Above -The legends XV squad for the Neil Murphy benefit game
Rhino was a keen supporter of the Neil Murphy Legends Benefit game played at Barnes RFC on Saturday 18th April.
Neil was a talented centre for London Irish and Surrey in the 80’s who was recently disabled by a severe brain haemorrhage. Showing that the spirit of rugby is still alive and well his former colleagues and friends in the game, led by his former centre partner Simon Cooke, assembled a ‘Legends XV’ to raise money for his benefit fund.
The XV was captained by Peter Winterbottom, and featured other England internationals Jason Leonard, Huw Davies, Simon Smith and Rob Lozowski, together with Rob Henderson and Michael Gibson of Ireland and Neil Edwards of Scotland.
Rhino CEO Reg Clark was keen to support the game having played with Murphy and Cooke at London Irish, and was pleased to team up with Rhino Pure Rugby’s Rob Glenister at half back for one of the playing sessions. The company supplied the match kit for both sides, in addition to pitch kits and raffle and auction prizes at the event.
The Legends XV took on a Barnes Vets side, winning 24-17 in an entertaining and good natured game with tries by Everton Davis, Huw Davies, Reg Clark and Rob Henderson, who also added two conversions. The game also marked the retirement of Barnes Chairman and veteran Michael ‘Rhino’ Whitfield (a missed sponsorship opportunity for us if ever there was one!) and was followed by an evening celebration of epic proportions in the Barnes clubhouse.
Below - Rhino CEO Reg Clark after the game with Sabro Takahasi, Jason Leonard and Peter Winterbottom of the Legends XV