The Rugby League Lions Association is making a £1,000 donation to the family of Mose Masoe to assist with the Hull KR player’s ongoing recovery from a serious spinal injury.

The money was raised by the Lions at their annual reunion luncheon last month, partly from the sale of commemorative Lions Association rugby balls donated by the event sponsors, Ellis Rugby.

Mose, 30, is currently being treated at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield and hopes to be able to move out of bed into a wheelchair in the next few weeks.

He is facing a lengthy period of intensive rehabilitation at the dedicated spinal unit, where the former Samoa international and his family are being supported by the RL Benevolent Fund.

John Ledger, Secretary of the Rugby League Lions Association, said: “We hope this small donation will help Mose and his family at what is clearly a very traumatic time for them.

“Our annual luncheon was a huge success attended by some of the greatest players ever to play Rugby League and they feel privileged to be able to help another player in his hour of need.”

Over 70 Lions attended the 2020 reunion lunch, including RL Hall of Fame inductees Billy Boston MBE, Malcolm Reilly OBE, Neil Fox MBE and Alex Murphy OBE.  Hull KR Lions Phil Lowe, Mike Smith, Ged Dunn, Garry Clark and George Fairbairn were also in attendance.

The RL Lions Association was established in 1945 and is run on behalf of players and staff who have been involved in tours or international tournaments in the southern hemisphere with Great Britain, England or Wales, in the 1975 World Championship.

The Rugby League Benevolent Fund has received a magnificent £10,000 donation from the Steve Prescott Foundation to help the charity provide care and rehabilitation for Hull Kingston Rovers player Mose Masoe.

Mose is currently being treated in Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, after suffering a serious spinal injury in a pre-season game against Wakefield Trinity on January 12.

RL Benevolent Fund General Manager Steve Ball said: “This is yet another magnificent gesture from an organisation that truly understands the values of the Rugby League family.

“Since its inception, the Steve Prescott Foundation has been a major supporter of the RL Benevolent Fund and this donation will help us to provide Mose and his family with the support and care they need at this critical time.”

The £10,000 donation is in addition to a cheque for £40,000 presented to the RL Benevolent Fund at the RFL President’s Ball, which was held on the eve of the match in which Mose was injured.

Steve Prescott Foundation Chairman Mike Denning said: “The injury to Mose could happen to anyone who takes to the rugby pitch. Mose is a well loved Rugby League player and has been a fans’ favourite at every club he has played for.

“The SPF continues to support the RL Benevolent Fund in its purpose to provide relief for players who suffer serious injury, resulting in life-changing circumstances whilst playing the greatest game. We are sure the amazing people who support and raise funds for the SPF would want us to give extra support Mose and his family during this testing time.”

The Steve Prescott Foundation will make collections for Mose at the GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k Run and encourage the 2,000 runners to ‘Bring a £1 for Mose.’ The SPF has also been given permission by Super League champions St Helens to stage a bucket collection at the match against Hull KR on March 26.

The Steve Prescott Foundation has donated over £621,000 to the RL Benevolent Fund to date and is committed to continuing that support in 2020 through major fundraising events, including a cycle ride from the Eiffel Tower to Blackpool Tower; the Yorkshire Three Peaks; and Machu Picchu Rainbow Mountains Trek in October.

A Justgiving page set up to help Mose and his family has already raised over £40,000.