'You only need one or two people to believe in you'

A former professional rugby player is using his personal and professional experiences to help inspire children.

Ralph Knibbs faced a tough upbringing in Knowle West where he has described being surrounded by racism, before excelling in a career with Bristol Bears spanning the 1980s and 1990s.

The 60-year-old is now supporting UK Athletics and STAR Scheme, which helps disadvantaged young people learn essential 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 said.

Ralph Knibbs is a former professional rugby player

Mr Knibbs' parents emigrated to Bristol from Jamaica as part of the Windrush generation.

They secured a house in the Knowle West area of the city, which was a predominantly white, working class area. The former rugby player has described how black families were not made to feel welcome.

Those that moved faced "an induction process" which was "severe" and "all about survival", according to Mr Knibbs.

The families were targeted by racist attacks which involved vandalism to their homes and verbal and physical abuse.

Those that endured the attacks for several months would then be accepted into the community, he said.

“It was a different generation. It was very raw and primitive," Mr Knibbs said.

"The scary thing was whenever a new black family came into the area they’d have to go through the same process, regardless.”

Mr Knibbs was a talented sportsman from a young age

At school, Mr Knibbs was an all-round athlete, displaying skills in a range of sports including football, basketball and high jump.

He was first introduced to rugby at Merrywood Boys' School in Knowle, but the experience left him in tears.

"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 said.

After moving to Easton years later, his sports teacher recognised his ability to "run like the wind", leading to a move out of the scrum and into wing, centre and back positions.

Mr Knibbs said it completely changed his opinion of the game and gave him more belief in his own abilities.

"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 added.

Rugby teaches "life lessons", Mr Knibbs said

Since retiring from professional rugby, Mr Knibbs has dedicated his time to heading up a diversity and inclusion scheme at UK Athletics, as well as serving as a trustee for STAR Scheme, a charity which helps young people through rugby.

"I'm in a privileged position now. I had people who changed the direction," Mr Knibbs said.

"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."

STAR Scheme helps identify children who have talent and invites them into a supportive environment where they can hone their skills.

The charity provides them with kit, food and covers travel expenses.

“They don’t turn any child or family away. They will find a rugby club somewhere," Mr Knibbs added.