Two Injured Rugby Players Need Your Help

Take part in the world-record attempt for the largest scrumdown at fundraiser for injured high school player

April 7, 2012, Ronan Nelson, a sixteen-year-old sophomore student at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, CA broke his neck in a club game in San Diego. Following surgery, Ronan was transferred to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, where he continues his quest to regain normal function, including the ability to walk.

The Cathedral Catholic High School (www.cathedralcatholic.org) community and Serevi Rugby (www.serevirugby.com), along with the USRFF, have joined forces to raise funds to help support Ronan’s rehabilitation. This coming Saturday, June 9, 2012, a special event titled the “Team Ronan Rugby Challenge” will be held at Cathedral Catholic High School, 5555 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, CA from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The event will feature an attempt to break the world record for the largest scrum ever, trying to overtake the previous mark of 840 participants at the Ravenhill Royal Academy in Belfast, Northern Ireland on March 30, 2012.

The day will also include an exhibition game by USA Eagles 7s players, San Diego State University players and Cathedral Catholic players. Autographs from the Eagles players, food, rugby gear, and other related activities will also be available on site.

Entry fee for the event is $10 and includes access to all exhibitions and events and a ticket for a raffle which will include such prizes as skateboards, ski gear, rugby apparel and more. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Team Ronan Recovery Fund. Participants for the scrumdown or those who want to make a donation to the Team Ronan Recovery Fund can do so atwww.wepay.com/events/team-ronan-rugby-challenge.

Read more about Ronan.

Win four tickets to the Bears-Packers game at Lambeau Field while supporting injured rugger Mike “Jonesy” Jones

The Albany Knickerbocker Rugby Club is happy to announce the third annual raffle to raise money for injured teammate Mike “Jonesy” Jones. This year’s prize is four tickets to see the Green Bay Packers host divisional rivals the Chicago Bears on Thursday, September 13 at Lambeau Field. The prize package also includes tickets to see Wisconsin take on Utah State in Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, on September 15, and the Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Mets at Miller Park on Sunday, September 16.

Ground transportation and lodging will be provided by Joe Kloiber of the Milwaukee West Side Harlequins. Joe has generously donated these prize packages to the Michael Jones Trust for the past three years.

Raffle tickets are now on sale for a $20 donation to the Michael Jones Trust. Go to www.michaeljonestrust.org or contact Ira at ira_akrfc@yahoo.com for more information and details on buying a chance or making a contribution.

Jonesy suffered a spinal cord injury in a scrum collapse in February of 2010 while playing in an Old Boys game. While the initial prognosis was grim, Jonesy has fought against the odds and continues to make progress towards recovery. He has feeling throughout his body. His right arm grows increasingly stronger and movement in the fingers is improving. He is considering additional, more aggressive, therapies to aid in his recovery. The proceeds from the raffle will help ensure that Jonesy, his wife Lisa, and their daughter Liliana are able to meet the financial obligations of these treatments.

Anything you can do to support either or both of these worthy causes is appreciated.