As part of their 150th anniversary celebrations, Doncaster Knights has raised £5,000 in support of the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), who were also the club’s match day charity partner at this weekend’s pre-season fixture against Edinburgh.

The IPF is England Rugby's official charity and supports players from any level of the game who have sustained a life-changing injury while playing rugby union in England, specifically those which result in the loss of or use of a limb, catastrophic spinal cord injuries or acute severe traumatic brain injuries which result in permanent functional disability.  

Support is wide-ranging and can be provided for a player and their family for life if needed. The IPF also funds vital research to improve injury management and players’ quality of life, and to reduce the risk of injury in rugby.

The significant sum raised for the IPF was generated through a silent auction at the club’s 150th dinner, part of a series of commemorative events planned by the Knights to mark this historic milestone season. Supporters were able to bid for a host of exclusive prizes which had been generously donated by legends of the game including Sir Ian McGeechan, George Ford, Will Greenwood and Nigel Owens, among others.

Doncaster Knights' Club President, Steve Lloyd presented the £5,000 cheque to IPF members who had been invited to enjoy Knights’ game against Edinburgh as hospitality guests.

The donation reflects the Knights’ ongoing support for the wider rugby community as they marked their 150th year.

IPF Director Karen Hood said: “We are incredibly grateful to Doncaster Knights and to everyone who contributed to the silent auction in support of the IPF. 

“Match day partnerships like this are so important to help raise awareness of the IPF. Thankfully life-changing injuries remain extremely rare in our sport, but if they do happen it’s important for the rugby family to know we are here to help. 

“The generosity of clubs like Doncaster Knights and IPF fundraisers enable us to offer wide-ranging support to a player and their family for life if needed.

“We have lots of fundraising initiatives throughout the year, so if Doncaster Knights’ support of the IPF has attracted your attention, we’d love you to get involved too in support of our injured players!”

To find out more visit RFUIPF.org.uk/get-involved

Follow @RFUIPF on Instagram and Facebook or @TheRugbyCharity on X