"I feel lucky": How rugby and family inspired England and Saracens flanker Alex Bennett to rebuild his life after paralysis

Ten years after Alex Bennett was left paralysed by a collision during a match in Wakefield, the former England A, Saracens, Barbarians and Brive flanker insists he "wouldn't change a thing" about where he is now.
By Mark Berry
Published 25th Jan 2022, 10:23 BST
Updated 25th Jan 2022, 10:48 BST
Alex Bennett, second from left front row, has pushed himself to achieve many goals that seemed impossible 10 years ago, including skiing.Alex Bennett, second from left front row, has pushed himself to achieve many goals that seemed impossible 10 years ago, including skiing.
Alex Bennett, second from left front row, has pushed himself to achieve many goals that seemed impossible 10 years ago, including skiing.

Bennett, who turned 47 last week, fractured his C3 spinal vertebrae while playing for Lymm in their National League Three North match at Sandal in February, 2012, leaving him paralysed from the neck down and facing an uncertain future.

He underwent emergency surgery in Leeds and months of rehabilitation. He was told he may never walk again but Bennett refused to accept the gloomy prognosis and, inspired by his children, the rugby 'family' and blessed with an indomitable ambition to succeed, set out to rebuild his life and prove his doubters wrong.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Today, Bennett walks with use of a walking stick and while he admits that he 'will always be wobbly on his feet' has gone on to achieve great success professionally, now a Chief Growth Officer at ZRG Partners.

Alex Bennett, left, in his Saracens days with Kyran Bracken, Michael Lynagh and Francois Pienaar.Alex Bennett, left, in his Saracens days with Kyran Bracken, Michael Lynagh and Francois Pienaar.
Alex Bennett, left, in his Saracens days with Kyran Bracken, Michael Lynagh and Francois Pienaar.

"Personally and professionally I have never been better. None of us can control what happens to us but we are all in control how we respond to adversity in life.

"A lot has happened in the last 10 years but I wouldn't change a thing. I feel like I am a better person and in a better place. I am really happy with my life."

It's not all been plain sailing, having seen his marriage break down and admitting that "being told you will never walk again and be in a wheelchair forever is chicken feed relative to going through a divorce."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the competitive spirit honed by a professional rugby career has inspired a recovery many would have not believed possible a decade ago.

Alex Bennett on the pitch following his injury at Sandal. The care he received in those minutes proved crucial.Alex Bennett on the pitch following his injury at Sandal. The care he received in those minutes proved crucial.