Budge Rogers was at Twickenham recently to sign copies of his biography. Phil Stevens, author of Budge Rogers: A Rugby Life tells the story of a successful day for Budge, for hundreds of thrilled fans, and the RFU Injured Players' Fund.

The match on that November Saturday was between the fearsome All Blacks and the renowned Barbarians. The former England captain, Jane Camillin from Pitch and myself arrived at Twickenham three hours before kick-off.  We were at the famous old stadium as guests of the RFU Injured Players’ Fund (IPF) and Fanatics Ltd who run the Twickenham store. With the arrangements in place we waited for some of the 63,000 the crowd to arrive. We needn’t have worried because they came in their hundreds. The store was jam-packed until just before kick-off. Among the first to greet Budge were his former opponents, rugby legends, JPR Williams and Phil Bennett. Young children asked politely if Budge would sign their programme, rugby ball or replica shirt. Two soldiers in uniform bought books and asked if they could have their photograph taken with the great man. Passionate fans chatted with Budge, and went away with their signed copies.

Budge is passionate about the work of the IPF and during the signing presented the charity’s, Phil Catt with a cheque for £2000, money raised through book sales at previous signings. The day was also supported by generous donations to the IPF from Fanatics and Pitch Publishing. The ex-Barbarian and British Lion, who had graced Twickenham so many times in the past, enjoyed the match in the company of former players who have benefited from the work of the RFU charity.

Thanks to everybody involved. It was a successful day all round and one that will linger long in the memory.

Budge Rogers: A Rugby Life is the long overdue biography of one of rugby’s most iconic players, Derek Prior ‘Budge’ Rogers. The world-class flanker lit up rugby grounds around the world in the 1960s and 1970s with his dazzling and determined wing play.

He captained Bedford RFC for many years, including the year they won the National Cup, toured overseas with England, the British Lions and the Barbarians. The book is full of interesting stories and amusing anecdotes from the world of top class rugby. Rogers is a true rugby great. In 1969 the Bedford man was the first rugby player to be awarded an OBE. His outstanding playing career was followed by years in administration at the highest level as both Chairman of England Selectors and President of the RFU.

Accompany Budge through his 40 years at the top of world rugby, firstly as England captain, and later Chairman of Selectors and President of the RFU.

• The book is the authorised biography of the man who broke the record for England appearances and became the first rugby player to be awarded the OBE
• Enjoy the excitement of life on tour in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the Far East
• Budge played with and against some of the most famous names in rugby; Richard Sharp, Dickie Jeeps, and Barry John to name just a few. Read about Rogers’s favourite players and his most feared opponents
• Budge won every honour in the game and witnessed the traumatic transition of rugby from a purely amateur to a modern professional sport
• Drawing on his long years of experience, Rogers offers his views on modern rugby at club and international level

Click here for more information, or to read a sample from Budge Rogers.