The awards are part of the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer Recognition Programme which provides grassroots rugby clubs and the rugby community with opportunities to recognise and reward the volunteers who make up such an integral part of the game.

Jack has been part of Old Cryptians RFC since he was playing for the junior section himself. He started at U12s and has gone on to represent all three Senior Sides since graduating into Senior Rugby, including being part of the 1st XV gaining promotion and winning the Combination Cup a few years ago.

It has been a while since Old Cryptians RFC has seen a junior side come through the ranks until now with Jack and others starting a side in 2013 where they formed as an U12s. Jack encouraged others to get involved, including parents and Senior players. He has been on board with everything including coaching, fund raisers, sponsorship and organising Rugby Tours. Jack is the longest serving coach from the original set up and is planning on bringing the boys into Senior Rugby as they turn 17. His aim is to bring them into the 3rd XV to gain the experience needed and hopes to see as many of his current team in the 1st XV in years to come.

The commitment shown by Jack has earned not only the respect of the boys in his team but also the respect from the parents, especially through tough times that the team has faced with the loss of two parents. This has led to the club naming an Award in honour of one and an annual Memorial Match is held for the other, who coached alongside Jack. His wife has kindly nominated Jack Flounders for the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Award for the passion and commitment he has put in over the years. Jack would encourage anyone with a love of rugby or even a passion to give back to get involved in a local rugby club, especially within a Rugby-loving city like Gloucester.

Jack Flounders is one of a select group of rugby volunteers in the area who is invited to attend an awards event held at Cheltenham & Gloucester Mitsubishi, on June 14th, 2018. At this event, one volunteer will be announced as a Volunteer of the Year finalist – earning them a place at the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards night at Twickenham Stadium on Friday 7 September 2018. Three overall winners will be announced on the evening and each one will receive a Mitsubishi car for a year as a thank you for their continued support of the game.

As well as the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards, the programme offers a number of opportunities to say thank you to the thousands of volunteers who give back to grassroots rugby, week in, week out. Find out more about how you can show your appreciation for a volunteer in your rugby community by visiting www.englandrugby.com/mitsubishivolunteers