RUGBY fans showed plenty of goodwill during a bucket collection at the Ospreys v Scarlets game. More than £1,300 was raised for the Mullany Fund, set up in memory of murdered newlyweds Ben and Catherine Mullany.

The charity, which gives financial help to trainee physiotherapists and doctors in the UK, had already on the backing of Ospreys and Wales captain Ryan Jones before Saturday’s kick off. The rugby star, whose fiancee is a physiotherapist, said he was indebted to medical staff for saving his playing career following two nasty shoulder injuries.

Ironically, trainee physiotherapist and rugby fanatic Ben Mullany was forced to hang up his boots after he also suffered a bad injury to his shoulder.

Ben’s brother, Adam, was among 20 people collecting money at the Liberty Stadium. He said he was pleased with the hearty response to the fund-raiser, which raised £1,324.78. He said: “It means a great deal because Ben and Cath were big Ospreys fans.”

“We have fond memories of going to see the Ospreys in France when they played against Bourgoin in the Heineken Cup.”

“It’s great the team my brother and his wife supported are now supporting us.” Ben and qualified doctor Catherine Mullany died after being shot on their honeymoon in Antigua last July.

More than £35,000 has been raised for the charity which was set up in their name.

Adam, aged 23, added: “We can never replace Ben and Cath, but we hope to carry on the good work they started.”

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