Aviva Premiership
Jason Robinson hails Premiership outreach work
ESPN Staff
July 4, 2014
Robinson made 51 appearances for England © Getty Images
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Former British & Irish Lion Jason Robinson has hailed the work carried out by Aviva Premiership clubs in their local communities.

Robinson, who toured with the Lions in 2001 and 2005, was speaking as clubs gathered for the Premiership Rugby Community Awards, staged at the House of Commons. The awards, now in their ninth year, recognise the outreach work Premiership clubs deliver in their communities.

Robinson stressed the importance of honouring rugby's unsung heroes. "It is very important because you see lots of things but sometimes you don't see who is behind it," he said.

"It is also great to listen to some of the young people themselves tell their story and hopefully that will encourage more and more people to get involved and to support it so it can continue to grow.

"We are seeing some great stories - some real changes in young people's lives. Sometimes you just want somebody to believe in you and give you an opportunity

Robinson was joined at the awards, hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Rugby Union Group, was joined in voicing his praise by Minister for Sport Helen Grant.

"Sport has the power to deliver social change and I'm delighted to see the 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs continue to make working within their local community a priority," Grant said.

"Premiership Rugby is doing a tremendous amount through social inclusion programmes ... and I would like to congratulate all the winners for the fantastic work that has been achieved in the last year.

"The Premiership Rugby Community Awards are honouring all the unsung heroes working within the game and recognise the crucial and important work that often goes unseen during the rugby season."

The Award winners were:

The Play Award supported by the All Party Parliamentary Rugby Union Group
Winner - Worcester Warriors - Warriors Homeless RFC Programme
Highly Commended - Bristol Rugby - Eagle for Play Programme

The BreakThru Award supported by TNT Express
Winner - Saracens for Sarries Skills Club
Highly Commended - Sale Sharks for RuFIT and Bristol Rugby for Bright Sparks

The Community Impact Award supported by Aviva

Winner - Saracens
Highly Commended - Northampton Saints

The National Community Champion Award supported by Land Rover
Winner - Peter Gore (Sale Sharks Regional Winner)

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