Mike Penning back on the field at Twickenham for charity rugby event

Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning took part in the Commons & Lords rugby union team’s annual charity match at Twickenham Stadium on Thursday (11th April). More than £10,000 was raised for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF). (Photo: Leo Wilkinson)

It was the second successive year that the IPF were the beneficiaries of the all-party Parliamentary team’s fundraising efforts, as the Commons & Lords fielded a squad including seven serving MPs, a Baron and a former MP.

Their opposition on the famous pitch was the ‘Gentlemen of Derbyshire’ XV organised and captained by Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield.
Veteran players from four clubs – Chesterfield Panthers, Dronfield, Sheffield Tigers and Bakewell – travelled south for the chance of a lifetime to play at the at the Home of England Rugby.

The match finished in a clear win for Toby Perkins’ XV by six converted tries to one.

Mike Penning said:
“It is always a great honour to play at Twickenham – something I never thought I would do – and I am delighted to take part in an event that raises funds for such a worthwhile organization.”

RFU President Paul Murphy, who is also a Trustee of the RFU Injured Players Foundation, received a cheque for £10,000 for the charity on behalf of all the participants and said: “This is a tremendous boost to the great work done by the IPF looking after our injured players.”

He also presented a commemorative shield to Toby Perkins MP for the winning team who each raised sponsorship individually to play the match.

The RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) supports people who sustain a catastrophic injury while playing rugby. The charity, which has more than 130 clients currently, provides help and support for players and their families, in the early months after the injury and in the long term.

(Photos: Leo Wilkinson)