World Cup winner Emily Scarratt brought her medals and much more to a great night at Kelham Road this week thanks to club sponsor Tony Rose and the RFU’s Injured Players Foundation.

Tony, over 15 months ago, won a prize courtesy of the IPF to bring an ambassador to his local club and, naturally, he picked Newark where he has been a member for over 60 years.

It’s taken a bit of time to sort a night for Emily to come along but on Wednesday one of England’s very best made it to Kelham Road to lend her experience and knowledge to the women’s and girls’ sections where Poppy, Tony’s granddaughter, is among the players.

Emily said: “I’ve absolutely loved coming to Newark Rugby Club, the joy out there of the women and girls playing rugby is so infectious.

“This is what rugby’s all about and where it all starts for so many of us. I will never forget the fun I had playing for my local club, Leicester Forest.

“It was great to meet all the players and coaches and get amongst it on the training pitch. The girls then had some brilliant questions for me in the clubhouse, and I think they enjoyed trying on the World Cup medal.

“Hopefully they will have aspirations to carry on playing rugby, whether that’s at this level or to go on and maybe become a Red Rose and win a medal themselves one day.”
Michelle Newton, Newark RUFC women’s vice-captain, said: “It’s been amazing to have a World Cup winner here coaching us.

“When I passed the ball I thought, oh my goodness I’ve just passed the ball to Emily Scarratt, like wow! She’s one of the best players in the world!”

“Previously I didn't know anything about the Injured Players Foundation, so it has also been interesting to hear what they do to support players. It’s important we promote that within the rugby community.”

Scarratt explained why she was so keen to become an ambassador for the RFU Injured Players Foundation, the charity that supports players at any level of the game who have sustained an acute, life-changing injury while playing rugby union in England.

“The IPF is a brilliant charity that represents what the rugby family’s all about – we look after each other when times are tough.”

Andrew Fearn, president of Newark RUFC, said: "It was a special evening at the club - one of the very best.

"Our women's and girls’ sections are a thriving force and we know how much the players appreciated the opportunity to meet Emily.

"Alongside a huge thank you to Emily, I'd like to thank our club sponsor Tony Rose, from Newark Storage.

"Thanks to Tony and his support of the IPF, Newark members enjoyed a memorable night."
Tony Rose, life member of Newark RUFC, said: "I want to thank all those at the IPF for organising this prize which enabled Emily to be at my home club.

"It was a memorable night including the opportunity for my granddaughter Poppy, who is a keen player, to meet and hear from one of England rugby's very best in Emily Scarratt. I hope all the players and members enjoyed the evening."