Volunteers applauded at Twickenham
Twickenham Stadium recently hosted a Honda Volunteer Recognition lunch where RFU President Rob Briers talked of rugby volunteers as the lifeblood of the sport
Twickenham Stadium recently hosted a Honda Volunteer Recognition lunch where RFU President Rob Briers talked of rugby volunteers as the lifeblood of the sport saying: “I am delighted to celebrate volunteers who epitomise all the exceptional volunteering that goes towards ensuring that others can enjoy rugby and developing youngsters in a sport offering lifelong friendships, fun, competition, and physical and mental wellbeing.
“The rugby family relies on your generosity as you continue to provide positive experiences, support your rugby clubs, and others further afield, and Honda, our partner for the Volunteer Recognition Programme, has been invaluable in helping us to recognise and reward your tremendous work. Here at Twickenham Stadium, the international matches that help fund our game feature players who started their rugby journeys thanks to volunteers like you working nationwide. This is The Home of England Rugby and so it is very appropriate to be hosting this event here. We have 22 volunteers, from across every part of the game with us, representing the team behind every player’s journey, every rugby team, and every grassroots club."
Alexi Cartwright, Large Project & Sponsorship Section Manager at Honda, said Honda were proud to work with the RFU in supporting such a great programme celebrating all the incredible volunteers involved in supporting local teams and community rugby nationwide.
Six elements of community rugby were included in the recognition.
In competition development, recognised for helping to develop and deliver appropriate playing opportunities were: Hertfordshire RFU’s David Toon, Diane Hickinbotham from North Midlands RFU, Cornwall RFU’s Tony Knightsbridge, and Nigel Beaty, from Cumbria RFU.
Under the discipline category, those ensuring discipline compliance to protect the health and welfare of players recognised included: John Orr, London Society of RFU Referees, Ian Skillen, National Youth Discipline Secretary, David Morton, Cumbria RFU and Bish Seymour Discipline Secretary for East Midlands.
Safeguarding recognition went to those developing a positive environment in which young people can play rugby safely, including: Bob Hardman Buckinghamshire RFU safeguarding manager, Dawn Stanford Kent RFU safeguarding manager, Mark Reade, Northumberland Rugby Union’s safeguarding manager, and Jane Waterhouse, Warwickshire RFU.
Education volunteers who ensure rugby union is inclusive and attractive across the education sector and age-grade game, included: Granville Williams, of Oxfordshire RFU, Glenn Channing, ECRFU Representative in Devon, Nicholas Evans, President of the Durham University Referee Society, and Ross Cowie, Eastern Counties Rugby Union.
Granville Williams said: “It has been great to see Touch to Twickenham involving more youngsters, more girls, and I’ve enjoyed refereeing regionally and at national events, with the U18s competing at Sixways. I played for Reading and Marlow, am now Secretary at Bicester and have been refereeing since 2016. Being here at Twickenham for an award is extra special for us all, especially as it has been as hard getting volunteers back after COVID as getting players back on the pitch.
RugbySafe recognition was for promoting a proactive approach to enhance player welfare and safety and included: Robin Nathan, Dorset & Wiltshire RFU, Becky Williams, Staffordshire Rugby Union,. Chris Ward, RugbySafe Lead for Devon RFU and Reggie Gough, Cornwall RFU.
Women & Girls volunteers were recognised for supporting the development of the women’s and girls’ game by providing accessible opportunities to increase participation, among them: Marc Wilding, Army Rugby Union, Sian Brooks lead for girls’ rugby in Devon RFU, Ros Wiggins, Staffordshire Rugby Union, and Geraldine Brown, Sussex RFU.Sian Brooks, now a personal trainer, said: “When I was young there was no opportunity to play junior rugby. I played at the University of Wales, now Cardiff Met, and I want to provide today’s girls with something I never had. It’s in my DNA to fight the good fight and in terms of sponsorship, we have seen sponsors attracted who want to focus on the women’s and girls’ game. Hopefully, the home World Cup will have a huge impact.”
