Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Emily Scarratt MBE was a special guest at Newark Rugby Club this week. The Midlands club won a coaching session with the Red Roses’ superstar through her role as an ambassador for England Rugby’s charity, the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF).
Club sponsor Tony Rose won the prize for his club having completed an IPF survey to understand awareness levels of the charity within the rugby community.
Scarratt, who has previously been named ‘World Player of the Year’, ran coaching drills and shared her vast experience from five Rugby World Cups with Newark’s women’s and girls’ squads, before taking part in a Q&A for the local rugby community to enjoy.
Emily Scarratt said: “I’ve absolutely loved coming to Newark Rugby Club tonight, the joy and enthusiasm out there of the women and girls playing rugby is so infectious.
“This is what rugby’s all about and where it all starts for so many of us. I will never forget the fun I had playing for my local club, Leicester Forest.
“It was great to meet all the players and coaches and get amongst it on the training pitch. The girls then had some brilliant questions for me in the clubhouse, and I think they enjoyed trying on the World Cup medal.
“Hopefully they will have aspirations to carry on playing rugby, whether that’s at this level or to go on and maybe become a Red Rose and win a medal themselves one day.”
Michelle Newton, Newark RUFC women’s vice-captain, said: “It’s been amazing to have a World Cup winner here coaching us tonight.
“When I passed the ball I thought, oh my goodness I’ve just passed the ball to Emily Scarratt, like wow! She’s one of the best players in the world!
“Emily is so down-to-earth and approachable and for players to get so many tips from her has been brilliant.
“Previously I didn't know anything about the Injured Players Foundation, so it has also been interesting to hear what they do to support players. It’s important we promote that within the rugby community.”
Scarratt explained why she was so keen to become an ambassador for the RFU Injured Players Foundation, the charity that supports players at any level of the game who have sustained an acute, life-changing injury while playing rugby union in England.
“The IPF is a brilliant charity that represents what the rugby family’s all about – we look after each other when times are tough.
“It’s something you never want to have to access, and fortunately catastrophic injuries don’t happen often, but if on the rare occasion one does happen it’s so nice to know support is available and there’s a brilliant team behind that.
“The IPF makes sure the right people, specialists and support are there for people so they can continue to lead a very full life. Support can be provided for a player and their family for life, if needed.
“Rugby has given me so much,” she continued. “I love being part of the rugby community and I was keen to get involved with the IPF to help players who haven’t been as fortunate as myself.
“I’d really encourage people to support the charity either by fundraising or letting more people know about its work.”
Andrew Fearn, president of Newark RUFC, said: "It was a special evening at the club - one of the very best.
"Our women's and girls’ sections are a thriving force and we know how much the players appreciated the opportunity to meet Emily.
"It was fascinating to hear Emily's thoughts on her own playing career and how she developed from club to the international stage.
"It was also great to help raise awareness of the Injured Players Foundation, which we know is an important rugby charity.
"Alongside a huge thank you to Emily, I'd like to thank our club sponsor Tony Rose, from Newark Storage.
"Thanks to Tony and his support of the IPF, Newark members enjoyed a memorable night."
Tony Rose, life member of Newark RUFC, said: "I want to thank all those at the IPF for organising this prize which enabled Emily to be at my home club where I have been a member for over 60 years.
"It was a memorable night including the opportunity for my granddaughter Poppy, who is a keen player, to meet and hear from one of England rugby's very best in Emily Scarratt.
"I hope all the players and members enjoyed the evening."
Emily Scarratt is part of the IPF Support Squad, which features well-known rugby personalities who volunteer their time in support of the charity and the players it represents.
The IPF offers wide-ranging support for players, their families and friends when faced with a life-changing injury. The IPF also funds vital research to improve injury management and quality of life, and to reduce the risk of injury occurring in the game.
Photo credit: David Dawson Photography
Video - Ben and Jack Studio
