Rugby is putting its shirt on the generosity of fans
HARLEQUINS prop Mark Lambert is acutely aware of the significance of the Restart Rugby warm-up shirt he will be wearing before facing Bath in tonight’s Premiership clash at the Twickenham Stoop, writes Chris Jones.
Lambert, who is filling the front-row void left by the injured Joe Marler, is the club’s Rugby Players’ Association representative.
The body are targeting the penultimate round of pre-play-off matches to highlight the work of their charity, which helps players after serious injury or retirement.
All Premiership players will wear the shirts before this weekend’s matches to help boost Restart Rugby, which since 2005 has spent more than £800,000 helping over 250 players.
The 30-year-old knows only too well the dangers posed by the sport. This season he has seen his team-mate — full-back Mike Brown — sidelined for 12 weeks after being concussed while playing for England in the Six Nations.
Lambert said: “As professional sportsmen, you have the idea you are indestructible. Unfortunately we play a brutal game and the reality is often different. That is why the work that the RPA does through the Restart Rugby charity is so important because it helps players after their careers.”
Damian Hopley, chief executive of the RPA, had his England and Wasps career ended in 1998 at the age of 27 by a knee injury and had to battle to get the RFU to cover his medical costs.
He is hoping to boost the charity’s funds through an auction at the RPA Awards dinner on May 13 at London’s Battersea Evolution.
You can help the Restart Rugby charity by donating online at restartrugby.org.uk or texting RUGB09 and then the amount you wish to donate to 70070.