Money raised from their epic journey will be split between the PRA Benevolent Fund, the charity of the Professional Rugby Players’ Association which helps players suffering from serious injury or illness, and PROPS, a charity helping disabled children in the Bristol area.

Over five gruelling days, they will kayak 200 kilometres down the Sogenfjord in Norway - from the small town of Gudvangen to the point where the fjord meets the North Sea.

They are being backed by five-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Steve Redgrave.

Sir Steve said: ‘Good luck to all the lads attempting the Bristol Rugby Fjord Kayak Challenge 2008. This will truly be an experience of a lifetime. I prefer to keep on dry land these days!

‘I would also like to wish you the best of luck with the fundraising for two very worthy charities which will benefit from this epic journey. I have no doubt that you will achieve your goal. Enjoy!’
 
Having climbed the highest mountains in the UK in 24 hours last year for the Three Peaks Challenge, the adventure-seekers were inspired to take on an even tougher test of endurance which gets underway on May 13.
 
The team of Matt Salter, Roy Winters, Rob Higgitt, Joe El-Abd (PRA Player Representative at Bristol Rugby), Tom Arscott, Luke Arscott, Haydn Thomas, Greg Barden, Anthony Elliott and Ed Barnes are in training for the end-of-season event.

Matt said: ‘We are all really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead and hope that people will get behind us by sponsoring our efforts and supporting the PRA Benevolent Fund and PROPS, two charities which are close to all of our hearts.’

Donations to the Bristol Rugby Fjord Kayak Challenge 2008 can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/bristolrugbykayak2008

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