As England Rugby’s official charity, The RFU Injured Players Foundation has a hospitality box for members to enjoy at each home international and matches like the Gallagher Premiership Final or Army v Navy fixture. It’s an opportunity to watch a match together and stay connected to rugby, while catching up with friends made through the IPF or sharing experiences with new members.
As part of the day at the Allianz Stadium, guests often meet rugby personalities from our IPF Squad who volunteer their time in support of the IPF and injured players.
‘Legend’ is perhaps an over-used term these days, but we think we’re safe when it comes to former England captain, Rugby World Cup winner and British and Irish Lion Jason Robinson MBE!
A regular visitor to the IPF Box, Jason was back to watch England v Italy with members, having photos taken and even recording the odd message for guests’ children’s rugby teams.
Currently representing England in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, another Rugby World Cup winner, Red Roses star Emily Scarratt, was a huge hit with IPF members during the England v France match, as was former British and Irish Lion and Scotland international Scott Hastings when he kindly joined guests after the Scotland game, despite still recovering from the last gasp England win or Scotland defeat.
Once again, the strength of the rugby family and the game’s values were in full force, with respect, congratulations and commiserations being shared in equal measure throughout the tournament between English, Scottish and Italian guests all united by a love for the game and the people in it.
IPF Patron Sir Bill Beaumont, referee Wayne Barnes, broadcaster John Inverdale and commentator Nick Mullins also joined guests to chat about the game, while former England international and London Irish full back, Topsy Ojo, made sure to pop in before and after his ITV reporting duties.
Rugby World Cup winner and TV analyst Nolli Waterman shared a special good luck message from her commentary position for IPF mascot Connie Woolrich. Connie, daughter of IPF Member Tom and his wife Michaella, was bouncing off walls after having the honour of running out alongside her hero - England Captain Maro Itoje!
A huge thank you to our IPF Squad members and England Rugby for making it an occasion to remember for a long, long time! To find out who else is in the IPF squad read here
