What is the Nicholas Webster-Smith Award?

Corporal Nicholas Webster-Smith was a member of the Royal Military Police, and member of Brackley Rugby Club.

On 3rd November 2009 he was killed in Afghanistan in an incident at a police checkpoint.

He was part of a mixed team of soldiers from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards and the Royal Military Police tasked with mentoring the Afghan National Police (ANP) at a checkpoint. WO1 (RSM) Darren Chant, Sergeant Matthew Telford and Guardsman James Major from the Grenadier Guards, and Corporal Steven Boote of the Royal Military Police were also killed in the incident.

After his funeral at Brackley Rugby Club his family presented a trophy in his memory. 

We honour the memory of Cpl Nicholas Webster-Smith every year by presenting the Nicholas Webster-Smith Memorial Trophy to the Brackley RUFC youth player who best epitomises the spirit and ethos of rugby in their attitude and demeanour and is reflected in the motto of the Royal Military Police “Exemplo Ducemus”  -  By our example we lead.

The award winner is an individual that consistently displays the core values of rugby:

Teamwork
Respect
Enjoyment
Discipline
Sportsmanship

As part of the award, the Winner has the honour of laying the Club Wreath at the War Memorial in Brackley during the Remembrance Day Parade.

The winner of the award for 2022 was announced by Gary Cummings - Youth Rugby Chairman, and Nicholas' mother - Jacky Mortimer, on Sunday 30 October 2022.

"Firstly, I am so happy to be able to award this to a member of this team. After such a short time playing rugby and being part of the club, fully immersing yourselves into what it is to be a rugby player and club members is wonderful.

No special dispensation has been made for this person due to length of time playing etc, this is open to all juniors who have had chance to grow into confident leaders over the years, become more club focused and step in and help when needed. This person absolutely deserves this award on their own merit.

 I’ve watched this person grow over the past year, from never having picked up a ball, to where she is now. I am immensely impressed with her attitude, her maturity, skill development and leadership of the team.

She is a supportive team member encouraging players around her. She’s often nominated or on the short list for player of the match and leads by example on the pitch and off and is a great ambassador for the Club.

 I’m so proud of the player she has become and will continue to become. She’s also integrated into the Adult O2 Touch group, which has definitely helped her general core skills. And the group have said how they miss her when she’s not there, that is what she brings to rugby and the team, we’d all miss her if she couldn’t make a match and not just her skill set, but her overall support and personality.

 I am so pleased and proud to be able to award this years NWS Trophy to an amazing young lady and Captain, Zoe Smith."

Gary Cummings
Youth Rugby Chairman