Friends of Michael ‘Jonesy’ Jones may already know he recently suffered a life threading spinal cord injury while playing in the Ft. Lauderdale RuggerFest, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida last weekend. This serious and life altering injury left the Albany Knickerbockers concerned for his well-being and the long term financial challenges his family will face in years to come.

Doctors are seeking to stabilize Jonesy and move him to a spinal injury center, which might take several weeks.  It is impossible to predict what the future holds but there is no question that an injury of this nature is a drastic life-altering event.  Met NY Rugby joins thousands of others across the sport and across the country in expressing their sadness at this tragic injury.

The Albany Knickerbockers RFC is accepting contributions to a Supplemental Needs Trust established to help Michael and his family with travel expenses and medical costs not covered by insurance etc.  Send contributions to:  MICHAEL JONES, SUPPLEMENTAL NEED TRUST, Albany Knickerbockers R.F.C., P.O. Box 1654, Albany, NY 12201.  Visit the family's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10150121741735265

Arnold Chavis, now a Penn State sophomore and player for the school's DI College Rugby Team has an incredible story of how rugby helped him get out of the Bronx projects, into college and into the prestigious Sharks Academy of Rugby in South Africa, which he is raising money  to attend again this summer.

Arnold's story was recently featured in the NY Daily News, along with a personal letter asking for support.

View the story and letter here: Arnold_Chavis_article.pdf