Family ties stretched across Allianz Stadium as broadly as the sunshine this weekend, as 12 community rugby teams came together to raise a record-breaking £153,0000 for players supported by the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), England Rugby’s official charity.
At Saturday’s IPF Men’s Vets tournament, a dream became reality. Making his Allianz Stadium refereeing debut was Mike Race, a beneficiary of the charity who trained as a match official with Bristol Referees Society after a life-changing injury stopped him playing three years ago.
Getting ready for his first match in charge, Mike was amazed to be joined by England Rugby international referee and IPF Ambassador Luke Pearce who dropped by to encourage the former Cleve RFC player.
Mike said: “I don’t think I can put into words what today meant to me. To see all these teams raising a phenomenal amount of money for a charity that has helped me and my family so much is quite emotional. Being in the middle of the pitch was incredible.
“I played a good standard of rugby, but I was never going to play at Twickenham, so I never expected to be out there, never mind referee a game. Then to have Luke Pearce there, in part to help me, was surreal. It was brilliant to meet him and have his support.
“I love rugby even more now than I did before my injury. That’s down to the support I’ve received, the people I've met and some of the experiences I've had as part of the IPF family.
“I know how rare an injury like mine is statistically. I also understand the benefits of being involved in a sport like rugby. The physical activity, the values and friendships you build for life far outweigh the miniscule risk of this sort of injury happening.”
While the IPF is there to look after the rugby family when it’s most needed, one Vets team from Chosen Hill RFC made the day a real family affair. They had four sets of brothers playing and dads, a sister, an uncle and cousin supporting them in their backroom team.
They were among six teams competing, with Sandown and Shanklin RFC the winners in a tournament which included Cobham RFC, Guys Hospital RFC, St Mary’s Old Boys RFC and the Midlands Barbarians made up of combined Midlands teams.
The family connections and the sunshine continued into Sunday’s IPF Women’s Tournament with winners
Okehampton RFC’s squad including Charlotte Ogborne, her daughters Imogen and Phoebe, and her niece Issy Edworthy.
Okehampton lifted the trophy after impressive performances from all competing teams: Portsmouth Valkyries, Wasps FC, Westcliff RFC, Yeovil RFC and the Midlands Barbarians.
Charlotte said: “Running out at the national stadium with my family was amazing and winning the tournament, knowing all the teams there had done so well fundraising for the IPF, made it even more special. What a day!”
Funds raised for the IPF will go towards providing wide-ranging support for players, their families and friends when faced with a life-changing injury. This can include immediate support in hospital, ensuring access to the most appropriate medical care, as well as emotional, practical and financial assistance to fulfil unmet needs.
Thankfully, life-changing injuries are extremely rare in rugby. However, if a catastrophic injury does happen on the pitch, the IPF aims to be by a player’s hospital bedside within 48 hours of being alerted and can continue to provide support for the player and their family for life if needed.
IPF director Karen Hood said: “It gave everyone a real buzz to see Mike in the middle of the pitch, so enthusiastic and accomplished in his refereeing role. We were very grateful to have IPF Ambassador Luke Pearce there, supporting him, and all our match officials and medics volunteering their time to make it such a memorable event for all teams competing.
“To have raised over £150,000 across the weekend is testament to the dedication of the 12 teams and their supporters who have been fundraising for months to support members of their wider rugby family.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of the rugby community, the IPF can be here to provide the right sort of support for people when they need it the most.
“Every pound raised from this record-breaking weekend will help to ensure our injured players receive the equipment, rehabilitation and support they need to able to live independently and to remove as many barriers to their life as possible.”
What could be better? Family, fun, sun and sensational fund raising for a cause that makes such a difference - well done everyone!
Teams interested in taking part in next year’s event can find information on how to apply at: RFUIPF.org.uk
