Justin Clegg wins Gallagher Community Player of the Season Award

Warriors lock Justin Clegg won the Gallagher Community Player of the Season Award at the Premiership Rugby Awards in London.

The prestigious award recognises Clegg’s outstanding work in supporting Warriors Community Foundation in many different ways.

He is involved in the Foundation’s Inclusive Rugby sessions on Monday mornings whenever training allows, as well as being a familiar face at the Dementia Café on Wednesdays.

Clegg, who is a Trustee of the Foundation, has also been keen to inspire his team-mates to get involved, spearheading the men’s and women’s team’s donations to the local food bank and Ukraine humanitarian efforts.

The 25-year-old also supported the Big Worcester Sleepout and the club’s Homeless Rugby Team with his presence seen by players as a sign of respect.

“If there is a charity event Justin is the first to come down and support in any way possible,” said Carol Hart, Head of Warriors Community Foundation.

“We hosted the Big Worcester Sleepout at Sixways Stadium to raise funds for three charities linked to helping homelessness in Worcester and while he could not stay overnight due to training commitments himself and Gareth Simpson stayed late into the evening to talk to everyone taking part and be a representative for the men’s team to the local businesses and charities.

“Justin is also a keen ambassador for reducing the stigma of wearing hearing aids as a younger person. Speaking publicly about his journey to realising and embracing his hearing impairment to improve his quality of life he has shown the younger generations that having something different to others your age is not anything to be ashamed or embarrassed of.

“Actions speak louder than words with Justin who never seeks credit for any of his volunteering, he is simply content with the knowledge that he is making a difference to the people he meets.”

Clegg was selected from a shortlist of candidates that also included Wasps’ Malakai Fekitoa, Sale Sharks’ Simon Hammersely, Bristol Bears’ Joe Joyce, Gloucester Rugby’s Lewis Ludlow and Saracens’ Sean Maitland..

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