NSW Rugby is pleased to present the Community Award winners for the 2022 season.
In a new edition to the awards, Sydney Rugby Union unveiled the Charter Hall Community Spirit Award, created to highlight, celebrate and reward the volunteers who have made a significant contribution to their Shute Shield club.
Manly’s Chris Hedge was named as the inaugural recipient.
With votes going down to the final round of the Shute Shield, Manly Marlins star Max Douglas took out the prestigious Ken Catchpole Medal, for player of the year.
The 2022 Kentwell Medal went to Hunters Hill Sam White, as Subbies Division One Player of the Year, with Graeme Aldridge taking home the 2022 Peter Kelly Medal for Service to Rugby at NSW Suburban Rugby Union’s Annual Awards.
In the NSW Country Rugby Union, Jack Hobbs (Illawarra/Wollongong Vikings Rugby Club) was awarded the Will Tanner Award for Player of the year in the men’s competition and Janalee Conroy (Central West/Dubbo Roos) took out the Player of the year in the women’s competition.
Former Waratahs and Wallaroos captain Ash Hewson earnt herself the Jill Bartels Trophy for Player of the Grand Final, for her performance in Gordon’s 23-18 Jack Scott Cup Grand Final win.
Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs/Waratahs) was named as the 2022 David Dennis EYD Player of the Year, while Harry Davis (The Scots College) claimed the 2022 Matthew Street Award.
Referee David Conway was also recognised for his on field performance, presented with the Dick Byres Referee of the Year Medal in Shute Shield, as well as picking up the Meyer and Miner Award for the Most Consistent Referee. Tom McLean won the John Chard Memorial Trophy as the Most Improved Referee.
Throughout the season, rugby volunteers were also recognised by the wider sports ommunity, with Tony Rudd (Central Coast) awarded the Distinguished Long Service award by Sport NSW. Michele Biet (Sydney Junior Rugby Union) was named the 2022 Sport NSW Volunteer Director of the Year.
NSW Rugby Union General Manager Community Mark Green offered his congratulations to all recipients.
“It was fantastic to see our rugby competitions return to some normality in 2022, after two years of interruptions and cancellations,” Green said.
“With our Affiliates presenting these awards at the end of the season it gives us a great opportunity to reflect on the year that was, and a special thanks must go to all the players, coaches, officials, clubs and volunteers that continue to make it possible.
“Congratulations to all of the award recipients for the 2022 season, I look forward with excitement to the 2023 season getting underway in a matter of months,” he said.
