Luctonians Sports Club is delighted to announce Ben Williams as its Clubman of the Year for the 2025/26 season.
While Ben’s official title last season was 3rd XV Manager, but that description barely begins to cover the contribution he made to the club.
During the season, Ben found himself taking on an extraordinary number of roles, including 3rd XV Lead Coach, 3rd XV Backs Coach, occasional player, water boy, first aider, touch judge, social organiser, 4th XV Manager and, at times, unofficial social worker.
It was a season in which the 3rd XV faced significant challenges. However, through Ben’s commitment, determination and sheer persistence, the team continued to operate and, importantly, began to rebuild.
Ben spent countless hours each week contacting players, arranging transport, filling gaps and doing whatever was necessary to ensure that team could take to the field. In total, 68 different players represented the Luctonians 3rd XV during the season, highlighting the scale of the challenge involved in maintaining a reserve side.
The task was made even more demanding by the nature of the league. Players were regularly being asked to commit to lengthy away journeys, often travelling for more than two hours each way to face the first XVs of other clubs. Yet Ben continued to find a way.
His efforts not only ensured that the 3rd XV survived, but helped create an environment that encouraged players to return, increased playing numbers and ultimately produced a remarkable turnaround in results.
Having looked destined for relegation from Counties 2 Midlands West (West) at the end of October, the 3rd XV went on to win six of their final seven matches of the season. That run included victories over Longton, Ashbourne and Wolverhampton 1st XVs, allowing the side to finish the campaign comfortably in mid-table.
“People see the games and the results, but they don’t necessarily see the hours that go into getting a team out every week,” said Alex Smith, Luctonians Director of Operations.
“Ben was relentless. Whether it was chasing players, coaching, organising socials or simply making sure there was someone available to fill a gap, he just kept going.
What he has done for our lower-level and social rugby has been hugely important. Without his efforts, there is a very real possibility that we would have lost teams and players from the club.
He deserves a knighthood for the job he has done over the past year, but, unfortunately, that was slightly beyond our reach. So the next best thing was to name him Luctonians Clubman of the Year!”
Ben’s contribution represents exactly what the Clubman of the Year award is intended to recognise: the often unseen work, commitment and dedication that keeps a rugby club running.
His contribution went far beyond his official role, and his willingness to step in wherever he was needed played a significant part in keeping Luctonians’ senior playing structure strong throughout the season.
Luctonians Sports Club would like to congratulate Ben Williams on being named Clubman of the Year 2025/26 and thank him for everything he has done for the club.
A thoroughly deserved award.
