Neil Hempsall, who manages many of our sponsor relationships, shares his thoughts on the first four winners of the Roebuck Estates Cuvee Champion of the month award.

That ‘loving feeling’ is always in the air at Barnes RFC, and no more so apparent than when Spring is fast approaching!

What better time to share with you details of four Barnes Rugby Club volunteers, who go above and beyond to help others in the club, and who are the first four recipients of the ‘Roebuck Estates Barnes Champion Award’.

Roebuck Estates is one of our new sponsors for this season, they offer some of the finest English premium sparkling wines for purchase and enjoyment - and they especially wanted to recognise those who help run our great rugby club through this monthly programme.
Please do take a few minutes to read about these wonderful people who volunteer to help our players, and all involved in Barnow to have the best time:

Katie Rodney-Smith - Youth Finance Operations
Katie was the January 2025 winner and has performed the Youth Finance Operations role for 3 years as a volunteer.

In that time, Katie has worked miracles and has been able to establish robust processes and reporting that have given us exemplary control and visibility of our financial health. Thank you, Katie!

Angus Graham - International Tickets Manager
The December 2024 winner is a multi-talented club member and ex-player, who has been a member of Barnes RFC since the 1980’s and for most of these years has given his time to help run the club in various aspects. He has served as fixture secretary, he brings together 150 former players for the annual Vets lunch, he is on the Barnes Golf Day committee, has been a Vets player for more years than most can remember! He is a club man through and through - Thank you Gus!

Niall Wilson - Head of Minis Rugby
Niall was the November 2024. Since stepping into the role of Head of Minis Rugby, Niall has brought boundless energy and enthusiasm to the Minis section, making an incredible impact on our Minis programme. Under Niall’s leadership, Minis girls’ rugby has been revitalised, with more young players joining and thriving in the sport. His dedication and passion were on full display during the autumn schools tag festival, which was the most successful we’ve hosted since pre-COVID times. Niall’s commitment to creating a positive, inclusive, and fun environment for our Minis players embodies everything that makes Barnes Rugby Club special. Thank you, Niall, for your outstanding contributions!

George Frisby - Data Management Leader
Our very first recipient of the Roebuck Estates Champion Award in October 2024 could not have been presented to anyone more deserving than our very own George Frisby. 3 years ago, George responded to a request for volunteers posted on Next Door Barnes. He made an immediate positive impact, George organised, and significantly improved, the clubs data management system and quality of information, which included ensuring that all playing members transitioned over to the new RFU registration system - quietly, calmly and accurately George works his magic with polite courtesy, charm and immense patience! In addition, George is our 4th Official on home 1st XV Men’s match days - clip board and stopwatch in hand - he records every event during each game, from scores to substitutes, making sure we provide accurate information to the RFU on time.

Those recognised so far have been selected by the Barnes RFC Committee where every section of the club is represented.

However, any member of the club may nominate one of the helpers/volunteers who you think is deserving to receive the Roebuck Estates Barnes Champion of the Month award, simply contact your section lead/head and ask them to submit your recommendation to any of the club committee.

The club does not run itself and we would welcome more people come forward to offer their time, expertise and join in the help out - in small, medium and large amounts.

Don’t be shy, you will be welcomed with open arms and, who knows, you may end up receiving one of the beautiful, engraved bottles of Roebuck Classic Cuvee as a winner!
And remember, you don’t need to wait to receive a Roebuck Classic Cuvee award, why not treat yourself and/or your loved one to some exceptional Roebuck vintage English Sparkling wines!

Place your orders now, all fully paid up members may use BARNES20 at the online checkout to receive a 20% discount and Barnes RFC also receive a financial benefit in return too: https://www.roebuckestates.co.uk/shop/wines/vintage-sparkling-wines/