A group of injured rugby players took to the ski slopes of Andorra earlier this month as part of the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) Engage Programme.
The Programme, designed to help players who have sustained a life-changing injury playing rugby build confidence and independence, saw six IPF members hone their skiing skills in an accessible, safe and fun team environment.
Supported by instructors and equipment catering to each member’s injury, the group also had the chance to socialise during meals and activities and rediscover the camaraderie that drew them to rugby in the first place.
Matt, an IPF member and one of the skiing group, said:
“In a rugby club, it doesn't matter who you are, what you do, or anything like that - you have that base of rugby and you just have unbelievable banter. You're in it together, whether you're winning or losing, and this is exactly the same. We all encourage each other, get behind each other, and share the experience.”
The IPF is an official charity of England Rugby and supports players at any level of the game who have sustained a life-changing injury while playing rugby union in England.
While thankfully extremely rare, these are incidents which result in the loss of, or loss of use of a limb, a catastrophic spinal cord injury or an acute severe traumatic brain injury which results in permanent functional disability.
The IPF also funds vital research to improve injury management and to reduce the risk of injury occurring in the game.
The players and their families are offered a range of assistance through recovery, rehabilitation and beyond, with the aim to empower them to live full and independent lives.
Accessible skiing is one of the various activity trips offered by the IPF Engage Programme, and client services officer Karen Neale says such adventures are a great way of encouraging players to push themselves and try new things.
“It’s about proving to them that they can still be involved,” she said.
“They get to do things they might not have thought they'd get to do since they've been injured, and I think everybody that's been here this week has had such a phenomenal time.
“The camaraderie is one of the greatest elements of the trip. They feel part of the team like they were when they were playing rugby.”
The members were joined by one of their friends, carers or partners on the trip, allowing them to enjoy quality time with someone close to them while outside of their normal setting.
IPF member Liam said: “The IPF was able to bring my wife out with me, it’s been great to be with her and share an activity together that we can both do. At home, that wouldn’t usually be possible.”
Tom, another IPF member, added: “Since my injury, I haven't really been involved in the rugby community much. So, getting back involved is something I’ve really wanted to do, and coming out here with other injured players has been a great way of doing it.”
Learn more about the work of the IPF and how you can be a part of it here.
