Cornish Pirates’ Male Allies campaign wins national rugby award

A Cornwall rugby club has just landed a national award that did not even exist a year ago. And it had nothing to do with anything that happened on the pitch.

The Cornish Pirates were named winners of the first ever Champ Rugby Community Project of the Year Award 2026. Community Lead Neil Smith collected the award at half time of Sunday’s Champ Rugby Final between Bedford Blues and Worcester Warriors at Goldington Road.

A first of its kind award

The judging panel was made up of Simon Gilham, Champ Rugby Chair, Ewan Turney, Marketing Director at the RFU, Mark Bradley, Managing Director of Fan Engagement, and Joanna Bulmer, Strategic Projects Director at Elior.

They were unanimous in choosing the club’s Male Allies Campaign as the winner.

What the Male Allies Campaign actually is

The campaign saw Pirates players pledge to call out violence against women and girls. They used their platform to encourage others to stand up when they see or hear it too.

Members of the squad recorded a special video as they made their pledge to end violence against women and girls. It was made to help launch the ’16 Days Penzance’ campaign.

The campaign kicked off with a solidarity walk and vigil in Penzance, attended by CEO Sally Pettipher, Joint Head Coach Alan Paver and members of the Cornish Pirates squad. A first viewing of the video pledge was shown at St Mary’s Church. Events continue around the town until 10th December.

‘Violence and abuse is never acceptable’

Sally Pettipher said “Our players learn day after day about respect and discipline. They put that into action on and off the pitch. Violence and abuse is never acceptable and I am proud that Cornish Pirates players are willing to speak up on behalf of the women in their lives and in our community.”

You can make your own pledge through the 16 Days Penzance pledge page.