Rugby Injury Income Support · Since 1920
Run By South West Rugby Supporters, For South West Players.
Founded in Plymouth in 1920 by the late Tom Lean, the fund exists to provide financial support to local amateur rugby union players who lose income as a result of injury, whilst playing our wonderful game.
Join The Fund
Membership covers the registered club and team — each club chooses its level of benefit to suit its needs.
Make A Claim
Claims and payments are completed electronically — payment can be within 48 hours.
South Western Division Rugby Football Mutual Benefit Fund (SWMBF)
About The Fund
More Than A Century Of Support — By Players, For Players.
We cover the South Western counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Gloucestershire. Our committee includes a trustee and a representative from each county, alongside the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer.
The fund supports teams across the spectrum — from National League sides to single-team village clubs — and all are treated equally. Many of our committee members bring decades of experience supporting county sides and clubs, and many have been members themselves for years.
106yrs
Supporting Injured Players
15+
Years Without A Cost Increase
“We’re not here to make a profit — only to give county and club players the financial confidence to play.”
From The Fund’s Welcome — Andy Pidwell, Hon Sec & Treasurer
Why The Fund
The Financial Confidence To Play.
Now, more than ever, it matters to feel financially secure when choosing to play the game that gives us so much: teamwork, friendship, support, an outlet for competitive spirit, and so much more.
01
Set Up By Players, For Players
Founded in Plymouth in 1920 by the late Tom Lean — a fund set up by South West players, for South West players.
02
Not-For-Profit By Design
We’re not here to make a profit — only to give county and club players the financial confidence to play.
03
Costs Held For Over 15 Years
Thanks to careful management, membership costs have not increased in over 15 years.
04
Modernised, Electronic Claims
In the past year we’ve modernised our processes: claims and payments are now completed electronically, saving time and reducing costs.
Membership
Where Your Club Fits.
Schedule Of Benefits
Each Club Chooses Its Level Of Benefit To Suit Its Needs.
The full Schedule of Benefits and Contributions for 2026/27 is on the Pricing page.
01
County Unions
Cover for County senior and Colts teams, with a choice of daily benefit levels.
02
Clubs (Seniors) Per Team
Men’s and Ladies’ senior teams, covered per team.
03
Clubs (Colts) Per Team
Men’s and Ladies’ Colts teams, covered per team.
04
Single Games Per Team
One-off cover for single games, per team.
05
District Combinations
Senior and Colts teams across district combinations.
06
Club Coaches
Per six coaches or part thereof — covered for the same benefits as the side they are coaching.
Claims
A Simple, Electronic Claims Process.
If all the information required is received, payment to the club can be within 48 hours.
01
Club Emails The Claim
The case is received by email from the club to the Hon Sec, and a standard response confirms the claim number.
02
Case Reviewed
The case is reviewed, and additional information is requested if required.
03
Accepted Or Rejected
The case is accepted or rejected — the rejection rate was just 3% in 25/26.
04
Payment To The Club
Payment is raised by bank transfer, with confirmation of payment sent to the club.
Get In Touch
Questions About Membership
Or Claims?
We hope this gives you a clear picture of what we do. If you have any questions, please get in touch — and enjoy your rugby!