Bristol Bears duo Deborah Wills and Rownita Marston-Mulhearn have been shortlisted for the Rugby Black List Awards 2024 in the Women’s Performance Player category.
The Rugby Black List Awards are designed to celebrate the Black community in rugby union and recognising achievements and following last year’s inaugural celebration, the annual awards will return again in 2024 at the home of England Rugby, Twickenham Stadium.
2023’s Awards, held at the Palace of Westminster, was hosted with the aim of inspiring the next generation of leaders in sport and saw nominees and winners including the likes of England stars Ellis Genge and Shaunagh Brown, Beno Obano and a host of community leaders across the game.
This year’s awards evening will again look at celebrating the contribution of the Black rugby community to rugby union and recognising their achievements across the game in England.
Rugby Black List is positioned to help shine a light on Black professionals and volunteers working, playing and participating in rugby union. The group includes decision makers from the community game, leaders within talent pathways, volunteers and elite game representatives.
Many members of the community game will be recognised across categories including Community Coach and Community Leader as well as, for the first time, this year public voting will be available across two categories for men’s and women’s Performance Player of the Year. All other winners will be announced on the night.
The nominees for the public vote are:
Men’s Performance Player
● Andy Christie, Saracens
● Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Exeter Chiefs
● Ollie Lawrence, Bath
Women’s Performance Player
● Babalwa Latsha, Harlequins
● Deborah Wills, Bristol Bears
● Rownita Marston-Mulhearn, Bristol Bears
Voting opens from 19 March – 9 April and the winners announced on 30th April at the Awards event. Voting can be done via the form here.
