After a trophy-winning campaign in National Division 1, Richmond Rugby have seen six of their own selected in the National 1 Team of the Year, a true reflection of the collective and individual brilliance that powered the club to the competition’s summit.

These annual honours, voted for by clubs across the league, are among the most respected accolades in the competition - peer-driven recognition that celebrates consistency and impact in each position on the pitch.
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Chris Freeman – Loosehead Prop
A debut season to remember. The first of four Richmond forwards to be selected into the team of the year, arriving from the University of Exeter last summer, Chris Freeman quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Richmond front row. Featuring in 23 of 26 games, his dependability and work ethic made him a constant presence in Rob Powell’s matchday squad.

Chris’s fearlessness in contact, relentless defensive output, and explosive carries gave Richmond a platform all season long. His exceptional consistency was recognised at the club’s End of Season Awards, where he received the David Buchanan Trophy, honouring the tireless, often unsung efforts of our props.

A player who sets the standard in training and on the pitch, Chris’s debut campaign marked the arrival of a serious force in Richmond colours.
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George Nugent – Second Row
One man who has epitomised Richmond’s charge this season is second row George Nugent - a towering 6’5” figure who has become a cornerstone of the side. George is one of just three players to feature in every game this season, alongside Will Goffey and Callum Grieve, and has clocked over 80 training sessions since pre-season.

George’s physical ball carrying and relentless energy have made him a nightmare for opposition defences. His set-piece dominance and aerial control have given Richmond a consistent edge at the lineout, and his tireless engine sets the tone in both defence and attack.

Emerging from the Vikings squad last season, George is the definition of a club man, having played in all five of Richmond’s senior sides since the age of 17. He is a true product of the pathway.

George was also awarded the Men’s 1st XV's Most Improved Player of the Season at Richmond Rugby’s end-of-season awards.
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Jake Monson – Second Row
A leader by example, Jake Monson formed the other half of Richmond’s dominant second-row duo in 2024/25, combining grit, positional intelligence and a relentless motor across 25 matches this season. Having also been awarded Richmond Men’s 1st XV Coach’s Player of the Year, Jake’s all-around impact was impossible to ignore.

Now with 73 Richmond caps, his loyalty and presence have become central to the club’s identity. From lineout accuracy to a ferocious defence, Jake sets the physical tone, and was rightly recognised as National 1’s Player of the Season as a lock. For a big unit, his footwork in tight spaces defies expectations, and his presence in the leadership group as vice-captain has been crucial.

Whether it’s setting the tempo in games or boosting morale off the pitch, Jake’s influence has been immense.
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Sam Pim – Number 8
Awarded Men’s 1st XV Players’ Player of the Season at Richmond’s End of Season Awards and National 1’s Player of the season for number 8, Sam Pim’s campaign has been nothing short of incredible. In his 23 appearances during his debut season, he’s been the heartbeat of Richmond’s back row, leading carry stats and consistently winning collisions, forcing his way past the gainline.

A fearless competitor, Sam brings an edge to every game, never one to shy away from the tough stuff. His energy on the gainline is backed up by creativity, famously launching two outrageous 50:22 kicks this season against Blackheath and Sedgley Park. Yes, you read that right, this is a number 8 we are talking about.

He’s been a driving force in Richmond’s engine room, an unpredictable, intelligent operator with a huge ceiling.
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Callum Grieve – Fullback
A player who defines the term ever-present, Callum Grieve started all 26 league games this season, a staggering achievement that speaks to his durability, professionalism and class. Across four different positions in the backline, his output never dropped.

Grieve finished as the second-highest points scorer in National 1 with 256 points and 8 tries, but the numbers only tell half the story. His defensive resilience, ability to marshal the backfield, and calm leadership under pressure made him Richmond’s general from wherever he played.

He’s been the glue in the backline, the spark in transition, and a standout figure in a standout year.
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Rob Powell – Head Coach
The Commander-in-Chief behind Richmond’s title-winning charge, Rob Powell, has once again demonstrated why he’s one of the most respected coaches in the league. Now in his fourth season at the helm, Rob’s vision, planning and people management have built a culture of belief and accountability at the club.

Pre-season was meticulous, recruitment was targeted, and the standards he set were clear. When the pressure moments came, none more so than the Friday night statement win against Rams at home, Rob and his team of high-level coaching staff ensured Richmond delivered their most complete performance of the season.

As Head of Rugby and Head Coach, he wears many hats, but his passion and drive are ever-present, and this year, his team delivered on every front. With promotion secured, Rob is already preparing for life in the Championship. The journey continues.