Inspirational young Exeter man shortlisted for prestigious award

A remarkable individual, Ronin, from Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club is set to be honoured for his extraordinary achievements both on and off the pitch at the prestigious Premiership Rugby HITZ Awards 2024, taking place on 20th November at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.

HITZ, Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, has been transforming lives for 16 years, empowering young people to make lasting, positive changes.

Every year, it reaches over 2,000 young people aged 14–24 across England, using rugby’s core values to equip them with essential life and employability skills, helping them re-engage with education, secure apprenticeships, or find meaningful employment.

Unlike traditional education settings, HITZ creates a unique learning environment where teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship are at the core. The impact is life changing.

Representing Exeter Chiefs is Ronin, an outstanding young star who has been shortlisted for his story of resilience, determination, courage, and commitment.

Ronin has defied the odds, transforming his life within the nurturing environment participants affectionately call the 'HITZ family'. His journey is an inspiring testament to the power of rugby and community to create lasting change.

Angelique Aldworth, HITZ Manager from Exeter Chiefs commented: “We are incredibly proud of Ronin for being shortlisted, it’s brilliant to see his hard work has been recognised.

"We have an amazing team here at Exeter Chiefs and we couldn’t deliver the HITZ programme without their support. Our aim is to set young people up for life, which has a positive impact not only on the individual but on our whole community “

Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead – Social Impact and D&I at Premiership Rugby said: “Congratulations Ronin on being shortlisted for this season's HITZ awards.

"Over the past 16 years, the success of the programme has been undeniable, with HITZ helping over 83% of learners move forward in a positive direction.

"The HITZ Awards are a reminder of how much rugby can change the trajectory of young people’s lives, like Ronin, and the incredible difference HITZ can make. Each person involved in the programme should take pride in the impact they've had, and I can't wait to celebrate together at the Allianz Stadium in November."

Ronin is shortlisted for the Young Achiever Award. The Young Achiever Award recognises and rewards a young person who, by overcoming a range of challenges, has worked the hardest to progress on their journey back to education, training, or employment. 

Ronin's story is one of resilience and personal growth, overcoming significant physical and developmental challenges through support and perseverance. Born with a rare genetic syndrome affecting his limbs and eyes, alongside autism, sensory processing disorder, and hypermobility, Ronin faced scepticism from doctors and educators about reaching key milestones. Despite early struggles with communication, emotional regulation, and social integration, Ronin has surpassed expectations thanks to the HITZ team at Chiefs who recognised his potential.

Initially withdrawn and isolated, Ronin gradually opened up, forming friendships, and excelling in academic and physical activities at HITZ. With encouragement from the team and his family, Ronin grew in confidence, tackling challenging goals in Maths and English, and smashing his daily targets. The programme's supportive environment allowed him to thrive, particularly through activities like delivering food to the elderly, which bolstered his independence and social skills.

Ronin’s father’s decision to move him to HITZ proved transformative, allowing him to build confidence, explore different roles, and pursue ambitions such as becoming a stand-up comedian. Today, he continues to push boundaries. Ronin’s journey is a testament to the power of support, community, and self-belief in overcoming adversity.

This season, the HITZ programme celebrates its 16th anniversary. HITZbegan in a field in Hackney back in 2008 and has evolved into the education and employability programme that we see today. In that time, it has achieved some huge milestones including over 24,000 enrolments and 83% progressing immediately into education, employment or training after their time with HITZ. 

Pictured: Ronin from Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club. Photo: PPAUK.