CREDITON RFC’s Paul Harris was honoured at Twickenham on Saturday, November 24, for 50 years of service to his club.

Paul received an RFU President’s Value the Volunteer Outstanding Contribution Award from England head coach Eddie Jones following Saturday’s win over Australia, where he was a special guest, enjoying pre and post match hospitality.

At the end of this season, Paul is set to retire from the committee at Crediton, having held virtually every position within the club, including fixtures secretary, chairman and president, since getting involved half-a-century ago.

In addition, he is also a rugby historian and in 2003 wrote a book “Crediton Rugby – The first 125 years”.

He has also researched the history of other clubs and Devon RFU.

Paul has served on the committee of Devon RFU for many years and has been made a life member for his service to rugby within the county.

Paul was accompanied as his special guest by his wife, Hilary, when he went to Twickenham.

Colin Mackenzie, Chair, Crediton RFC, said: “This is a massive achievement for Paul as he has and continues to do so much for the rugby club.

“He is an outstanding volunteer, has been our chairman, president and has been on the committee for 50 years following in the footsteps of his father-in-law ‘Gifty’ Steer who did so much for the club in the past.

“Paul is well-known throughout the clubs in Devon and has also served the county well over a number of years.

“He does so much for the club in looking after our fixtures, acting as match day manager and producing our match day programmes and filing reports with rugby press. He was also one of our first directors of the club.”

Colin explained that this award follows in the club’s success in being awarded the national community club of the year season 15/16 and shows that Crediton rugby football club, although a fairly small community club, continues to be on the national stage.

He added: “Everyone at Crediton Rugby Club is proud of Paul and what he has achieved.

“This is a thoroughly deserved award and we hope he had a wonderful time at rugby HQ as a guest of the president.”

Supporters have paid tribute to Paul on social media. Tony Sumners said: “So much hard work behind the scenes for Devon Rugby. Much deserved and congratulations Paul”, David Josey said: “RFU have merely confirmed what we in the Devon rugby community have always known…top man!” and Phil Bassett said: “Get on bomber, well done to you and the support of Hilary”.

Christopher Gillard said: “Congratulations Paul - fantastic dedication to Crediton RFC and Devon Rugby”, Stuart Taylor said: “Congratulations Bomber - never a more deserved club man. Really pleased for you” and Steph Newman said: “Congratulations Paul, well deserved. A true gentleman and rugby through and through. I am so very pleased for you.”

Mike Discombe said: “Congratulations Paul, Well deserved” and Andy Martin said: “Congratulations Paul, can’t think of a more worthy recipient.”

Barnstaple Rugby Football Club said: “Extremely well deserved Paul, congrats from all at Barum. As well as all you have done over the many years’ the work you continue to do on the Devon Merit tables is much valued and held in high regard by us all.”

THANK YOU

Paul told the “Courier” following his visit: “Hilary and I both had an amazing weekend at Twickenham.

“The Stadium tour was a real highlight especially as it was an International Match Day.

“We were fortunate to stay in the same hotel as the Australian team and they were more than happy to chat to other guests, a really great bunch and we even shared the hotel lift with their Captain Michael Hooper who was a real pleasure to talk to if only briefly.

“Of course none of this would have happened had it not been for the magnetic pull of Crediton RFC and the many volunteers that do so much for the Club both in the past and currently.

“I feel particularly fortunate, honoured and humbled by the responses.”