By Carole Dennett
It’s set to be a monumental day as the Sandown and Shanklin – the Hurricanes – Veterans Rugby Team take to the world-famous turf at Twickenham tomorrow. For many players, setting foot on rugby’s hallowed ground is the culmination of a lifelong dream, but tomorrow’s match will be even more special. Not only will the team have the privilege of playing at the iconic stadium, but they will also use the England players’ home dressing room, an honour that comes from their extraordinary efforts.
Over the past three months, the squad has been tirelessly fundraising for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), and their hard work has paid off. Smashing records, they have raised an astounding £39,500, far exceeding their original target and the previous record by an impressive £8,000. Their efforts also dwarfed the second-place team, Stafford RUFC, who raised £21,600.
Driving their campaign was a deeply personal cause. The team rallied around fellow Islander, Luke Orton, who suffered a life-altering injury in 2023 while playing beach rugby. The Island’s rugby family, along with the IPF, has provided extensive support for Luke throughout his treatment and recovery. Tomorrow, Luke will be joining the team at Twickenham as their manager.
Not only are the Hurries the top fundraising team – Dave Steele is the top individual fundraiser. Setting a modest target of £500, he wrote: “Thank you for looking at my fundraising page for the IPF Vets Day. If during my life I have ever done you a favour, helped you out or supported you in some way I ask you to consider dipping in your pocket to support this amazing cause.” It’s a message that clearly worked, as he raised £6,385.
The Sandown and Shanklin Veterans Rugby Team, includes players aged over 30, with some of the SuperVets in their 60s.
Team captain Gregor Dean messaged members to share his heartfelt thanks, saying he was “pleased, proud and thankful” for the fundraising total. He added: “I have to say I am not surprised at this result as the Hurricanes family is tighter than ever, along with a massively supportive IOW community.
“If you donated take a bow and another thank you from me and the amazing vets squad.
“Next stop Twickenham.”
As the Hurries prepare to play their dream match, all eyes will be on Twickenham tomorrow. Let’s hope they dominate on the field as impressively as they’ve crushed their fundraising target.
See the special family connection one SuperVet, Bob Simpson has with the match tomorrow
