A DEAF rugby player has been shortlisted for a prestigious gong at the Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Community Awards for her work with the Worcester Warriors Foundation.
Emma Henighan has been nominated for the ‘PLAY Achiever of the Year Award’ at the House of Commons’ Terrace Pavilion on Tuesday, July 4, for her commitment to introducing rugby to new audiences.
The 18-year-old, who is completely deaf in one ear, was instrumental in the formation of the Shropshire Lionesses under-18s girls team through her association with the Worcester Warriors Foundation, which helps to build a legacy for sport, education, health and social cohesion across communities.
She helped with recruitment and retention and went on to become the team’s captain.
The PLAY Achiever of the Year Award recognises those who have overcome physical, cultural or social barriers to become involved in the game, whilst embodying the spirit of the PLAY campaign.
Emma is up against Todd Burge of Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks’ Leo Gradwell-Spencer.
Judge Lisa Bedding, who is also an account manager for Comic Relief, said: “For Emma to not only be able to overcome the hurdles that come with rugby, but to play being deaf in one ear, is an amazing achievement.
“It’s an incredible award to judge and all the entrants deserve a huge amount of praise for what they have achieved. The barriers every single person has had to overcome has been inspiring.
“The difference rugby has made for each and every person is phenomenal and they all absolutely deserve to be recognised.”
Follow @premrugby on Twitter for more information and to find out the result on the day.