Royal Wootton Bassett RFC Celebrates the Best of the Season
Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club’s clubhouse was packed on Friday night, as players, coaches, and supporters gathered for the annual Senior Player Awards Dinner.
The room was loud, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the club came together to look back on the season – and hand out some well-earned recognition.
Dave Floyd opened the night with his review of the season, but not before pausing to wonder aloud if the club needed help to recruit players for the new season...
Farewells and Best Wishes
As the season draws to a close, we bid a fond farewell to three fantastic members of the RWBRFC family. Thank you all for your incredible commitment and contributions.
Wendy Learmonth
Wendy departs as she returns to her native Scotland after six brilliant years with the club.
Since joining the squad in 2019, Wendy has been a driving force behind the development of our medical team. Her care, professionalism and dedication to the players has been second to none – thank you for everything, Wendy!
Josh McCafferty
After relocating to Cardiff part way through last season, Josh will be playing a bit closer to home and is planning on joining Cross Keys RFC next season.
Josh began his rugby journey with RWBRFC aged 12, rising through every age group to make his 1st XV debut on the wing at just 17.
Since then, he’s earned over 125 senior caps and proudly represented Dorset & Wilts – a true homegrown success story.
Stuart Roberts
After 11 incredible seasons, Stuart is stepping down from his coaching role.
Joining us as backs coach in 2014, he has been a key figure in the club’s rise through the leagues – playing a major part in promotions to South West 1 (L6) and twice to Regional 1(L5). His leadership, experience and calm head have left a lasting legacy within the senior squad.
And the winners were...
First up was a brand new prize – introduced by Tim Gallimore – for the senior player with the highest training attendance. That one went to Jackson Allen, the young second row who topped the ranking for senior training.
RWBRFC Fourth XV
Coach Kevin Kessell was next up, handing out honours for the 4th XV.
4th XV Most Improved Player
Jay Randell
4th XV Coaches' Player of the Year
Andrew Shaw
4th XV Player of the Year
Stu Doughty
RWBRFC Third XV
Then came Gary Smith, who took his turn to recognise the 3rd XV.
3rd XV Most Improved Player
Dylan Furnell
3rd XV Coaches' Player of the Year
Chris Hince
3rd XV Player of the Year
Liam Dewsbury
Second XV
2nd XV coaches Tim Gallimore and Kyle Lovell took over from there.
2nd XV Most Improved Player
Jackson Allen
2nd XV Coaches’ Player of the Year
Adam Rumble
2nd XV Player of the Year
Connor Tomley
First XV
The final round of awards came from Director of Rugby Alan Low, joined by Brian Smith to kick things off.
John Forbes-Keith Young Player of the Year
The Young Player of the Year went to Harry Butterworth – accepted by Sam Baker on the night, with Harry joining briefly from Australia via a pre-recorded video message.
Young Player of the Year
Harry Butterworth
1st XV Most Improved Player
JP Patmore
1st XV Coaches’ Player of the Year
Jack Daynes
Supporters’ Player of the Year Award
Then came the Supporters’ Player of the Year award, voted for by club supporters. To be eligible, players must have made at least five appearances for the 1st XV this season. That went to Ollie Baycroft.
Supporters’ Player of the Year
Ollie Baycroft
Bob Fry Player of the Year
And it didn’t stop there. Ollie was called back up again – this time to collect the club’s top individual honour, presented by George Loughlin and Mrs Peg Rosser, Bob Fry's older sister.
Player of the Year
Ollie Baycroft
