The National Rugby Awards are now open for nominations, and we need your help to recognise those players or volunteers who you think have gone above and beyond.

If you have someone in mind, or would like to comment on the club's achievements as a whole, please email a few bullet points to Gemma on birbeck6@googlemail.com.

All entry’s received will be put forward to the National Rugby Awards Judging Panel and the decision for the six nominations for each category will be finalised.

The award winners from each category will be announced at the prestigious National Rugby Awards Ceremony, Twickenham Stadium, on Thursday August 29th, 2019.

Below are the categories and the criteria for each:

MINIS AND JUNIOR CATEGORIES

The ‘Spirit of the Game’ Award
The player you can count on when the going gets tough. The player who always gives 100%, plays rugby with verve, with a love for the game. All weathers, all conditions, this player is ready to play and give their all. A role model for younger players and a coach’s dream.

The ‘Front Foot’ Award
Their approach to the game reflects their approach to life. They work and play hard to achieve a level of success and excellence that is inspiring to others. On the pitch, in the club house, at school, they always give their best.

The ‘Team Mate’ Award
Rugby has helped them to help others. Supporting and welcoming new players, encouraging people to achieve, succeed and overcome challenges. This player knows what being a team mate really means and they make a difference to the lives of others.

The ‘Club Member’ Award
The true club member who serves the club in so many ways. They are loyal to the club, its traditions and values. An ever present at functions, a fan as well as a member- the club personified.

The ‘Underdog Story’ Award
This club member has overcome adversity and has achieved against all odds. Displaying amazing resilience this person has shown that with determination and the right attitude one can be a winner despite all the obstacles.

UNDER 16-18S AND SENIORS CATEGORIES

Rugby Team of the Year – Male
Nominations for an amateur male English club, that has excelled on or off the field.

Rugby Team of the Year – Female
Nominations for an amateur female English club, that has excelled on or off the field.

Rugby Coach of the Year
Nominations apply across the English game at any level and may include head coaches or specialist coaches. The winner will have been responsible for an outstanding year’s performance or have transformed a struggling side.

Men’s Player of the Year (Amateur)
The best club player will be an outstanding amateur player who has performed brilliantly, led his team to league or cup victory, scored a vast number of tries/points or in some other way deserves recognition.

Women’s Player of the Year
The best club player will be an outstanding amateur player who has performed brilliantly, led her team to league or cup victory, scored a vast number of tries/points or in some other way deserves recognition.

Referee of the Year
Nominations apply across the English game at any level and may include both professional and amateur. The overall winner would of gone above the call of duty and made a difference to the game both on and off the field.

School of the year
Great and consistent results from school teams and evidence of recurring victories over a period of years.

Rugby Club Volunteer of the Year
Commitment over many years, every club has their hero and they are rarely on the pitch but pouring the tea and locking the gates.

Facility Development of the Year
Nominations will show outstanding development of club facilities, innovative fund raising and playing a key role in the community.

Club Sponsor of the Year
Innovation and commitment rather than financial considerations are key to this nomination. Large or small organisations may be put forward where clubs feel that their sponsor has enthusiastically and effectively added value.

Rugby Club of the Year
Applications invited from all English professional and amateur clubs who have achieved outstanding results and/or other major breakthroughs.

Rugby Lifetime Achievement Award
This award encapsulates all branches of our sport including, playing, coaching, administration, management or any combination of these skills. It is aimed at nominees who have devoted a major portion of their lives to the sport and deserve recognition for their efforts. The focus is on work and commitment, not necessarily success.

Thank you.