WORCESTER Warriors' Sam Betty is one of four rugby players shortlisted for the Aviva Community Player of the Season award.

The quartet, from four different Premiership sides, have all become role models in their community, carrying out engaging work to inspire others.

Betty has volunteered as player ambassador at Acorns Children's Hospice for two years, with regular visits to engage with the children and join in some of their fun activities.

Each time he visits the hospice, he takes a group of players with him to join in and learn about the valuable work they undertake for children with life-limiting conditions.

Betty has an immense sense of pride in his voluntary work and it is a priority to him that he gives sufficient time on a regular basis to this great cause.

He said: "This is a cause very close to my heart. It's an honour to be able to support the charity and its work.

"I will do my best to continue to raise awareness of the vital care the charity provides, both at the hospice and out in the community."

The winner of the award will be announced at the sold-out Aviva Premiership Rugby Awards at the London Hilton, Park Lane, on Wednesday, May 18.

The judging panel for the award includes Sport England's Heather Taylor, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Francesca Broadbent; PLAY development manager at Premiership Rugby Kenny Brown; and Aviva UK community investment manager Debbie Bullock.

Bullock said: "The award is really important to us at Aviva to recognise and support the voluntary work done by Premiership rugby players in the community.

"Aviva Premiership rugby players are great role models in the community and I've been really impressed by the nominations for Aviva Community Player of the Season.

"How the Premiership rugby players work with and engage target groups within the communities is really important and I'm pleased to see their work having such a positive impact.

"The breadth of community work that is done, not only by players but also by community officers at the Premiership Rugby clubs, is fantastic and shows a true commitment to making a difference in the community.”

The full shortlist for the award is: Sam Betty – Worcester Warriors; Will Fraser – Saracens; John O'Donnell – Sale Sharks; Bobby Vickers – Newcastle Falcons.