3rd February, 2011

Twenty-three rugby players who suffered career-ending injuries in the sport are to be reunited at the Wellington Sevens thanks to the New Zealand Rugby Foundation.

For the players, who come from all around the country, it will be a chance to see old friends with whom they went through rehabilitation from their spinal injuries with.

Some of the former rugby players havent seen each other in twenty years.
Gary McMurray, one of the former players, is looking forward to seeing how all the players have progressed.

“Im excited about going to the rugby, and catching up with my fellow Foundation mates.
“There have been lots of guys who I have had influence with post-injury, and itll be great to see how they are going.”

New Zealand Rugby Foundation CEO, Andrew Flexman, says its excellent that the Foundation are able to provide this opportunity.

“It is a wonderful means of bringing our injured players together for what has become one of the worlds pre-eminent sporting events.”

“As an organisation we work very hard to ensure our injured players remain connected with the rugby community and this is one initiative that helps us achieve that goal.”

Along with attending the Sevens, the New Zealand Rugby Union is hosting a function for the players, which will be attended by members of the Board and Senior Management. The attendees will be entertained by Sky Sports Commentator Scotty Stevenson and Crowd Goes Wild Presenter James McOnie.

With the help of sponsors and donations this is the second time the Foundation has been able to make the trip to Wellington for the Sevens.

“Without the support of patrons, the New Zealand Rugby Union, and the general public, this trip just would not be possible,” says Mr Flexman.

The New Zealand Rugby Foundation is also arranging for the New Zealand Sevens team to meet the players, for some photos and autographs.
Mr Flexman says „all is in place for a great weekend, the biggest issue for the boys now is coming up with sufficiently whacky costumes.

ENDS-

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