RN East and Sharks' Team Manager is RNRU Volunteer of the Year
It was at the Royal Navy Rugby Union Annual Members' Meeting held at HMS Temeraire at the beginning of December when RNRU President, Admiral Sir Philip Jones, presented the 'Value the Volunteer' award to Leading Communications and Information Specialist Nathan 'Pony' Moore.
Pony, who is currently based at HMS Collingwood, received the award for his outstanding contribution to the RNRU, most recently in his roles as Team Manager for the RNRU 7s team, the Sharks, and the RN East regional team. He thoroughly deserves the President’s Value the Volunteer award, having been at the heart of RN Rugby for over sixteen years, both as a player and a coach, before taking on the team manager roles.
His many years of playing and leading rugby at the community level have had a positive impact on the operational output of RN warships. With his effervescent and gregarious personality, he has ensured sailors have not only promoted the Royal Navy in some far flung parts of the world, but have also raised the profile of the game of rugby on a global scale. At the same time as creating memories for rugby players, Nathan was developing into a future leader to take on a key role within representative rugby in the RNRU.
He was appointed as the Manager of the RN Sharks in March 2015 and carries out his role in a very successful and inspirational manner, exploiting his experience from Navy community rugby. Over the last 18 months, he has reinvigorated the RNRU 7s ethos and character, both on and off the pitch. And the results of the team speak for themselves. A successful 2016 season has seen the Sharks winning 1 Cup, 2 Plates, and featuring in two other finals over 7 weekend tournaments. Pony has established a player base of over 30 rugby players and through his meticulous planning and leadership has significantly increased awareness and playing numbers. He also has some great plans for the coming season to run a development and a women’s 7s team in 2017.
On receiving his award Pony said "I am honoured to receive this award from the President. I love being involved in Navy Rugby and am so pleased to be able to encourage and motivate others to take part too."
Words by Director of Rugby, Captain Roger Readwin
Images © Royal Navy Rugby Union