BT Cellnet today announced that it has created the first ever RFU award specifically aimed at uncapped English rugby talent. The winner of the BT Cellnet Award for Excellence in England Rugby will be decided by votes from the UK’s rugby fans and will recognise players from the Zurich Premiership that have not won a full cap for their country.

The winner of the award will be announced at the annual RFU Awards Ceremony in London on May 17, 2001.

BT Cellnet has initiated the award as part of its support of rugby at all levels, and will be utilising both Internet and mobile technology to facilitate voting.

Each of the 12 Zurich Premiership clubs will submit one eligible player for the award.

From April 17, the British public will then be invited to vote for their choice from the 12 nominees. Votes may be cast on the BT Cellnet website (www.btcellnet.net), and through the websites of the RFU (www.rfu.com) and scrum.com. Voting will also be carried out via BT Cellnet text messaging.

The polls are open from April 17-May 1 2001 and every voter will be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to attend the exclusive RFU Awards ceremony.

Alex Lichtenfeld of BT Cellnet commented, ‘BT Cellnet is continuing its support of rugby at all levels, and by initiating this new award, we are encouraging a wider audience to participate in English rugby’s foremost awards ceremony. By allowing rugby fans to use the Internet or a mobile phone to vote, this award will pave the way for others to follow.’

Francis Baron of the RFU commented, ‘English rugby is currently enjoying one of its most successful periods in recent history at international, European and domestic levels. This award has been created to recognise the talent that exists beyond the England side and focus on some of the other English qualified players from the Zurich Premiership.’

For further information, please contact:

Joshua Van Raalte
Le Fevre Communications London
Tel: 020 7563 6400
Email: joshua@lefevre.co.uk