Written : Monday 13th Oct 25Every year the Sue Grubb award is presented to recognise the efforts of one of our outstanding volunteers, someone who has made a positive difference to Guildfordians RFC. Specifically, this award acknowledges efforts outside of coaching on the pitch. It is always great to receive the nominations from across the club, volunteers are the life-blood of this organisation. This year one nomination stood out commending an individual who, as well as being a great coach, has made possible the success of two successful and growing sections within the Guildfordians family.
Rugby has long been perceived as a game for men and boys but in recent years we have seen growing recognition that this wonderful sport also belongs to women and girls. Our Red Roses are rightfully regarded as the best in the world but the path to success, especially in the grass roots clubs, has been difficult and slow. Along with Leanne Infante, Hannes Black was instrumental in setting up and developing the Girls section at Guildfordians, setting in place the foundations for the thriving Junior Girls section we have today and which has led to some of our players going on to gain national honours with England.
Rugby doesn’t stop at the age of 18 of course, Hannes has gone on to give our girls a pathway through to continue playing adult rugby by setting up the Women’s section two years ago, and they are now a vibrant team having joined forces with the women of Cranleigh RFC. So it gave me great pleasure to interrupt their joint training session on Tuesday 9th September to present this year’s award to Hannes surrounded by all his players.
Mark Grubb