How to Entertain Your Guests at a Rugby Award Ceremony
Looking to celebrate and inspire your team?
When organising an end of season award ceremony, Christmas get-together or mid-season celebration of a milestone moment, you want everything to go to plan and your event entertainment to be perfect.
Celebrating individual and collective success in a friendly, fun environment with the friends and family of players gives you a chance to celebrate and inspire your team. Our latest blog has all the tips and tricks to make sure your event goes off without a hitch. Whether it is an event within your club, your league, county or country, here’s how to entertain your guests.
Who is Funding Your Awards?
A rugby award ceremony is a great opportunity to engage with local businesses. Depending on the size and stature of your award ceremony, some businesses will simply want to give back to community rugby, while others may expect something in return. Having their name engraved on awards or printed on banners around your venue and on stage is popular, while gift bags, raffles, competitions, auctions and giveaways all represent a chance for businesses to show off their brands.
What Awards Are You Planning To Hand Out?
Here are some ideas for awards you could hand out at your event:
- Try of the Season
- Player’s Player
- Manager’s Player
- Best Comeback Victory
- Most Memorable Quote
- Performance of the Season
- Most Improved Player
- Young Player of the Season
- Lifetime Achievement
- Behind the Scenes: Unsung Hero
How to Entertain Your Guests
Food & Drink
Getting the right food and drink for the tone of your award ceremony is important. For a family-friendly event consider a toned-down option such as a barbecue or a buffet and open bar, for an adult-only occasion a three-course dinner with alcohol already on the table is a popular choice. If you are sponsored by a catering or beverage company, why not involve them in your decisions on food.
Get Your Music Right
Your choice of music between award presentations and speeches is important to the smooth running of your awards event. Choosing a soundtrack that suits the tempo and can be adapted for each award is an important addition. This could take the form of a live band or DJ offering covers of your favourite songs. Knowing what sort of atmosphere you will get can help you choose the right music to impress your guests.
Not Everyone Can Win!
Or can they? What if they could! You don’t want people turning up just to show their face, you want everyone to feel involved in the awards ceremony. You could have a participation award or a winner’s medal for every player and choreograph it. If not think about other ways that you can involve everyone in attendance. Competitions and activities can be effective.
Make Sure to Document Your Event
Perhaps you could hire a professional photographer to ensure those treasured memories are documented and players, coaches and families can be pictured with their teammates, loved ones and their awards.
Don’t forget to invite the media to your event as well. Whether local or national press, you want to get news outlets to report on the key aspects of your evening. Even if the media don’t join you, you should send photographs and a press release to let them know what has been happening, or you can update friends and fans on social media.
Who’s Hosting?
A top-level host is a must for your sports award ceremony. Experienced cup-winning rugby speakers can give your team valuable insight into the game, motivate your players and entertain your guests. Hiring a rugby champion to speak at your event will add real star power. Here are just some of Champions Rugby Speakers top picks for your event.
Dan Luger
Dan Luger, MBE, played as a winger for premiership clubs like Saracens and Harlequins and represented both England and the British and Irish Lions. With a distinguished international career, Dan scored 24 tries in 38 matches, including his famous last-minute try against Australia in 2000. His vast experience and motivational spirit make him an ideal choice to host an award ceremony.
Gareth Chilcott
Gareth Chilcott is a former England International and British & Irish Lion who has made over 400 appearances for Bath RFC, winning five league titles and seven cups. With 14 caps for England and a wealth of stories, his larger-than-life personality makes him an inspiring choice to host your ceremony.
Catherine Spencer
Catherine Spencer enjoyed a remarkable 12-year career at the elite level of rugby, earning 63 caps for England between 2004 and 2011. She competed in two Rugby World Cup finals, captained her country in the 2010 tournament, and played in eight Six Nations, securing six titles and and incredible five Grand Slams. With leadership, charisma, and elite sporting pedigree, Catherine is a brilliant choice to host an award ceremony with professionalism and flair.
Martin Johnson
Martin Johnson, CBE, is a legend of modern Rugby who captained England to World Cup glory in 2003 with a thrilling 20-17 win over Australia. At club level, he led Leicester Tigers to two Heineken Cup victories and six league titles. From 2008 to 2011, he coached the England team, drawing on his vast playing experience. Charismatic and composed, Martin is a superb choice to host an award ceremony with authority and charm.
Gareth Thomas
Gareth Thomas is a Welsh rugby legend, known for earning over 100 caps in rugby union - making him the first Welsh player to do so - and ranking as the third-highest try scorer for Wales. He also made his mark in rugby league, scoring three tries in four appearances. A charismatic media personality and pundit, Gareth’s confident presence and broad appeal make him a brilliant choice to host an award ceremony.
Hire a Rugby Speaker for Your Event
At Champions Rugby Speakers, we offer the biggest names from the world of rugby. Browse our hall of fame or search by club today for top rugby speakers. Whatever your event needs, our expert team are here to help you out. For more information, get in touch today via our online form or speak to a booking agent directly at 0207 1010 553.
