Our thanks go to Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson who have shown their support for the RFU Injured Players Foundation by nominating us as one of their charities during their testimonial year.
The former England and British and Irish Lions’ stars nominated the Injured Players Foundation (IPF) as one of three charities at their testimonial dinner at the Royal Lancaster London, and split proceeds equally between their chosen charities.
The RFU Injured Players Foundation supports players at any level of the game who have sustained an acute life-changing injury while playing rugby union in England.
Support includes immediate assistance in hospital, ensuring access to the most appropriate medical care, as well as emotional, practical and financial assistance to fulfil unmet needs, for example relating to additional rehabilitation, housing adaptations or specialised equipment.
IPF support can be provided for a player and their family for life if needed. The Foundation also funds research to improve injury management and to reduce the risk of catastrophic injury occurring in the game.
Speaking about why he was so keen to support the IPF, England full back Anthony, who retired with two Rugby World Cups and two Lions tours under his belt, said:
“The Injured Players Foundation is England Rugby’s official charity. JJ and I have been fortunate to represent England many times and to make a career out of the sport we love for many years. We’re very aware there are players who haven’t been as fortunate, particularly in the case of those who have sustained life-altering injuries while playing rugby.
“Supporting the Injured Players Foundation, and the incredible work the charity does in providing life-long support to catastrophically injured players and their families, is a small way in which we can give back to the game and help injured players.”
Jonathan Joseph, who won 54 caps for his country, toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and reached the RWC Final with England in 2019, added:
“I know what a fantastic job the IPF does in supporting injured players as they’ve recently helped a friend of mine who sustained a serious neck injury playing rugby. He can’t speak highly enough of the support he’s received.
“The IPF is an organisation you hope you’ll never need, and thankfully it’s unlikely a player will as these kinds of injury are rare, but thank goodness the charity is there when accidents do happen on a rugby pitch. Their support helps players and their families through the toughest of times and can change lives for the better.
“I had the pleasure of meeting some IPF members at a game at the Rec recently. Alongside medical and financial assistance, the charity organises a range of accessible activities, sports and socials for members to enjoy. It’s a great opportunity for injured players to get together and share experiences, while also enjoying a game of rugby together.
“Having been forced to retire through injury, I know how much you miss the game when you can’t play it. My injury wasn’t in the same ballpark as IPF members, but I appreciate how important it is to stay connected to the game whether we’re on the field or watching as supporters.”
Stephen Duckworth OBE, Chair of the RFU Injured Players Foundation, shared his thanks for Anthony and Jonathan’s donation to the IPF, saying:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Anthony and Jonathan for choosing the RFU Injured Players Foundation as a beneficiary of their testimonial year.
“Their support means a great deal to everyone connected to the IPF. It’s wonderful that two of the most respected players of their generation are committed to helping players who have not been as fortunate as they have in the game.
“This is another example of how the rugby family supports each other. Whether you represent your country at the highest level like Anthony and Jonathan, or you turn out for your local grassroots team, when the worst happens on the field the rugby community stands together to support its own.
“Contributions like Anthony’s and JJ’s enable the IPF to continue in their commitment to provide both immediate assistance and lifelong support to players who have sustained a catastrophic spinal cord injury or acute, severe traumatic brain injury while playing rugby in England, so they can rebuild their lives and pursue new ambitions.
“A huge thank you once again to Anthony, JJ, their testimonial committee and the team at Legends, who put on such a fantastic event at the Royal Lancaster London, for their support of the RFU Injured Players Foundation.
If you would also like to show your support for injured players, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Head to www.RFUIPF.org.uk to find out more.
