By Carole Dennett
The Sandown & Shanklin Veterans rugby team has been invited to play at the iconic Twickenham Stadium, to raise money for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Injured Players Foundation – an opportunity described as a “dream come true” by team member Bob Simpson, who shared his story with the IW Observer. The tournament will take place on May 24.
The Veterans team, which includes players aged 35 and over, and super-vets like Bob at 60+, champions the spirit of rugby on the Island. Taking part in this prestigious event holds a deep significance, as they are dedicated to raising funds not just for the foundation, but also for Luke Orton, an Islander who suffered a life-changing injury in 2023 while playing beach rugby. Luke will be managing the team on their special day.
“Luke’s injury has been incredibly challenging,” Bob explained. “The Island rugby community, alongside the RFU Injured Players Foundation, has rallied around Luke and his family. His family home has already been adapted to support his new needs, and the funds we raise will make a huge difference in his quality of life.”
But for Bob, the event is not just about sport or charity. Playing at Twickenham will also carry a deeply personal meaning connected to his family’s history. Bob reveals that his great- uncle, Ronald Poulton Palmer, England rugby captain in the 1913-14 season and superstar of his day, played his last game before the First World War on St Helens Green.
Tragically, he was killed in action at Ypres, only a few weeks after arriving at the front line. His dying words were, “I’ll never get to play at Twickenham again.”
A century later, Ronald was honoured by the RFU with a ceremony at Twickenham, where soil from his grave was laid beneath the players’ entrance.
“The connection to my great-uncle makes this invite extraordinarily poignant,” Bob said. “It feels like closing a family loop.”
Bob and his team-mates are busy fund-raising, hoping to raise the most money of the six participating teams. If successful, they will earn the honour of using the England team’s home dressing room.
“This is more than a match for us,” Bob concluded. “It’s a chance to make a difference for injured players like Luke, while fulfilling a lifelong dream. We hope the Island community will support us in our efforts.”
To watch the video in which Bob tells the story of his great uncle and shares what playing at Twickenham means to him, go to iw.observer/bob-simpson. You can contribute to the fundraising campaign via iw.observer/ipf-vetsday.