RFU President's Introduction
I am delighted to introduce the President's XV Recognition Awards for my term as RFU President. Following the fantastic success of the inaugural scheme last season, under the auspices of Bob Rogers, the President's XV is back for its second year.
Rugby is a team game, both on and off the pitch. These awards highlight the efforts that our teams of individual volunteers go to to make rugby the great game that it is. The President's XV Recognition Awards provides 15 categories that you can nominate your club for in order to receive recognition for making an outstanding contribution to the development of grassroots rugby and win a share of £10,000.
My background as a schoolmaster means I understand the importance of supporting rugby within the school environment to ensure the development of the game; this season therefore sees the introduction of a new category rewarding rugby development within local schools. We have also introduced another new category to highlight clubs’ hard work supporting the recently launched ''Go Play Rugby’ campaign to recruit adult players.
Due to the popularity of the President’s XV last season, we have encompassed the Seal of Approval Club of the Year Award, which has combined with our Youth Rugby category; a marvellous endorsement of the President’s XV as the recognition scheme for teams of volunteers.
This season sees changes to the nomination process in response to your feedback, with an all-new online system designed to make the process easier for clubs. We also have a welcome addition to the Presidential Panel, with Gill Burns, RFUW President, enthusiastically bringing her expertise to the group.
I look forward to reading through your nominations in the New Year! The deadline for applications is 1 March 2008 so make sure your club doesn’t miss out on this great opportunity.
