Report & photo Ben Gilby
London Cornish RFC’s Director of Rugby Dickon Moon has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Paul Smales Medallion, which is awarded annually to a Cornish man or woman, currently not living in Cornwall, who has made an outstanding contribution to the enhancement of the people and heritage of Cornwall.
Moon, who has also served on the Cornwall County Rugby side’s coaching staff in recent seasons has been the club’s Director of Rugby since 2003, and the citation on the award, given by the Gorsedh Kernow, notes his “outstanding service to Cornish rugby”.
Commenting on the announcement of his award, Dickon Moon said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award, which I will accept in person on behalf of everyone associated with London Cornish RFC at the Gorsedh event in St Austell on September 5th. It is a timely boost for the club with the new season nearly upon us, and I continue to be immensely proud in my role with London Cornish RFC, our association with Cornwall RFU, and our strong links across Cornish rugby.”
The news of the award has been received with huge pride by those connected to London Cornish. Adrian Williams, who jointly founded the club back in 1962 spoke on behalf of everyone at the club when he said: “To have maintained the true traditions of Cornish Rugby in London for all these years is testimony to Dickon’s efforts and commitment. As a fellow Redruth-born Cornishman, I am delighted for him and trust the boys will be able to secure promotion this year as a ‘thank-you’ for all that he has done over the years.”
NB: The medallion is named after Paul Smales who founded the Cornish Music Guild and the Cornish Literary Guild. He was chairman of the Cornish Barristers Association and forged links with the Cornish diaspora particularly the USA.
