Jones To Work With Spinal Injuries Ireland

Munster’s Felix Jones has been voted onto the Board of Directors of Spinal Injuries Ireland.

Jones, who himself sustained a neck injury while playing for the province against Connacht in December 2009, was successfully rehabilitated and returned to play in just over a year. The Munster full-back expressed an interest in working with people who have not had a full recovery from their injuries and to help them engage fully in life, particularly in sport.

Commenting on his appointment, Jones said, ‘I was so lucky to be fully rehabilitated following my injury just 5 years ago. As a rugby player I believe in the importance of sport from a social and wellbeing perspective and I want to work with people with spinal injuries to assist them in participating in sport and social activities.

“I was lucky that I only scratched the surface of the realities of those who have had a spinal cord injury. Although uncomfortable to think about, rugby is a contact sport and can be dangerous. It's important that those who have suffered a significant injury such as a spinal cord injury, be it through sport or not, are rehabilitated to the best possible scenario. Spinal Injuries Ireland is an organisation which seeks to help people in these situations and I'm delighted to be a part of it.”

Chairman of the Spinal Injuries Ireland board, James McCarthy stated, “We are delighted that Felix is joining the board. He is very focused on getting more people with a SCI involved in sport and his profile will highlight the needs of people with a spinal injury and the impact it has, not just on the person, but also on their family. We look forward to working with Felix on a number of service and fundraising projects.”

For more information on Spinal Injuries Ireland please click here.