Do you know someone who embodies the spirit of rugby and deserves recognition - a selfless individual who has given their all to their club and community for the benefit of the game over the last 12 months? Volunteers are the heartbeat of rugby and your opportunity to say thank you is here as nominations for the 2026 RFU Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, in the form of three categories:
UNSUNG HERO: Acknowledging those who go above and beyond, often unseen behind the scenes, taking on extra tasks or responsibilities, to make rugby happen and improve the experience for everyone.
GAME FOR ALL: Celebrating those who have developed an inspiring offer, built new partnerships or removed barriers to make the game more accessible and attract new audiences.
KEEPING PLAYERS IN THE GAME: Recognising those who have played a crucial role in creating flexible playing opportunities to retain players at key transition points, or keeping them engaged in rugby through other opportunities such as volunteering or officiating.
Nominations must be submitted before 13th February and should include evidence to support and illustrate the impact and achievements of the nominee in 2025. There is a limit of 250 words, so it's a good idea to draft your statement and check it for accuracy before submitting it online using this link https://www.englandrugby.com/run/club-management/volunteers/volunteer-recognition-programme/how-to-nominate
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