North Devon rugby volunteer honoured in sparkling Twickenham ceremony

From his early days playing as a marauding hooker for Torrington Rugby Club, Adrian Avery was a man on a mission.

His love for the game and passion for Torrington RFC took Avery to the position of club captain, and when the time arrived to step back from playing, it was a natural transition to the coaching ranks.

Avery has since played a major role in developing the youth programme at Torrington, ensuring the club has a proper pathway to future success. His tireless dedication to the game was recently recognised by the RFU, who presented this Torrington titan with the Outstanding Contribution Award in a lavish ceremony before the England v Fiji game at Twickenham.

“I started playing rugby quite late, around 15 or 16, and went on to second-team rugby before moving to University,” said Avery. “Since I came back in 2007, I’ve been heavily involved as a player and club captain.

“We restarted the youth section and kick-started it again in 2017. We’ve been growing it since then, still a long way to go, but we’re getting there.

“Producing our own players is huge for a club like Torrington. We’ve got a few players left from our last Colts team and without anything coming through the ranks, we would die as a club.

“Thankfully, one of those last Colts, Nick Evans, is now coaching the team and doing a great job in steadying the ship. It feels like the club now has a positive future.

“I coach the Under-16s, taking them on as Under-7s, bringing them all the way through. The target is for them to play men’s rugby and, in my mind, if we can achieve that, we’ve done our job because the club would be nothing without a youth section.

“We see what other clubs do, the likes of Bideford and Barnstaple, with more people involved, and we understand that the conveyor belt of players is what keeps a club going. We’re starting to see that now at Torrington with age groups from Under-7 to Under-16.

“I’ve been involved with the club for a long time and I do bang the drum for North Devon because rugby here can be South Devon orientated. We had a good meeting with the Devon RFU in the summer and they want to do more for North Devon rugby because we can get lost in the conversation at times.

“I’m one of many people giving up their time for local rugby clubs but I love every minute. I really enjoy getting people involved, bringing through coaches because, without them, there’s nothing. It’s nice to be recognised but I see it as recognition for everyone.

“To be at Twickenham for the award was amazing. I believe I was the only person from Devon invited and an opportunity I will never experience again. We had a tour, spent time on the pitch and a meal in the Spirit of Rugby restaurant.

“It was a great day, I’m really appreciative and something all volunteers deserve.”