Schoeman, a firm favourite among fans for his passion, energy and commitment on and off the pitch, will support Wooden Spoon’s mission to give children a chance to play, to learn, to thrive and to be safe.
Speaking at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Schoeman said:
“Rugby has given me so much – a home, a family, and a community that welcomes everyone. With Scotland pushing hard in this year’s Six Nations and the crowd driving us on every week, you can really feel what this sport means to people. I’m proud to support Wooden Spoon because every child deserves the chance to feel included and to reach their potential.”
Wooden Spoon funds life changing projects across the UK, from accessible playgrounds and specialist equipment to community programmes and inclusive facilities. The charity has supported more than 1.5 million children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage since 1983.
Sarah Webb, CEO of Wooden Spoon, said:
“Pierre represents the spirit of rugby which is heart, humility and a deep sense of community. We are thrilled to welcome him as an ambassador and look forward to working together to champion opportunities for children who need them most.”
Schoeman’s first engagement as ambassador was filmed at Murrayfield’s sensory room which is one of hundreds of projects Wooden Spoon has supported nationwide. The room provides a calm, inclusive space for neurodivergent fans and families on matchdays.
Throughout the year, Schoeman will help raise awareness of Wooden Spoon’s work, support fundraising campaigns and shine a light on the charity’s impact across the UK.
Over the weekend, Wooden Spoon travelled to North Wales for our St David’s Day fixtures at Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon (Caernarfon RFC), enjoying a fantastic celebration of rugby, community spirit, and local pride.
The day was packed with competitive rugby matches that showcased skill, determination, and true sportsmanship. Supporters gathered on the sidelines to cheer on the teams, creating a vibrant matchday atmosphere. Off the pitch, players enjoyed delicious food and refreshments, with plenty of opportunities to come together, reconnect, and celebrate everything that makes the rugby community so special.
What stood out most throughout the weekend was the incredible sense of teamwork and camaraderie. From the players and volunteers to the supporters and organisers, everyone played their part in making the event such a success. The spirit of togetherness perfectly reflected the values at the heart of Wooden Spoon.
We’re proud to say that the event raised funds for North Wales, and every pound raised at Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon will stay in North Wales, directly supporting children and young people in the local community.
This local impact is something Wooden Spoon is incredibly proud of. Across all our regions, funds raised locally are invested locally, helping change the lives of children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage through the power of the rugby community.
Sarah Coleman, a Wooden Spoon spokesperson said:
“The St David’s Day fixtures in Caernarfon truly captured the spirit of what Wooden Spoon is all about. The rugby was fantastic, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the generosity shown by everyone involved was inspiring. Events like this demonstrate the real power of the rugby community to make a meaningful difference locally.”
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported the event, and helped make the weekend so memorable, and to Lowri from Caernarfon RFC and Gary Bide for capturing the occasion so beautifully.
If you love rugby and love making a difference, why not become part of the Wooden Spoon family?
We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of the Aircraft Golfing Society (AGS), whose partnership with Wooden Spoon continues to flourish. Thanks to their fundraising Wooden Spoon has funded a Sonosite machine at the Royal Marsden hospital.
Case Study: Oscar’s Story
At just 23 months old, Oscar was diagnosed with a brain tumour, news that no parent is ever prepared to hear.
He underwent surgery at King’s College London before beginning a clinical trial of targeted chemotherapy at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in May 2024.
For any parent, discovering that your child has cancer is devastating. But beyond the diagnosis itself lies another harsh reality: watching your child endure repeated medical procedures.
The Challenge
Children undergoing cancer treatment are often underweight, dehydrated, and physically weakened by chemotherapy. As a result, routine procedures such as blood tests and cannula insertions become significantly more difficult.
For babies and toddlers like Oscar, whose arms and veins are tiny, these procedures can be particularly distressing. Multiple attempts are often required to access a vein, increasing discomfort and anxiety for both the child and their family.
Oscar’s mum recalls one particularly traumatic moment:
“Etched in my memory is a 6am incident at King’s College Hospital when a doctor was trying to insert a cannula ahead of an MRI scan. Watching your child go through that is heartbreaking.”
Repeated unsuccessful attempts at taking blood not only prolong procedures but heighten fear and trauma around hospital visits for families and clinicians alike.
The Solution
A nurse at The Royal Marsden mentioned the use of a portable ultrasound device , such as a Sonosite machine , which can scan a patient’s arm to identify the best vein before attempting cannulation or blood sampling.
At the time, the paediatric oncology department did not have one of these machines.
However, after numerous unsuccessful attempts to obtain blood from Oscar, a nurse from the adult cancer centre kindly brought their machine to the paediatric ward.
The difference was immediate and profound.
Using ultrasound guidance:
• Veins could be identified quickly and accurately
• Fewer attempts were needed
• Procedures became faster and less painful
Oscar’s mum describes the impact:
“I cannot tell you what a difference this has made to my whole family’s level of trauma surrounding these appointments. It makes the whole process much easier, more efficient, less painful, and less stressful for everyone involved.”
The Impact of Funding
Thanks to funding from Wooden Spoon, a Sonosite ultrasound machine will now be permanently available within the paediatric department at The Royal Marsden.
This means:
• Every child undergoing treatment can benefit
• Fewer painful multiple attempts at blood tests
• Reduced distress for families
• Improved efficiency for clinicians
• A more compassionate care experience
For children like Oscar, and for the families standing beside them , access to this equipment transforms hospital visits from traumatic ordeals into more manageable experiences.
Lasting Change
Sometimes, the most powerful improvements in healthcare are not large-scale structural changes, but practical tools that reduce suffering in the moment.
The addition of this ultrasound machine ensures that no child in the paediatric oncology department will have to endure unnecessary repeated attempts at blood tests or cannula insertions again.
For Oscar’s family, it represents something simple but profound: less pain, less fear, and more dignity during an incredibly difficult journey.
Support projects like this across the UK and Ireland by donating to Wooden Spoon or learn more here, on our website.
Volunteer at Wooden Spoons unmissable rugby event for veteran players aged 35 and over.
Roles include
- Event set-up & pack-down
- Welcome & registration team
- Pitch support volunteers
- Fundraising & merchandise helpers
- Refreshments support
- Runners / general event helpers
- Car parking & wayfinding marshals
To sign up simply scroll down and select the Free Volunteer Ticket.
Safeguarding, prevention and protection from harm
44% of children have suffered from online bullying
Children face increasing risks from online bullying,exploitation, loneliness, knife crime, gangs andsubstance misuse. We fund projects that promotesafeguarding, raise awareness, provide earlyintervention and support rehabilitation, ensuringchildren and young people feel protected and secure.
#ChanceToBeSafe
The incredible players and volunteers who took part can now proudly call themselves Guinness World Record Holders for “The Longest marathon playing rugby”: an achievement that showcases the true spirit of the rugby community.
The challenge, held over 18-19 June 2025 at Mullingar RFC in Ireland, saw four teams push the boundaries of endurance: the women’s squad completed an astonishing 26 hours 33 minutes of continuous play, and the men’s squad reached 34 hours 48 minutes.
By combining the world-record-breaking endeavour with a charitable purpose, this event has shown that rugby isn’t just about the scoreboard, it’s about uplifting communities, supporting mental health and ensuring no child is left behind.
Thanks to this event, over £100,000 has been raised and will be distributed among three outstanding charities aligned with rugby’s power to transform lives.
Wooden Spoon
The funds donated will enable the charity to reach over 5,000 children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage through its specialist projects that provide sensory spaces, outdoor activity, inclusive rugby and initiatives that support helping to combat poverty in the UK and Ireland.
LooseHeadz
Thanks to the funds raised, LooseHeadz will be able to extend their delivery programme to more clubs than ever, providing rugby specific mental health training programmes across the grassroots community.
The Lions Trust
The Lions Trust will deepen its commitment to support the welfare of ex Lions players.
As the Guinness verification confirms the milestone, the charities are now turning their attention to sustaining the legacy created by this event. All participants are encouraged to continue being ambassadors of change, promoting inclusion, mental health awareness and the power of sport
“This was about more than breaking records,” said Matt Bishop, Wooden Spoon player “It was about community, perseverance, and doing something extraordinary to support causes we care deeply about. Every blister, bruise, and sleepless hour was worth it.”
Sarah Webb, CEO, Wooden Spoon said:
“What makes this achievement so special is the heart behind it. So, we’d like to say thank you to every player, volunteer, referee, and supporter who gave their all, not for personal glory, but to make a difference in the lives of others.
The funds raised will enable Wooden Spoon to reach thousands of children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage, giving them opportunities to play, learn, and thrive. To have a Guinness World Record as part of that story is something very special and a symbol of what can be achieved when our rugby family comes together”
Hannah Stallard, Head of Community, LooseHeadz said:
“We have been absolutely blown away by the support for this bonkers challenge. From the players involved, to the team at Mullingar RFC, and all the supporters who have given so generously with both their time and donations, we absolutely could not have done this without them.
At LooseHeadz, we are incredibly passionate about providing mental health training & support to people in the grassroots game, and the money raised from the Longest Game will go a long way to helping us support players, coaches & fans at more than 1,350 rugby clubs across 36 different countries.”
There is still time to make a donation https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/longest-game
Thank you to our sponsors who helped make The Longest Game happen : LMAX Exchange, ICS Mortgages, Canterbury, OPRO , NOCCO, d3 tape.
You can watch our mini documentary here: https://youtu.be/C4CQYjCO3MM?si=a2yvTzwk09YI_i3G
Vets Fest is more than a festival of rugby – it’s a force for change. Every pound raised by teams and regions stays in their local area, funding life-changing Wooden Spoon projects that support children and young people living with disabilities or facing disadvantage.
That means when a team pulls on their shirts, laces up their boots, and raises funds, they’re not just playing rugby – they’re helping to deliver projects in their own communities. From specialist minibuses that give children access to therapies and experiences beyond the school gates, to sensory gardens where children with complex needs can play, learn and thrive, every try scored and every donation made at Vets Fest has a direct impact close to home.
This local focus is what makes Vets Fest so powerful – a national event with regional pride at its heart, uniting the rugby family while changing lives across the UK and Ireland.
Tournament Champions
After a thrilling day on the pitch, the Vets Fest 2025 Champions were crowned:
- Scotland Men
- Essex & South East Women
Both titles were the result of impressive teamwork and planning, with thanks to captains Colin Stuart, Mark Kane and Cally Finch, alongside Vicky Flower and Gemma Wilson for their leadership and support.
Fundraising Heroes
As always, fundraising was at the heart of the day – and the teams went above and beyond. Every pound raised will directly fund local Wooden Spoon projects.
- Two teams broke the £3,000 barrier
- One topped £4,000
- Scotland Men raised an incredible £6,900
Fundraising Cup Winners:
- Men: Cumbria
- Women: Scotland
Huge congratulations to Jim Beary and Kath Vass for their efforts in rallying their squads.
Rugby Cups
On the field, the action was fast, fierce and full of smiles. The Rugby Cups went to:
- Women: Northumberland Spoon (captained by Janette Evans)
- Men: Omerta Spoon
Community Thanks
Festivals like this don’t happen without an army of volunteers and officials. Special thanks to Mark Challis, who led the referee team, and to everyone who gave their time to make the day run smoothly.
Our hosts, Tynedale RFC, provided a superb setting for the festival, and we’re grateful for their hospitality.
Behind the scenes, Wooden Spoon Northumberland’s Dennis Hetherington, Ian Dawson and Iain Stewart were instrumental in coordinating the event.
A Lasting Legacy
This year’s festival was also a moment to remember Neal “Paddy” Patterson, our much-loved men’s captain and committee member, whose spirit and passion for Wooden Spoon lives on in the heart of Vets Fest. As well as Co-Founder Peter Scott, Ronnie Richardson, John Dennison and Matt Jones.
Save the Date
Mark your calendars now – Vets Fest 2026 returns to Tynedale RFC on 26 September 2026. Expect even more rugby, community spirit and fundraising magic.
During The British & Irish Lions thrilling Test Series in Australia, Wooden Spoon – the Children’s Charity of Rugby and an Official Charity Partner of the The Lions Trust – made an equally meaningful impact off the pitch. At the heart of that work was Wooden Spoon CEO Sarah Webb, who spent the Tour proudly representing the charity, engaging with the rugby community, and highlighting the power of sport to transform lives.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside the British and Irish Lions and our fellow partner charities whilst on the Tour,” said Sarah. “I have seen first-hand the power of the rugby community travelling across the world – the four countries that we work within uniting to support one goal.”
From stadium fan zones to grassroots clubhouses, Sarah has spent the tour connecting with people who know and support Wooden Spoon’s mission – and introducing the charity to many more. Her schedule included attending the Captains Run on 18th July and soaking up the electric atmosphere at the Lions Den and the first Test match in Brisbane on the 19th. She was also at the First Nations and Pasifika XV v Lions match on the 22nd, and supported at the Gullivers Travel Wooden Spoon rugby match at Melbourne RFC on the 25th – a fantastic opportunity to combine rugby, fun, and fundraising. followed by a trip back to the Lions Den and a ticket to see the Lions win the Series at MCG, Melbourne.
“I feel extremely privileged to have recently represented Wooden Spoon on the British and Irish Lions Tour. This was made possible by our partnership with The Lions Trust and our very supportive partners Gulliver’s Sports Travel.
I was thrilled to see so many of our amazing volunteers whilst in Australia – all primed and ready to support with our awareness and fundraising and some of them even donning their boots to play at Melbourne rugby club to represent Gulliver’s Wooden Spoon Barbarians. One of the players came straight from the plane and onto the pitch!
Raising awareness on this international platform has been an amazing opportunity for which I will be forever grateful..”
For Sarah, two of the most powerful moments of the Tour so far came off the field. On 29th July, she visited Sargood on Collaroy – a world-leading rehabilitation facility that supports individuals and families living with spinal injuries, in partnership with the Matt Hampson Foundation. “Sargood is a truly inspirational centre. Seeing the impact they have on people’s lives was both humbling and energising.” That same day, she joined Wooden Spoon’s fellow charity partner LooseHeadz at Hunters Hill RFC in Sydney for a mental health awareness session. “LooseHeadz delivered a vital message about the importance of mental health in our clubs. It’s initiatives like this that make real, lasting change.”
Wooden Spoon funds life-changing projects for children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland. From inclusive playgrounds and specialist equipment to mental health support and education initiatives, every project is driven by one mission: to harness the spirit and community of rugby to create positive, lasting impact.
As the Lions inspired on the pitch, Wooden Spoon – led by Sarah Webb’s passionate presence in Australia – continued to inspire off it, proving once again that rugby’s reach goes far beyond the game itself.
Get ready to join the celebration as National Wooden Spoon Day takes place on 19th March, marking the anniversary of Wooden Spoon’s founding in 1983. This special day is a chance to honour the rich history and incredible impact of Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, dedicated to supporting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland.
Wooden Spoon’s supporters, beneficiaries, and the wider rugby community are coming together to raise awareness and funds in a fun and meaningful way. We are inviting all to get involved. Whether you choose to host a fundraising event, take part in a rugby match, wear Wooden Spoon colours, or simply spread the word on social media, every action – big or small – makes a difference!
How You Can Get Involved
There are countless ways to celebrate #WoodenSpoonDay and show your support:
- Post on Social Media: Either using the National Wooden Spoon Day graphics or getting involved with The Pass the ball campaign on social media (goes live on 19th March)
- Organise a Mufti Day or Wooden Spoon Decorating Competition: A fun way for children to participate while raising funds. Get Wooden Spoon Branded items.
- Host a Fundraising Event: Plan a charity lunch, bake sale, or raffle to support the cause.
- Wear Wooden Spoon Colours: Show solidarity and spread awareness by donning Wooden Spoon-themed outfits. Get Wooden Spoon Branded items.
Sarah Webb, CEO of Wooden Spoon, encourages everyone to take part:
“National Wooden Spoon Day is a fantastic opportunity for communities to come together and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage. Whether you’re passing a rugby ball, hosting an event, or simply spreading the word, every action helps us continue our mission. Join us on 19th March and be part of something truly special.”
Make Some Noise for Wooden Spoon!
With your help, we can make National Wooden Spoon Day bigger and better than ever. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts and use #WoodenSpoonDay to spread the word.
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Vets Fest 24 brought together over 800 veteran rugby players from across the UK and Ireland, raising an impressive £100,000 for Wooden Spoon. The event, featuring 16 men’s and 12 women’s teams, was a celebration of sport, community, and charitable giving.
With teams donning vibrant fancy dress costumes and creatively decorating their gazebos, the atmosphere was electric. Despite a week of unpredictable weather leading up to the event, the day was sunny, providing the perfect backdrop for a day filled with rugby action and camaraderie.
The event, a cornerstone in Wooden Spoon’s annual calendar, not only celebrated the sport but also raised crucial funds for projects benefiting children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage. Participating teams were judged on both their performance on the pitch and their fundraising efforts for the charity.
It was also Wooden Spoon Ambassador and former England rugby captain, Gill Burn’s, last full-contact rugby match. Gill led the Merseyside and North women’s team to victory in the Plate final, marking the end of an illustrious career. Her team also took home the fundraising trophy, raising the most money for Wooden Spoon.
Gill Burns said, “It’s been really special today. I met some lovely new mates in the Northern team, we really bonded, and everyone worked hard. It was an absolute pleasure, and the icing on the cake was winning the Plate final. When I retired from international rugby, we didn’t win the trophy I was hoping for, so this makes up for it in a little way. Wooden Spoon is a great charity, and it’s a pleasure to be here.”
Among the standout moments of the day were the Kent women’s team lifting the Maddy Lawrence Memorial Cup and the Kent men’s team securing the Olly Stephens Memorial Cup. These teams were the overall winners of the rugby and fundraising combined.
Wooden Spoon CEO Sarah Webb expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the rugby community: “It’s amazing to see everyone come together, not just for the love of the game, but to support such an important cause. The energy today was unbelievable, and it’s a real testament to what rugby can achieve both on and off the pitch.” She also extended her thanks to the event’s sponsors: “A special thanks goes to our main sponsor, OMERTA, whose support made Vets Fest such a success. Their generosity enables us to continue funding life-changing projects for children and young people. Today’s event will have a lasting impact on many lives.”
As the day came to a close, it was clear that Vets Fest 24 had been a huge success—not only in the funds raised but in the unity and spirit of the rugby community. The festival was a powerful reminder of how sport can bring people together for a greater cause, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the pitch.
On Saturday 15th September 2024, Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, took center stage at the home of England Rugby, the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. Volunteers from the charity descended on the stadium for the Red Roses’ much-anticipated match against the Black Ferns, seizing the opportunity to raise awareness and collect donations for projects across the UK and Ireland. The event also marked the official opening of a new sensory room at the stadium, a milestone in Wooden Spoon’s ongoing mission to support and include children with special needs in the rugby community.
Fifteen dedicated volunteers, armed with collection buckets, greeted the passionate crowd at Twickenham, encouraging fans to contribute to Wooden Spoon’s various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children. The day was made even more special by the return of Red Roses prop and Wooden Spoon ambassador, Sarah Bern, who was back in the starting lineup for England.
Sarah Bern’s connection to the sensory room project is deeply personal. After seeing her nephew struggle to enjoy a live match due to sensory sensitivities, Bern set out on a mission to create a welcoming environment for all fans, regardless of their needs. Thanks to her vision and partnership with Wooden Spoon, the new sensory room at Twickenham now offers a safe and supportive space for children and families who might otherwise find the matchday experience overwhelming.
The sensory room is a step forward in Wooden Spoon’s commitment to inclusion, ensuring that rugby truly is a game for everyone. The charity continues to make strides across the UK and Ireland, funding projects that transform lives, and their presence at Twickenham further showcased their dedication to making rugby accessible to all.
Congratulations to our 23 dedicated runners who participated in the London Marathon, joining 40,000 other participants on their 26.2-mile journey through the streets of London. Collectively they have smashed their fundraising goal, raising over £80,000 for Wooden Spoon.
We can’t thank them enough for the incredible impact their fundraising will have on the lives of children and young people with disabilities or those facing disadvantage. Thank you for making a difference!
The 2025 marathon is now sold out, but if If you would like to run on behalf of Wooden Spoon in other events please visit our event page for our latest events.
