Hasler Centre take a visit to the Chiefs

By Mark Stevens
20/10/22

Exeter Rugby Club’s close links with the Armed Forces in the region were highlighted again recently when the Gallagher Premiership club welcomed in members of the Hasler Naval Service Recovery Centre for a special day visit to Sandy Park.

Staff from the Plymouth-based centre took up the club’s invite to bring men and women from across the Forces into the home of the Chiefs for a day of specialist rehabilitation, as well as getting the chance to see Rob Baxter’s side train.

Since opening in 2009, the Hasler Centre has helped to transform the lives of hundreds of service personnel with long-term conditions, injuries and illnesses.

It’s day-to-day work has been invaluable to so many people, who receive expert medical help, physiotherapy, moral support and career guidance to prepare them physically, mentally and professionally for resuming their careers or starting a new life in the civilian world.

Indeed, one Royal Marine who benefited from Hasler described the centre as a “game-changer” which allowed those using the centre to help and support one another in their recovery process.

The chance, though, to take personnel away from HMS Drake into a new environment - albeit for a day - is also a big part of the recovery process.

Nick Cox, Strength & Rehabilitation Specialist for the Chiefs, said: “It’s brilliant that we have been able to offer the team at Hasler into the club once again. For a lot of these people, the recovery process is incredibly tough, but part of that process is to challenge them in different environments.

“Just experiencing something new can be so rewarding and we saw that with those who came into visit.For our own lads, it was a great experience of them to interact with the Hasler group and we look forward to welcoming that back again in the near future.”

Richy Dowling from the Hasler NSRC added: “The patients we have are the most complex in the Naval Service and this visit was of huge benefit to all of those who attended. Seeing and spending time with the players was inspirational as some players have gone through similar hardships with injuries. This was motivational for the ranks as they know anything is possible.

“As I deliver bespoke rehabilitation to these PRDs, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes, it was beneficial to see and understand the process in which an elite team receives a player from the point of injury through the whole rehabilitation pathway to playing again. There are many similarities between the rehabilitation in the military and professional rugby teams. We had a fantastic day that was eye-opening and inspirational.”