More than £20,000 was raised for the Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation at the annual Six Nations Lunch. 

Almost 300 guests packed into the marquee at the Arms Park to celebrate the foundation and the fantastic work they do across the region.

The event, as ever, was hosted by Tom Shanklin, with Mathew Pritchard, Nigel Owens and Lauren Salter providing the entertainment.

Pritchard lifted the lid on the antics that brought him fame through Dirty Sanchez, the fallout and his transition from addiction to endurance sports. The Cardiff fan recently rowed across the Atlantic, which is charted in his new movie ‘The Road to Excess’.

Lauren Salter and Nigel Owens joined Tom Shanklin to reflect on their careers and look ahead to the Six Nations.

The afternoon also provided a fitting occasion to present grassroot volunteers with their community awards for School Recognition, Club Recognition, Volunteer of the Year and Outstanding Contribution. 

Foundation Director, Nadine Griffiths, said: “This year’s annual lunch was another huge success. It was special to be able to invite the sponsors, supporters and friends of the Foundation to celebrate everything they have helped us achieve – their generosity, compassion and kindness always bowls me over. 

“It was such an honour to invite our award winners to be part of the day to really give thanks and recognise their commitment to rugby and its wider values.

“Sport unites, it brings people together, and when we stand together, share our strength – things change and real impact happens.

“It was about celebrating the achievements of both the foundation and our award winners, it was also about more than sport, it’s about community and people.

“We are enormously grateful to everyone who attended and continues to support the foundation, including our three brilliant panellists who gave up their time to help us raise invaluable funds and awareness.”

Award winners

School Recognition Award: Jessica Neck

Jess has been a passionate advocate for Sport for all at Tonyrefail Community School, always creating opportunities and championing participation. She has been a long-standing the foundations initiatives and hosting events – a true school champion!

Club Recognition Award: Steph Williams-Canning

Steph’s journey into rugby has been inspiring for many. From playing for Barry Women to stepping into the role of coach for the Young Islanders girl’s hub.

The girls section has grown hugely with Steph making sure the young players get the best possible experience. Steph is not just building a team, she’s building belief, resilience and a real love for the game.

Volunteer of the Year – Lee Griffiths

Following his own personal experiences supporting a family member with Alzheimer’s, Lee approached the foundation and helped establish the Sports and Memory Café at Cardiff Arms Park. 

The Sports and Memory café provides a safe, friendly space where sport sparks memories alongside supporting carers within its carer’s corner to offer support and advice.

Lee, an Alzheimer’s Society Group Facilitator volunteer, volunteers at every session, his passion to support and help is evident to see by everyone

Outstanding Contribution Award – Jason Cook

With nearly 20 years of championing and developing rugby within the Rhondda – Jason is a true legend.

Starting out developing and coaching in the Mini and Junior section at Ystrad Rhondda, many a player developed the love of the game through Jason’s unwavering passion.

The event this year was also attended by a host of first team stars including Josh McNally, Ellis Bevan, George Nott and Rory Thornton, as well as the coaching team and backroom staff.

Some familiar faces were also in attendance such as Ellis Jenkins and Macauley Cook, who have been involved in the Six Nations Lunch since it was launched 11 years ago following the catastrophic injury suffered by their friend a teammate Owen Williams, and Jamie and Nicky Robinson.