The new season is upon us and for Newport RFC players comes the opportunity to be the first recipient of a new trophy. Friends of Newport Rugby have launched a new award for the Player of the Season that will now be named the ‘Tommy Vile Player of the Year’ award.

Tommy was one of the biggest names in the game during his career, even if he was only a small man in stature. He played almost 300 games over more than 20 years for the club, also serving as captain and club chairman. Tommy played for and captained Wales as well as representing the Barbarians and British Lions. He then went on to become an international referee, President of the WRU and High Sheriff of Monmouthshire as well as serving in both world Wars. He was awarded the MBE. He was truly an outstanding man and one of Newport RFC’s biggest legends.

Tommy’s family have made a very generous donation to Friends of Newport Rugby to fund the award and so keep Tommy’s name associated with the ‘Black and Ambers.’ FoNR hope that the winner of the award in its first season goes on to have as big an impact on the game as Tommy did.