TWO former rugby props from Newport have teamed up to raise funds for spinal research by cycling 350km across Cuba in November.

The funds are being raised in memory of Dan James, who died at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland in September 2008 after suffering a spinal injury as a result of a collapsed scrum.

David Arr and Kevin Moore have been friends for over 35 years, having met when playing for Newport High School Old Boys in their late teens, and both still have family in Newport.

After various work moves, Mr Moore settled in Hampshire and Mr Arr in Worcester, next door to the James family.

Mr Arr's son Jonathan, who currently plays for Worcester RFC, was close to Mr James - they were in the same year in school and played rugby together.

The accident to Mr James inspired Mr Arr to take action, as both he and Mr Moore had many lucky escapes from collapsed scrums.

He contacted Mr Moore, who, as the latter says, is roughly same size, shape and with the same modest level of fitness, and asked him if he fancied a challenge and they are both now in training.

Donations can be made online at justgiving.com/david-arr  or by text to 70070 with the code BHXB92.