Legends to play charity game ahead of England-Ireland clash

THE LARGE number of people planning to travel to London to support Ireland in their Six Nations clash with England at Twickenham on Saturday, February 27 have an additional treat in store.

On the eve of the game, legends teams representing the two countries will clash at the Stoop, the home of Harlequins RFC located within a few hundred yards of the Twickenham stadium. It is a special charity match in memory of Stuart Mangan and in aid of the Matt Hampson Trust and an Irish charity yet to be confirmed.

Stuart Mangan passed away at the age of 26 on August 7 last. He suffered a severe spinal injury in a club match in London in April 2008. After spending seven months in hospital, the Fermoy native returned to his specially-adapted home in Bayswater with the intention of returning to as normal a life as possible.

His love for rugby and life never died and he and Matt Hampson – another victim of spinal injury after enjoying a successful career on the rugby field – became close friends. They had often considered staging a joint event in aid of their respective funds and the idea for this game was conceived while Stuart was alive.

The Mangan family decided to go ahead with the occasion as a tribute to Stuart. They were also happy to raise funds for Matt’s trust but in turn Hampson wanted to ensure that a similar Irish charity would also benefit. Hampson recently received his Grade One coaching badge and was appointed the first ever ambassador for the RPA Benevolent Fund.

Mick Galwey has agreed to help to put the Irish team together and it is expected that similarly distinguished figures will be involved from the English side.

The teams and further details are currently being worked on and will be announced shortly.