Wooden Spoon Rugby End of Season Review
The Wooden Spoon Rugby community has concluded its most active and successful season to date, with an impressive 19 British & Irish games and over 30 additional matches, excluding 7s. This season also saw the third VetFest raise more than £100,000 thanks to its participants and spectators, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history.
A highlight of the season was the memorable Men’s and Women’s Tour to Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where our teams competed against RC Caen. Additionally, the Stirling Burns Supper was celebrated as the best yet, bringing together players and supporters in a night of camaraderie and fundraising.
The dedicated efforts of the British & Irish Wooden Spoon Vets have significantly contributed to funding various projects, such as TagFest, where many squad members volunteered their time. Last year, Wooden Spoon raised an incredible £1.2 million, and this year, we are on track to exceed that with a projected £1.4 million in funds.
We are pleased to report positive recovery progress for our injured players, including Tom Gower (arm), TJ (ankle), and Arron Phelps-Gardiner (leg break). Their determination and resilience have been truly inspiring.
On the international front, Vega showcased her skills at the Touch Rugby World Cup, and Paige represented England Deaf on their tour against South Africa, highlighting the diverse talent within our community.
Looking ahead, Laura Smales, Gaz Welch, and Andy Angell are gearing up to run the London Marathon 2025 in support of Wooden Spoon, with Andy taking on the challenge dressed as our beloved mascot, Spoony.
Exciting new initiatives are also on the horizon:
- British & Irish Senior Spoon XV: Planned for occasional charity matches across the UK and Ireland, with the inaugural match targeted for Wednesday, 9th October against the Fire Service at Kingston Park.
- British & IrishSpoon Touch Team: Led by Chris Turok-Hallam, this team will bring a new dimension to our rugby family.
Upcoming British & Irish Vets Events:
- Red Roses against All Blacks Activation: Scheduled for 14th September. Contact us to show your interest.
- Women’s Rugby World Cup Vets 10s: Taking place in Manchester on 23rd August 2025.
- Matches featuring the Met Police Women, Eastbourne College Alumni Men, and various inter-regional challenge matches throughout the year.
Award Winners for the 2023-2024 Season:
- Most Valuable New B&I Spoon Vet:
- Nominations: Colin Stuart, Stu Bage, Mark Watmough, Russ Keegan, Beena Chadha, Lucy Jefferies, Lisa Richardson, Michelle Cunningham, Nicole Edge, Paige Anastacia, Sian Kersse, Vida Drake.
- Winners: Andy Angell & Rachael Austerberry.
- Most Caps in 2023-2024 Season:
- Winners: Adam Kentell & Beena Chadha.
- Most Valuable Vet:
- Winners: Rod Bisset & Laura Smales.
- Regional Spoon Vets Team of the Year:
- Nominations: Devon, Dorset Wilts & Hants, Eastern Co, Leicestershire & Rutland, Scotland, Surrey, Essex.
- Winner: Essex Wooden Spoon Vets
- Spirit of Spoon Award 2023-2024:
- Winners: Mark Kane (Scotland Spoon Vets) and Vicky Flower (Kent Spoon Vets).
Mark Kane has been instrumental in managing Scotland’s men’s and women’s teams and leading the Stirling Burns Supper, while Vicky Flower has shown outstanding commitment to playing, fundraising, and supporting SEND rugby.
As we look forward to the next season, the Wooden Spoon Rugby community remains dedicated to promoting rugby, fostering community spirit, and supporting charitable causes.
Thank you to all our players, volunteers, and supporters for making this season extraordinary. Together, we continue to change lives through the power of rugby.
