World Cup-winning rugby player Will Greenwood has been confirmed as the host of this year’s Charity Awards, to be held for the first time at a new venue, the Park Plaza Westminster.

Greenwood is the second-highest try scorer in English rugby history and helped propel the England team to victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

He spent 11 years at the top of the game, touring three times with the British and Irish Lions, in 1997, 2001 and 2005, and is widely hailed as one of the sport’s most talented players.

After 55 England caps and 31 tries he announced his retirement at the end of the 2005/6 season and now works as an analyst and blogger for Sky Sports. 

Greenwood also co-presents the popular Sky Sports documentary School of Hard Knocks, which uses the values of rugby to help disadvantaged and dispossessed young men to make a postiive change in their lives and secure employment. Filming of series eight is under way now in Cardiff and will air on Sky Sports 2 from 12 September.

Will said: "I'm delighted to be hosting The Charity Awards 2015.  I have plenty of personal experience of charities, from eight years working with the School of Hard Knocks to my fundraising trips for Borne and patronage of the Child Bereavement Charity, so I can imagine how inspiring this event is going to be.  I'm really looking forward to it."

Entries for The Charity Awards 2015 are open until Friday 6 arch 2015.  Winners will be announced at a gala presentation dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster on Thursday 18 June, before an audience of more than 700 sector luminaries, politicians and celebrities.

Now in its 16th year, The Charity Awards applies ten Hallmarks of Excellence to its judging to ensure the very best projects from charities of any size receive their deserved recognition, showcasing best practice in the sector. The shortlist for this year’s awards will be published by Civil Society News on Monday 11 May.

Charities Aid Foundation is the overall sponsor for the 12th successive year.

Last year's overall winner was Newham All Star Sports Academy, whose 'Carry a basketball, not a blade' project has contributed to a huge reduction in knife crime in the London borough.

Submit your entry for this year's Charity Awards here.

To host a table on the night to entertain your clients or colleagues, please email [email protected].