Ahead of England v Ireland in the men’s Guinness Six Nations, IPF Trustee Judy Metcalfe was presented with an RFU Rose Award for her outstanding contribution to rugby and the RFU Injured Players Foundation.
Judy was joined by family, friends and IPF chair Stephen Duckworth as she collected this prestigious award from two highly-respected figures within the game – former RFU President and IPF trustee Rob Udwin, and former IPF chair Stephen Pearson.
As we celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we also want to thank Judy for her dedication to the IPF and reflect on her legacy having concluded her maximum 12-year-term as a charity trustee last year.
Judy joined the IPF Board in 2013, becoming its first female trustee, and has since given unwavering commitment to the charity. With expertise in PR and corporate fundraising events, Judy has combined skill with deep empathy for injured players and their families.
Rugby has always been part of Judy’s life. Her father Fenwick Allison, husband Ian, and son James all represented England at different levels. Her father was playing for England against Wales at Twickenham the day she was born. When Ian sustained a serious injury playing for Moseley in 1987, Judy experienced first-hand the challenges that can be faced by families. That experience inspired her to give back to the rugby family that had supported them.
Judy has been a constant presence at IPF events, ensuring she meets members and understands the support being provided. Her energy for fundraising has been equally inspiring. On one occasion, she supported and was part of a group on a 10-day walk from Allianz Stadium to Stourbridge Rugby Club, helping to raise £120,000 for the IPF and a prostate cancer charity at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Reflecting on Judy’s impact, IPF Chair Prof Stephen Duckworth OBE said: “I can’t really explain how proud I am of what Judy has done for the Injured Players Foundation.
“She's been amazing and done so much for helping para golf and a whole range of other activities that people in wheelchairs can do. She's been a great advocate of rugby for 40 years, but last 12 years for the Injured Players Foundation has really topped it off.
“The way she interacts with injured players, she’s not like a mother, she’s like an enabler. She empowers and enriches people’s lives to go on and achieve more and more. Thanks to her input they do.
Her compassion and sincerity for disabled people have shone throughout. We could not have asked more of her as a trustee.”
IPF Director Karen Hood added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Judy, not just for the amount of time and effort she has given, but also for the amount she has cared about people involved. She has been an inspiration to everyone in how to think about putting the player at the heart of all of our decisions.”
IPF Member and Welfare Officer John Burgess also paid tribute, saying: “Judy is so passionate about the welfare of our injured players. The interest she takes in each and every one of them is inspirational. Her impact has been immeasurable.”
Among Judy’s many contributions, one of the most significant has been introducing golf to the IPF Engage Programme, which provides sporting and social activities for members.
John Burgess explained: “Judy was instrumental in getting golf off the ground through working with Cae Menai-Davis at the Golf Trust. They were able to provide coaching and access to the Paragolfer (also known as Paramotion) — a specialist mobility device that raises wheelchair users into a standing position so they can swing a golf club freely and move around the course. It has made such a difference to a number of our players’ lives. That wouldn't have happened without Judy.”
IPF Member Duncan Campbell, who has since gone on to represent his country at disability golf, added: “Judy is an amazing woman. Being introduced to golf has changed my life so much for the better. For the first time since my stroke, I’ve felt like a sportsman again - and a huge part of that is down to Judy’s encouragement.”
Looking back on her 12 years as a trustee, Judy reflected: “It was a huge honour to be the first woman to join the Board, and a privilege to represent the IPF and our members ever since. Their stories and achievements have inspired me daily.
“I have been extremely lucky to work with dedicated and professional staff, whose support for injured players really can be lifechanging. Serving on the IPF Board has been the highlight of my career, learning from experts in rehabilitation, physiotherapy, spinal surgery and disability advocacy to list just a few. They are not only skilled and knowledgeable, but also caring, supportive, and fun to work alongside.
“I have especially valued time spent with IPF members and their families at IPF Engage events. Hearing how the charity has made a difference in their lives makes me immeasurably proud. And of course, as a keen golfer, watching more of our members getting to enjoy golf has been particularly special.”
On receiving the RFU Rose Award—an honour given to only two or three volunteers each year—Judy said: “This award was completely unexpected, and I am deeply honoured. I see it as recognition not just of my efforts, but of the incredible colleagues and volunteers within the IPF and across rugby who give so much to the sport we all love. I feel grateful to have met so many wonderful people through rugby and the IPF—an experience that has had a profound impact on me personally.”
Although Judy’s time as a trustee has ended, her connection to the IPF remains strong. She has joined the nationwide network of IPF Volunteer Liaison Officers (VLOs) who provide invaluable support to injured players and is organising a Midlands Golf Day in support of the Injured Payers Foundation. Read more about the Midlands Golf Day in aid of the Injured Players Foundation
