Ronin uses HITZ to defy all odds transforming his future

Ronin, a community programme participant from the award-winning Premiership Rugby HITZ education and employment programme, was recently awarded the HITZ Young Achiever Award 2024 at the annual HITZ awards ceremony.

Honoured for overcoming a range of challenges and working the hardest to progress on his journey in education, training and developing life skills to increase his chances of employment, Ronin will now be celebrated during Community Weekend Round 7 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby (29th Nov - 1st Dec).

For 18 year old Ronin, from Broadclyst, Exeter, it has been a journey of resilience and personal growth, overcoming significant physical and developmental challenges through support and perseverance. Born with a rare genetic syndrome affecting his limbs and eyes, alongside autism, sensory processing disorder, and hypermobility, Ronin faced scepticism from doctors and educators about reaching key milestones. Ronin has surpassed all expectations thanks to the HITZ team at Chiefs who recognised his potential.

During his time on the programme Ronin has excelled in academic and physical activities. With encouragement from the team and his family, he tackles challenging goals in Maths and English and smashes his daily targets. Activities like delivering food to the elderly have bolstered his independence and social skills. Ronin’s father’s decision to move him to HITZ has proved transformative, allowing him to build confidence, explore different roles, and pursue ambitions such as becoming a stand-up comedian.

Ronin is just one of many inspiring stories that will be highlighted during Community Weekend Round 7 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby (29th Nov - 1st Dec). This special weekend celebrates the award-winning community programmes run by Premiership Rugby in collaboration with its 10 clubs and club foundations. During the weekend each club will showcase their commitment using rugby to change lives. All clubs share close, meaningful connections with the communities they serve, and use rugby to inspire, uplift, and create positive opportunities for local people. Everyone is welcome in the rugby community and together offer support, build confidence, boost mental well-being, and create a true sense of belonging.

Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead – Social Impact and D&I at Premiership Rugby said: “Ronin’s story really showcases how the HITZ programme equips young people with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, extending far beyond the classroom or rugby pitch - it’s truly a life-changing programme. The impact HITZ has had over the past 16 years speaks for itself: 83% of participants move into education, employment, or training immediately after completing the programme. Ronin and the community team should be incredibly proud of his incredible achievements and on his much deserved HITZ award win.”

HITZ began in a field in Hackney back in 2008 and has evolved into the education and employability programme that operates today with the support of the Premiership clubs and Foundation. In that time, it has supported over 24,000 young people re-engage with education, secure apprenticeships, or find meaningful employment.