HAMPSHIRE welcomed Prince Harry who visited a rehabilitation centre near Winchester.

The Prince saw first-hand the work Hobbs Rehabilitation in Martyr Worthy do.

The visit is part of his role as the Patron of the RFU Injured Players Foundation, the official charity of England Rugby.

He discovered how the charity provide for seriously injured rugby players and took time to meet some of them and view the latest technology available in the field of neurological rehabilitation.

Hobbs Rehabilitation, in partnership with the Injured Players Foundation, provide specialist neurological rehabilitation to players injured while playing rugby under the RFU’s jurisdiction.

A team of over 60 specialist clinicians, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, provide intensive inpatient and out-patient rehabilitation from the Hobbs centres in the south of England.

Helen Hobbs and Nicky Ellis said: “We are extremely proud of the service we provide to the injured players here at Hobbs Rehabilitation and to have Prince Harry join us here was such an honour.

“Our commitment to the research and development of new therapies is paramount and we hope to include some of the players in our current research study for the latest model of Ekso Bionics Exoskeleton which we demonstrated at our recent Spinal Cord Injury Conference.”

Mike England, IPF Director said: “We support players with catastrophic spinal cord and brain injuries that result in significant permanent disability, to empower them to live a full and independent life.

“Our collaboration with Hobbs Rehabilitation is a great success and we are delighted to be here today to share information on new advances in technology.

“Their leadership in this area is a real asset for our injured players and ensures they have access to the very best neurological rehabilitation available”