The second annual Rugby Black List Awards will take place on Tuesday 30 April at the iconic Twickenham Stadium, the home of England Rugby.
The awards aim to celebrate the contributions of the Black rugby community to the sport, as well as recognise their achievements.
Rugby Black List founder, Sagan Daniels, said: “Between the 2023 event and what we hope to be an epic event this year, it was important for Rugby Black List to consolidate and capitalise on a successful inauguration.
“It is undeniable there is still a lack of representation of the Black community within rugby union – in all echelons.
“However, it is important to celebrate the progress that has been made by recognising the achievements of black role models, in order to redress this imbalance.”
This year there will be a public vote to determine the men’s and women’s Performance Player of the Year.
Nominees for the men’s award include Saracens and Scotland star Andy Christie, as well as England’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ollie Lawrence.
Christie made his debut for Scotland in 2022 and was part of the Saracens team which won the Premiership title in 2023.
Feyi-Waboso burst onto the domestic scene this year for Exeter Chiefs, before deciding to represent England and being called up to their Six Nations squad at just 21.
Bath centre Lawrence was also part of the Six Nations squad and scored three tries in three appearances as England finished third.
For the women’s award, South Africa and Harlequins prop Babalwa Latsha is joined by Bristol Bears pair Deborah Wills and Rownita Marston-Mulhearn.
Latsha is well known in rugby for becoming the first African women’s rugby player to turn professional and has captained South Africa on numerous occasions.
Wills and Marston-Mulhearn are both part of the Bears side who sit fourth, well-placed to reach the play-offs in the inaugural Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
Last year the awards were held at the Palace of Westminster and saw nominees and winners including the likes of England stars Ellis Genge, Shaunagh Brown and Beno Obano.
Members of the community game will also be recognised across categories including Community Coach and Community Leader.
Rugby Black List aims to shine a light on Black professionals and volunteers working, playing and participating in rugby union, and the group includes decision makers from the community game, leaders within talent pathways, volunteers and elite game representatives.
Garnet Mackinder, one of the awards’ directors said: “We’re very excited for the second year of the Rugby Black List awards.
“Although we’re looking to grow and recognise a wider group of Black people within rugby, the beauty of last year was the less formal and fun nature of the event which we’re looking to keep.
“It’s also a great opportunity to network and get to know people with similar experiences in rugby. I’m looking forward to meeting and celebrating some new faces.”
The 2024 celebration at Twickenham Stadium will be supported by a host of new and returning organisations, from across inclusion, charity and the sports business community.
Key partners, including England Rugby and Premiership Rugby, will be in attendance on the night, along with representatives from KORI Youth Charity, Sporting Equals and Refresh Sports.
The full list of Award categories is:
- Community Leader
- Future Leader
- Community Coach
- Performance Coach
- Performance Player (Male)
- Performance Player (Female)
- Life in Sport (Hall of Fame Induction)
- Rising Star
To find out more, visit www.rugbyblacklist.com
Featured image credit: Rugby Black List Awards x Primrose Films
