The RFU Injured Players Foundation, England Rugby’s Official Charity, which supports players who have sustained a catastrophic spinal cord or acute severe traumatic brain injury whilst playing rugby union in England, is pleased to announce today, a formal partnership with Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR).

GBWR is the national governing body for wheelchair rugby in England, Scotland and Wales. The team will compete in the forthcoming Paralympics in Paris. GBWR has grown the sport from a domestic league with a single division comprised of seven teams, to one which now has four leagues providing competition opportunities for over 20 teams. 

The partnership, which forms part of GBWR’s innovative 28 for 28 fundraising initiative, aimed at bringing 28 partners together to support the team on their journey to the LA28 Paralympic Games will see the two organisations collaborating on a number of areas. These include creating engaging content and providing new opportunities for IPF beneficiaries and wider audiences to get active and showcase the power of sport on an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. There will also be occasions for beneficiaries of both organisations to benefit from shared assets, such as webinars and bespoke events.

Karen Hood, IPF Director commented: “We are excited to be working with GBWR on this partnership as part of their 28 for 28 initiative which aims to break down barriers and deliver opportunities for those with a disability, whilst simultaneously enabling more people to access the sport. The collaboration presents a number of opportunities which both organisations can leverage to raise awareness of the essential role that we both play for our respective beneficiaries and audiences.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team at GBWR to broaden awareness of the work we do with an engaged audience and to introduce new people to the IPF.”

The IPF provides responsive and effective immediate support in hospital to players, their families and clubs involved, including relevant emotional support immediately after they have sustained a life-changing injury, which still remains a rare occurrence in England. This support then extends to the days, months and years after the incident, including for life, where required, to enable every player to live the life they wish to lead. The support offered ranges from working with the player’s medical teams to ensure access to the care that is needed, for example, funding a recommended physio when there isn’t an NHS specialist in their area or in the event of long waiting lists. The charity also supports with home adaptations or even providing a new home in certain situations.  

The charity also encourages and supports players back into work or education with 76% of their beneficiaries employed or in voluntary roles or education – compared to a national average employment rate of 37% for those with spinal cord injuries. They also focus on encouraging their clients to take part in activities to be able to live life to the full.

Chief Executive of GBWR, Jason Brisbane added: “I’m delighted we are in a position to formally announce our partnership with the IPF through our 28 for 28 initiative on our journey to the LA28 Paralympic Games. “As an organisation we have made great strides and seen much success in recent times across both the elite and grassroots aspects of the game leading to partnerships such as this one."

“I am looking forward to combining our expertise with that of the IPF’s to bring more opportunities to both organisations".

“With two IPF players, Jack Smith and Kieran Flynn named in our squad for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, we are excited to work together to showcase the Paralympic experience for both athletes and the wider team as we aim to defend our title from Tokyo 2020.”

The two organisations will launch a joint content series aimed to encourage those in wheelchairs or who live sedentary lifestyles to get active. They’ll also explore the benefits of sport by talking to amateur, elite and professional athletes about the impact being involved in sport has had on their life.