Ahead of Wales’ first match against New Zealand on Saturday, the West Wales hooker has joined in the search to find 15 volunteers on WRU’s Community Twitter with a personal nomination for Brian Powell of Carmarthen Athletic.
The 39-times capped international paid a special tribute to Mr Powell for his ‘extensive’ contribution including treasurer, bar steward, groundsman, fitness coach and general handyman at his local club.
Top @CarmAthletic volunteer Brian Powell gets my #FABXV vote @WRU_Community. This is why https://t.co/OrFfZj72lg
— ken owens (@kenctsowens) June 6, 2016
Ken tweeted @WRU_Community using the hashtag #FABXV during national Volunteers’ Week which finds Wales on summer tour in the build up to three tests against the world champions.
Despite a gruelling schedule of international duty, the passionate Carmarthen Athletic supporter was keen to stress the important role of volunteers in their grassroots communities as well as across the entire game in Wales.
“My nomination goes to Brian who has done so much for the club firstly in a coaching capacity, as one of the most successful coaches during a successful period, as well as his work behind-the-scenes.
Whether in his hands-on role as a coach or as a bar steward, by giving people a positive environment to train hard or to socialise with likeminded rugby supporters, he’s no doubt contributed immensely to the rugby being played on the field.
“He’s also been the glue that’s kept it all together over the years and, along with others at the club, helped to maintain the great community feel you get within the club.
“At Carmarthen Athletic, the boys are turning up for first team, they’ve got the second team going again and the youth is now as strong as it’s been for a number of years.
“He’s a great bloke for the club and deserves recognition for the work he does in our local community. Without people like him, where would smaller clubs like Carmarthen Athletic be, and without clubs like that where would the Welsh Rugby Union and ourselves be?”
Prior to the FABXV nomination, Ken had consulted with only his father and president of the club, Delme Owens, before he set off to New Zealand. He told the WRU: “I spoke to my father who is club president and he agreed with me. We’ll let it be a nice little surprise!”
Speaking of receiving the nomination, Mr Powell said: “I am gobsmacked! The nomination is a great surprise and I’m incredibly humbled by Ken’s kind words. It’s a huge compliment to me and everyone who helps out at the club to know that the work we do is appreciated.”
Speaking of his time at the club, he added: “It’s not always easy; volunteer roles require great commitment and there’s also so many distractions away from the rugby nowadays. What keeps us going is the camaraderie and the great friendships and the desire to see your local club continue to thrive!”
The campaign is part of the WRU’s celebration to mark 150 years of the game in Wales, launched across WRU’s Community Twitter during the RBS 6 Nations to engage more often with more rugby communities.
The campaign has already generated in excess of 60 #FABXV nominations and is live for a further 24 hours to showcase the fantastic support of rugby volunteers all over Wales.
All you have to do to make your nomination is tweet @WRU_Community with the name of your nomination, a short description to explain why and using #FABXV before noon on Wednesday 8 June, 2016. The WRU will contact you for more information if required.
The FABXV winners will be revealed as part of National Volunteer Week, to honour the 15 decades of rugby union on record in Wales to date.
