Ards RFC is immensely proud to share that Billy Dickson has been named the IRFU Boots Award Winner for the 2025/26 season, in recognition of his outstanding and lifelong voluntary service to Irish rugby.

The IRFU Boots Award is one of the most prestigious honours in Irish rugby, celebrating individuals whose dedication, commitment and service at club level have helped sustain and grow the game across generations. The award has its origins in the boots worn by the legendary Willie John McBride, which were donated to the IRFU to symbolise the values of service, loyalty and selflessness that underpin rugby at grassroots level. Each recipient represents the very best of volunteer spirit within the Irish game.

Billy is a truly fitting recipient.

His association with Ards RFC began in 1960, and for 65 years he has given unwavering service to the club in almost every role imaginable — player, captain, coach, administrator, mentor, groundsman and, above all, a true clubman. Few individuals can claim to have shaped a club so completely or so consistently across such a remarkable span of time.

Generations of Ards players and members have benefited from Billy’s quiet leadership, deep knowledge of the game and absolute commitment to the values of the club. Whether on the touchline, in the committee room or working behind the scenes, Billy has always put Ards RFC first, embodying the spirit of volunteerism that the Boots Award seeks to recognise.

This honour is especially significant for Ards RFC. Billy becomes only the second member of the club to receive the IRFU Boots Award, following John Hamilton, who was recognised in 1984. John’s legacy lives on through Hamilton Park, our home ground, making this latest recognition a proud and poignant moment in the club’s history.

Billy’s award places Ards RFC in a unique position, as the only club in Ulster to have produced two Boots Award winners, and one of just five clubs across the entire island of Ireland to achieve this distinction — a powerful reflection of the strong values, community spirit and volunteer culture at the heart of our club.

In May, Hamilton Park will host a special occasion as previous Boots Award recipients gather to present Billy with his green jacket, marking a fitting celebration of a lifetime of service to Ards RFC and to Irish rugby.

Every club needs a Billy Dickson.

Ards has been privileged to have him for a lifetime.

Congratulations Billy — a truly deserved honour.