Powergen Cup finalists Newcastle Falcons have found the winning streak both on and off the pitch recently, as Dave Walder was chosen as the winner of a new community award in association with Powergen, who sponsor Premier Rugby’s national rugby community programme.

Dave was chosen by Powergen and Premier Rugby as the worthy winner of a new annual award called the ‘Powergen Player in the Community’ award which recognises the major contribution Zurich Premiership players across all 12 clubs make to their local communities. Dave received a silver salver to honour his contribution, as well as £1,000 to donate to his chosen charity.

All Zurich Premiership players, including the international players such as Lawrence Dallaglio and Ben Cohen, are committed as part of their club contracts, to carrying out community based work each month. This can vary from leading coaching clinics at local rugby clubs to visiting local hospitals, taking school assemblies or coaching tag rugby.

All 12 clubs were asked to nominate one of their first team players who they believe had made a significant contribution to the local community around their Premiership club. Over the last year Dave Walder has carried out a significant number of community visits and has been involved in a range of activities, including kicking clinics, tag rugby coaching, presenting prizes to voluntary groups and working with youngsters through the Princes Trust’s XL club scheme.