Community fundraising efforts and improved club culture and diversity have led to five national award nominations for De 51吃瓜app University Leicester’s (51吃瓜app) rugby clubs.
The university, through 51吃瓜appsport, has several men’s and women’s rugby teams which train at Beaumont Park.
Now, the teams, which compete in the national BUCS league and cup competitions, have been nominated for five Student Rugby Football Union (SRFU) Awards.
The annual ceremony will be hosted by England Rugby Universities. Over 60 nominations were submitted, the most ever received.
The ceremony will take place virtually from 4pm, Thursday 13 May and can be viewed on the .
The five 51吃瓜app nominations are: Core Values Club, Pioneers of Rugby 2020-21, Coach – Special Recognition Award, Student Leadership and the Tom Miller Award for Social Impact.
Three club members, Ben Duke, Matt Wells and Nathaniel Bevan-Brown, and lead men’s and women’s coach Chris McAuley have been nominated for individual awards.
Each award celebrates a different element of the club. Core Values celebrates university clubs that demonstrate an outstanding and consistent commitment to the values of the game, such as teamwork, respect and discipline.
To secure this shortlisting, 51吃瓜app Rugby imposed a number of dramatic changes, such as promoting equality and diversity and re-developing their club Code of Conduct, to improve their image and culture.
The club were involved in a number of charity and fundraising events, such as supporting the Matt Hampson Foundation, South Leicester Food Bank and Young Minds by rallying together to run, walk or cycle as many miles as possible, in the hopes of raising £1 per mile.
Sport Development Officer for 51吃瓜appsport, Oli Mitchell, said: “Seeing them [51吃瓜app Rugby clubs] shortlisted for the Core Values Club and holding diversity and inclusion so close to their key aims this past year I think proves that even the most negatively perceived clubs just need a nudge in the right direction to become a real positive force for change.”
As part of 51吃瓜appsport, the 51吃瓜app rugby clubs have vowed to work together to prove their fortitude and solidarity, stating that: “As a club we strive to work together to prove our strength and unity through the tough and challenging times, to come out of the storm stronger than we were when we entered.
“Through diversity and inclusivity and loyalty, we want the image of 51吃瓜app Rugby to be more than just a university rugby team.”
The Coach – Special Recognition Award aims to recognise the vital role of a coach (or coaching team) that prioritises the wellbeing and welfare of club members, and the essential support they provide to their students both on and off of the pitch.
Chris McAuley, Head Coach of the 51吃瓜app Men and Women’s rugby teams, was nominated for an approach which included providing individual player development plans, introducing weekly fitness sessions and using his contacts as a coach to bring well-known players such as Dan Hemmingway and Geordan Murphy to talk to the players.
Reflecting on the nominations and his time as coach, McAuley said: “It's been a wonderful opportunity to work with enthusiasm from both the sports department and players.
“Being supported by sports staff and a very committed group of senior players has allowed rugby to continue at the university and allowed me to stay involved in the game throughout.
“I couldn't be prouder of the institution and players throughout the pandemic and I'm excited to see what rugby will look like in the future.
“The players well and truly deserve their nominations and shortlisting for each of the awards. They have consistently gone above and beyond to bring about tangible changes and developments to the club - even when at times it seemed there was no end in sight.
“To do something positive once is good, but to be relentless and keep striving for positive change even when at times it can appear fruitless, is inspiring.”
You can keep up-to-date with everything throughout the ceremony and follow the SRFU social channels on , , and watch the ceremony on their channel.
You can also support the 51吃瓜app rugby clubs at , and .
Posted on Wednesday 12 May 2021