Royal Wootton Bassett RFC Colts concluded yet another remarkable season with an awards night held on Saturday to celebrate their achievements.
Colts Head Coach Mark Roshier set the stage by offering a retrospective of the season, along with a video recap of their recent tour to Belgium, before proceeding with the Under 17 and Under 18 player awards.
Most Improved Player Award
Presented by Colts Coach Dan Toon
The awards kicked off with the acknowledgement of players who had consistently demonstrated determination, commitment, and effort to progress their playing performance throughout the season.
- Under 17 Most Improved Player: Ben Lara Moreno
- Under 18 Most Improved Player: Jamie Wilkinson
Coaches Award
Presented by Colts Coaches Jason Higgs and Julian Rebello
Next up were the Coaches Awards, selected by the Colts coaches to honour players who demonstrated outstanding passion and skills, while exhibiting 'coachability' during training sessions and matches.
- Under 17 Coaches Player: Matt Bramble
- Under 18 Coaches Player: Harvey Spurgeon
Players' Player Award
Presented by Colts Coaches Mark Woods and Rich Piper
The Players' Player Award is highly respected among the team as it is voted on by their fellow players, making it one of the most valued recognitions.
- Under 17 Players Player: Neil Ncube
- Under 18 Players Players: won jointly by Sol Hopkins and Reuben Engley
Special Award
Presented by Colts Coach Jon Bramble
A poignant moment unfolded with the presentation of a special award by coach Jon Bramble to U17 player Will George, who returned to rugby after a serious head injury sustained at the beginning of the season.
Will has shown true perseverance to return to the Colts playing squad, and this award symbolises his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Player of the Year Award
Presented by Colts Head Coach Mark Roshier
Next, the Player of the Year Awards were announced, recognising two outstanding players whose exceptional performances contributed to the team's success this season.
- Under 17 Player of the Year: Andrew McLaughlin
- Under 18 Player of the Year: Roo Rebello
RWBRFC Colt of the Year
Presented by Colts Head Coach Mark Roshier with Nigel Clark
The apex of the evening was reached when Mark Roshier invited Nigel Clark to present the prestigious RWBRFC Colt of the Year award.
Nigel had coached the Under 18s during their Junior rugby years and returned to present this award to Chris Toon, recognising his consistent excellence and exemplary leadership on and off the field.
Length of Service Recognition
One highlight of the night was this touching video presentation bidding farewell to the departing Under 18s.
Length of Service Recognition
As these players embark on their journey to the Senior section, Mark expressed congratulations to three standout Colts—Jamie Wilkinson, Chris Toon, and Jackson Allen—who have played side by side since their Under 7s days until the culmination of their Under 18s journey. In recognition of their commitment and continual progress across all age groups, Mark presented commorative tankards to them, symbolizing their lasting impact on the club.
Colts success
The Colts' journey this season has been remarkable. Coaches have achieved the club objective to prepare the transition of Under 17s into Colts players and prepare the Under 18s into senior rugby.
The following Under 18s players have already established themselves in the Senior squad by playing up in senior matches:
Roo Rebello – RWBRFC I
Chris Toon – RWBRFC I
Jackson Allen – RWBRFC II
Sol Hopkins – RWBRFC II
Jamie Wilkinson – RWBRFC II
Reuben Engley – RWBRFC II
Jack Ellis – RWBRFC III
Away from club rugby, five Under 18s have seen regular selection in the Dorset & Wilts U18s squad:
Chris Toon
Reuben Engley
Jackson Allen
Roo Rebello
Sol Hopkins
And Under 17 Colt Mat Bramble has been selected for the Dorset & Wilts U17s squad.
Under 18 Colt Roo Rebello was selected to the England Rugby SW Counties U18 Team.
Under 17 Colt Julian Nunn was named as a member of the 2023/24 Bath Rugby Under 18s squad and earned a coveted place in the England U18 training camp.
A season of competitive rugby culminated in the Colts playing a hard match in the D&W Plate Final, marking a significant milestone for the team.
Royal Wootton Bassett RFC Colts invite new U17/U18 players to join their ranks ahead of the 2024-25 season. The team are proud of their player-centred approach, fostering a positive, friendly environment centred around exciting rugby and team camaraderie. Email Colts Head Coach at mroshier17@gmail.com to find out more.
Stay tuned for more awards!
In the upcoming weeks, each of our age groups and sections will host their respective end-of-season celebrations. The highly anticipated Royal Wootton Bassett RFC Senior Awards ceremony is scheduled for May 31st.
Stay tuned as we bring you exciting highlights and announce all the award winners right here on our website. Watch this space for updates!
