RFU launch 2011 President’s XV Awards

28 October 2010

RFU launch 2011 President’s XV Awards
Scheme identifies and rewards grassroots rugby initiatives

The launch of the RFU President's XV scheme at Twickenham Stadium

Photo: RFU Archive

RFU Chief Executive John Steele, President Richard Appleby and Director of Elite Rugby Rob Andrew joined rugby clubs from across the country at Twickenham Stadium to launch the 2011 RFU President’s XV Awards, supported by QBE.

Now in their fifth year, the President’s XV Awards seek to identify and reward grassroots rugby initiatives. The winning club in each of the 15 categories receives £500, with two highly commended projects in each category receiving £100 for their club.

The categories cover a range of areas from recruiting volunteers, referees and coaches to developing facilities and increasing the number of women and girls playing rugby. All entrants must demonstrate outstanding contribution to the development of grassroots rugby through innovative methods and creative thinking.

Richard Appleby, RFU President said: "As the fifth RFU President to have the honour of launching these awards, I am delighted to be able to reward such tremendous ideas and hard work.

"I believe that of rugby’s core values – teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship – it is enjoyment that truly keeps people involved and motivated. I am very pleased to see it in such abundance at our clubs."

New category and experienced panel

RFU Director of Elite Rugby Rob Andrew and RFU President Richard Appleby at the President's XV launch

Photo: RFU Archive

This season sees the introduction of the ‘One New Team’ category to the awards.The Rugby World Cup in New Zealand will raise the profile of the game and with less than a year away, clubs are planning ways to use this interest to draw new players into the sport.This award will recognise innovative ways in which they do this to create new teams.

The judging panel consists of RFU President Appleby, immediate past President John Owen, Junior Vice President Willie Wildash, Rugby Football Union for Women President Gill Burns, England’s most-capped player Jason Leonard, Paul Morgan, editor of Rugby World Magazine and a representative from QBE.

Steven Burns, CEO of QBE European Operations, said: "QBE is proud to support the RFU President’s XV Awards once again as part of our commitment to rugby. Initiatives such as this are vital to recognise and reward clubs whose work has helped to develop and strengthen the game at a grassroots level. I look forward to hearing about the ideas generated by this year’s entrants."

"It’s been fantastic to meet the winners of last year’s awards," added Rob Andrew, RFU Director of Elite Rugby.

"To talk about the issues that their clubs face and find out how the prize money gets reinvested in the grassroots game by the people who really make a difference."

You can find details on how to nominate your club for the President’s XV on RFU.com. The closing date for this season’s awards is February 1, 2011.