AROUND a dozen former international rugby players will be pedalling through the Borders on Saturday morning on their way to Murrayfield.

And every penny they raise from their incredible 48-hour challenge from Twickenham will go towards charities selected by former Lions Tom Smith and Doddie Weir.

Led by former Scotland captain and British & Irish Lion, Rob Wainwright, the cyclists will leave the London stadium on Thursday, February 6.

And 48 hours, and over 500 miles, later they hope to wheel into the Scottish national stadium ahead of the Calcutta Cup kick off with the match ball.

Other players joining the challenge include England's John Hall, Paddy Johns from Ireland, and Wasps legend Paul Volley, who will all complete the full 500 miles.

Former Scottish stars John Barclay, Kelly Brown, Damian Cronin, Paul Burnell and Roger Arneil, along with Paul Wallace and Peter Winterbottom of England, and Ireland's Peter Wallace will join in for sections of the gruelling route.

Rob Wainwright told us: “I’m hugely honoured to have played for Scotland and the Lions alongside Doddie and Tom.

"Both are top men and both have tragically hit hard times with their health recently.

"Whilst we cannot heal them, we can point our bikes north for 48 hours and inspired by their fortitude and courage in the face of huge adversity.

"Two very different characters, but legends the twain."

Tom Smith was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Colon Cancer.

The 48-year-old former prop won 61 caps for Scotland and made six appearances for the British Lions.

His chosen charity for the fundraising challenge is 40tude, which helps to fund pioneering research projects, targeted at the early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.

Doddie Weir's courageous campaigning since his diagnosis with motor neuron disease has led to millions being raised for research into a cure and also provide support for fellow sufferers.

The 49-year-old lock also won 61 caps for his country, and only a knee injury during a warm-up game while on tour with the British & Irish Lions prevented him playing in a test.

Half of the money raised by the Wounded Lions 500 challenge will go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The riders are aiming to raise £100,000 for the charities this weekend.

Wainwright added: "We aim to beat last year's £65,000 fundraising total, and help improve both the treatment and the prognosis for MND and colon cancer.”

During the inaugural ride in 2019, the riders averaged two hours of sleep across the 48 hours, which saw them maintain speeds of 15mph in order to deliver the match ball on time.

This year’s ride has been split into legs with short breaks at rugby clubs throughout the UK, including professional side Northampton Saints, the former club of Tom.

The cyclists will leave Newcastle during the early hours of Saturday and cross the border at the Carter Bar before a final pit stop at Jed-Forest's Riverside Park.

Late Saturday morning will see the cyclists head up the A68, though St Boswells, Earlston and Lauder, arriving in Edinburgh ahead of the 4.45pm start.

As well as many former internationalists, the challenge has also been taken up by endurance cyclists and other rugby players.

Jonny Kennedy was forced to quit professional rugby after a series of punishing concussions.

The founder and brainchild behind plant-based supplement Neubria is among the sponsors of the challenge.

He said: “We are thrilled and immensely proud to be involved with the Wounded Lions 500 charity cycle team.

"It means a lot to myself personally and everyone involved with this venture. It is a real honour to be part of such a brilliant initiative.”

Crerar Hotels, a luxury hotel chain based in Scotland, and Fosroc, provider of high-quality construction solutions, are among the other generous sponsors.

Crerar Hotels chief executive Paddy Crerar said: "If anyone is the embodiment of the Scottish spirit it’s Doddie.

"An authentic man with a great heart, humour and real determination – we are all with him, as one.”

Cyclists are welcome to support the team and join the ride for as much of the route as they wish, with a donation of £1 per mile.

Donations can be made at the Wounded Lions 500 fundraising page - uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WoundedLions500