Former Rugby Pro Ralph Knibbs Inspires Youth Through Sport and Personal Experience

A former professional rugby player is leveraging his personal and professional background to motivate young individuals. Ralph Knibbs endured a challenging childhood in Knowle West, an environment he has characterized as rife with racism, before achieving a distinguished career with Bristol Bears throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The 60-year-old is currently contributing to UK Athletics and the STAR Scheme, an initiative that equips disadvantaged young people with vital life skills through rugby. “It changes and makes real differences to these kids’ lives and it provides them with an environment which is safe and where they feel welcomed,” Mr Knibbs stated. Mr. Knibbs’ parents migrated to Bristol from Jamaica as part of the Windrush generation. They acquired a home in the Knowle West district of the city, which was predominantly white and working class. The ex-rugby player has recounted how black families were not made to feel welcome. New arrivals, according to Mr. Knibbs, underwent “an induction process” described as “severe” and “all about survival.” These families were targets of racist assaults, including property vandalism and both verbal and physical abuse. He noted that those who withstood these attacks for several months would subsequently gain acceptance within the community. “It was a different generation. It was very raw and primitive,” Mr Knibbs remarked. “The scary thing was whenever a new black family came into the area they’d have to go through the same process, regardless.” During his school years, Mr. Knibbs demonstrated exceptional athleticism across various sports, including football, basketball, and high jump. His initial exposure to rugby occurred at Merrywood Boys’ School in Knowle, an experience that left him distressed. “I was lanky and they put me in the second row where people kept standing on my feet. I didn’t like it at all,” he recalled. Years later, following a move to Easton, his sports teacher recognized his remarkable speed, describing his ability to “run like the wind.” This led to a shift from the scrum to wing, centre, and back positions. Mr. Knibbs affirmed that this alteration completely transformed his perception of the game and bolstered his self-confidence. “You only need one or two people to believe in you and say ‘actually, you can be better than what you think you are’. “As a child, when someone tells you that, you don’t do it because you believe it necessarily yourself, but if someone tells you they think you can do it, you do it because they believe in you and you don’t want to let them down. “I was lucky that I had those people in my life,” he further commented. Since concluding his professional rugby career, Mr. Knibbs has devoted his efforts to leading a diversity and inclusion program at UK Athletics, in addition to serving as a trustee for the STAR Scheme, a charitable organization that supports young people through rugby. “I’m in a privileged position now. I had people who changed the direction,” Mr Knibbs explained. “You need to change the dialogue and need to put kids in an environment that’s caring, nurturing and that’s actually fun. “What rugby gave to me when I was growing up with those school teachers who took that time to prepare me – it helps prepare you for life. “It tells you how to win, it tells you how to lose and lose gracefully, it tells you how to be part of a team, it tells you how to prepare.He added: “It gives you life lessons and that resilience because you don’t always win. It’s how you deal with it.” The STAR Scheme aims to identify talented children and welcome them into a supportive setting where they can refine their abilities. The charity supplies them with necessary kit, food, and covers travel expenses. “They don’t turn any child or family away. They will find a rugby club somewhere,” Mr Knibbs concluded.