MBNA sponsors Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Rugby Community Awards

MBNA announces today that it will sponsor the prestigious Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Rugby Community Awards, which are now in their sixth year.

Professional rugby clubs will be competing for three awards run in conjunction with the all Party Parliamentary Rugby Union Group: the MBNA Innovation Award designed to celebrate work which creates innovative social or community programmes; the Land Rover Impact Award designed to celebrate an established programme which is able to clearly demonstrate the positive impact it's made on a particular social issue; and the Aviva Club of the Year Award, given to the club which demonstrates overall excellence in their community work.

The winners of the awards will be announced at an evening reception at Portcullis House in Westminster on July 6th 2011.

John Greaves, Communications Executive for MBNA said: "The power of rugby, combined with creative social and community programmes, can deliver fantastic results. We are delighted to support these awards, and to celebrate the very best.

"We've seen through our own project 'Tackling Numbers' that engaging content, committed community teams, and the support of Premiership Rugby, clubs, players and schools can have tangible results, leaving memorable experiences that can last a lifetime."

Mark McCafferty, Premiership Rugby CEO said: "MBNA already sponsor a range of community initiatives, so we are delighted to have their backing as we continue to celebrate the work done by our clubs to tackle diverse social issues, from obesity to truancy, whilst promoting sport in their wider communities. Their contribution will be vital in showcasing the work the clubs carry with public and private sector fund partners to the political community."

Wayne Morris, Head of Community at Premiership Rugby said: "With twelve clubs spread across the country delivering 150,000 'man-hours' of community programming each year, engagement is at an all time high. Premiership Rugby clubs produce national community programmes that can be delivered on local levels, and it is great to have the backing of big names such as MBNA as we work to achieve our goals."