'We're ready to go': Former rugby stars begin Kilimanjaro climb
The team are taking on Africa's highest mountain to raise funds for community projects
Last updated 16th Sep 2026
Former Northampton Saints rugby stars Tom Wood and Alex Waller have arrived in Tanzania to begin an eight-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, raising money for projects supporting young people across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.
The pair are among a team taking on Africa's highest mountain as part of a fundraising challenge for the Northampton Saints Foundation.
Speaking from the foot of the mountain, ex-England player Wood said there was a mixture of excitement and nerves ahead of setting off.
"We're up here at what we'd consider base camp of Kilimanjaro, just about to start the climb," he said.
"The lads are just weighing in the bags and everything. A little bit of nervous energy in the camp at the moment.
"I think everyone's eager to get going. It's been a bit of a build-up and now we're here and ready to go. I think we just want to get moving."
Wood has also added an extra challenge to the expedition by beginning the trek barefoot.
"I didn't think Kilimanjaro was going to be tough enough," he joked.
"I'm also barefoot for the start, so I'm getting some funny looks from the locals. I don't think anyone's seen this before, so we'll see how we go.
Former Northampton Saints player Alex Waller said supporting the Foundation was a major reason for signing up.
"The work they do in the community is fantastic," he said.
"They help some underprivileged kids and people get back on the straight and narrow.
"This was a hell of a challenge that was presented to myself and Tom to join the guys climbing. It's something I've always wanted to do and I know Tom's pretty similar in mindset."
Unlike his former team-mate, Waller said he would be keeping his footwear on for the climb.
"I'm not mental, so I've got shoes on," he laughed.
Supporting communities
The trek is being led by Legend Expeditions, owned by long-time supporter and Foundation Champion Jack Fleckney, in partnership with Northampton Saints Foundation, the rugby club's official charity, which supports young people through programmes focused on education, employability, mental health and social inclusion.
The group are spending eight days on the mountain, following the renowned Lemosho Route to the summit at Uhuru Peak, 5,895m (19,341ft) above sea level.
Head of fundraising Matt Robinson said: "The reason we're doing this is because we want to raise funds and awareness of Northampton Saints Foundation," he said.
"We have a range of programmes that help young people that the mainstream school environment just can't support them with, including mental health issues and keeping them engaged with education or helping them re-engage."
The challenge will take participants through a variety of environments, beginning in rainforest before climbing through alpine desert and eventually reaching the mountain's glacial summit.
As well as raising money, the group hopes to strengthen links with the local community by visiting the Children of Kilimanjaro Orphanage near the base of the mountain and donating practical supplies including books, pens and sports equipment.
Looking ahead to the trek, Robinson said there was a mix of excitement and apprehension among the team.
"It's a long time to be on the mountain through a range of different climates," he said.
"But we're about to get hiking, and we're very much looking forward to the challenge.''
As Northampton Saints Foundation prepares for a fundraising climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, rugby fans are being invited to join the challenge virtually.
Robinson said knowing people back home were taking part alongside the expedition would provide an extra boost for the climbers.
"Knowing that other people are back home and they're also rooting for us and doing their bit towards it is incredibly inspiring."
To find out more about the virtual challenge visit www.northamptonsaintsfoundation.org