Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond for rugby during the 2026 community season? Nominations are now open for the Community Rugby Awards, giving our rugby community the chance to recognise the outstanding individuals who give their time, energy and passion to our game.

Each season, we receive more than 100 nominations, which is a fantastic reflection of the number of people across our clubs and communities who dedicate countless hours to making rugby possible, both on and off the field.

Community Rugby Manager Michael Sheat says the awards are an important opportunity to recognise the people at the heart of the game. “These awards are all about celebrating community rugby, it’s the people who give their time and energy to make rugby possible week in week out. Every season there’s individuals who go above and beyond, and it’s important that we take the time to recognise and thank them for everything they do.”

Check out the categories below and help us celebrate the people at the heart of our game!

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Volunteering takes many forms. It enables our game to be played, delivered, and positively impacts our communities in ways that are immeasurable. The Volunteer of the year nominees give their time to rugby, making it a better place for those they are serving and supporting.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Coaches are role models and leaders who support their club or school to be successful in the long term. On field results may come to the Coach of the Year, however this is not their key focus. They create a positive team environment with their players' enjoyment of the game at the heart of it.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Our team of the year nominees are tight knit groups who have achieved more than the sum of their parts. They have qualities as a group that embody everything that is great about rugby and they will have contributed to their club, community and whanau beyond game-time.

RUGBY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

The School of the Year nominees are future focused; innovating and challenging the norm while also creating an environment that includes players of all skill levels and diversities. They cultivate a lifelong love of rugby.

CLUB OF THE YEAR

The Club of the year nominees nurture a lifelong love of rugby in their community. They are respected within the rugby community for their leadership, vision and initiatives that see them working on and off the field for the betterment of rugby.

Nominations close at 5pm on Sunday 27 September If there’s someone in your club or rugby community who deserves recognition for their contribution this season, click here to nominate them now and help us celebrate the people who make our game possible.

To learn about the 2025 award recipients watch the videos here

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