Josh Ibuanokpe | Making an Impact

Giving The Game Away

Professional rugby player, business owner, physics graduate, philanthropist. These are all words that describe Josh Ibuanokpe.

A front row forward for firstly Harlequins and latterly Saracens, Josh has been a part of some hugely successful squads in the Gallagher Premiership, and has been a part of some memorable wins along the way.

Playing front-row in elite-level rugby is a profession that requires 100% intensity, knowing that every-time you do your job you’re at risk of injury. This was the case in 2016, when Josh dislocated his neck during a scrum. Injuries of any nature are difficult to deal with, let alone one of this severity, and It is testament to Josh’s mindset that he was able to return to elite-level rugby with as much confidence as he did.

Josh has always been passionate about furthering himself both on and off the pitch. In 2020, he founded his food business Wing Ting. The business was an immediate success and Josh was awarded with a Rugby Players Association Vodafone Gain Line award as recognition for his achievements away from rugby.

Josh is a firm believer in elite athletes using their platform for good, and admirably, he decided to donate 10% of all Wing Ting revenues to Southwark foodbank. It is another example of athlete-activism that we’re seeing emerge in sport at the moment and it’s a really good blueprint for other athletes to follow.

Josh eventually decided to retire from rugby in early 2021 to focus on his studies, his business and a career outside of sport. Given the success in just such a short space of time, it can’t be long before Wing Ting pops up across all of London soon.