Royal support for Scottish Rugby’s own charity

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 8: HRH Princess Anne during a Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and France at BT Murrayfield Stadium, on March 8, 2020, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group / SRU)

The charity, established in 1973, Scottish Rugby’s centenary year, is delighted to announce that HRH The Princess Royal, has agreed to become its Patron.

MIPF chair, Ian Rankin said: “The Princess Royal has been a dedicated supporter of the Scotland rugby team through umpteen swings of fortune since the 1980s, performing the official opening of Murrayfield’s East Stand in 1983 and becoming the SRU’s Patron in 1986.

“Her passion for sport, her commitment to the game at all levels, is well documented and we are honoured to have her join us as our Patron.”

The charity, served by trustees from each of Scotland’s rugby regions, steps in during times of financial hardship for amateur players due to injury.

It collaborates with other rugby charities too, to ensure the player remains at the centre of its efforts.

Rankin added: “We are all pleased to see the growth of the women and girls’ game and the fact our near neighbours, England, will host the Women’s Rugby World Cup this year, should, hopefully, give a greater impetus to recruitment in the women and girls game.

“But we do know, too, that over the last three to four years, we have provided more support around injuries in the women’s and girls’ game.

“For that reason and to spread the word of the role of our charity which has just celebrated its 50^th season to help rugby look after its own, we have also asked the Scotland Women centre, Lisa Thomson to become one of our ambassadors alongside the Glasgow Warriors and Scotland hooker from the men’s game, Johnny Matthews.”

Lisa Thomson said: “Rugby is a fantastic game to enhance physical and mental wellbeing.

“It’s reassuring to know that if injuries do occur, there is support available to club players and it’s also something for clubs to think about how they can raise funds to help the Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation.

“I’m chuffed to come on board as an ambassador and look forward to working with the foundation to enhance its profile and support fund-raising.”

In the last financial year, the Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation supported 18 players in the men’s game and eight in the women’s game.

Pictured: Ian Rankin and Lisa Thomson.