Grassroots rugby clubs raise over £130,000 for Injured Players Foundation
If you’re an English rugby fan, there are few better feelings than running out at the home of England Rugby alongside your best mates. That’s exactly what grassroots teams from across the country enjoyed while raising over £130,000 for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF).
Over back-to-back weekends at the Allianz Stadium, Chiswick RFC, Cobham RFC, Midland Barbarians, Stafford RUFC, Sandown & Shanklin RFC and Stratford-upon-Avon RFC competed in the men’s’ Vets competition, while Ellingham & Ringwood RFC, Midland Barbarians, Thamesians RFC, Westcliff RFC and Yeovil RFC competed in the women’s tournament.
Midland Barbarians were crowned champions in both competitions, continuing their dominant run while raising vital funds for players living with catastrophic injuries.
Stephen Hall, captain of the men’s Midland Barbarians side, said: I’m a bit speechless to be honest. It’s been a privilege to run out with the boys at the hallowed ground and to be part of the heritage of this sport we love. Raising money for such an important charity has been heart-warming.
“Catastrophic injuries are rare in rugby, but it's brilliant to have this set up for those few and far between instances, as happened nine years ago when our now DOR Lee Jones sustained his injury. It's an honour to give back to the sport that's given us so much and to help support players that really need it.”
Jones, who is also an IPF Trustee, understands better than most the importance of IPF support, explaining: “When I was first injured, I had no idea who the IPF was or what they did. That's a travesty, because the amount of peace of mind they gave my family, how they helped my partner and kids and how they took pressure off my parents was incredible. I’ve wanted for nothing ever since. When they say you are part of the rugby family and they are there for you for life, they mean it.
“It’s important that every club in the country is made aware of the IPF. In the unlikely event the worst happens, they should be your first port of call because they handle everything.”
Off the pitch, Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes and Westcliff RFC topped the fundraising totals on their respective days.
The Hurricanes alone raised over £40,000, inspired by former teammate Luke Orton, who broke his neck in 2022.
Teammate Michael Cooper said: “Luke’s positivity is an inspiration to us all and it was really important for us to raise money today to help other players in the future.”
The event offered a taste of the elite experience, with BBC’s Sonja McLaughlan conducting interviews on Ladies Day and IPF Ambassador Wayne Barnes presenting awards.
“Every amateur rugby player dreams of running out here,” said Sandown & Shanklin’s Greg Dean. “To do it while raising money for the IPF is just brilliant.”
If your team would like to find out more about how to get involved in the tournaments next year, please contact IPF@RFU.com and to learn more about the RFU Injured Players Foundation, visit RFUIPF.org.uk.
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