Scottish Rugby Club Awards 2018/19
The 2019 edition of the Scottish Rugby Club Awards on Friday 31 May celebrated the players, coaches, match officials and volunteers from the domestic game in Scotland.
The awards provide an opportunity to recognise the commitment and talents of those involved across the grassroots game.
Tennent’s Men’s Regional League Players of the Season
The first award of the night went to a scrum-half who helped his team to the Tennent’s Caledonia League 3 Midlands title this season. Liam Ward (Rosyth Sharks RFC) was named Tennent’s Caledonia Region Player of the Season 2018/19.
“We won the league this year – last year we lost on points difference so this year to win the league, to see the boys, the club, the fans, the boys that have retired and never won the league and then we finally did it, it’s just unbelievable.” Liam Ward, Tennent’s West Region Player of the Season
The Tennent’s East Region Player of the Season 2018/19 is Jason Watt (Livingston RFC), a flanker who has also played at 8, 6 and 7 this year and has been at his club since 2009.
“It means everything because I’ve played for Livingston for 12-14 years now, it’s a massive award for me.” Jason Watt, Tennent’s East Region Player of the Season
The final regional award went to a lock from the West region, who recorded an impressive ten player-of-the-match performances across his 19 appearances for the club this season – Max Crumlish (Cambuslang RFC) was named Tennent’s West Region Player of the Season 2018/19.
“I wouldn’t be in this award if it wasn’t for my team. For me, for playing lock, it’s about giving everything for my team.” Max Crumlish, Tennent’s West Region Player of the Season
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/Caledonia_Player_Liam_Ward.jpg)
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/East_Jason_Watt.jpg)
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/West_Max_Crumlish.jpg)
Tennent’s Women’s National 1, National 2 and North League Players of the Season
Shona Jessiman (Glasgow University Women) was named Tennent’s Women’s National League Division 1 Player of the Season 2018/19, having enjoyed an excellent season as she helped her side reach the Tennent’s Women’s Plate Final at Silver Saturday and scored a stunning try in their narrow defeat to Stewartry.
“We have quite a high turnover because we are a uni team, so it wasn’t a great start to the season for us, but then we started to gel and start winning and getting to the Plate final at Murrayfield, we were playing a team in the league above us and getting remotely close to beating them felt like a win.” Shona Jessiman, Tennent’s Women’s National League Division 1 Player of the Season
22 year-old Maedbh Smyth (Aberdeenshire RFC) is the Tennent’s Women’s National League Division 2 Player of the Season 2018/19 following a series of strong performances in the domestic game.
“I think it’s been a tough year for Aberdeenshire but we’re working with teams around Aberdeen and Aberdeen city to make a better team and a more sustainable future. It’s my first season properly back from injury – I broke my ankle a year ago – but this year I’ve had a good team around me helping me back to fitness.” Maedbh Smyth, Tennent’s Women’s National League Division 2 Player of the Season
The Tennent’s Women’s North League Player of the Season 2018/19 is number 10 Katie Roe (Shetland RFC).
“It’s been a great season for us up north, we won the league this season and beat some good teams along the way. I’ve been the captain for the last few seasons and I’ve really enjoyed that but it’s about the whole team, so thank you to them.” Katie Roe, Tennent’s Women’s North League Player of the Season
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/Women_Nat1_Shona_Jessiman.jpg)
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/Women_Nat2_Maedbh_Smyth.jpg)
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/Women_North_Katie_Roe.jpg)
Tennent’s Men’s National 1, National 2 and National 3 Players of the Season
Sean Nixon (Selkirk RFC) a forward who has been part of his club for ten years took the Tennent’s National 1 Player of the Season 2018/19 award.
21-year- old centre, Connor Faulds (Falkirk RFC), was named as the Tennent’s National 2 Player of the Season 2018/19.
“There have been plenty of up and downs this season to be honest, but I’ve enjoyed it and playing with the boys at Falkirk I’ve loved it.” Connor Faulds, Tennent’s National 2 Player of the Season
The Tennent’s National 3 Player of the Season 2018/19 is William McCornick (Newton Stewart RFC), having enjoyed an excellent season for his club, making 18 appearances and securing nine Player of the Match awards across the year.
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/National_1_Sean_Nixon.jpg)
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/National_2_Connor_Faulds.jpg)
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/National_3_William_McCornick.jpg)
Tennent’s Men’s Premiership Player of the Season
Iain Wilson (Heriot’s Rugby) was named Tennent’s Premiership Player of the Season 2018/19. In this year’s competition, this club stalwart led his side to the Premiership and Scottish Rugby Cup finals and also was selected in the Scotland Club XV games against Ireland in February.
Tennent’s Women’s Premier League Player of the Season
Centre Chloe Johnstone (Stewartry RFC) played in the Women’s Premier League, Sarah Beany Cup and National Plate final. Her performances this season earned her the Tennent’s Women’s Premier League Player of the Season 2018/19 award.
“There were highs and lows throughout the season but we definitely managed to finish on a high winning the Plate final at BT Murrayfield. It was so unexpected to win this award and being here tonight has been great.” Chloe Johnstone, Tennent’s Women’s Premier League Player of the Season
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/Premiership_Iain_Wilson.jpg)
![[[+name]]](https://d2m3fcf8oort3z.cloudfront.net/assets/galleries/Women_Premier_Chloe_Johnstone.jpg)
Crabbie’s Referee of the Season
Ruairidh Campbell was named Crabbie’s Referee of the Season. The 21-year-old is a member of the SRU National Panel and has progressed from refereeing in National Division 2 at the start of the 2018/19 season through to refereeing two games in the Premiership. He refereed his first age grade International in April when he oversaw Ireland v England U18s and in what has been a busy season where he has officiated 52 matches.

Tennent’s Club Volunteer of the Season
Jeremy Wares (Perthshire RFC) was named the Tennent’s Club Volunteer of the Season 2018/19. Jeremy, 43, is an active and dedicated P6 coach for Perthshire’s mini section, regularly giving up his own time to help with fundraising, catering, maintenance and whatever else needs to be done, always showing enthusiasm and passion for the club. Jeremy doesn’t allow Parkinson’s disease to slow him down. His enthusiasm and passion for the club is second to none.
“It’s great to win the award but I feel it’s really for the club, Perthshire as a club we’ve done so much this year and I’ve put a lot in. If you want your children to play sport you’ve got to put a little bit back. I’ve had a lot from the club and put it back in. I do a lot, but I love what I do.”
Jeremy Wares, Tennent’s Club Volunteer of the Season

SP Energy Networks Club Coaching System of the Year Award
The SP Energy Networks Club Coaching System of the Year award for 2018/19 went to Boroughmuir RFC. This award recognises the clubs who have worked hard to develop their coaching set-up at all levels to ensure that players are supported as they improve and, importantly, have fun playing rugby. Boroughmuir demonstrated their quality and commitment to coaching at every level and stood out in their approach to ensuring that they can provide high-quality coaching well into the future.
“It is really important for us because so much emphasis has been put into how we’re developing coaches with the club from top to bottom, it’s what we’re trying to achieve so we’re absolutely delighted.
“As Academy Director, we’re just in our second year so have a long way to go, but the last two years have been fantastic and a massive effort from all our coaches.”
Scott Anderson and Ali Hay, Broughton RFC

SP Energy Networks Spirit of Rugby Awards
This year there were two winners of this special award, with both individuals working tirelessly within the rugby community and contributing enormously over the years without seeking recognition or reward.
David Stibbles MBE (Harris Academy FP RFC) was named as the first of two recipients of the SP Energy Networks Spirit of Rugby Award 2018/19. He recently stepped down as Club Secretary of Harris FP`s, a role he filled for over 15 years, having been part of the club for more than 40 years. His links to Harris School and Harris FP’s have been a lifetimes work in the making and he devoted his whole life to the school and the associated rugby club. He is known, and more importantly, held in the highest esteem throughout the region.
“I’m very honoured and obviously delighted. I knew I had been nominated but I had no idea I had won until my name was read out. Rugby has been a very important part of my life and the memories are fantastic, all down to this fantastic game.” David Stibbles MBE
? | The quality of nominations was so high we are pleased to announce two winners of the @SPEnergyNetwork Spirit of Rugby Award!
First up, congratulations to David Stibbles who has given his all to @HarrisFPRFC! #ClubAwards ? pic.twitter.com/KLgsZW3FiC
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) May 31, 2019
John Wright (Edinburgh Accies/BATs Rugby) was named the second winner of the SP Energy Networks Spirit of Rugby Award 2018/19. He joined Edinburgh Accies in the early 1980s as a player, playing at prop until the mid-80s when he finally retired and moved into club administration and team management. He is also a founder member of BATs Rugby and there are many testimonies to his listening skills and ability and willingness to help people.
“I’m a bit embarrassed really, I’m just one cog in a big wheel that drive both Edinburgh BATs and Academicals. Trying to keep everything going, funding and the like, it’s a difficult job at times.
“Rugby is in the family, my father’s uncle played for Bradford. I played and went to a rugby school when I was younger and it’s been with me since I’ve been 11, it’s in my blood.” John Wright (Edinburgh Academicals/BATS)
? | Our second @SPEnergyNetwork Spirit of Rugby Award goes to John Wright of @EdinBATs and @EdinburghAccies who has given a lifetime of dedication to club rugby and the development of young players and great citizens. Congratulations! #ClubAwards ? pic.twitter.com/poChtn4Ifv
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) May 31, 2019
Tennent’s Try of the Season
Over the course of the season there were some fantastic individual and team scores, recognised by the Tennent’s Try of the Month awards. The winner of the Brigadier Frank Coutts Memorial Award for Tennent’s Try of the Season 2018/19 was selected by public vote to narrow it down and then Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend and his team selected the winner – Robin Eatough (Highland RFC).
? | Robin Eatough from @HighlandRFC is the winner of the Brigadier Frank Coutts Memorial Award for @TennentsLager Try of the Season! Check out this great team try below. #ClubAwards ? pic.twitter.com/sLJBB66Jvs
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) May 31, 2019
Tennent’s Women’s Club of the Season
Garioch RFC won the Tennents Women’s Club of the Season 2018/19, having performed extremely well in the 2018/19 season. At the start of the year club sadly lost their coach, Tim Harris, but went on to exceed expectations in finishing third in National 1, with a 100% home win record. The club is very involved with the local community and have hosted a number of fundraising events and implemented a foodbank collection in the club.
“I wasn’t expecting it tonight, we’ve won this award before, but it’s been a season when we haven’t actually won anything but we have grown as a club, doubled our numbers, engaged the community and built our youth section and to the girls I think that means a lot more than winning a trophy, we’ve nailed it.”
Jess Silcocks, Captain, Garioch RFC, Tennent’s Women’s Club of the Season
? | @GariochLadies, who enjoyed a 100% home win record and finished third in National 1, are this year’s @TennentsLager Women’s Club of the Season! The club continues to grow on and off the pitch, leading the way in numerous community and fundraising initiatives. #ClubAwards ? pic.twitter.com/V26cu4gqhw
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) May 31, 2019
Tennent’s Club of the Season
This year’s Tennent’s Club of the Season 2018/19 is Biggar RFC. The club is very much a family affair, where in the main, the responsibility for coaching falls on the hard-working volunteers; dads and mums, and friends of the club who work tirelessly to help their charges develop skills and enjoy the game of rugby.
The club recently improved their clubhouse facilities and strive to offer the best possible facilities and coaching for their players. Biggar RFC works in the community bringing rugby to a growing number of schools in the area and work with other organisations in the wider community, allowing different groups access to their new pitches.
“It’s mind-blowing, seriously mind-blowing to win this award. I was sitting listening to the intro and I knew what our club had done this year and I was proud of what our club has done. When our name was announced, I honestly didn’t believe it and I still don’t quite believe it.” John Bogle, President, Biggar RFC

For photos of our Club Awards winners receiving their awards, check out our gallery: https://www.scottishrugby.org/fanzone/scottish-rug..
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