DEVON RFU’s volunteer trip to Twickenham to watch England play Japan has been hailed as a success.

The county took a party of 31 to rugby HQ on Saturday for the third Quilter Autumn International.

Every club in Devon was invited to nominate someone who they thought deserved some recognition. 

The day consisted of a coach trip from Devon, a lunch and presentation at London Welsh RFC before the volunteers headed to the match to watch England come from behind to beat a spirited Japan side 35-15.

“I think it was a really successful day,” said Devon RFU’s assistant CB volunteer co-ordinator Stuart Quarterman.

“We took 31 people made up of volunteers and partners from a wide selection of clubs.

“I think everyone loved it and what was nice was the presentation we had at London Welsh. It was a chance to be able to thank and acknowledge individuals on behalf of their clubs. We read out a bit of background of what people did and I think everyone appreciated that and it was nice to have some good inter-club mingling. The food was good and the game was enjoyable.

“I remember when I was first acknowledged for volunteering and how it made me feel. It made me want to do a bit more. A little bit of recognition goes a long way.”

Topsham’s Nigel Deasy was one of the volunteers who was nominated for the trip. He said: “I was very honoured to be nominated by Topsham RFC as a valued volunteer.

“I would like to thank Devon RFU for putting on a great day out for all the nominated volunteers from across the county and a big thanks to Stuart and all his team for all their hard work in co-ordinating the day and making it such an enjoyable event.”