Has your club got a local rugby champion? Deadline extended for entries to SONI Community Champions Award

There’s still time to enter volunteers from your rugby club for the SONI Community Champions Award. The deadline has been extended until Friday 17th February to allow for more entries from the north region which includes rugby clubs in Derry, Coleraine and Limavady.

The award, which has returned for its second year was launched by SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) title sponsor of the Ulster Rugby Premiership along with Ulster Rugby, to honour and recognise the dedication of community rugby volunteers across Ulster.

Organisers are calling for last minute nominations and are keen for all the clubs to have a fair chance to win the award and prize for their club.

Robin McCormick, General Manager of SONI added: "Entries have been steadily coming through and there are some really strong entrants so far, but there are a number of clubs and areas who haven’t yet entered. We’re keen to see all clubs across all areas of Ulster represented and in with a chance of not only winning a great prize, but receiving the recognition they truly deserve.”

This year, there will be two categories meaning two winners will each walk away with a £1,000 bursary for their local club, with two runners up being awarded £500.

The award is open to all rugby volunteers including coaches, fundraisers, grounds staff, club treasurers, the bus driver – all volunteers who have been involved with the club for at least six months are eligible to enter.

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