RNRU Royal Navy Rugby Union

The Royal Navy Rugby Union proudly presents annual awards to members who make an outstanding contribution to the Union or one of its Clubs; on or off the field. It's our small way of saying a big thank you for all the efforts people voluntarily put in, week in, week out. Without them the RNRU and its clubs wouldn't be the fantastic organisation that it is. The Valuing the Volunteer scheme is similar to the RFU Presidential scheme in that it exists to acknowledge the huge amount of work that takes place behind the scenes to ensure that rugby gets played at all levels. The RNRU receives nominations from across the game within the Naval Service and this year, the awards were presented by the RNRU President, Vice Admiral Phil Jones CB, at the Annual General Meeting held at RNAS Yeovilton on Friday 27 September.  The winners for 2013 were:

WO2 Andrew ‘Taff’ Wilcock.  Taff received his Award for his outstanding contribution to Royal Navy rugby.  He joined the Royal Navy U23 Team Support Group (TSG) in September 2012 as the Assistant Team Manager. He has gone from strength to strength in a very short period of time, and can now boast a CV which includes the U23 TM, CS U23 TM, Navy Sharks TM and the newly selected Snr XV TM.  He is a thoroughly deserving recipient of a Value the Volunteer Award for his outstanding efforts and performance.  Congratulations Taff and keep up the good work.

ET (WESM) Ian ‘Coops’ Cooper.  Coops has played a key role in the development of the RN U23 squad. A former U23 cap of notable ability, he has since progressed to deservedly win further Navy honours with the Senior XV and Navy Sharks. With a strong desire to invest his experience in supporting the development of the next generation of Royal Navy players, Coops approached the TSG offering his time and energy to mentor the current U23 squad.  His impact on the squad this season has done much to confirm the value of the U23 mentor system, and anyone who has seen them play this season will undoubtedly agree. He has been an exemplary role model and mentor is a most worthy recipient of a Value the Volunteer Award for his selfless dedication and tireless support to the RN U23s.  Well done Coops and thank you.

Mr David Wakefield.  Dave has been a strong supporter and outstanding RNRU volunteer many years, both in and out of uniform. As bag man, kit man, and now as the key interlocutor with our commercial partner, Under Armour, for playing kit and off field wear, Dave has been absolutely dedicated to securing best value for money for the RNRU. Passionately focussing on maximising 'bang for buck' he has managed, and balanced, the proposals of our civilian partners with the desires and wants of the players, securing the optimal results of both quality and price. He is a man of great integrity who has commanded the complete trust of the RNRU and was previously awarded the Soapy Watson Memorial Trophy in 2010 for his outstanding contribution as a TSG member.  Dave has again been recognised by the RNRU for his unswerving loyalty and dedication.  The RNRU are proud to honour him with a Value the Volunteer Award.  Dave, thank you for your continued support and commitment to Royal Navy rugby.