Two outstanding members of the NSW community have been recognised today as part of the 2021 Rugby Australia Awards.
Harry Maniatis (Volunteer of the Year) and Peter Fenton OAM (Joe French Award for Outstanding Contributions to Rugby) have both received awards for their exceptional contributions to the game in NSW.
Their recognition is part of a week-long celebration of the Rugby Australia Awards which will culminate in the 2021 John Eales Medal being announce on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said: “The community game is crucial to what we do at Rugby Australia and without dedicated volunteers like the people we are recognising today, the game wouldn’t exist. These people are the heart and soul of the Australian Rugby community.
“I would like to congratulate and thank each award winner for the service they have given to Rugby in Australia.
“Each of these recipients embody the five values we live at Rugby Australia and they all should be proud of what they have achieved and contributed to the sport.”
After 30 years of service to Canterbury Rugby Club, Harry Maniatis has been recognised with the Volunteer of the Year award for 2021.
Having held almost every position at the club and played more than 300 games, Maniatis exemplifies what it means to be dedicated to his club and is a great ambassador of the game.
“I was shocked to say the least I didn’t think it was real at first but at when I figured out it was the real deal, I was truly honoured and humbled to say the least,” Maniatis explained.
“The club (Canterbury) is my second family and there are many out in the club community that have volunteered even more time than me and it is those people who are willing to stay and share their knowledge that makes the club last for years.”
Parramatta Rugby player Peter Fenton OAM has received the Joe French Award for Outstanding Contributions to Rugby.
Fenton has served many years with Parramatta Rugby Club, transitioning from a player to a coach in 1977, which led to the side’s inaugural premiership that same year.
Fenton continued his coaching prowess into the Shute Shield competition, working with Eastwood and Penrith and Sydney District, subsequently earning a life membership with NSW Rugby Union.
Fenton also contributed to the game in unique ways as a Rugby raconteur and poet, having written the NSW Waratahs’ current team song.
“I think it’s lovely to win this award, it’s not something I ever thought of however I did know Joe French which means a lot he was a wonderful bloke,” Fenton said.
“I’ve been around rugby a long time and all my lifelong friends have been from the game, so it is a fantastic fraternity to be a part of.”
