Commons and Lords take to Allianz Stadium in Fundraiser for Injured Players Foundation
Finchley RFC and the Commons and Lords RUFC joined forces at the Allianz Stadium recently to raise £15,000 for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF).
The Commons and Lords RUFC, formed from members of both Houses of Parliament, their staff, and staff of the Houses, took on Finchley RFC in the former club’s annual fundraiser.
For the first time, the women's team from the Commons and Lords played at the Allianz Stadium against a Finchley women’s side.
The Commons and Lords outfit was joined by several former players, including former Red Roses Alex Pilkington, Jane Coats, Jenny Watkinson, and Clare Purdy, as well as RFU Senior Vice President Deborah Griffin and Rugby World Cup winner and former England captain Gill Burns MBE.
Burns said: “I was honoured to be invited by the Commons and Lords’ team to play on the hallowed turf. I’ve never had the opportunity to play for England here because women weren't allowed to when I was playing.
“I was lucky enough to referee and coach here but never played. Today I realised that ambition. It was like a dream come true for me.”
Commons and Lords’ RUFC Chair, former Wales international Tonia Antoniazzi MP, who was responsible for organising the impressive turn-out, said: “We were honoured to be able to field both a women's team and a men’s team to play Finchley in their 100th anniversary season and it has been an amazing day.
“I love how much of a team game rugby is. I think it's really empowering, it builds resilience in young girls and women. As with everything, you believe you can be it if you can see it.
“Everything about rugby is empowering and I think that everybody should play it at some level whether it's touch rugby, T1 rugby, full contact, or walking rugby – it’s brilliant to be involved and to be part of a sport that’s a big family.”
The annual Commons and Lords match raises funds for the RFU Injured Players Foundation, which supports players who have sustained catastrophic injuries.
The support provided is wide-ranging and includes immediate help in hospital, access to the most appropriate medical care, and long-term emotional, practical, and financial assistance. This support is available to players and their families for life, if needed.
The charity also funds vital research into injury prevention and improving injury management in rugby.
Find out more about the RFU Injured Players Foundation at RFUIPF.org.uk.
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