Mark Newey, current President of Haywards Heath RFC and former Chair of the Club has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to grassroots rugby in the New Years Honours List announced earlier today.

Newey stepped into the role of Chair at HHRFC back in 2012 at a difficult time for the Club and he held that position for approximately 12 years, helping to regenerate the senior squad by encouraging organic growth with young players coming through the age groups to represent the Club at a senior level (Heath currently plays in the Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex league and also has both RAMS and Vets teams) and to consolidate and develop the position of Heath as the biggest youth rugby club in Sussex.

He has always approached the role as cheerleader for the Club within the rugby community and beyond with gusto, demonstrating an inner belief in the positive contribution of grassroots rugby, particularly to younger generations. He was a volunteer at Rugby World Cup 2015 - where he could be found creating a positive atmosphere at The Amex Stadium during key world cup matches - and continued to play for the Heath 2nd XV and Vets for many years as his sons played youth rugby at Heath. In addition, Newey both coached and refereed for a number of the junior age groups.

As an active representative for the Club at Sussex RFU, Newey brings an enthusiastic and positive approach to community rugby and has been President at the Club as it achieves the milestone of building a new HHRFC Clubhouse at Whitemans Green.

Newey continues to be a massive advocate for grassroots rugby and the benefits it brings to the wider community - commenting on his award he says “I was surprised and flattered to receive this award, it is a true honour to be recognised in this way and to be amongst such elite company. Rugby has always been an important part of my life and I hope to continue to spread the joy of the game to future generations.”