RL Cares delighted to be part of England's autumn success

Rugby League Cares is proud to have played a small but important part in the fantastic success enjoyed by England teams over the autumn international period.

The charity reaffirmed its commitment to supporting players by embedding its officer wellbeing and welfare staff within all the England teams that delivered stirring victories on both sides of the world.

Francis Stephenson and Steve Hardisty were with the England men during their 2-0 series win against Samoa, while Francis also supported England women as they prepared for their crushing defeat of Wales.

Francis also continued his support for the England wheelchair team, with who he has forged a strong connection over the last three years and who completed a rousing win against arch-rivals France.

Steve McCormack, meanwhile, was an intrinsic part of the hugely successful tour of Western Australia by the England Community Lions, who won both of their ‘Tests’ in Perth.

“Our presence in the England teams forms a small but significant part of the comprehensive package of support we offer to players involved at every level of the sport,” said Steve.

“The charity’s trustees and the RFL recognise how important it is that we support the England Performance Unit and the community game, and we are privileged to be in a position to do so.

“From a purely personal perspective, my time with the Community Lions was a chance to give something back. All of us begin our rugby league journey with our local community club and I owe a lot to the people at Wigan St Jude’s where it all started for me.”

For Alan Davidson, the RFL’s Player and Coach Development Manager, McCormack’s presence with the England Community Lions was important.

“Steve’s wealth of knowledge in the field of wellbeing and self-care continues to be invaluable to our programme,” said Davidson.

“His presence in camp added considerably to the experience of being on tour for all the players. Steve was great at having a quiet word here and a discreet conversation there with the lads, who were really appreciative of all he brought to the trip.

“Rugby League Cares have been supporting us for five years now and we are hugely grateful for the charity’s commitment.”

Francis Stephenson, the former Wakefield, Hull KR, Wigan, London and England prop, continues to support the wheelchair team for their forthcoming fixtures later this month.

“I have a really close relationship within the wheelchair team so my role with them is different to what it was with the men’s and women’s teams,” he explained.

“With the men and women, I was there in a predominantly responsive capacity, while with the wheelchair team my role is very full on.

“I’m able to offer a wide range of support to the players in whatever part of their lives they need to help them achieve their goals.

“That might be advice about their emotions in camp or suggesting a career plan for a player who is looking for a change in their life away from rugby.

“We were involved in lots of good conversations and were able to develop relationship with players who are going to be on the international scene for many years to come.

“It was also an opportunity to make the senior players aware that we are always here for them, even outside the international programme should they need advice or support outside that offered by their own club’s wellbeing manager.”