The match is set to take place at Villa Park later today

Mike Tindall and his former rugby teammates are participating in a charity bike ride to raise money for former rugby player Ed Slater, who has been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.

The husband of Zara Tindall will be racing against Martin Johnson CBE in a head-to-head team cycle race.

Mike will be racing from Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium, and Mr Johnson will set off from Leicester’s Welford Road Stadium.

They will be racing towards Villa Park, where there is a Slater Cup rugby match set to be played today.

Mike Tindall is taking part in a cycling race towards Villa Park today

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The Slater Cup was created in honour of former Gloucester and Leicester Tigers player Ed Slater following being diagnosed with MND in July 2022.

The cup is contested between his two teams each season, and this year is the first time the contest is played outside of a rugby ground, with around 40,000 fans expected to head to Villa Park later today.

The match will raise money for the 4ED Foundation.

The charity was set up by Mr Slater after his diagnosis to support people suffering with MND, including adaptations for homes, days out with caregivers, and much-needed mental health support.

The 4ED foundation are aiming to raise £100,000 and have currently hit £28,531.

Mike has previously spoken on the event saying: “MND is a horrible disease and it’s been really difficult to witness how it’s impacted Ed and his family, as well as others in the rugby community.

The Slater Cup was created in honour of Ed Slater who was diagnosed with MND

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“What has been very special to see is how the community has united through it all, most recently with the news about my good friend and former teammate, Lewis.

“It will be a privilege to represent both Leicester Tigers and the wider rugby community as part of The Race to The Slater Cup.”

Mr Slater has also spoken on how honoured he felt that “two absolute legends of the game” were taking part in the challenge.

He continued: “Both Gloucester and Leicester mean a huge amount to me and I’m forever grateful to the support they’ve shown me and my family, particularly over the past three years.

“While my name is in the title of The Slater Cup, it’s about so much more than me; it’s about raising awareness of this cruel disease and funds to support people impacted by it.

Ed Slater’s former teams Gloucester and Leicester Tigers contest the fixture

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“I’m sure with the weight of Tinds, Johnno and others, we can make a big difference to the MND community.”

Donations can be made to the Slater Cup Just Giving page.