RFC LAUNCHES 2012 PRESIDENT’S XV AWARDS

Nottingham Moderns joined RFU representatives at Twickenham Stadium to launch the 2012 RFU President’s XV Awards, supported by QBE, the business insurance specialist.

Now in their sixth year, the RFU President’s XV Awards identify and reward initiatives that promote the development of rugby at a grassroots level. The winning club in each of the 15 categories receives £500, with two highly commended projects in each category receiving £100 for their club.
Following the announcement earlier this year that Nottingham Moderns RFC had won the President’s XV ‘Student Rugby’ award, representatives from the club were invited to London to meet RFU President Willie Wildash, 2003 world cup winner Joe Worsley and England Rugby star Maggie Alphonsi to officially launch the 2012 Awards. They also had the opportunity to discuss the progress that they have made since they won the award.

Nottingham Moderns RFC was presented with the ‘Student Rugby’ award following a two year marketing plan implemented by the Moderns, which resulted in the Nottingham Trent University fourth and fifth teams training with the club and benefiting from their community rugby coaches. The club also hosts third team and women’s fixtures on a Wednesday afternoon and provides playing opportunities for students on Saturday afternoons.
The President’s XV categories cover a range of areas from recruiting volunteers, referees and coaches to developing facilities and driving participation in communities but all entrants must demonstrate outstanding contribution to the development of grassroots rugby through innovative methods and creative thinking.

This is the third year that QBE has supported the awards as part of its commitment to the development of the game.
The judging panel consists of RFU President Willie Wildash and also includes Rugby Football Union for Women President Gill Burns, England’s most-capped player Jason Leonard and Sally Rockenbach from QBE, Official Insurance Partner of England Rugby.

Nathan Smith of Nottingham Moderns RFC said: “It is a fantastic experience for us to be invited to Twickenham and it is recognition of all of the hard work that has been put in at Nottingham Moderns RFC over the last year or so. We have had the opportunity to meet other President’s XV winners and discuss how to overcome different challenges within a grassroots rugby club. We are thankful to the RFU and QBE for their support and urge other clubs to showcase their own experiences by entering the awards.”

Willie Wildash, RFU President said: “It’s a real honour to launch this year’s awards which reward the hard work and innovation which helps grows and sustain our game. From what I have seen over the last five years there have been some great ideas and projects and let’s hope this year follows that trend.”
Elliot Miller, General Manager UK National, QBE European Operations, commented: "QBE is once again proud to support the RFU President’s XV Awards as part of our ongoing
commitment to the development of rugby. It is important to recognise and reward efforts of clubs who work hard to improve grassroots rugby. I look forward to hearing how this year’s entrants have come up with innovative ways to develop the sport.”
For further details on the President’s XV Awards visit www.rfu.com/presidentsXV or www.qberugby.com. The closing date for this season’s awards is 1st February 2012.

Posted: 01/11/2011 12:00:00 by NMRFC | with 0 comments