John O’Ryan of Blackburn RUFC/St Augustine’s high school has been nominated for the inaugural Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards for their work as a rugby volunteer and their dedication to the game.

The awards are part of the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer Recognition Programme which provides grassroots rugby clubs and the rugby community with opportunities to recognise and reward the volunteers who make up such an integral part of the game.

John has been involved with rugby at Blackburn as player and coach for over 20 years, at present he coaches the u12 side and also runs the clubs very successful minis summer scheme. John has introduced rugby union to his school giving up his extra-curricular time to coach both boys and girls teams. He runs the Ribble Valley Rugby Union Foundation Schools (RUFFS) league. He has represented the emerging school’s at the Lancashire county schools union, and was recently elected vice chair of this committee where he will continue to advocate for girls and developing schools rugby.

John is one of hundreds of specially selected volunteers who will be invited to attend a drinks reception event held at Mitsubishi Motors dealerships or rugby clubs in various locations throughout England. At each of these events, one volunteer will be announced as a Volunteer of the Year finalist – earning them a place at the inaugural Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards night at Twickenham Stadium on Friday 15 September 2017. Three overall winners will be announced on the evening and each one will receive a Mitsubishi car for a year as a thank you for their continued support of the game.

As well as the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards, the programme offers a number of opportunities to say thank you to the thousands of volunteers who give back to grassroots rugby, week in, week out. Find out more about how you can show your appreciation for a volunteer in your rugby community by visiting www.englandrugby.com/mitsubishivolunteers.