I’m reaching out to the rugby and sporting community as 13 days ago (02/12/25) I had to undergo private knee surgery after injuring my knee (torn meniscus) playing rugby. Before surgery, I explored conservative options for 12 weeks, including rehabilitation and injections, but I continued to experience daily pain as well giving way & catching within my knee, which stopped me being able to return to rugby and was affecting me daily at work.

I play for Chinnor Rugby Club in the English Championship (2nd tier of English Rugby). The club have been fantastic in supporting me throughout this process and contributed where they can, however as an up and coming club in a predominantly part time professional league, we do not have full healthcare cover through the club, and personal private healthcare would not cover my left knee due to previous surgical procedures. Unfortunately, NHS waiting times are also typically around 12 months, which wasn’t realistic given the injury would’ve continued to impact me at work, and a return to rugby realistically wouldn’t have been possible until 2027.

Alongside rugby, I work for the UK Sports Institute as a Strength & Conditioning Coach, supporting the rehabilitation and physical preparation of Team GB athletes, so being physically able to do my job is also essential, which I was struggling with pre-surgery.

To be totally transparent, taking into account my surgery, consultations and treatments I’ve had to date, including the cost of travel; the total cost I’ve incurred at this point amounts to over £6000.

I used my personal savings and borrowed roughly half of the total cost from family short term, which I am very grateful for. I’ve now had the surgery, and began rehabilitation, however I am now hoping to repay the money I borrowed as soon as possible.

I’m fundraising to help towards:

I understand there are many significant and worthy causes on this platform but getting back to being 100% fit for work and ultimately saving my rugby season was incredibly important to me. I am very lucky to have been afforded the assistance to get the surgery pre Christmas and begin rehab to get me back to full fitness. I want to repay this as soon as possible, so any contribution, no matter how small, would be hugely appreciated, and even sharing this would mean a lot.

I will be documenting my recovery on Instagram @Maintrainingsystems

Thank you for all your support!