The Brian Rhodes Memorial Trophy

A fabulous day was had by all at the Grasshoppers Rugby Club Ladies Day on Saturday. It was a chance for the team, staff and sponsors to get to together, reflect on the successful year by the Ladies Rugby Team and let their hair down.

The Women’s rugby section at the Club has seen real growth this year in both numbers and results. So much so that it has given then the opportunity to play a 2nd XV against developing sides from around the North West with the goal to stand up a 1^st and 2^nd XV on the same day later next season.

Whittles Jewellers are so happy to be part of this success and pushing the ladies forward into 2018 onto bigger and better things and we wanted to reward the ladies ourselves.

The idea behind the Brian Rhodes (A founding member of the Hoppers Rugby Club, previous Proprietor of Whittles Jewellers and father of Joanna, Managing Director) Memorial award is to annually award the recognition of the individual or team demonstrating outstanding performance over the season with exemplary conduct of the core values outlined by the Rugby Union.

Rugby’s Core Values

Rugby’s values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship are what makes the game of rugby special for those who enjoy the environment and culture they create.

Teamwork
Essential in the sport of rugby, playing selflessly: working as a team and not as individuals both on and off the field, relying on one another and taking pride in the team.

Respect
Mutual respect is the foundation of the sport, earning respect from your peers in the way you behave on and off the field. Respecting match officials, opposition players and supporters.

Enjoyment
Enjoyment is the reason we play and support rugby union. Encouraging other to train and play and build life skills and promote a healthy lifestyle. Enjoyment comes from being part of a team, socialising and part of the rugby family.

Discipline
Strong discipline is at the root of the sport of rugby. Controlled, honest and fair rules govern the sport and players must adhere to them, which protests the sport and its values.

Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is the foundation upon which rugby union is built. Camaraderie between teammates and opposition is second to none, across all sports.  Observing fair play on and off the pitch and generous and dignified in either victory or defeat.

It was Joanna Valentine Rhode’s (Managing Director) and Rose Wilson’s (Assistant Manager) great privilege to present The Brian Rhodes Memorial Trophy to the Danielle Nash who plays for the Hoppers first women’s rugby team who exemplified all the characteristics of Ruby Union’s core values.

We would like to thank the Grasshoppers Rugby Club and the Ladies Team for a chance to be part of this great project and here’s to an even better 2018/19 season!