SPORT stars Luke Littler, Jonny Wilkinson, Luke Humphries and Jacob Bethell are among those supporting a government campaign to tackle male loneliness.

The Team Up campaign — uniting sports clubs across the country — will run events from January 26 until February 2 to “shine a light” on how sport helps boys and young men.

England’s World Cup-winning fly-half Wilkinson has thrown his backing behind the campaign, which is supported by major sporting bodies including the Premier League, EFL and the Rugby Football League.

Wilkinson, 46, said he was supporting the campaign because of the “power” sport has to create connection.

The former England rugby union international said: “It’s definitely not wrong to feel isolated – to feel lonely, on your own, challenged, stressed, to feel all those kind of things. It sure can be tough but it’s definitely not out of the ordinary.”

A survey by Sport England revealed one in four boys and young men feel lonely at least sometimes, prompting concern among ministers that young men without “positive spaces” are vulnerable to isolation, poor mental health, and negative online influences.

In December, the government announced its 10-year youth plan, with £500 million of investment promised to revive youth services.