Thursday 23 October, 2014 – Twickenham Stadium was the host for last night’s Rugby Expo Awards 2014, marking half time at this year’s two day Rugby Expo and a chance to celebrate the success stories and stars from the sport.
Rugby Expo Awards 2014 winners
Sponsor of the year
Shortlist
BT Sport rugby sponsorship
Dyson and Bath Rugby
QBE and England Rugby
Winner: BT Sport
Rugby event of the year
Shortlist
The Magic Weekend – RFL & Super League
Rugby Sevens at Glasgow 2014
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014
Winner: Rugby Sevens at Glasgow 2014
Marketing campaign of the year
Shortlist
O2 presents ‘Wear the Rose’
London Irish and Setanta Sports Partnership
#StickersForTwickers
Wasps’ partnership with the Invictus Games
Winner: O2 presents ‘Wear the Rose’
Community programme of the year
Shortlist
Bhubesi Pride and Rugby in Africa 2014
Premiership Rugby and HITZ Programme
Wheelchair Sevens International Board (W7IB) and Wheelchair Rugby Sevens
Winner: Premiership Rugby and HITZ Programme
Technical innovation of the year
Shortlist
First Sports International and RFU Game Management System (GMS)
Rhino Rugby and the Rhino Bulldog Sled
Ultimate Rugby mobile app
Winner: Ultimate Rugby mobile app
Rugby venue of the year
Shortlist
Aviva Stadium, IRFU
Langtree Park, St. Helens
Kingston Park Stadium, Newcastle Falcons
Winner: Aviva Stadium, IRFU
The evening culminated with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution to Rugby Award; as the only category where the winner is nominated and selected by the judging panel, this year’s award was won by Stuart Gallacher, former Scarlets and Regional Rugby Wales Chief Executive who sadly passed away at the weekend at the age of 68.
Stuart, who was also former Director of ERC and the Celtic League, was a dual-code international player who made a major contribution to Welsh Rugby during a career that spanned more than 40 years.
Close friend and former Cardiff Blues Chief Executive Bob Norster received the award on behalf of Stuart and his family.