2024/ 2025 End of Season Awards

The Mike Connolly Award – CPO Ryan Cox
The Mike Connolly Award is given to the member of the Royal Navy Mariners Rugby Union Squad who has made the most impact through the season. This player will have shown leadership, commitment and energy in the finest tradition of the over-35's game.

The 2025 recipient, Ryan Cox, is a standout figure whose dedication and performances have epitomised all that this award represents.

For several seasons, CPO Ryan Cox has been a cornerstone of the Mariners’ squad over the last few seasons. He is a name consistently among the first on the team sheet. A scrum-half operating on the fringes of the dark arts of the forward pack, he has brought an intensity and fearlessness to the field that has redefined expectations of his role.

Known for his uncompromising defence, where at 9 he has the strength and utility as a second 7. His leadership under pressure rallies those around him when the chips are down, Cox has consistently been the difference in a score line, often tilting the outcome of a fixture through sheer will and relentless drive.

His contribution goes far beyond the pitch. Balancing a demanding professional life and personal challenges, Ryan has continued to prioritise the team, embodying the selflessness and resilience that define the Mariner ethos. A proud Devonian, he channels the grit and determination of his West Country roots into every match, training session, and team engagement.

Ryan Cox’s enduring commitment, fearless play, and unwavering leadership make him a most worthy recipient of the 2025 Mick Connolly Award.

Proud Heritage, Exciting Future Award – Mne Jamin Hoffman
The award was first made in 2010 at the end of season dinner, which coincided with the Navy team ending the Army’s eight-year winning run in Inter Service rugby. The purpose of the award was to acknowledge the exciting talent that exists within the wider Navy Senior XV squad, the talent, which if harnessed and developed, will provide Navy Rugby a future befitting of its proud heritage.

This year’s worthy recipient of the Proud Heritage, Exciting Future award in his debut season goes to Mne Jamin Hoffman, in the true spirit of the of this prestigious accolade, it recognises the emerging talent within Navy Rugby. Jamin in his second senior camp has led the defence on and off the field, he has demonstrated balance to his game, solid in defence and a constant attacking threat identifying space and weak shoulders. His relentless work rate has given the team a significant edge in crucial moments of the game. His presence in the midfield adds a dynamic dimension, doing a lot of the unseen work, allowing his team mates the opportunity to shine. Jamin epitomises the core values of the award and is thoroughly deserving to receive this illustrious trophy, an exciting future in the Royal Navy jersey awaits.

Cossack Sword – LPT Scott Makepeace
The Cossack Sword was presented to the Royal Navy Rugby Union by former player and selector, Captain Leigh Merrick Royal Navy and first awarded in 2000. The sword is for “Ground Gained and Held” and awarded at the end of each season to the player, from the Royal Navy Senior XV, whose performances over the course of the season best meet the battling qualities invoked by the heritage of the “Cossack Warrior”.

The Cossack Sword is nominated by the players to the individual whose performances over the course of the season have warranted recognition by their peers, this season’s deserving winner is LPT Scott Makepeace. Mako has been a constant performer throughout, an ex-first XV Captain, his leadership and physicality epitomises the values for this award. Returning from a serious injury the drive and determination demonstrated by Mako is testament to the years of dedication he has given Navy Rugby. Injured in the line of duty in the impressive win against the RAF has unfortunately cut this season short however he continues to support the team in every way he can. Being honoured by his peers in this manner holds special significance, highlighting he has earned this recognition as this season’s standout player.

Roger Sherratt Trophy for Most Valued Player – ET(WE) Ellie Brightwell
The Roger Sherratt Trophy is awarded to the member of the Royal Navy Women’s Rugby Union Squad who is deemed to be the most valuable player of the season. This player will have shown strong leadership qualities both on and off the field, have provided a positive influence on the Squad and have displayed the attitude and bearing that epitomises the values of the Royal Navy Women Rugby Union Team.

The Trophy is awarded in memory of Mr Roger Sherratt, who was the first benefactor of the Royal Navy Women’s team. Roger Sherratt first became involved in the Women’s side through his daughter, Clare Sherratt, who supported the team as both a player and as the Assistant Team Manager. The Royal Navy Women remain indebted to the support of Roger Sherratt as without his backing, the team would not have received the opportunity to gain the recognition of the wider RN Rugby community, which has allowed us to become the more professional organisation that we are today.

This player, is a standout player who joined the squad at the beginning of the development season, quickly made a name for herself with her exceptional performances, leadership, and unwavering dedication throughout the season. Her commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, has not gone unnoticed by her teammates or coaches.

She has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and resilience, becoming a driving force behind our team’s success and a role model for her peers. She has led by example, shown respect for the game, and inspired those around her to reach their full potential.

Receiving this award is a testament to her relentless work ethic, passion for the sport, and ability to elevate the entire team.

Congratulations, Ellie Brightwell, on receiving the Roger Sherratt Trophy for the 2025 season!

Most improved Player - Talia Haywood
The most improved player award is presented to an individual who has exhibited the most significant growth throughout the season. This award serves as a recognition of their talent, dedication, and perseverance.

This player has consistently demonstrated a willingness to learn, adapt, and push herself to achieve new levels of performance. She has consistently surpassed expectations and showcased a commitment to improvement that has made her an invaluable asset to the team.

We are filled with excitement for the future of this player; Talia Haywood has been named the most improved player of the 2025 season.

Soapy Watson Award – Miss Chloe Leach
The Soapy Watson award was first presented in 2007 in memory of Warrant Officer ‘Soapy’ Watson, this trophy is presented to the training support group (TSG) member who has contributed over and above the call of duty from across the representative area.

Soapy was the most consummate of team players whose support to Navy Rugby was fulsome at all levels and his abilities as an administrator were outstanding; he spent five seasons involved with the management of the Senior XV and created what is now known as the Mariners team after challenging the other two Services to an over 35 veterans match in 1995. Soapy was a great man and someone who reflected the commitment and values that are strived for in Navy Rugby.

Over the last couple of seasons, the RNRU Medical TSG has welcomed a number of new faces into the setup, all of whom have worked tirelessly in support of the representative teams, doing everything they can to care for and support the players to ensure that they are in the best possible shape to represent the Royal Navy both on and off the pitch. I consider myself to be incredibly fortunate to be supported by such an amazing team who go above and beyond each and every day, and I know that their efforts are hugely appreciated by every one of us in the room this evening. However, there is one individual who really does stand out in the commitment that she has shown to Navy Rugby. Working in support of the 7’s, Academy, U23’s, Mariners, and both men’s and women’s senior teams, she demonstrates every one of our core values in abundance whilst setting the highest of standards in all that she does. Accepting of responsibility, dependable throughout and without a doubt our very own ‘Civvy Wren’, the deserved winner of the 2025 Soapy Watson award is, Chloe Leach.