WORCESTER Warriors’ Julian Lund has been shortlisted for Premiership Rugby’s Community Volunteer of the Year award.

Lund, who coaches Warriors’ homeless team, will go up against Sale Sharks’ Daisy Hibbert-Jones and Saracens’ Edward Wade for the top prize.

A panel whittled down the nominations to a final three for the gong that recognises volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community through their passion, determination and dedication.

Every year hundreds of people up and down the country give their time to help run Premiership Rugby initiatives such as Aviva Tackling Numbers, HITZ, Project Rugby and Move Like A Pro.

From going the extra mile to help youngsters in the local area to getting more girls and women get into the game, the schemes seek to help the community reach new heights both on and off the rugby pitch.

But Sarah Webb, chief executive of Wooden Spoon, said that would be impossible without those that volunteer their time.

“The calibre of the volunteers was quite incredible,” she said.

“When you think that these people are delivering so many life-changing opportunities to other members of the community and they aren’t paid, it’s very humbling.

“It is nice to see so much coming through the community programmes.

“The pressure of the commercial return is greater than ever so the fact that the community programmes are still delivering to such a high level is truly commendable.

“Rugby is an amazing game in that it’s never really about the game, it’s always about the teamwork, taking part and striving to be better — this is applied on and off the pitch at all of the clubs and transcends out into the supporters and communities.”