Maggie Alphonsi, RFU President Willie Wildash and Joe Worsley help launch the QBE Presidents XV awards
RFU President Willie Wildash, 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Joe Worsley and England star Maggie Alphonsi today joined rugby clubs from across the country 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.
The 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.
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.
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.”
This is the third year that QBE has supported the awards as part of its commitment to the development of the game.
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.