It was a joy to experience the power of the rugby and golf communities as they joined together at Edgbaston Golf Club to raise over £10,000 for the RFU Injured Players Foundation, England Rugby’s charity.
The brainchild of former IPF trustee Judy Metcalfe, the golf day brought together IPF members and trustees, golfers and local rugby clubs including; Birmingham Moseley Rugby, Bournville RFC, Harborne RFC, Moseley Oak RFC, Nuneaton Old Edwardians RFC, Silhillians RUFC, Stourbridge Rugby and Veseyans Rugby.
Former IPF trustee, Judy Metcalfe, whose idea it was to hold the event said: “Having witnessed first-hand, thanks to The Golf Trust, the powerful effect of teaching seriously injured players to participate in sport again, it was important to me to provide further opportunities for IPF Members to enjoy events like this.
“A group of trustees and members made this possible, but we were completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the rugby community in the West Midlands, and further afield, in donating raffle prizes, auction prizes, drinks and items for goodie bags.
"We were thrilled to raise as much as we did for such an important rugby charity as the RFU Injured Players Foundation and would like to thank everyone who supported us.”
If you are interested in holding a fundraising event in support of the Injured Players Foundation, head to https://www.rfuipf.org.uk/get-involved-help-the-ipf/your-club-or-team
Jim Roper from Silhillians RUFC, who was involved in organising logistics alongside Judy added: “We were blown away by how many people wanted to support today’s event for the Injured Players Foundation.
“We filled our team spots so quickly and have over 100 people here enjoying this fantastic course while raising money and awareness for the IPF.”
The day was also supported by The Golf Trust who provided one of their paragolfers (paramotions) to enable wheelchair users to enjoy all the highs and lows of the course alongside friends and colleagues.
As IPF Member and Welfare Officer John explained:
“The paramotion is a revelation. I never thought I'd be able to play golf again after my rugby injury. I never thought I'd even go to a golf course again because what was the point? But this has given me a reset.
“The paramotion allows disabled golfers to move around the course and compete with able-bodied golfers. It raises you up into a standing position so you can address your ball, and it carries your clubs just like anybody else does on their trolley.
You could use this for fishing, for shooting and all sorts of different pastimes. It’s phenomenal.”
Director of The Golf Trust Cae Menai-Davis added: “We have 14 paragolfers across the UK and we provide these paragolfers to ease the burden of cost for people who need them, to make sure golf is accessible to them.”
Another IPF Member, Duncan, was enjoying his new G 3 Rider – a single seat golf buggy. The equipment was funded by the IPF to enable Duncan to pursue his new sporting passion without the pain he previously experienced.
“The IPF have kindly funded this for me as I’m disabled and unable to walk 18 holes of golf without being in excruciating pain caused by tendinitis,” explained Duncan.
“Because of my stroke, I tend to predominantly weight bear on the leg that’s not affected. That causes immense pain and has often resulted in not being able to stand for a couple of days after playing. Other than hiring buggies, which are extortionate and not always available, this was the only other option.
“With this machine, I can play golf to my heart’s content without worrying about the side effects of the pain.
“Golf has revolutionised my life since my rugby accident. During lockdown I became a 19-stone couch potato, watching TV, eating rubbish and not exercising.
“Ever since the IPF persuaded me to attend a golf open day at The Shire with The Golf Trust, I’ve been hooked. It’s so good for my mental and physical well-being.
“Today’s event has just been fantastic and it’s brilliant to see how many rugby clubs are here supporting the IPF. That’s what rugby’s about, supporting each other.”
Playing alongside Duncan was Iain, who has become a firm friend since being introduced to the former Royal Marine at another IPF event as part of the charity’s Engage Programme.
Iain and Duncan have bonded through a shared understanding of the challenges associated with the similar injuries, as well as through their love of golf.
Iain got into golf in 2018, five years after his accident on the rugby pitch, and has excelled at it ever since. He won the GC Europe Championships in 2022 and moved on to the EDGA European Tour in 2023.
Between 11-18th July Iain will be representing Team Europe in The Cairns Cup at The San Roque Club in Spain. The Cairns Cup is disability golf’s equivalent to the Ryder Cup.
Iain said: “Golf gives me a really good sense of purpose to compete, and I really enjoy being around other people that understand.
“It’s been a great atmosphere today. I’ve absolutely loved it. Duncan has had me in stitches most of the day. We’ve just had so much fun which is the main thing.
“It’s literally been like a rugby club on a golf course today. The banter has been exceptional.”
IPF beneficiary Ben, who is an amputee, has become more involved with the IPF since the charity was able to expand its remit to include life-changing injuries.
Ben said: “It's brilliant to be able to meet new people who've been through similar things. Straight away you have that connection, that bond, and are able to have open, honest conversations around life and help each other out.
“It’s great to see so many of the rugby community here, for the love of the game and wanting to support the IPF.
“It's also amazing to have a number of IPF Trustees here. To see how involved they are, giving up their time to meet IPF Members face-to-face, shows they really care. The support the IPF has is unbelievable."
One of the IPF Trustees attending was Ewen, who explained:
"As trustees, we are obviously responsible for the strategic direction of the charity.
“Coming to events like this is also really important as it gives us an opportunity to chat to IPF Members to really understand how we can support them, how the money is being spent and how we as a charity can make sure we are adding all the value we possibly can.”
For some, attending the day was all about supporting their wider rugby family. Karl from Veseyans Rugby Club in Sutton Coldfield said:
“I played rugby since I was 12 and I played up to the age of 45. I absolutely love the game and everything that surrounds the game. “We support each other in the good times and the tough times.
“Unfortunately, Ben, a good friend of mine, got seriously injured playing rugby so wherever I can support rugby or the IPF and injured players, I do it.
"This is the first time I’ve played in this event and when I arrived, I saw four or five people straight away who I knew. That's what rugby is about, it’s what golf’s about, and it's what the Foundations is about.”
IPF Member, Hamish, perhaps summed up the IPF’s connection to the rugby community best when he said:
“We never leave the game. Even when we’re injured, we’re always part of the rugby community and there's no better event to demonstrate that than this.
“To see club chairmen, current players, former players and injured players here today, it's a brilliant mix of people and we've had such a good time together.”
On behalf of everyone connected to the RFU Injured Players Foundation, a huge thank you to all who attended and contributed to make the day such a success.
If you are interested in holding a fundraising event in support of the Injured Players Foundation, head to https://www.rfuipf.org.uk/get-involved-help-the-ipf/your-club-or-team
