Teenager George Brand from Warriors’ HITZ programme has been shortlisted for the HITZ Best Rugby Performer Award supported by Premiership Rugby.
HITZ Best Rugby Performer recognises a young person for their progress and development in the sport of rugby – on and off the pitch. It rewards progress in physical fitness and skill.
It also looks at the core values of rugby have supported them to overcome a range of challenges and progress on their journey back to education, training or employment.
Stuart Brooks, HITZ Officer at Warriors said: “George came to the HITZ programme having never played rugby before and dealing with drug issues.
“While he was a keen footballer, he has now become a very promising rugby player despite only recently taking up the sport. He has also cut down on his smoking and after graduating from the programme he is looking to join a rugby club.”
The award will be presented at the HITZ Awards on 4 February.
The multi award-winning HITZ programme uses rugby to increase young people's resilience, self-reliance and confidence and gives them the skills to get back into education, apprenticeships and employment.
HITZ Awards – Young Achiever shortlist
• Daniel O’Connor – Harlequins
• Louis Lott – Leicester Tigers
• Danyel Chapman – Sale Sharks
• George Brand – Worcester Warriors
• Govinda Kay – Exeter Chiefs
• Antony Morris – Sale Sharks
• Anton Smith – Bath Rugby
• Jordan Wickens – Bath Rugby
All of the candidates shortlisted also act as fantastic role models for other HITZ participants in their area, who see their success and are motivated to set similar targets of their own.
The award winning HITZ programme tackles some of the greatest challenges facing young people today – unemployment, crime and disillusionment. Delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby and funded by national partners Barclays, Comic Relief, Land Rover and Wooden Spoon, HITZ uses rugby to increase young people's resilience, self-reliance and confidence. It gives them the skills to get back into education, vocational training, apprenticeships and employment. Please visit hitzrugby.com to find out more.