The dedication of East London Rugby Football Club’s Vixens ladies’ member Alix Fitzgerald was celebrated with an award in the Unsung Hero category at the Essex County Honda Volunteer of the Year 2023 awards.

Alix received a certificate, rucksack, mug and notebook on Saturday (20 May) during a presentation ceremony held at Thurrock RFC.

The Honda Volunteer of the Year awards is a nationwide initiative that gives people the opportunity to nominate a volunteer at a grassroots rugby club, or wider rugby family, who deserves recognition for their commitment to the game.

The 2023 awards had three categories – Game for All, Unsung Hero, and Resilience in Rugby, Beyond Rugby, and Challenging Spirit - to reflect recognise the outstanding contribution volunteers have made to both their rugby clubs and the wider community.

Vixens’ member Alix was nominated by the club as a valued volunteer for her service to rugby union in England.

Kat Salthouse, East London’s vice-chair and women’s rugby officer, said: “Alix could have walked away from the game she loves when she was banned last year as a transgender player. Instead, she chose to channel her energy into other ways of supporting our club. For that reason, she deserved her nomination as our unsung hero. I’m delighted that she has been recognised by Essex County and Honda in this way.”

Despite being unable to play competitively, Alix wanted to remain a part of the East London rugby family. On Vixens training nights she is first on the pitch and last off, supporting with non-contact skills, and fitness coaching, using her vast knowledge and understanding of the game to help develop new and emerging talent.

Kat added: “Alix also drives our commitment to being a diverse and inclusive club by being a welcome ambassador for those who want to play and enjoy rugby, regardless of who they are, what they look like or how they identify.

“On Sunday matchdays, Alix takes on many duties. You can see and hear her supporting and encouraging from the touchline, running on with the water, but more importantly, she and her wife Anne, are our chefs. Their gourmet cuisine is widely admired by all players with visiting teams often saying it is one of the reasons they like coming here.

“At East London, we look after each other on and off the pitch and Alix is a massive part of that. She may not be able to play, and disappointing as that is for her, Alix continues to make sure everyone is accepted, supported and valued.”