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SWINDON and Birmingham have both extended their local community links with charitable support in the coming season.The Robins will carry the name of Prospect Hospice on their race-suits and plan a family fundraising day as well as other events to offer their support.Meanwhile the Brummies' team sponsors BRC Roofing have donated theirrace-jacket advertising space to Birmingham Children's Hospital, and a successful launch took place earlier this week.

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ITALIAN star Guglielmo Franchetti will miss Berwick's season launch and opening challenge matches against Newcastle.Franchetti is required by the Italian governing body to attend a two-day training session followed the next week by the national championships. SeanStoddart has been booked to stand in. Bandits boss Dave Peet said: "It will be worth having Guglielmo away for our challenge matches with the benefits we will get on his return."