CLAYTON, North Carolina – This past weekend the Clayton Rugby Football Club held their our annual end of season awards presentation at Instill Distilling Company. This allowed the club to recognize a number of members for their contributions over the past season.
Here are our award winners for the 2022/2023 season:
Men’s Most Valuable Forward: Dan Parker
Dan appeared in 8 matches this season scoring one try while playing multiple roles in the pack. Dan played nearly every minute seeing time at prop, lock, and flanker. The versatile forward can be found putting in the hard work in the trenches, making tackles, and hitting rucks.
Men’s Most Valuable Back: Luis Padua
This is Luis’ second Most Valuable Back award in a row. The versatile back was the only Bootlegger to appear in all 9 matches this season, rarely coming off of the pitch. Luis converted from his usual place at center or the wing to play scrumhalf this season. He added two tries and and two conversions this season as he helped set the pace for the Bootlegger offense.
Men’s Rookie of the Year: Parker Hughes
Parker joined the club mid-season and immersed himself in rugby. A quick study, Parker’s minutes grew each match throughout the second half of the season. He provided solid minutes at both prop and hooker. We look forward to seeing him continue to develop and grow on the pitch.
Men’s Coaches’ Award: Peter Nalley
Peter joined the club in the fall and acquitted himself well with a positive attitude. Peter was a mainstay at practice and jumped right into helping at off the pitch events for the club. He embodied the spirit of a Bootlegger this past season working hard on and off of the pitch.
We also recognized three members with the Philip “Paddy O” Davies Award. The Davies Award is a non-annual award presented to members for going above and beyond in their service to the club.
Nick Taylor
Nick was instrumental in reviving the club’s youth program after the pandemic-induced shutdown. He has regrown numbers and completely taken over the program while serving as the club’s Youth Director. Nick’s passion for the sport is now being shared with the next generation of rugby players in Clayton.
Jeff Barley
Barley is a Clubman through and through. There is not a member in the entire club that has helped at more events on and off the pitch in the past few years. Barley helps without question and has been a valued member of the club. Aside from volunteering for nearly everything, Barley has also served as the club’s Facility Chair in recent years.
Gary Fogarty
Gary has been the club’s VP for the past three years. While his playing time is limited, Gary has made a large impact off the pitch for the club working with sponsors, helping with the facility project, and serving as a valued voice on the club’s board of directors.
The club would like to congratulate all of our award winners and thank them for their service to the club. We’d also like to thank all of our members (100+ strong) for choosing the Clayton RFC for your rugby experience, whether you are a playing or social member. We’re excited for the future as we move into our new home and work to continue to build our club to new heights.
