboos and lower inhibitions around preventive screening. We are profoundly grateful for the dedication of Asklepios Klinik Barmbek, Mammographie-Screening Hamburg, and Marienkrankenhaus. Let’s turn the Stadtpark pink together on October 17!”
— Lena Lundius, HRC Partnerships & Cooperations

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Get Involved & Reserve Your Packages Today!

Explore our downloads and links to secure your jerseys and event details:

• 📖 Comprehensive Pink Matchday 2026 Event Guide
• 📄 Download Package Order Form (PDF)
• 💼 Download Corporate Partner Dossier (PDF)
• ✉️ Direct Pre-Order via Email:
  Send your completed order form or partnership enquiry directly to: lena.lundius@hrc-rugby.de

Join us at the pitch, back our 1st XV, and help us send a life-saving message: Tackling Breast Cancer – HRC turns pink!