Melton Warriors own Nathan Maiava has been named joint winner of the Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award at the Rugby Australia Community Awards Night.
The Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award is presented to an individual who best upholds the ethos and spirit of Australian Rugby, emulating the values of passion, integrity, discipline, respect and teamwork over the past 12 months.
Nathan joins Bernard Tuaimau from NSW as the Nick-Farr Jones Spirit of Rugby Award winner for 2023.
President of Melton Rugby Club, the past 12 months have led to tremendous success for Nathan and the Warriors, driving an increase in junior participation numbers by 33% in season 2023 and achieving 100% Smart Rugby Compliance across all Melton coaches. This means that under Nathan’s guidance, each Melton coach has received Smart Rugby accreditation to coach across Victoria.
Fuelled by an unwavering commitment for the game, the Level 1 Coach led Melton’s U14A side to the premiership in Rugby Victoria’s Junior competition and was a key cog in Melton’s Senior Premiership Reserve side claiming the 2023 title.
Off-field, Nathan has facilitated a Homework Club afterschool and before Junior trainings to allow players to focus on their education. This initiative is a testament to Nathan’s character, building a culture centred upon discipline and teamwork to achieve the best out of all at Melton Rugby Club.
A valuable administrator and coach are not the only hats Nathan wears, translating passion, ethos and spirit for the game to behind the whistle.
With his lucky coin in tow, Nathan refereed 18 games throughout 2023 including the Rebels Shield Grand Final and Rugby Victoria’s U16B Grand Final. Nathan is a Level 1 Referee and claimed Best New Referee honours from the Victorian Rugby Referees Association at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
A tremendous asset to the Victorian Rugby community, Nathan receives the Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award after being crowned Volunteer of the Year at the 2023 Rugby Victoria Awards Night.
Congratulations Nathan and on behalf of the entire Victorian Rugby community, we thank you for your commitment to the game and dedication to paving the way for the next generation.
