Members of the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) were treated to a day they’ll never forget with England Rugby at the Allianz Stadium this week.
England Rugby Men’s Head Coach Steve Borthwick and his team were keen to show their support for England Rugby’s official charity and for the injured players the IPF supports.
IPF members and their guests were first given an insight into the level of detail involved in Test Match preparation, with exclusive access to a team briefing session.
This was followed by an invitation to head pitch-side to watch the team train and to meet players after the session.
IPF Welfare Officer and member John Burgess said: “We are immensely grateful for the invitation and would like to thank Steve Borthwick and the rest of the England men’s management team for allowing us this fantastic opportunity.
“Having that support from the elite side of the game is so important and really helps to keep our IPF members connected with rugby when they can no longer play the game. As I often say, ‘You can take rugby away from the player, but you can't take the player away from rugby.’
“The England players and management were so welcoming. We’re fortunate to have Fin Smith as one of our IPF Ambassadors and he and Steve Borthwick came straight over to the group ahead of the team briefing to introduce themselves. Then Steve introduced us individually to the squad, which was a real mark of respect.”
IPF member, Gareth, explained the importance of rugby family support after a life-changing injury saying:
“My club Stratford-upon-Avon have always been incredibly supportive since my injury. More broadly, opportunities like today with England Rugby make you feel like you are still very much included in the sport. You’re not excluded just because your injury stops you from playing.”
IPF member Liam, who sustained a catastrophic spinal cord injury playing for St Mary’s Old Boys Bristol in 2016, and was previously part of Bristol Shotguns academy, enjoyed meeting fellow Bristolian Ellis Genge saying:
“It was a special day and great to get to speak to Ellis. I'm not that much older than he is and rugby’s a small world isn’t it? I found out we know a few of the same people in Bristol, so we were able to talk about that which was pretty cool.”
For IPF member Ross Morrison and his son Luke, it was a day that will never be forgotten as Ross explains:
“It was just an incredible experience from start to finish. As an England Rugby fan days don't get much better than this.
“Having that support of the England Rugby team means the world to us as injured players and to the charity. It helps raise awareness of the RFU Injured Players Foundation and the amazing work it does, which is often unseen.
“We're all part of the same rugby family. While these brilliant international players are representing England, they’re also representing all of us who’ve played and love the game. We support them, and they support us.
“It was lovely having Fin, as one of our IPF ambassadors, taking the time to speak to everyone individually. At one stage we were chatting with Fin, George Ford and Marcus Smith, three incredible England tens, but they made us feel like we were all on the same level.
“As a parent, you’re always trying to provide memories and special moments for your kids. I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to top today. Luke got to meet his heroes, had his shirt signed and then Marcus gave him his boots!
“To see him so happy, well, as a parent, that’s my job done. I'm not sure how his smile could get any bigger!”
Luke, who hasn’t taken the boots off since, and may well be wearing them on his minis tour of Devon with Farnham Rugby Club, said:
“When Marcus handed me his boots I was like, ‘is this real? Is this actually happening?’ I wasn’t sure what to say or do. I just couldn't believe any of it.”
Watch as Marcus Smith surprises Luke, gifting him his boots
The day proved as enjoyable for adults as it did for juniors, with IPF member Paul saying:
“Today was a fabulous experience and I feel privileged to have been here. The team meeting was really interesting. It gave us that little insight into what goes on, the passionate words that were spoken, people wanting to drive on their play, how they're going to train.
“I enjoyed chatting to Jamie George and George Ford. They’re just normal guys, really friendly, and keen to say hello. The experience has been second to none.
“I still think rugby's the best game in the world, even though I had such a traumatic incident. I've had so many happy times playing rugby and I've met so many wonderful people.
“I've actually met a lot more wonderful people through my injury, that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. The Injured Players Foundation has provided incredible support for me and my family over the years.
“One of the things that upsets me about the IPF is that nobody knows about it until something tragic happens. But on the rare occasion that does happen, thank goodness they are there.
“Without the funding the IPF provided and access to a specialist neurological centre, I don’t think I would have been able to regain movement in my arms. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be walking like I am now either.”
“People in the rugby community need to know about the Injured Players Foundation. Hopefully you will never have to go through an injury like mine, but if you do the IPF are there to assist you and hold your hand through it.
“Today has been another example of how the rugby family puts its arm round you when you need it. It’s like nothing else I’ve come across. It’s an amazing family and one I’m proud to be part of.”
