Matt Hampson

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Matt Hampson (born 29 November 1984) is a former English rugby union prop who became quadriplegic after a scrummaging practice accident for England under 21 on 15 March 2005.

Hampson took up rugby as a 5-year old for Oakham, joining Syston when he was 12. He joined Leicester Tigers academy at the under 16 age group and was made an apprentice for the 2001/2 season. He was regarded as a promising prop and made a few appearances for Leicester's first team.

Hampson's accident happened on Tuesday 15 March 2005 when the England under 21 team were preparing for an under 21 Six Nations match against Scotland. In what he described as a freak accident, a scrum collapsed in such as way as to dislocate his neck. Referee and former paramedic Tony Spreadbury was praised for his quick reaction to stabilise Hampson's neck. Matt was in hospital for some time.

Matt requires support and an estimated £8 million over his lifetime. The rugby union community have reacted by auctioning off sports memorabilia and holding benefit matches. Both the senior England and Scotland teams donated their shirts from their senior 2005 Six Nations match. Despite his injury, Matt remains enthusiastic about rugby.