Premiership Rugby have revealed their shortlist of 12 inspiring young rugby players, volunteers and coaches who have been nominated for Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Community Awards 2023.

The compelling, uplifting and emotive stories of all those shortlisted will be shared with at the awards ceremony taking place at the House of Commons on 11 July. 

The Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Community Awards are a celebration of the incredible work and impact achieved by Premiership Rugby and its clubs and their foundations through their community programmes which are rolled out nationally at over 200 locations.

These awards demonstrate that their collective commitment to supporting communities is making an invaluable contribution to addressing some of the biggest societal challenges. Premiership Rugby aims to help tackle inequalities that exist, believing whole heartedly that all young people, no matter their background or ability, should have equal access to sporting opportunities which help them fulfil their potential.

Wayne Morris, Community & CSR Director at Premiership Rugby says: “For many of the nominees their journey with a Premiership Rugby community programme started off against the odds, or with uncertainty around getting involved. However, every single story is one of progress. Every person shortlisted has improved either their own life or the lives of others. We’re passionate about using rugby to change lives and our community awards are a real showcase of just how much a difference our programmes and our clubs and foundation teams make. To be shortlisted is a real achievement to be proud of - I applaud you all!”

Those shortlisted from Bath Rugby Foundation are:

Rugby Ambassador Award - Gallagher are proud sponsors of this award designed to reward a participant who has excelled in any Premiership Rugby community programme which introduces rugby to new audiences. They may have overcome physical, cultural or social barriers to become involved in the game whilst embodying the values of rugby.

Morgan Lidster, from Bath Rugby Foundation

Morgan’s difficulties with confidence associated with Down Syndrome and learning disabilities left him shy and passive. After being introduced to Bath Rugby Foundation, his confidence has soared. Now a regular at the Walcot Warriors Mixed Ability Rugby Team, Morgan has flourished on and off the pitch. So much so, Walcot Warriors awarded Morgan 'Most Improved Player of the Season' out of 40 other teammates. Now socially aware and reassured by friendships he’s formed through playing Morgan is happy, strikes up conversations and travels independently to fixtures and to college.

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Outstanding Achiever of the Year Award – East Head Impact are proud sponsors of this award designed to reward a participant who has excelled in any of Premiership Rugby’s education, health or social inclusion programmes, highlighting the potential of the game to change lives off the field.

Charlie Dorrian, from Bath Rugby Foundation

Arriving at Bath Rugby Foundation’s Alternative Learning Hub (ALH) Charlie struggled to communicate with adults without aggression and confrontation. School had been tough for Charlie coping with ADHD, he was distracted and gave up on education disengaging with adults. Coaches helped Charlie convey his feelings and he soon shone being recognised as an intelligent young man with a passion for cooking. He started to believe in himself and recognised confrontation was holding back his potential. His desire to step into a professional kitchen secured him work experience at local restaurant The Olive Tree. The owner was so impressed by his hard work, ambition and self-belief that Charlie was offered an apprenticeship and is now on the pathway to his dream job.

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Community Volunteer of the Year Award - CVC are proud sponsors of this award designed to recognise a person who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community through their work at their local Premiership Rugby club. Each has utilised not only their spare time, but their life experience, passion and dedication to help support the lives of others.

Peter Morgan, from Bath Rugby Foundation

Peter has earnt himself the title of ‘life changer’ at Bath Rugby Foundation delivering HITZ sessions. He inspires participants academically, provides guidance for employment and offers compassion, kindness and understanding. Originally, he wanted to coach kids’ rugby, a sport he attributes to his own global business success as it turned his confidence around as a boy. At his first session he recognised his 11-year-old self in many students and threw himself in headfirst with, in his words, ‘a renewed life purpose’. His ability to build deep connections and willingness to understand others meant both students and staff at HITZ thrive from his coaching and mentoring. His admirable manner often turns frustration and anger into learning and positivity. He has runs student trips in his own time and contributes financially to support the programme.

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Community Coach of the Year Award – sponsored by Premiership Rugby, this award is designed to reward and recognise the coach who has gone above and beyond to change the lives of members of their local community through their work on Premiership Rugby programmes.

Alex Randall, from Bath Rugby Foundation

Alex displays unwavering support for young people delivering a multitude of programmes including Project Rugby. Leading the first Mixed Ability team in Wiltshire, Melksham Stags, has embedded him firmly in the community and seen him transition over 40 young players into grassroots clubs. Alex continually champions inclusivity and recently set up the first girls’ team at Combe Down RFC with a 25-strong squad. His empathetic, nurturing and supportive coaching style helps young people to turn their lives around through rugby. Alex has introduced over 60 new players to teams across the Southwest this season alone, giving Bath some of the highest transition numbers across the country.