'Probably the toughest thing that any of us have ever taken on'

Former England Sevens captain Ollie Phillips says he’s braced for the “toughest challenge” of his life after confirming he will take part in The World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic this December to raise money for charities tackling Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and other life-changing conditions.

Phillips, who captained England on the World Rugby Sevens Series and holds a Guinness World Record for the highest-altitude rugby match ever played, will join fellow adventurers Julian Evans, Tom Clowes and Stu Kershaw—each an Everest summiteer—under the banner of Team Seas Life.

“This is going to be a superb challenge; I think probably the toughest thing that any of us have ever taken on before,” said Phillips. “But if we contrast that to some of the people that are impacted by the conditions that we’re raising awareness and money for, then it pales into insignificance.

“Especially when you look at the mental fortitude of people like Matt Hampson, along with Lewis Moody, Ed Slater, Rob Burrows and Doddie Weir who have suffered, or continue to suffer, at the hands of Motor Neurone Disease.”

The quartet will set off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 12 December 2025, aiming to reach Antigua in the West Indies after a 3,000-nautical-mile crossing expected to take 35 to 45 days. Crews face 20-foot waves, scorching daytime heat above 30°C, and extreme calorie burn, with each rower expected to lose up to 20kg during the crossing.

Funds raised will go towards the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Cure Parkinson’s, The Clocktower Foundation, Shiplake Primary School, and The Matt Hampson Foundation, founded by the former Leicester Tigers prop who was paralysed after a training accident.

“I am excited yet nervous about the whole experience, but then also grateful that I’m able to utilise my audience and community to do something extraordinary and to raise a lot of money for some incredible causes. That hopefully makes a massive impact when we get home,” said Phillips.

Help Team Seas Life make a difference, donate here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/oliver-phillips-2