DRYBROOK RFC has become the first rugby club in the Forest and only the third in the county to be awarded the Rugby Football Union's Whole Club Seal of Approval.

To get the award the club had to demonstrate excellence in all facets, including club management, player development and recruitment, child protection, sports equity, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.

Drybrook worked closely with rugby development officer Don Parsons throughout the assessment. They also developed strong links with local schools.

Club chairman Paul Mason said: "I'm particularly proud of our mini and junior sections, which now underpin the success of our club, and the number of volunteers that help out in the senior section."

DANNY Price was named first XV player of the year at the club's presentation night.

It was a tough season on the field for The Squirrels, who were relegated from Western Counties North, but Price had a tremendous season to scoop the Rick Mustoe Cup.

The coaches' player of the year was Tom Treherne.

Chris Rawlings received the Bill Ward Shield for most first XV appearances and the Bill Duggan Cup for clubman of the year.

Tom Reed earned the 300+ club appearance badge, while the Vice Presidents' Cup for the young player of the year was presented to Sam Peaper.

Team of the year was the Extras XV, led by Chris Tingle, John Jeffs and Clive Boughton.

Mark Castree was named Second XV player of the year, with Billy Head receiving the Austin Rawlings Cup for third XV player of the year.

The Tony Thomas veteran of the year trophy went to Richard Roberts.

The Arthur Barrington Cup for the champagne moment of the season was awarded to those who helped the club achieve the Whole Club Seal of Approval.