CHIPPENHAM RFC marathon man Bobby Lyons has booked himself a date at Twickenham after securing a nomination for the men’s player of the year gong at the National Rugby Awards.

Lyons reached the gruelling landmark of 150 consecutive league starts last season for the South West One East champions and has been honoured for the exploits with his nomination.

The Chippenham number eight, who has previously captained the Allington Field side, will be at the home of English rugby on September 2 and his head coach Danny Thomas is delighted to see his player recognised.

“It’s really good news and, obviously, I’m chuffed for him,” said Thomas.

“He’s local and he’s been at the club for many years.

“I think is testament to how much he puts in to keeping himself fit and the commitment he puts in.

“Bobby puts 100 per cent into the club and I think the award was for just league starts, so it probably is more than 150 games.

“He deserves to rub shoulders with some big people.”

The judging panel for the awards is made up of former internationals Jeremy Guscott and Jeff Probyn, as well as England ladies’ record try-scorer Sue Day and the Rugby Paper chief writer Nick Cain.

England captain Chris Robshaw is the event’s ambassador.