Hearts in Union is a rugby charity that supports injured players and at Punch’s suggestion the club will rally to raise much-needed funds to help other injured players at their home game against Hamilton on Saturday.

Blacks president Ben Emmett has urged all Blacks fans and the wider community to support the day.

Emmett said it was a mark of Punch that he had asked the club to support others.

Punch, who suffered spinal injuries during last year’s second grade grand final, will be special guest.

As a result of the accident in a scrum, Punch is a quadriplegic, with movement of his shoulders and some motion in his arms, but none in his hands.

But his trademark smile and inspirational spirit have seen teammates and sportspeople from across the codes, including Aussie rugby greats Stephen Moore and Peter FitzSimons and former Test cricketer Michael Hussey, rally to his side.

His Maitland Blacks mates have been beside him along his journey and the first grade team play will be wearing special jerseys in honour of Punch on Saturday, which will be auctioned off after the game.

The fundraising day kicks off from 11am with the third grade match.