DORCHESTER rugby club has recently awarded a new trophy named in honour of club stalwart and former Gladiators captain and tour legend, Brian Eadie.

Fittingly, the first recipient of this new annual award was current Gladiators’ captain, Tony O’Connell.

Club president Bob Andrews commented that the award recognised O’Connell’s value to Dorchester as a true clubman, going above and beyond to help when needed.

Often playing for the Gladiators on a Friday evening and then being available on the bench for the first or second team as needed the next day. He has been instrumental in keeping Eadie’s beloved Gladiators going and resulting in this season, albeit shortened, winning the Dorset & Wilts South Matrix Two.

Eadie’s family, led by his bother Len, came up with the idea to commemorate the popular ex-player who passed away in 2019, and the trophy itself was donated by former head coach Gary Knowles.

O’Connell has actively encouraged and succeeded in bringing former players back to the club through his infectious enthusiasm and his desire to see the club grow.

In keeping with the spirit of the award, O’Connell toasted Eadie at the Vinny@6, who are one of the club’s sponsors, and they kindly provided drinks for a number of other senior Gladiators in the toast to its former captain.

Congratulations to O’Connell and good luck for the forthcoming season with the Gladiators, whenever that may be.