To celebrate the England player’s achievements ten years on from his debut for Harlequins he has chosen our charity alongside Teenage Cancer Trust and Walking with the Wounded to benefit from a series of events he will hold in 2016, as well as giving back to the rugby community.

Chris, 29, who went to Millfield School, said: “I have chosen to support Canine Partners due to seeing first-hand the exceptional benefits dogs have upon people in need. The ability these dogs have in developing their partner’s quality of life is outstanding and I am honoured that the Chris Robshaw Testimonial Committee will be able to support the Charity.”

The rugby player, who has played 67 tests for England, launched his Testimonial Year with an event at Coutts Bank in London where he described his plans for the year and had a question and answer session in front of an invited audience.

Chris and a selected committee have planned events throughout 2016, including a dinner in Twickenham Changing Rooms, a golf day at Goodwood, a clay shoot at the West Wycombe Estate, a Festival of Rugby, a touch rugby series across London and a gala dinner at The Roundhouse in London, to raise awareness and funds for his chosen beneficiaries.

The money Chris will fundraise for us will transform the lives of more people with physical disabilities like Andrew Fields who attended the launch evening and met Chris himself. Former Hooker Andrew played rugby internationally for four years for England Under 18-21s in his youth and became an incomplete tetraplegic after a motorbike accident in 2001. Andrew is now the Head Coach of Winchester Rugby Football Club’s men’s team, as well as a P.E. teacher in Basingstoke.

Andrew, who also went to Millfield School, said: “I was 31-years old when the incident happened and I broke my neck. Now, I can walk with a stick but I use a wheelchair most of the time. I used to own a gym and was very active so it has changed everything.

“I was matched with canine partner Emily in 2008 and since then she has given me much more confidence and she is a talking point as people want to know all about her life as a canine partner. Emily’s best skill is removing socks, hats and gloves which is particularly useful during the rugby season. This is a tedious activity that becomes fun when she is involved. She makes me happy, entertains me and is a huge part of our family.”

To find out more about Chris’s testimonial year visit www.testimonial.chrisrobshaw.com.