Sponsored by the CVC Foundation, the new awards are part of URC’s Take on Tomorrow campaign, which looks to inspire change through the power of rugby.
The Difference Maker Award will be presented to the player who has been recognised for outstanding commitment to a charitable or social cause, while the Community Impact Award will go to the team whose community programme has been recognised for its impact in their region.
The winners of these awards will receive £5,000 from the CVC Foundation to donate to their cause of choice, or to invest in their community programme.
Now the list of nominees has been revealed, with six in each category.
For the Difference Maker Award, John Cooney has been recognised for his volunteer work with Belfast Central Mission and its befriending service, and involvement in the Rugby Players Ireland campaign, Tackle Your Feelings.
The other nominees for this award are Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi, Emirates Lions flanker Travis Gordon, Leinster flanker Alex Soroka, Emirates Lions prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and jointly Cardiff Rugby duo Max Llewellyn and Teddy Williams.
With the Community Impact Award, the nominees are the Cell C Sharks, Dragons RFC, Edinburgh Rugby, the Ospreys, the Vodacom Bulls and Cardiff Rugby for programmes they have undertaken in their areas.
The judging panel features World Cup final referee Nigel Owens, the CSR Manager at CVC Jane Howard, Sports Broadcaster Emma Dodds, and URC Head of Operations Amy Monaghan.
The winners will be revealed on Wednesday 21 December, with the award presentations to the winning club and player taking place ahead of games in Round 10, just before Christmas.
United Rugby Championship CEO, Martin Anayi, said:
“We are acutely aware of the fantastic community programmes that our clubs have established locally and the deserving causes that our players contribute to as well. As a league, our mission is to celebrate and highlight their successes across our platforms.”
CVC CSR Manager Jane Howard said: "The CVC Foundation is delighted to be able to support the United Rugby Championship in their efforts to shine a light on the incredible work the clubs and players are doing to make an impact in their communities. CVC applauds the clubs and players in their efforts."
Award Nominees:
Difference Maker Award
Alex Soroka (Leinster)
Asenathi Ntlabakanye (Emirates Lions)
John Cooney (Ulster)
Max Llewellyn (Cardiff Rugby)
Siya Kolisi (Cell C Sharks)
Teddy Williams (Cardiff Rugby)
Travis Gordan (Emirates Lions)
Community Impact Award
Cardiff Rugby
Cell C Sharks
Dragons RFC
Edinburgh Rugby
Ospreys
Vodacom Bulls