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.
While rugby was the universal winner, there was no doubt about the specific champions as Midland Barbarians did the double, lifting trophies on successive weekends to book end a triumphant week.
Midland Barbarians is a squad made up from clubs across the Midlands who come together to raise money and awareness for the IPF. Having successfully defended their title for the third year running, men’s captain Stephen Hall 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. To raise money for such an important charity has been heartwarming.
“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.”
While Midland Barbarians were winners on the pitch, runners up Sandown & Shanklin Hurricanes won the prize for highest fundraisers on Vets Day, and Westcliff on Ladies Day - England Rugby’s home dressing room.
Sandown and Shanklin captain, Greg Dean, explained he was not short of players making the trip to Twickenham, saying: “I think every single player who has ever owned a pair of boots on the Isle of Wight has contacted me to ask if they could play today. It means a lot!
“Every amateur rugby player dreams of running out here, but to do it for the Injured Players Foundation, having raised the most amount of money, is just brilliant.”
Teammate Michael Cooper explained why the IPF is close to the club’s heart, saying: “Two years ago, our player Luke Orton broke his neck playing rugby with us, so we know how massive a help the IPF has been for him and others.
“Luke’s back home now and the IPF have continued to help him with adaptations for his house and things like that. 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.”
Husband and wife team from Westcliff, Dave and Poppy, were also excited about drawing the home changing room, saying: “It didn’t feel real, walking in and thinking this is actually ours for the day,” said Poppy. “That really was the icing on the cake of an amazing day.
“We’ve been holding all sorts of IPF fundraising events from curry night to raffle night, and Dave came to the school where I teach to do a rugby afternoon so the kids could sponsor that as well.”
Coach Dave added: “Knowing the money raised is going to such a great place and that everyone is helping to raise awareness of the charity today is a great feeling. It’s been a brilliant day, and the squad has been having so much fun out there.”
To add a dash of international flavour to the tournaments, IPF Ambassador Wayne Barnes handed out awards on Vets Day, while BBC reporter Sonja McLaughlan conducted pitch-side interviews on Ladies Day, giving players a taste of being a Red Rose.
On an afternoon when players’ smiles were as broad as the sunshine, try scorer Felicity Baldwin said: “This is amazing isn’t it? Top players know what it’s like to play here, but it’s a real treat for someone like me. It was such a good feeling to score. To come together and celebrate rugby like this, and for a really good charity, is amazing. There’s so much positive energy. Everyone’s loving life here.”
Cobham All Stars’ captain Andrew McAllister added: “Standing in the tunnel, with this band of brothers, was mega. The IPF is important for our club. One of our former players, who is here today, is an IPF member. The charity has helped him massively. He couldn’t play rugby anymore, so he got into golf through the IPF, and that has given him an extra lease of life which is fantastic.”
Ian Snead added: “It’s been tremendous, a bucket list thing. It’s wonderful that the charity put on this event to raise money to support men and women who can’t play the game any longer because of injury.”
Ellingham and Ringwood women’s manager Lucy Parkinson said: “The players can't believe they've had this same experience as internationals. They’re beyond excited.
“It's been fantastic to finish our season on a high, to showcase some excellent women’s rugby and to do it for such a great cause. The charity is so important – we’re one big rugby family and it’s important to support each other.”
Looking back at the two weekends, Lee Jones said: “A big thanks to all teams who competed, and also to our two IPF Ambassadors for coming down to support. Not many people get to be interviewed by Sonja McLaughlan, and as for Barnesy, well he’s a legend isn’t he? He’s a real advocate for the game and for the charity, and it’s brilliant to have him involved.
“We've raised an incredible amount of money over the past week so thank you to the whole rugby family, in particular Sandown & Shanklin RFC who raised over £40,000. Wow, that’s unbelievable. It's just been a brilliant couple of weekends.”
If your team would like to find out more about how to get involved in the tournaments next year, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To learn more about the RFU Injured Players Foundation, visit RFUIPF.org.uk
