Rugby legends on court to support healing power of sport

Rugby legends threw their support behind Invictus Games Sydney 2018 as they took to the court in the Jaguar Land Rover Wheelchair Rugby Exhibition Match to celebrate the healing power of sport.

Former Wallaby Rob Horne and legendary England winger Jason Robinson went head-to head as managers of the two sides, with Robinson’s Invictus Games Sydney 2018 team coming out on top 16-13.

The game also featured rugby union stars Phil Waugh, Dean Mumm, Adam Freier, Stephen Hoiles and Cam Shepherd, who took on a Rest of the World team selected from various nations competing at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.

Rob Horne, whose professional rugby career was ended after suffering serious nerve damage to his right arm, said: “It’s a real honour to be here at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and meet so many inspirational men and women, who are showing how sport can aid their long-term recovery from illness or injury.

“As an Australian, I’m so proud to see how these Games have been embraced by the people of Sydney, and it’s brilliant to see the rugby community get behind them too with this Jaguar Land Rover Wheelchair Rugby Exhibition Match.”

Jason Robinson, a Land Rover ambassador, said: “I played alongside HRH The Duke of Sussex in the Jaguar Land Rover wheelchair rugby exhibition match at the very first Invictus Games in London in 2014, and it is fantastic to see how this event has gone from strength to strength since.

“I have brought all my family out to Sydney this week, as I wanted them to experience what the Invictus Games are about and be inspired by the men and women here and what they are achieving. It’s an honour to be part of it and witness the competitors’ determination.”

The exhibition match, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, took place during the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 wheelchair rugby competition at the Quaycentre in Sydney Olympic Park. Australia took gold, beating the United Kingdom in the gold medal match. Team USA earlier won the bronze medal match.

“It’s a real honour to be here at the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and meet so many inspirational men and women, who are showing how sport can aid their long-term recovery from illness or injury.”

Rob Horne