The presentation of an RFU President’s XV Award to the Royal Holloway (University of London) women’s team celebrated their success in spreading the rugby word among the students and beyond.

The team based at the college in Egham, Surrey won the ‘This is Rugby’ category of the prestigious annual awards, supported by QBE, the specialist in business insurance.

All the 25 players in the squad upheld rugby union’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. Together they have fostered community links with youngsters at Egham Rugby Club and Spelthorne Disability Sports Club by providing regular training sessions, as well as getting involved with projects such as pond clearing and litter picking.

As well as appearing on local radio and writing articles for London and university newspapers, the club has become involved in Raise and Give Week, Make a Difference Day and volunteering weeks at Royal Holloway.

In accepting the winners’ prize of £500 and an engraved trophy from Willie Wildash, RFU Vice-President, and Katherine Clements of QBE, Lucy Fleming of Royal Holloway women’s rugby club said: “We’re immensely proud of our club and its members, and to be recognised for our efforts is fantastic. We will be putting the money back into the club so we can continue to provide a place where women of all ages can engage with rugby in a positive and safe environment.”