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HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union [GRFU] congratulated volunteers at this year’s Long Service awards presentations. The prestigious award is presented to members of the GRFU who have, over an extended period, given exceptional service. This can be through a Club, Combination, or any division of Gloucestershire, thus enabling them to be well known in the rugby fraternity.
Ten volunteers from a GRFU member clubs, Combination or referee society attended an event at Lockleaze Sports Centre, home of Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination, to celebrate their achievements and to receive their awards.
Among the guests was Craig Capel, Managing Director of Lockleaze Sports Centre [LSC] who said “as someone who has been involved in Rugby Union at community level as both an employee and a volunteer for more than 20 years, to hear of the efforts of those recognised for their tireless contribution to our wonderful game was inspiring. Hosting and welcoming the impressive volunteers, and The Princess Royal to Lockleaze Sports Centre was an incredible occasion for our guests and staff alike. Huge thanks to our friends from the GRFU for bringing the award presentation to LSC.”
Volunteers involved in the work of the Constituent Body [CB] also attended the event, and Adrian Siddorn, GRFU Immediate Past President, thanked them for the time and effort they give to rugby within the county during his Presidency. He shared many changes the game has undergone since the covid pandemic. Financially, funds are not available as they were previously, and more is asked of volunteers. Adrian said “The excellent work within Rugby Football achieved in the communities within Gloucestershire could not and would not happen without the commitment, dedication, and passion of its volunteers; some of whom we honour this afternoon.
Rugby, as a major team sport, has a key role in teaching our young people the core values of the game. A thorough knowledge of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship will provide each of them with a useful framework by which to live their lives”.
Everyone within the GRFU and its clubs are driven by a shared passion for the game. No one role is any more, or less, important than another. Whether it be marking out a pitch, refereeing a match, serving behind a bar, coaching a team, chairing a meeting, or fundraising there is always a way to get involved.
With the growth of female participation in the sport, highlighted by the fantastic success of the Red Roses, HRH The Princess Royal congratulated all on the work carried out to support Gloucestershire and wished volunteers well for the challenges that lie ahead as well as the enjoyment in the build-up and during the Rugby World Cup next year.
If you are already a member or parent of a player, contact your Committee or Club Volunteer Coordinator. Alternatively, you could speak to the coach of your child’s age group to see how you could help out.
If you are new to rugby and are looking to get involved, you can find your local club here or get in touch with GRFU Volunteer Lead, Lisa Newman by emailing
The full list of Gloucestershire Long Service Award winners recognised on the night is: