A LONG-standing member of Rhyl RFC of more than two decades has been selected out of more than 800 entries to be named Clubhouse Champion and be part of Principality’s “Unofficial Squad”.

Steven Wootton, 58, from Denbigh, has been awarded the honour of Clubhouse Champion after being nominated by his community in a competition run by Principality Building Society.

As a loyal member of Rhyl RFC for more than 20 years, it was his commitment to travelling from his assisted living accommodation in Denbigh every week to not only attend the home games, but also lay out the fresh kit and clean the changing rooms every single match that saw him selected for a place in the Unofficial Squad.

Wales’ largest building society, and sponsors of the stadium and partners of the Welsh Rugby Union, Principality was looking for individuals who have worked hard to make their clubhouse feel like home.

Steven said: “I was so happy to be nominated and I want to say thank you to Lee Blackmore and all the first team players who nominated me.

“At Rhyl Rugby Club, I put out all the kit and fill up water bottles. I also do the car park duties at the games.

“I’ve been going to watch Rhyl RFC for 20 years and the best thing about it are its beautiful grounds. The players are also great and very entertaining to watch.”

Steven is one of 15 people to be part of the Unofficial Squad, who will be given VIP treatment by Principality at Wales vs Italy on March 19 at Principality Stadium, including watching the match from a hospitality box and a meet-and-greet with Welsh international, Ken Owens.

Steven, along with the other 14 winners, will also be presented with their own framed Welsh shirt for their clubhouse, as a memento of being selected in the Unofficial Squad.

A panel of judges – including Wales’ top try-scorer Shane Williams ME – were responsible for choosing the 15 winners to form the Unofficial Squad.

Shane Williams MBE said: “The clubhouse has always been at the heart of the community and it’s the community that makes the clubhouse.

“We were thrilled to see hundreds of nominations and it was a big challenge trying to pick the winners, but Steven’s and the other 14 winning stories really stood out to us.

“This was a great opportunity to shine a light on the Clubhouse Champions and one I was honoured to be a part of.”

Vicky Wales, Principality’s chief customer officer, said: “As title sponsors of Principality Stadium, we wanted to celebrate the deserving club heroes across the country for the continued effort they give to their home club.

“From the groundsperson to the cleaner, to that person who works hard behind the scenes, the Unofficial Squad has been named with individuals whose dedication and commitment makes a massive difference to their local club.

“Clubhouses and the fans in them are the foundation that Welsh rugby is built upon and the glue that holds rugby communities together.”

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