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Manu Tuilagi smashes Tom Williams


Top14 player imposter!


JDV smashed by Benoit August


The Northampton Saints 30m scrum!


Bastareaud huge hit on Rory Lamont


All Blacks skills - Pt 2 In the backyard


Trinh-Duc sets up Harinordoquy try


Wales vs England 1999


Greg Holmes great hit on Francois Louw



Thursday, September 25, 2008

Help For Heroes match raises over £1.1 Million

Twickenham played host to a very special game of rugby this past weekend. It was certainly special in terms of the players on display, but more importantly it was about the rugby public and players coming together to raise money for the Help For Heroes fund.

All money raised, announced as being over £1 million on the day, goes directly to the fund which will support the rehabilitation of wounded service personnel who have served their country in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As the day began with an emotional video on the big screen of a young soldier who was maimed while on duty, the reality of the cause hit home.

Lawrence Dallaglio was quoted prematch as saying , "There is great synergy between the services and rugby, but there is one difference - when rugby players go to work they put their reputations on the line. When those in the services go to work, they put their lives on the line."

This was not a political day, far from it. It was a day to pay homage and respect to those who serve their country in the ugliest of battles. So while it was a friendly meeting between two sides made up of legends of the past and young stars of the future, the match was played hard, with both sides giving it their all for the cause.

Jason Robinson and Will Greenwood in particular both showed that their time out of the game had no ill effects on their skill level. Robinson himself threatened all match, but it wasn't until the 79th minute that he found some space to electrify the 52 000 strong crowd, and show off some of that magic of old.

The Help for Heroes XV (England) featured former stars Lawrence Dallaglio, Martin Johnson, Dan Luger, Richard Hill, Robinson and Greenwood. But it also included young talent, most notably in prop Nathan Catt, who was a standout performer on the day and a real star of the future.

The International XV was led by Welsh legend Scott Gibbs, who showed his class, most notably when setting up the try for 18 year old Ospreys flyer Kristian Phillips. Other big names included Kenny Logan of Scotland, Colin Charvis of Wales, and Ireland's Justin Bishop.

Both teams, perhaps more importantly, included players from the services themselves, who got to experience that Twickenham atmosphere first hand.

An enjoyable match to watch, the Help For Heroes XV won 29-10 in the end.

If you would still like to donate to this worthy cause, you can find all the information available to you at http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/donations.html.


Time: 07:05
Note: There are bound to be servicemen and women who are on duty abroad but sometimes manage to check the site, so if you'd like to leave a comment for them, please feel free to do so.


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49 Comments:

  • robinson inside center :D

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 25, 2008 11:14 pm  

  • British Armed Forces are the best (also throw in the Aussies, NZers and Saffers too I suppose). Even if our government don't properly equip them or bother to look after them they still do the job.
    How come? It's just called being British.
    I have the greatest respect and awe for our servicemen and women and think they do an inspiring job. Congratulations to rugby for realising how important it is to recognise and appreciate these people.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 25, 2008 11:33 pm  

  • Always breaks my heart when i hear of service men dying in Afganistan and iraq. Brilliant cause. Nice one lads
    M

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 12:06 am  

  • Was a great day, thanks for posting up the video Rugby Dump. It was great to see so many shirts from around the country and dare i say the world. Though a bit too many Army shirts compared to RAF shirts for my liking ;-), Be the best or like me rise above the rest (then flop to the floor in a big heap).

    Big thanks to all connected, as i said before was a great day, and as the americans say "support your troops"

    By Blogger Rob878, at September 26, 2008 12:19 am  

  • A great day, a great cause and a nice touch from Dallaglio at the end of the game when he sent the servicemen in his team up the steps first.
    He was a complete pain in the arse when playing against you, but you couldn't ask for a better guy to have on your side. I hated him when he was at Wasps, but loved him for England. You can say what you like about him, but you never got less than 100% and he's a great team man. I hate to say it, but he's a loss to the game and he'll be missed (except when Wasps play the Tigers)
    Good luck in the future Lol.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 12:24 am  

  • Looked like a great game, just a shame old Jonah Lomu couldn't stretch his legs one last time.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 3:44 am  

  • does the money go to british or everyone over there?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 5:45 am  

  • Great game for a great cause i rekon that they should do more of these beacuse well look at how much moula is raised

    davo

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 7:57 am  

  • To be frank, and i might catch some heat for this; if the money raised is going solely to those involved in Iraq and Afghanistan i can't say i'm too thrilled.

    That's not to take anything away from those risking their lifes in Afgan' and Iraq... But there's real heroes who fought real wars who are being treat like shit by the government and country they fought for.

    It's a shame there's never any light shon(sp) on the lads who risked life and limb against proper enemy threat. WWII Vets as an example.

    Great game non the less, and for a good cause, just a shame they restricted the cause to casualties of the current occupation.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 10:13 am  

  • Please read at the website the reason for the fund raising. Hedley Court although run by fabulous people (Dr's, Physios etc), has been systematically run down by various governments, hence the reason for the vast improvements in facilities, namely a combined swimming pool and gym facilities.

    In addition the reason that servicemen can't use the local pool is illustrated here

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-495910/Wounded-Iraq-veterans-driven-public-pool-told-scare-children.html

    As for the comments on a "real war" and "real Heroes", perhaps you would like to tell, Lance Corporal (then Private) Johnson Beharry of the 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and Corporal Bryan Budd of 3 Para. Who was awarded the Victoria Cross for two separate acts of "inspirational leadership and the greatest valour" which led to his death. That they aren't heroes!!

    No matter what era you talk about, 2 things remain, incoming fire has right of way, young men and women will be killed and maimed. We don't have the choice on what wars we fight, however we do it with the up most professionalism that is the envy of armed forces the world over.

    I look forward to seeing your anonymous name in dispatches for "conspicuous valour behind the keyboard"

    By Blogger Rob878, at September 26, 2008 11:55 am  

  • in that case it's "help the victims"

    By Blogger alasdair, at September 26, 2008 12:00 pm  

  • well said mate.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 12:02 pm  

  • To all Paras

    Make it home mates.

    Cheers

    Ex-SA Para

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 12:25 pm  

  • haha robinson at 12 ^^ i think it's because nowadays he's a bit slower ;)

    nice game, would've loved to see it live :)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 12:33 pm  

  • my mate and i went to that game it was a great day, only wish i'd wore my welsh top.

    to the rugby players that day, thanks for a great show. Lawrence n Co you are true legends.

    Great banter we had with the royal engineers, who were ENGLISH! great laugh. Thanks for posting it was a great day.

    hope all service men and women makes it home safe, now and in the future.

    Great Respect to everyone serving!

    Kevin Windmill, Nantyglo. Wales.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 2:12 pm  

  • Good idea for a great cause, i wonder if here in the US they'd have something similar to this...maybe a stars of the past superbowl??

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 3:06 pm  

  • I take it this is for the troops in Afganistan? I seems to me there are only two...maybe three countries pulling their weight in the Afgan,

    1) US
    2) UK
    3) OZ

    The rest are g'damn p***ys, wont leave their compounds, wont send their units to reinforce the Brits or us Yanks when we need em.........(_!_)holes

    Good on the rugga players for stepin up.

    Semper Fi

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 3:13 pm  

  • Fight hard when you must, rest when you can and be alert always!! Come home mates, we miss ALL our sons and daughters. Ruggers for world freedom!!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 3:15 pm  

  • "I wonder if they do this in the states too."

    Nope. They screw our veterans over here just like over there.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 3:17 pm  

  • You have a choice on any war you fight. Are they forced into Iraq and Afghanistan? No.

    DUTY, n. A concept of slaves, a tool of tyrants. Doing what other people want you to do because they want you to do it. (to paraphrase Oscar Wilde)
    —Chaz Bufe

    "Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is that numbers of people all over the world have obeyed the dictates of the leaders of their government and have gone to war, and millions have been killed because of this obedience. . . Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves, and all the while the grand thieves are running the country. That's our problem."
    —Howard Zinn

    It's as i've said, my respect for current servicemen is at an all time low. I've grown tired of the we-don't-pick-the-conflicts bollocks. You're the fuel to the fire that's burning. There's always a choice, last i checked there isn't a draft in place.

    You could be any next chav scumbag in the military, and aslong as you lose a limb or come out with a serious injury, you'll be proclaimed heroic.

    How vile and despicable war seems to me! I would rather be hacked to pieces than take part in such an abominable business. ~Albert Einstein

    Don't rush your responses. I'll be here all day waiting for your reply about how without you i'd have no freedom, etc.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 3:22 pm  

  • Anonymous said...

    I take it this is for the troops in Afganistan? I seems to me there are only two...maybe three countries pulling their weight in the Afgan,

    1) US
    2) UK
    3) OZ

    The rest are g'damn p***ys, wont leave their compounds, wont send their units to reinforce the Brits or us Yanks when we need em.........(_!_)holes

    Good on the rugga players for stepin up.

    ....................

    Can't say i'm surprised you're American. Pulling their weight? You mean we're the only ones who've lost our moral compass, and elect war mongerers.

    You should kill yourself. The world would genuinely be a nicer place without you.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 3:23 pm  

  • What a nice collection of quotes and not an original thought from yourself ,and to cap it all hide behind being anonymous,

    Would Sir like a white feather!!

    By Blogger Rob878, at September 26, 2008 3:52 pm  

  • Truly cannot understand why anyone would find this the right place to criticize anything or anyone. All I can say is that my thoughts go out to all the men and women who DO put their lives at risk to defend and promote democracy! You truly are HEROES! Take care of Yourselves and Get home safe!


    Antony

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 5:33 pm  

  • i read in a magazine that lomu was going to be playing

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 5:46 pm  

  • This is a rugby web site. It is no place to discuss the cause of the match. Nationalism shouldn't be discussed.

    By Blogger alasdair, at September 26, 2008 5:49 pm  

  • You know what I ment. (aka Lets talk about rugby and nothing else)

    By Blogger alasdair, at September 26, 2008 6:18 pm  

  • Hey Wanker,

    Thanks for your invitation to go kill myself, however beg to let you know: I have a life that i actually quite enjoy; your need to post negativity here indicates that you probably do have some serious issues to be looked into. Nobody is interested in your negative comments, take is somewhere else. Follow a nice piece of advice, if you have nothing positive to say, don't say anything at all.

    Cheers,
    Antony

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 6:18 pm  

  • Scott Gibbs is a true legend.

    By Blogger sacricketer, at September 26, 2008 6:47 pm  

  • Keep it clean guys. Ie: Bad language and political rants.

    If you can't express yourself in a way that's respectful to the site and it's users, then rather don't comment at all please.
    cheers

    By Blogger GMC, at September 26, 2008 7:22 pm  

  • Great match for an huge cause.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 7:24 pm  

  • Anonymous said...

    Can't say i'm surprised you're American. Pulling their weight? You mean we're the only ones who've lost our moral compass, and elect war mongerers.

    You should kill yourself. The world would genuinely be a nicer place without you.

    September 26, 2008 3:23 PM


    ******************************

    Kill myself? HAHAHA...you're such a tit, war mongers you say? Yeah lets depend on China or better yet Russia to deal with things. What a prick...grow some stones and man the f**k up.

    You must be an appeaser "oooh noo leave the bad guys alone...they'll leave us alone if we just keep givin into them...im soo nervous...oh my, i hope america doest play too rough...wheres the UN when you need it..*sob*.."

    You're like a blow up doll...full of hot air and jizm...hahahaha

    Semper Fi.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 9:21 pm  

  • Kill myself? HAHAHA...you're such a tit, war mongers you say? Yeah lets depend on China or better yet Russia to deal with things. What a prick...grow some stones and man the f**k up.

    You must be an appeaser "oooh noo leave the bad guys alone...they'll leave us alone if we just keep givin into them...im soo nervous...oh my, i hope america doest play too rough...wheres the UN when you need it..*sob*.."

    You're like a blow up doll...full of hot air and jizm...hahahaha

    Semper Fi.

    Maybe you havn't noticed but 9/11 was a False Flag operation to get the Patriot Act passed, to start a war in Iraq/ Afghanistan and to cut down your freedomes.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 10:00 pm  

  • Fantastic cause no matter what some of these muppets commenting say.

    A rugby match was played. £1 million was raised to help injured british soldiers. It's as simple as that. Take your immature political agenda's elsewhere please.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 10:20 pm  

  • why does it have to turn into a debate? people have different views, you may not agree with them but it won't bring back the thousands of fathers, brothers uncles etc from irag and afghanistan. This was a match to raise money for those already wounded, and all credit goes to rugbydump for posting it and whoever thought it up to have thought of it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 26, 2008 10:48 pm  

  • Sorry anonymous, are you still waiting for your white feather in the post???. As still the world is waiting with bated breath for your lentil eating, paper suit wearing utterances.

    As you are so fond of quotations from those that are clearly your intellectual superior may i suggest Oscar Wilde. "Rugby is a good occasion for keeping thirty bullies far from the center of the city." and yet it seems that you so abhore bullys so why the need to inhabit Rugby Dump?.

    You Sir, are clearly lacking A) the ability to form a well reasoned argument and b) the where with all to utter anything more than the tripe served up by the gutter press.

    If the weak are truly to inherit the earth, may i suggest it is someone of greater intelligence than yourself, and not one that lives of the backs of others.

    I bid you good night, and hope that you and your kind, will forever be lost to the nation, as clearly you have no understanding of the phrase "stand up and be counted" as clearly you hide behind the liberties bought in your name, no matter what what party you voted for.

    By Blogger Rob878, at September 26, 2008 11:44 pm  

  • Great match and geat day for rugby.
    Thanks to all the service men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fight hard lads and come home safe.

    W.Mc

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 27, 2008 5:42 am  

  • I think there is a parrallel between rugby and millitarism. They both require courage, selflessness and comradery. However, I think heroism should not be imposed on anyone or any place. Some places are best helped by being left alone.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 27, 2008 7:05 am  

  • Interesting item RD, stirred up some of the more self-righteous and deluded denizens of the dumpster. Some respectful posts and even some about the football .. a nod to those who didn't use it as an opportunity for preaching and abuse.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 27, 2008 7:57 am  

  • Fantastic cause, the money is going towards developing facilities for *all* British Servicemen who are wounded now and in the future.

    For example, with the money raised, they aim to fund a swimming pool complex at Headley Court in the South of England to aid rehabilitation for injured servicemen and construct accommodation for relatives visiting wounded at the Military ward at Selly Oak Hospital.

    By Blogger Unknown, at September 27, 2008 2:34 pm  

  • why do players as good as robinson retire???
    if he lost his skills and form then fair enough but hes still one of the best

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 28, 2008 2:35 pm  

  • I for one apologize for turning this post into a debate about the lack of back bone from some nations...

    It just irks me when i hear some knuckleheads talking smack about servicemen and women.

    Great match tho...we need something like this in the US no doubt.

    Semper Fi

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 28, 2008 6:28 pm  

  • Censorship at its best. Half my posts are removed. Yet posts of the opposing view point with similar vulgarity in language are allowed to stay?

    Pfft.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 28, 2008 8:24 pm  

  • Quit feeling like the world is against you mate. Get yourself a name and front up, then we'll take it from there.

    If you're Anonymous, and you're out of hand, your comments will be deleted the majority of the time. And don't bother debating that either.

    Keep it clean, stay on topic, and take the extreme political rants elsewhere. Cheers.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 30, 2008 9:11 am  

  • Not the place for comment on political issues would prefer to comment on rugby. However it is a foundation block of a democratic state that the armed forces do not have any political control if they do military juntas result. Would prefer to comment that enjoyed a great game and nice to see 'sport stars' considering people other than themselves, Rugby is not unique in this but it does contrast with other sports.

    By Blogger Kevin, Meath, at September 30, 2008 10:52 pm  

  • absolutely brilliant cause but with all that aside why the hell did robinson ever retire the man is electric. Once again brilliant cause keep fighting keep protecting.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at September 30, 2008 11:00 pm  

  • For the love of God can you guys just take a rest for a second and remember that despite what you may THINK you know about duty, and soldiers not being forced to join up, they make the choice to go where you'd never go, and do a job which you'd never contemplate, for little money, and with the real prospect of being killed or wounded whilst doing that job.

    Trust me when I say a medal isn't what we do the job for- nor is the money. I joined up because I wanted to give something back to my country, which has given me so much. Is it so much to ask that when I come back, I don't get this political rubbish thrown at me?

    The average Squaddie didn't create the orders, we just did the job we're paid to do, and we do it bloody well. Quoting Oscar Wilde at us is all very well and good- and I bet you have better education than I- but someone has to do the grubby work so you can sit there hating it all you like.

    Phew... on another (more relevent)note, fantastic match, great cause, and there should be more!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 02, 2008 10:59 pm  

  • I just want to throw this point on at the end, above someone mentioned people pulling their weight in afghanistan. Listing the US the UK and Australia as the top 3.

    The country which has played the biggest role in afghanistan has been Canada. We've had men on the ground there from the beginning and are the most involved with combat operations.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at January 18, 2009 5:37 am  

  • wake-up

    you must be one of the thickest guys to ever walk the planet. if the US wanted to start a awr they would have just done it, 9/11 wasnt 'set up' stop thinking that your a little rebel by slating the government.

    This is a RUGBY website not a conspiricy theory website, grow up.

    By Anonymous graham p, at April 02, 2009 10:59 pm  

  • Good Afternoon!!! rugbydump.blogspot.com is one of the most outstanding innovative websites of its kind. I enjoy reading it every day. Keep it that way.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at December 10, 2009 9:46 am  

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