Wasps greats show support for ex-star now working for the NHS

Some of Wasps’ greatest players have shown their support for ex-flanker Tom Rees, who now works as a doctor. The 35-year-old was once tipped to be an England captain but was forced to retire from the game in 2012 at the age of 27 due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. 

Upon retirement, Rees pursued a career in medicine at Imperial College London and now works at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. 

With Britain showing its support for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic, some Wasps legends – from Lawrence Dallaglio and Raphael Ibanez to Trevor Leota – have also passed on messages to their former team-mate, thanking the ex-openside for his work. 

RugbyPass tells the inspirational story of Leicester’s Matt Hampson

RugbyPass has followed the incredible story of ex-professional rugby player Matt Hampson, who was paralysed from the neck down following a scrummaging accident while training with the England U21s in March 2005. 
In the latest documentary in our Exceptional Stories series, we learn about the 35-year-old prop’s incredible journey since his devastating injury 15 years ago at Franklin’s Gardens.
Featuring contributions from a host of rugby legends such as Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson, as well as actor James Corden, the compelling narrative culminates in a behind-the-scenes visit to the Matt Hampson Foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre in Melton Mowbray where the ex-Leicester Tigers front row now helps others who suffer life-changing injuries in sport.

RugbyPass tells the inspirational story of Leicester’s Matt Hampson

RugbyPass has followed the incredible story of ex-professional rugby player Matt Hampson, who was paralysed from the neck down following a scrummaging accident while training with the England U21s in March 2005. 
In the latest documentary in our Exceptional Stories series, we learn about the 35-year-old prop’s incredible journey since his devastating injury 15 years ago at Franklin’s Gardens.
Featuring contributions from a host of rugby legends such as Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson, as well as actor James Corden, the compelling narrative culminates in a behind-the-scenes visit to the Matt Hampson Foundation’s Get Busy Living Centre in Melton Mowbray where the ex-Leicester Tigers front row now helps others who suffer life-changing injuries in sport.

Rees made his debut for Wasps in 2003 and went on to play 113 games for them during his career. He also served as club captain between 2009-11 and earned 15 England caps, making his debut in 2007 and representing his country at the World Cup that same year. 

Years of injuries, including multiple shoulder operations, meant he earned his last cap in 2008 against the All Blacks, and it ultimately culminated in his retirement. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6cSsOlfl4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Incredible to see Tom Rees put himself out on the @NHSuk front line! 👏some player on the field and now a even bigger hero post rugby. Here’s a tribute from your mates. @WaspsLegends 👏@gp_chamberlain for putting this together https://t.co/IEKyDF89G5…

— Lawrence Dallaglio (@dallaglio8) April 11, 2020

Proud of our fellow wasp and now Dr Tom Rees. Brave on the rugby field and now taking the to the medical field. Saving lives and fighting on the front line. Please help protect the NHS and amazing people like my friend Tom Rees. https://t.co/T3beNrQBQw

— Phil Greening (@PhilGreening) April 11, 2020

👏🏻Big shout out to @WaspsLegends Tom Rees 🐝his missus and all our front line workers leading from the front👊🏻 https://t.co/p197c8geEJ #StayHomeSaveLifes #NHSheroes #keyworkerHeroes

— Mike Friday (@MikeFriday09) April 11, 2020

A starter in the victorious 2007 Heineken Cup and 2008 Premiership finals, Rees’ rugby career was cruelly cut short, but he has now received fond recognition for what he is doing after hanging up his boots.