By Daniel Nhakaniso
Cheshire, England – Zimbabwean rugby coach Ivan Peterson says he feels “honoured and humbled” after being nominated for the prestigious England Rugby Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The annual awards, organised by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), celebrate volunteers who have made exceptional contributions to rugby clubs and communities across England.
Peterson earned the nomination after making an immediate impact at Workington Rugby Football Club, where he has been working with the club’s Under-13 team since moving to the United Kingdom just over a year ago.
Peterson said he was both surprised and deeply honoured to be nominated so soon after arriving in the UK.
“The RFU has a programme where nominations are submitted after every season to recognise the effort put in by volunteers. I honestly didn’t expect to be nominated, considering that I have only been in the UK for a year and a couple of months,” Peterson said.
“I feel honoured and humbled that someone took notice and forwarded my name for nomination. It’s one of those things that you don’t expect.”
Peterson described his experience at Workington RFC—nicknamed the Zebras—as both rewarding and enriching.
“I asked around for a rugby union club and the path led to the Zebras. I have been able to grow and add value to the club, especially with the Under-13 age group,” he said.
“I have made friends as well, and it proves that sport unites people.”
Before moving to England, Peterson built an impressive coaching résumé in Zimbabwe, with a strong emphasis on junior rugby development.
He has coached at several prominent schools, including: Prince Edward, Gateway Primary Schooll, Eaglesvale School and Alex Park Primary School.
After earning provincial recognition with the Harare Province Under-14 during the national selection trials, Peterson made the step up with a role with the Zimbabwe Under-14 Junior Sables.
He was part of the Prince Edward Under-16 coaching staff that finished third at a tournament in Namibia in 2018.
He credits respected Zimbabwean coach Bright Chivandire for playing a key role in his development.
“Coach Bright Chivandire was on my case big time and had a huge influence on my coaching journey.”
A World Rugby Level 2 certified coach, Peterson says he remains focused on continuing his education and ultimately achieving his dream of coaching at international level.
“I have major targets that I have set, and I look forward to being on the sideline for an international side.”
