The UK’s original alcoholic ginger beer, Crabbie’s, is extending its commitment to rugby with sponsorship of next month’s National Rugby Awards at Twickenham.

The RFU-backed event, which celebrates the best of the grassroots game across England, is once again being fronted by ambassador Chris Robshaw alongside a host of top international stars.

A total of 13 awards will be presented on the night, honouring the best amateur players and coaches in the men’s and women’s game, schools teams, sponsors, facilities and volunteers. There is also a prize for the best professional player of the year.

The judging panel who have sifted through all the nominations are a group with unrivalled experience of the game. They are made up of former England internationals Jeremy Guscott, Jeff Probyn and Catherine Spencer and chief writer for The Rugby Paper, Nick Cain.

The National Rugby Awards are now in their second year, following a hugely successful launch in 2015, and The Rose Room at Twickenham is expected to be packed on September 1 with representatives of clubs up and down the country to see who takes home the trophies.

As well as honouring the best in the game, the National Rugby Awards is also raising funds for the RFU Injured Players Foundation.

Awards ambassador Chris Robshaw says: “I am honoured to be a part of an event that recognises the, often unheralded, work and achievements of those involved in rugby around the country. It is fantastic that the National Rugby Awards is now a permanent fixture in the rugby calendar and has now become the largest rugby club awards ceremony in the world.”

“It is fantastic news and we can proudly re-name the event to Crabbie’s National Rugby Awards, it is a very exciting partnership that we are all thrilled to be a part of. We look forward to working with Crabbie’s and I am sure they will play a huge part of growing the awards as well as the amateur game”.

Crabbie’s is stepping up its backing of rugby at all levels this season. As well as sponsorship of the National Rugby Awards, the brand is also headline sponsor of the London Double Header and is providing support to clubs across the country, from grassroots to elite level.

Michelle Chadwick, Senior Marketing Controller for Crabbie’s says: “Crabbie’s is committed to supporting rugby at all levels and the National Rugby Awards is a perfect way for us to show our appreciation of the thousands of people who make the game what it is.

“These players, coaches and volunteers are at the heart of rugby - and so is Crabbie’s. We are looking forward to a great night.”