Time running out to nominate Newry rugby heroes

Entries for SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) and Ulster Rugby’s Real Rugby Heroes Award will close at noon on Monday 17 February and organisers are calling for last-minute nominations in Lisburn, Dromore and Newry.  

The award scheme was launched by SONI in 2015 as part of its domestic sponsorship of the SONI Ulster Rugby Premiership and has grown in popularity each year with more clubs being represented by their best volunteers.

Article continues below

This year, Real Rugby Heroes will spotlight three categories including:

Administrative rugby volunteers

Women and girls rugby volunteers

Youth and mini rugby volunteers

Each category winner will win £1,000 bursary for their clubs and will be invited to the end of season Ulster Rugby Awards, where one of the three winners will be selected as Ulster Rugby’s Volunteer of the Year 2019/2020.

Jo Aston Managing Director of SONI said, “Grassroots rugby across Ulster plays a vital role in communities. The clubs not only provide people with an opportunity to enjoy the game, but an opportunity to also enrich family and community life.

“The volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes, selflessly giving up their time to ensure the smooth running of their clubs. We are looking forward to meeting this year’s incredible volunteer,” Jo added.

Chris Webster, Head of Rugby Development at Ulster Rugby said, “Since the competition began five years ago, it has been fantastic to watch it grow in popularity.

“We are very lucky to have so many incredible volunteers contribute to clubs across Ulster, and these awards provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise their efforts.

“This year’s new competition categories will provide more volunteers with the opportunity to be recognised. We believe volunteers are an integral part of local rugby clubs and encourage clubs to nominate their own real rugby heroes,” he added.

The deadline for entries is 17 February at noon, anyone can nominate by filling out the online application form at www.ulsterrugby.com/realrugbyheroes

For more of today’s top stories in Newry and beyond, click here.  

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=68692

Posted by NewryTimes News on Feb 14 2020. Filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry