Stricken former Wallabies centre Rob Horne is to have a testimonial match played in his honour between Northampton and Leicester at Twickenham in October.
Horne was forced to retire after suffering severe nerve damage in his right arm that has led to paralysis during a match for English club Northampton against Leicester at Welford Road.
The 28-year-old was injured after colliding with Sione Kalamafoni from the opening kick-off and later diagnosed with an avulsion of his brachial plexus – the same injury that ended the career of former Wests Tigers NRL prop Simon Dwyer in 2011.
“I am still in the early stages of what has been a life-changing injury and event for me,” Horne said in an interview on the Northampton Saints website.
“As a result of that I’ve got full paralysis of my right arm and currently with chronic pain.
“It’s still very early days but I am getting there.”
Horne and his wife and two children had moved from Sydney to Northampton last year and he was named the club’s player of the season after scoring eight tries in 21 games.
The two giants of English club rugby have come together to raise money to help Horne with the costs of his ongoing rehabilitation.
The English Rugby Football Union have also agreed to a request to move the Premiership match on October 6 from the 15,000 Franklins Gardens to Twickenham.
“The outpouring of support for Rob at the end of last season from the whole rugby community in the East Midlands was overwhelming – and we wanted to act,” said Northampton chairman John White.
“The club received countless requests from both Saints and Tigers supporters for a fitting way in which they could both bid farewell to Rob and also support him.
“Leicester Tigers’ chairman and board have also made it clear that they are very keen to help Rob in any way they can, and this is a superb way to do that.”
To kick-off the fundraising, Northampton will donate STG5 ($A8.90) on behalf of every one of the club’s season ticket holders.
Supporters will have the option to make a contribution as they purchase tickets for the match and there will be fundraising opportunities on the day of the game.
ChrisG
Roar Rookie
Great effort from both Northampton and Leicester. Good on them and best wishes to Rob.
englishbob
Guest
He was a very good and tough as nails player and made a great contribution to the saints in his time there, I believe he captained them a time or two as well. I think the testimonial thing would be a great idea to spread around, especially with long term injuries such as Rob's, given the paucity of rugby union wages generally and some of the horrendous career ending injuries.
JimmyB
Guest
Best of luck to Rob in his recovery. This incident shows both the bad and the good of rugby, hopefully a big crowd raise a load of money to help Rob and his family, he deserves it.
Riddler
Guest
Horrible situation for anybody let alone someone so young. He is another guy who was bashed relentlessly here on the roar by nobodies. By all accounts a superb bloke.. Had just been made captain by Northampton.. No self publicity.. Just got on with it.. Lots of test caps, travelled the world, made mates all over. I am sure that twickers will be 80k strong for him, not just with saints and tigers fan but rugby fans. All credit to the pommies for taking on an ozzie like this.. I would hope we would reciprocate if the same happened in oz.. Problem is we can't get more than 15k for our super/club matches.
Riddler
Guest
And the tigers.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Great thing for the Saints to do.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Really sorry to hear this - hope there is some recovery for both the paralysis and pain. Always such a committed guy - gutted that putting his body on the line has come to this.
ethan
Guest
Devastating news! I don't know if they can ever fix the paralysis, but here's hoping they can at least fix the chronic pain. Wish him all the best...
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Really feel for the guy. Here's hoping there is more recovery to come in the near future, and best wishes for your next chapter. Pretty bad place to be as a young father with your career cut short like that. Great to hear about the level of support from the English clubs and everyone involved in assisting.