Amateur rugby clubs hugely rely on their volunteers. Their efforts help to ensure the successful operation of the club, both on and off the field, often behind the scenes, but performing a vital role.
Volunteers are one of the most valuable assets in rugby. They give their time, effort and expertise willingly and freely. They deserve to be recognised for their dedication whether on the pitch, in the clubhouse or on the committee.

This new feature on our website and in our newsletters will shine the spotlight on our volunteers at Avon rugby club. It will unfortunately not be a long list as the mythical “army” of volunteers doesn’t exist. However, perhaps it could be encouraged to grow!
Whilst our volunteers don’t act for personal gratification or reward, maybe this series of short articles will help to say a simple thank you from all at Avon RFC.

We couldn’t start this focus on our volunteers without firstly recognising the contribution that Tony Mutlow, our Club President, has made over many years. Although Tony is now fighting a terminal illness and has obviously had to give up his active involvement, he is a worthy candidate to lead this new series of spotlight features.
In many clubs, the role of President is just a figurehead. Not so at Avon RFC where Tony has been the most active volunteer at the club for many years. To simply summarise Tony’s contribution, he has been involved in:
• Maintaining the grounds - mowing the pitches and surrounds, repairing worn areas, seeding, sanding, top soiling, clearing undergrowth, strimming edges
• Arranging bar orders and taking deliveries, cleaning the pipes & pumps, banking the till cash & arranging floats, taking clubhouse bookings, arranging bar staff, setting up events and clearing away afterwards
• Cleaning the clubhouse, bar area, kitchen and changing rooms
• Buying the food required for after match meals for home and away players, helping to cook and clear away afterwards
• Painting and decorating the clubhouse and carrying out general maintenance internally and externally on the buildings
• Liaising with suppliers, contractors, 3rd parties for the day to day operation of the club
• Then on Saturdays, until his illness prevented it, Tony watched the teams play to support the players from the touchline – and to offer words of wisdom in the clubhouse afterwards!

By maintaining our facilities both on and off the field, Tony’s efforts behind the scenes have helped Avon to become a thriving amateur club in the Bath area. His efforts were recognised in 2022 when he received a Volunteer of the Year certificate from the RFU.
Now coming right up to date, Avon RFC have decided to name the hub of the clubhouse as “The Tony Mutlow Bar” with a plaque being installed in his honour. This will be presented to him shortly before it is erected in the clubhouse.