Fire fighters prepare for charity rugby match to support colleagues

Fire fighters from Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, The England Fire Service Rugby Union Team and Staffordshire Police, are preparing to take part in a rugby match for to support colleagues through the Fire Fighters Charity.

The rugby union match, which takes place on 12 September at Stafford RUFC will see fire fighters pitted against The Combined Services Barbarians – a team comprised of current and former members of HM’s armed forces.

Teams will be competing to win The Blaze Trophy while raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Fire crews will be taking part in order to support two colleagues, one who unfortunately sustained a life-changing injury during a training accident and another colleague who is currently battling a terminal illness. Both fire fighters are married with young families.

Fire fighters involved include members from Burton, HQ, Sandyford, Mercia, Abbotts Bromley, Stone, Stafford, Rising Brook, Newcastle, Longton, Tamworth and Stafford Fire Stations along with England Fire service players from Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, West Midlands, Hereford & Worcester, Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire and Merseyside and Police Officers from Staffordshire.

Special guests on the day are Fijian Rugby Union legends Apo Satala and Akapusi Quera and The Combined Services Barbarians patron, England Rugby Union legend; Rory Underwood.

The Combined Services Barbarians players due to attend include members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and 15 different army regiments.

Gates open at 12:00 hrs, kick off is at 14:00 hrs, and entry is free, though donations to the charity on the gate will be greatly appreciated.

Parking at the club is reserved for players and VIPs, however, there is a drop-off turn around point available, along with parking at Sainsbury’s which is a five-minute walk away.

There will an auction of rugby memorabilia on the day and a raffle.

The bar will be open and food available on the day too.

Each team will have 30 players split into two separate teams and will play 40 minutes each.

The Barbarians have one veterans' team and one serving team who will be travelling in from all over the UK, while Staffordshire Fire and Rescue team will include fire fighters, five officers from Staffordshire Police and six England fire service players.

Our fire fighters, who are willing to risk their lives to save others, are now along with colleagues from Staffordshire Police are willing to put their bodies on the line to raise funds for charity.

To find out more, contact Stafford Rugby Club on 01785 211241 or call organiser ‘Topsy’ on 07472375296.