With the Six Nations Rugby in full swing this spring, Blackeye Gin is urging fans to swap a beer for a Blackeye beverage during the tournament to help support the future of the game.

Hailed as the ‘unofficial spirit of rugby,’ Blackeye Gin was founded by rugby legends Mike Tindall and James Haskell alongside television presenter Alex Payne last year off the back of the trio’s ‘The Good, The Bad and The Rugby’ podcast. Born out of tough times with a desire to support the future of the sport, the mission sees £1.50 from each bottle sold to be used to fund three key categories: research, risk and recovery for players past and present.

After an incredible reception to the brand’s launch last summer with its 70cl bottle, Blackeye Gin has now launched 250cl, 6% alcohol Ready To Drink Cans, available in packs of 12 from Master of Malt, from £35.95 – perfect for those rugby watch parties and journeys to and from the stadiums.

With injuries across the six nations teams ruling out 19 players due to incidents pre-season or during the tournament, the first few Six Nations weekends have already highlighted the importance of the Blackeye Gin cause. Set to tackle industry issues head-on and become one of the largest donors to rugby-related causes in the next five years, the fund will be used to look after those who have been seriously injured and protection for future injured players and fund research into ways to make the game safer for future generations, with the first initiative set to be announced later this year.

Infused with botanicals from every major rugby playing nation, Blackeye is setting out to change the game – in more ways than one. The Blackeye Rugby fund comprises some of the most respected medical personnel and influential decision makers in the game, and will be responsible for deploying the funds raised to good causes across the rugby landscape. The ambition is to be raising £1m a year within five years.

James Haskell said: “Blackeye began as a drink between rugby mates.  Since then we have been on an incredible journey of distilling, branding, testing, sampling, tweaking and now we’re really excited to be fully off and running.”

Mike Tindall added: “We’re also incredibly proud to have made our first Blackeye Rugby Fund donation (helping Gary Street, World Cup winning coach).  Now, we’d love to see rugby fans swap a beer for an amazing Blackeye Gin and tonic, and in doing so they’ll be helping the game and the players they love.  Launching our Blackeye cans means it’s never been easier to support the cause, and if Blackeye isn’t yet behind the bar in your clubhouse, it should be!”

Available to buy at Master of Malt, selected Sainsbury’s stores and online at blackeyegin.com. RRP £35.95, with further worldwide stockists to be announced ahead of the Rugby World Cup.