It is every rugby player’s dream to combine his job with his passion and pull on the jersey for his career, his club and ultimately his country. But what happens when it all goes wrong? A bad tackle, an unfortunate accident, an illness off the pitch - who is there to pick up the pieces?
The PRA Benevolent Fund was established in 2001 to provide financial support for players who have been forced to retire from the game due to serious injury or illness, and support players’ families in the event of their untimely death.
As an increasing number of players suffer career ending injury, it is imperative that the Benevolent Fund continues to grow. Through the generous support of businesses, rugby supporters and the players themselves, the PRA Benevolent Fund has been able to raise thousands of pounds each year to help players and their families who are in need.
Previous recipients include the Nick Duncombe Memorial Trust set up in memory of the Harlequins & England scrum half who passed away in 2003, Sale Sharks Andy Blyth, London Irish full back Jarrod Cunningham who passed away last year from Motor Neurones aged just 39, former England and Bristol full back Alastair Hignell and, most notably, Leicester and England's U-21 prop Matt Hampson, who suffered a serious neck injury in 2005.
Through the PRA Benevolent Fund we are able to assist players such as these with the necessary medical costs, as well as provide a support network which the player or family can turn to for help advice or encouragement.
The Benevolent Fund is dependent on generous corporate and individual support. As an increasing number of players become casualties of the professional era, it is vital that the Benevolent Fund continues to grow.
How to donate:
If you wish to donate to the PRA Benevolent Fund, you can send a cheque payable to the "PRA Benevolent Fund" to the PRA offices or visit:
Alternatively, support one of our current fundraisers:
David Barnes
PRA Chairman David Barnes took part in the Greene King IPA Kilimanjaro Challenge in June. He climbed 19341 feet over eight days, reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world, to raise money for the Benevolent Fund.
Support the Greene King IPA Kilimanjaro Challenge at:
PRA founder and CEO Damian Hopley is joining his former Wasps team mates Lawrence Dallaglio and Simon Hunter on the Pyrenees Cycle Challenge. He will be cycling 933 km over eight days to raise funds for the PRA Benevolent Fund and Bliss, the premature babies charity.
Lee Mears has earned his testimonial year this season by clocking up an impressive ten years service to Bath. He has appeared 159 times for the club, played in a Premiership Final, an EDF Cup Final and three European Challenge Cup Finals. Lee has represented England in three Six Nations and two Autumn International campaigns, two summer tours and the 2008 World Cup. He now has 24 caps and is dedicated to winning many more. Lee has kindly chosen the PRA Benevolent Fund as one of the charities benefitting from his testimonial year.
Joe Worsley is rightfully rated as the best utility back row forward in the country, equally at home in any of the three positions. He joined Wasps at 16, and set the club record as the youngest player to make a 1XV appearance two years later, before becoming the youngest England U21 player that same season. Joe has won 65 caps for England and has kindly chosen the PRA Benevolent Fund as one of the charities benefitting from his testimonial year.
At Joe's first testimonial event of the season, he will be auctioning off a chance to join him and some England team mates racing a Round the World Yacht Race Clipper at Cowes 2009. Find out more here
Rugby players are not indestructible. Whilst the rewards of playing top level rugby union are extremely attractive, the precariousness of any career in sport is a constant reminder of just how fortunate most players are.
Click on the name links above and to the right to find out more about previous beneficiaries of the PRA Benevolent Fund.
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