Actonians RFC's Scottie Cohen Shortlisted for Rugbyness Award
Looseheadz recognises his leadership and support for mental-health awareness
Scottie Cohen with former England international David Flatman
October 9, 2026
Scottie Cohen of Actonians RFC was one of three finalists for the Rugbyness Award at the 2026 LooseHeadz Community Awards, recognising his leadership, advocacy and commitment to supporting mental-health awareness across grassroots rugby.
Scottie, who serves as both Honorary Secretary and Club Captain at Actonians, played a key role at LooseHeadz’ 24/7s event earlier this year, helping to coordinate volunteers and supporting the administration that kept the round-the-clock fundraiser running smoothly. His nomination highlights the positive impact he has had within his own club and the wider LooseHeadz community.
The Rugbyness Award celebrates individuals who embody the values of the game through their actions, championing mental-health awareness, fundraising efforts and community leadership. Co-founder of LooseHeadz, Rob Shotton, said the finalists reflect the spirit of the award. “Rugbyness is about living the values of the game through what you do, not just what you say. These nominees have shown that over the last year, and have all made a real, lasting impact on their respective clubs and the wider LooseHeadz community.”
Now in its second year, The LooseHeadz Community Awards, hosted at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London on Wednesday evening (7 October), celebrated the clubs, individuals and initiatives making a real difference in their communities. Other awards on the night recognised the Club of the Year, LooseHead of the Year, Impact Initiative of the Year and Heart of the Club winners", alongside a Try of the Year voted for by guests.
On the night, the Rugbyness award was given to Paige Canning of Rossendale RUFC who lost her husband Liam to suicide when she was 32 weeks pregnant. She has since been on a mission to raise awareness and funds for LooseHeadz and organises two annual fundraisers in Liam’s memory and has committed to running two marathons for rugby’s mental health charity next year.
TV personality and LooseHeadz Trustee, Craig Doyle, said: “The statistic that really stood out to me connects directly with what LooseHeadz wants to do: put a mental health champion in every rugby club - someone who can open the door to help and start conversations.
“A study involving 8,000 people found that only 24% of men experiencing mental health issues said they would speak to a friend or colleague for support.
“That is why starting those conversations matters so much. People can carry their worries and fears around with them all day, all night and in the middle of the night.
LooseHeadz is a charity working to place a Mental Health Champion in every rugby club worldwide, providing free resources to support the wellbeing of players, coaches and supporters. The organisation is backed by more than 50 ambassadors from the professional game and is an official charity partner of The British & Irish Lions Trust.
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