Rugby hero wins SPAR’s People Podium
Lawrence Howard has considered hanging his rugby boots up at the end of the season so many times that he gets fined for it.
Now into his 40s he says: “As I get older my shirt number comes down” but his hero rating has certainly gone up.
Recently, as founder of Lancashire’s first all-inclusive rugby team, he won the top £10,000 unsung sporting hero prize in SPAR’s national community campaign.
SPAR’s People’s Podium had over 4,000 nominations from across the UK, to support and celebrate community sport. The grand prize went to Lawrence, who set up Typhoons RUFC in 2018.
“I’ve been involved in inclusive rugby for seven years,” he says. “I’ve got friends from all over the world as a result.”
Lawrence played for the first time in the 90s for Manchester Spartans, broke his ankle (not playing but on the way to a game) and then went back to support a friend at a Spartans’ new players night.
“I got hooked again but then in 2015/16 I was going to hang up my boots. Liverpool Titans was just being set up so I thought I’d give it one more season.”
Then in January 2018 Lawrence, who lives in Preston, set up Typhoons RUFC to create an adult rugby team that was all-inclusive, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, disability or sexuality.
“Now I get fined each time I say I’m hanging up my boots,” he laughs.
In less than two years the club he founded has attracted 60 players.
“There’s an amazing culture and a really relaxed attitude,” he says. “Everyone gets involved at a level they are comfortable with. Our touch rugby runs year round. There’s no pressure, no expectations, whether you want a place in the starting line-up or want to play touch.”
Nominated by team member, Kris Midgley, Lawrence had no idea that he’d been selected as a finalist. He turned up to Preston Grasshoppers for a training session and, as it had been his birthday the day before, thought the weird atmosphere meant someone was going to produce a cake.
However, TV presenter Andi Peters and representatives from SPAR appeared with a cheque for £10,000.
“I knew they’d nominated me and was very touched by that,” says Lawrence, “but when Andi Peters jumped out with the trophy it was a total shock.”
Lawrence has been delighted to see the growth of clubs like his. “I think we’ve got about 30 in England. If we hit 40 that would be fantastic because inclusive rugby clubs inspire people from all backgrounds to take up the game.”
In May this year Typhoons were recognised by the Rugby Football Union’s Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards for their outstanding contribution to volunteering within the community. Now with official RFU accreditation and over 60 members, Typhoons RUFC regularly supports community events such as local festivals and Pride events. Members even pulled a fire engine across Blackpool Promenade to raise money for the Fire Fighters’ Benevolent Fund.
“We’ll use the £10,000 from SPAR to expand opportunities, subsidise getting to games and tournaments. We’d like to help a lot of people a little, rather than a few people a lot.”
As for hanging up his boots, Lawrence is likely to give it one more season, or several.
“I’ve played every position except 10,” he says. “Now I’m a flanker, or on the wing on a good day. I even play hooker if it’s uncontested scrums.”
One thing’s uncontested for sure – Lawrence is a real rugby hero.
