Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club celebrated another memorable season on Saturday evening as players, coaches, volunteers and supporters came together for the annual Senior Player Awards Evening.

The night recognised achievements across the club’s senior rugby programme, from the Social Teams through to the Women’s and Men’s 1st XVs, while also acknowledging the huge contribution made by volunteers and supporters behind the scenes throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Social Teams Recognition

The evening began with the Social Team awards, celebrating another successful season built around enjoyment, development and commitment to the club.

Award winners included:

Most Improved Player – William Davies
Best Newcomer – Marcus Maddock
Outstanding Commitment – Paul Street
Coach’s Player of the Year – Adam Hunter
Players’ Player of the Year – Malachy McGuire

The Social Teams continue to play a hugely important role within the club, providing opportunities for players of all experience levels to enjoy rugby in the Hoppers environment.

Special Mentions and Milestones

A number of players were recognised for making their 1st Team debuts during the season, highlighting the strength of the club’s player pathway and development system.

The following players made their senior debuts during 2025/26:

Ben Corless, Tom Ailes, Louis Singleton, Billy Glover, Harrison Causey, Ged Boylan, Jack Roberts, Jamie Atherton, Zephyr Maher, James Torkington, Charlie Attis, Henry Hadfield and Josh Ryan.

Special mention was also given to Zephyr Maher, a former Hoppers Mini-Junior, underlining the club’s continued success in developing homegrown talent.

Several players also reached significant appearance milestones:

50 First Team Caps

Sammy Russell
Will Parkinson
Josh Longson

100 First Team Caps

Jake Squirrell

The club also acknowledged players selected for the Lancashire Senior Men’s squad this season, including Ben Corless, Sam Kyle-Clay, Hugo Castle, Tom Ailes, Owain Williams, Sam Freeman, Jacob Browne and Sammy Russell.

There was also recognition for players departing the club, with thanks given for their contribution in Hoppers colours:
Jonny Wild, Robbie Willetts, Owain Williams, Ged Boylan, Asa Watson, Derek Ochieng, Ed Rowell and Danny Maher.

Celebrating the People Behind the Scenes

One of the standout moments of the evening came during the acknowledgements section, where the enormous contribution of volunteers, staff and supporters was recognised.

Thanks were extended to the rugby operations team, medical staff, analysts, volunteers and wider club supporters whose efforts make senior rugby possible every week.

The prestigious Clubman of the Year Award was presented to Mick Walker, recognising his outstanding contribution as 1st Team Manager throughout the season.

2nd XV Awards

The 2nd XV enjoyed another competitive season and celebrated several standout performers.

Award Winners

Coaches’ Player of the Year – Josh Ryan
Players’ Player of the Year – Josh Jones

The side also enjoyed strong individual performances throughout the season, with impressive points and try-scoring contributions across the squad.

Women’s Team Continue to Grow

The Women’s section enjoyed another positive year both on and off the field, continuing to expand participation and strengthen the squad.

Season highlights included:

5th place league finish
323 points scored
Four league victories
An 85-5 victory featuring 13 tries
30 new registrations
24 debuts
Nine players completely new to rugby

Women’s Team Award Winners

Best Newcomer – Joanne Hunter
Most Improved Player – Lottie Santi
Coach’s Player of the Year – Phoebe Astin
Players’ Player of the Year – Samantha Jones

The continued growth of the women’s programme remains one of the club’s major success stories.

Men’s 1st XV Awards

The Men’s 1st XV campaign saw the squad finish 9th in the league, while continuing to entertain supporters with an exciting attacking brand of rugby.

Highlights included impressive victories over DMP and Hull Ionians at Lightfoot Green, alongside a memorable away win at Rossendale.

The squad used 41 players throughout the season, with 13 players making their senior debuts.

1st XV Award Winners

Young Player of the Year – Zephyr Maher & Harrison Causey
Breakthrough Season Award – Will Parkinson
1869 Club Player of the Year – Sam Freeman
Coaches’ Player of the Year – Sammy Russell
Players’ Player of the Year – Sam Freeman

Sam Freeman’s performances across the campaign earned widespread recognition, while Sammy Russell’s consistency and leadership were rewarded with the coaches’ top honour.

Looking Ahead

The evening concluded with thanks to everyone connected with Preston Grasshoppers for their continued support throughout the 2025/26 season.

From players and coaches to volunteers, sponsors and supporters, the awards night once again highlighted the strong community spirit that continues to drive the club forward.

Congratulations to all award winners and everyone involved in another successful season at Lightfoot Green.