Props to parade at Twickenham

Props from across the UK are set to be honoured with a lap of honour of the Twickenham pitch at half time during this year’s Varsity Match.

Rhino’s Prop Star 2018 campaign, which sees rugby clubs across the UK nominate their grassroots prop heroes who go beyond the call of duty, will reach its finale at Twickenham this December after a parade of props take to the hallowed turf during the men’s match between Cambridge University and Oxford University.

This year’s search for a Prop Star has received more than 200 nominations from rugby clubs, which the judges – propping legends Adam Jones, Rochelle Clark, Joe Marler and Jason Leonard – then whittled down to a final three.

The shortlist was announced last week, but before that, it was decided that every prop nominated by his or her club for the good work they do on and off the field, would be invited to Twickenham to participate in this unique Prop Star Parade. At the time of writing, more than 30 props have already confirmed their place.

Meanwhile, voting has begun to decide who is the Rhino Prop Star 2018 with the contenders – Verity Smith of Rotherham Phoenix, Dan Lampard of Trojans FC and Nick Lee of Worcester Rugby Club – battling it out in a public vote on rhino.direct. The winner will be announced by Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark immediately after the props complete their lap at half-time.

Rhino Prop Star was the brainchild of eric, who will also be producing videos for each of the contenders to help their cause. “We all know everyone loves props, but the volume of nominations this year shows how much,” explains Alex Mead, eric’s content director. “This isn’t about props doing their job on the field, it’s what they also do off it, and the contenders demonstrate what amazing human beings props are.”

The Varsity Match takes place on Thursday 6th December at Twickenham, and you can still nominate your prop to join the Prop Star Parade and enjoy a lap of honour on the famous pitch. Simply send an email to [email protected] explaining why your prop is such a ruddy legend.