Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE Brings the Grand Final Excitement to Care Communities Across the UK

Rugby League legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan will bring the excitement of the Betfred Super League Grand Final directly to care communities across the UK when he teams up with Community Integrated Care to deliver a unique free interactive online experience live What-To-Do.co.uk.

This experience, ahead of Saturday’s Grand Final at Old Trafford between Hull KR and Wigan Warriors, is one of many ways Community Integrated Care, in partnership with the Rugby Football League and RL Commercial, is making the sport’s pinnacle game more impactful and accessible than ever.

Join in: A front-row Grand Final Experience on What-To-Do.co.uk

On Wednesday 8 October at 2pm anyone who draws on care and support can join Jamie Jones-Buchanan live for a special Grand Final online experience that brings the big-match buzz straight to them - no travel, no cost. Jamie’s special Grand Final preview will inspire first-timers and super-fans alike. 

Participants can:

• Join-in accessible activities and games:  With gentle, adaptable exercises inspired by the Grand Final and rugby league – designed so that everyone can get involved.
• Connect with Jamie: Hear what it really feels like to run out at Old Trafford and pick up the famous trophy, in a friendly Q&A.
• Find out about the big game: As Jamie helps share the storylines, stars and spectacle of the big night.

When: Wednesday 8 October, 2pm
Where: What-To-Do.co.uk – delivered via Zoom. 

Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE: Grand Final and inclusion champion

A Leeds Rhinos great, Jamie – or JJB as he affectionately known to many - is one of the most decorated forwards of the Super League era, winning an incredible seven Super League titles at Old Trafford. His support of this experience reflects genuine passion for this cause, as Jamie is a Founding Ambassador of the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League, helping the charity launch the programme in 2019.

What Is What To Do?

What To Do is an award-winning platform offering free, disability-accessible experiences every week. Designed with accessibility at its core - particularly for people with learning disabilities - the platform has been supported by many major names in entertainment and sport. 

By partnering on this experience, Rugby League has a unique platform to connect with new fans and inspire those who may face physical or practical barriers to attending the Grand Final in person. The sport is encouraging anyone who can benefit from the session to join the fun. 

Opening up the Grand Final 2025

This represents just one way that the charity and sport are teaming up. Community Integrated Care’s wider inclusion efforts with the Rugby Football League and RL Commercial for the Grand Final include:

• Developing Easy Read Guide to the Grand Final, co-produced by people supported by the charity. The guide will be shared via RFL social media channels and sent directly to care groups, enabling many in the care sector to enjoy understanding and following the Grand Final. 
• Hosting watch-along parties in care services, bringing communities together on matchday.

Connecting with fans in care services or Old Trafford, these efforts are bringing people who are often excluded from sport into the heart of the action in ways that empower them. 

Proud Partners

Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, Chair of the RFL’s Inclusion Board and Ambassador for Community Integrated Care, said: “The Betfred Super League Grand Final is an incredible occasion that everyone should be able to connect with. This unique experience is helping to make this possible. 

“I’m excited to preview the game, share my memories of playing in Grand Finals, and join in the Rugby League-themed games and activities on www.What-To-Do.co.uk. It will be a brilliant experience and I’d encourage as many people as possible to join us. If this experience can uplift you, or if you are a professional or family carer who knows someone this can help, please know that you are very welcome.

“This is another exciting chapter in our groundbreaking partnership with Community Integrated Care to open up our sport and achieve a lasting social impact.”

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships at Community Integrated Care, said: “This will be an incredible opportunity for people to experience the magic of the Betfred Super League Grand Final - guided by a seven-times champion. Jamie is uniquely engaging and, together with Community Integrated Care’s specialist facilitators, will be delivering unforgettable, free and accessible experience. We want to welcome as many people as possible to enjoy this special event.

It is a real honour for our charity to be able to support Rugby League’s showpiece event with accessible guidance, community engagement, special experiences and local celebrations. This range of impacts brings to life the distinctive strengths of our Official Social Care partnership with Rugby League. We thank the RFL, RL Commercial, and Jamie Jones-Buchanan for their continued support.”