On Friday 22nd November, some of the Midlands most ‘experienced’ rugby players will come together at Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club to raise vital funds for two fantastic causes, while providing bucket loads of entertainment for spectators in the process.
The Vets match between Midlands Barbarians and Warwickshire Masons kicks off at 7.45pm and is a joint fundraiser for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) and the Matt Gallagher Foundation. There will be a £5 entry on the night, with proceeds being shared between the two charities.
The Matt Gallagher Foundation is a nonprofit organisation striving to beat Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the impact it has on people across the UK. The foundation was formed after former rugby player, Matt, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in October 2023. Learn more here or watch the interview here.
The RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) is England Rugby’s official charity. It supports players at any level of the game who have sustained a life-changing injury such as a catastrophic spinal cord or acute, severe traumatic brain injury while playing rugby union in England.
Thankfully, these types of injury remain extremely rare in our sport, but if they do happen, IPF support is available for a player and their family from the moment the incident happens, for the rest of their lives if needed. More information is available here.
The Midlands Barbarians Rugby side brings together seven different teams and will feature Duncan White, Gareth Taylor and Ollie Thomas from Birmingham Moseley, as well as Kris Fenn and Titch Thomas from Moseley Oak.
Midlands Barbarians’ Director of Rugby Lee Jones, who is also an IPF member and charity trustee, said:
“I can’t wait for the game this Friday. We’re all one family, the length and breadth of Britain; we’re all part of a rugby team really. We’re all aiming for similar things and all live to the same values. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us all to join together in supporting charities close to our hearts.
“When I had my injury eight years ago and came out of my coma, there was a guy sitting by my hospital bed from the IPF. At that time, I had no idea who the IPF were or what they did. I’d never heard of them before, and that to me is a travesty because the amount of peace of mind they gave to my family, how they helped my partner and kids with everything from household expenses to travel costs so they could visit me in hospital, to medical and rehab support and equipment, they literally handled everything for us as a family and helped relieve some of the pressure on my partner and parents.
“Ever since, I’ve wanted for nothing. When the guys at the IPF say they will be there for you for life and that you’re part of the rugby family, they mean it. They’re very good at what they do and for me it’s an absolute honour to be a trustee and to give a little bit back.
“Obviously, you hope you will never be in this situation, and thankfully injuries like mine are very rare. But God forbid, if someone you know does sustain a life-changing injury, it’s so comforting to know the IPF is there, and they will have your back.
“I think it’s incredibly important that every rugby club in the country is aware of the IPF, so if the worst does happen, they are the first port of call. These guys will sweep and handle everything which provides reassurance and alleviates a lot of the worry.”
Jones, who is also chair of Silhillians RUFC, has guided the Mids Baabaas to victory for the last two consecutive years at the IPF Vets Day at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. He’s hoping for another victory this Friday, when his team runs out in their stylish special edition IPF socks, saying:
“It’s going to be tough against a strong Warwickshire Masons’ side, but I’m always confident in our boys. It should be a cracking match, with a high standard of rugby on show. I’d really recommend people come down to Moseley to watch as you’re guaranteed a fantastic family-friendly atmosphere as well entertaining rugby, and hopefully a pint or warm drink in the clubhouse afterwards.
“It’s brilliant to be joining with the Matt Gallagher Foundation for this game. Matt is a great lad and a bit of a hero in these parts to be honest. Friday is about having some fun, spreading the word about two fantastic charities and raising significant sums for them. Funds raised will help the organisations continue to provide extensive support for people in their relevant spheres and to fund vital research - Matt for MND and the IPF for their research into injury management and prevention.
“For me as a trustee of the IPF, it’s really important to share the IPF’s work with clubs in the Midlands, to let people know exactly what the charity does and how much support they provide for players like me. I want to make sure the same level of support I’ve had is available to others who find themselves in my position.”
Birmingham Moseley RUFC’s location is here.
