PLAYERS’ DESCENT SEES CHARITY SOAR

The Official Newspaper of The RFU

April 2013Issue 156

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Stefan Curtis

It has been a great season for England’s young representative squads. Both the England Under 20 and U18 teams put in determined and disciplined performances against strong opposition to carry off well-deserved trophies.

First England U20 took on the Welsh on their home turf, winning the Six Nations Championship for an unprecedented third time in a row after an impressive

28-15 win at Eirias Park. Then England U18 were crowned European champions

for the second successive year, winning the Justin Bridou Trophy after beating France 27-22 in front of 15,000 fans at the Stade de Alpes in Grenoble.

Said England Head Coach, Stuart Lancaster, “This has been a fantastic season for England’s young squads. The players have worked hard and deserve our congratulations.

“Partnerships between educational establishments, club academies and the RFU have been fundamental in achieving

this level of success and new support in the form of the BMW partnership, which continues for the next three years at least, has allowed for some excellent development work.

“The management teams under U20 Head Coach Rob Hunter and U18 Head Coach John Fletcher have done a great job and we all wish Rob every success as he leaves us to become forwards coach for Exeter Chiefs. We have appointed Nick Walshe as England U20 Interim Head Coach for the Junior World Championships, with Ian Peel assisting as Interim Forwards Coach.”

FANTASTIC SEASON FOR ENGLAND’S YOUNG SQUADS

The RBS 6 Nations England v Italy match brought the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) their highest profile ever. As the official match charity, they had dancers in the streets, face painters, their own GB Wheelchair Rugby pitch-side pundit and abseiling injured players, earning them BBC coverage.

It also saw them contacted by two injured players who didn’t know the IPF existed, their daily website hits increase from 20 to 200, an extra 900 follow them on Twitter and they recruited eight fundraisers the following Monday.

The Royal Marine Commando Display Team helped 30-year-old Captain Tom Hughes (pictured) and Tom Horey (20) onto the stadium roof to abseil down beside the pitch. Tom, seriously injured in a match to get fit for the Army v Navy game just after returning from serving in Afghanistan, then delivered the match ball.

Discover more about the work of the IPF in helping to support 141 families and players whose injuries stretch back to the 60s at www.rfuipf.org.uk

RBS 6 NATIONS ENGLAND TO FACE FRANCE IN 2014 PARIS OPENER

England kick off their 2014 RBS 6 Nations schedule against France in Paris, having beaten Les Bleus at Twickenham this season 23-13. Stuart Lancaster’s squad are first up playing Italy in Rome when the final round matches again take place on the same ‘Super Saturday’. With a return to Friday night matches for the next two seasons, England will meet Wales in Cardiff in an evening opening round of the 2015 Six Nations. Bill Beaumont, the Six Nations and RFU Chairman, says, “The Six Nations Championship is the focus of rugby and sports supporters across the world, particularly over those seven weekends in February and March. This year we saw over one million people attend the 15 matches, making it still the best attended international rugby tournament in the world on a per match basis.”

The schedule:2014 Saturday 1 February – France v England (5pm) Saturday 8 February – Scotland v England (5pm) Saturday 22 February – England v Ireland (4pm) Sunday 9 March – England v Wales (3pm) Saturday 15 March – Italy v England (12.30pm)

2015 Friday 6 February – Wales v England (8.05pm) Saturday 14 February – England v Italy (2.30pm) Sunday 1 March – Ireland v England (3pm) Saturday 14 March – England v Scotland (5pm) Saturday 21 March – England v France (5pm)

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ALL SCHOOLS ON PITCH AND IN PARLIAMENT Following the news in last month’s Touchline that Prince Harry is to become Patron and Canterbury the Official Partner for All Schools, the RFU’s programme to get more state secondary schools playing rugby union, the initiative has enjoyed some great highlights on the pitch at Twickenham and in Parliament.

All Schools was officially launched to an audience of Ministers, MPs, Lords, sport and education experts at Parliament. Invited dignitaries joined Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne, RFU colleagues and England players Maggie Alphonsi and Michaela Staniford to hear about All Schools in the State Rooms of the Speaker of the House of Common’s residence.

Students from four of the schools on the programme also joined the event to talk about their experiences and why they are enthusiastic converts to rugby. Parliamentarians were extremely positive about the initiative and the Speaker of the House of Commons said: “I was delighted to host the Parliamentary launch of All Schools because it is a really important initiative, and I strongly believe in giving all children the opportunity to enjoy sport.”

Some 100 All Schools students had a special day at Twickenham on 10 March when they each got to reveal the shirt they designed for their school team in front of a crowd of 82,000 at the England V Italy game. The students, aged between 12 and 15 years old, were representing schools from across England that had taken part in the Canterbury kit design workshops last year.

Stuart Lancaster, England Head Coach said: “The match shirt is a source of huge pride for the players. When they are presented with it before an international it is a very special moment for them and

the whole squad. By teaching these students who are new to the game the core values of rugby union and the history of the shirt, I’m sure that these school teams will share the same passion for their own design.”

The students’ drawings were turned into bespoke final designs by the team at Canterbury and the shirts were presented for the first time to a representative from each school by England prop Alex Corbisiero and England women’s hooker Amy Turner before the match. The students took great pride in wearing their new kit,

flanking the military bringing out the giant England shirt into the pitch before kick-off, and then during a half time parade.

CEO of Canterbury, Chris Stephenson said: “All Schools is a fantastic programme which we are fully behind. It was an amazing spectacle seeing all the children on the pitch wearing their unique shirts; there were some great designs. I imagine it was a very proud day for all involved, getting to wear the shirt you had a hand in designing on the pitch at Twickenham in front of a sell-out crowd.”

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN

Julia Hutton

Women’s and girls’ rugby in England has been given a major boost with the announcement of five new Advanced Apprenticeships in Sporting Excellence (AASE) Rugby Union centres.The new AASE centres are in addition to the existing programmes currently running at Hartpury and Moulton colleges which have proved to be a resounding success. 22 players, including the likes of Alexandra Matthews and Ceri Large, have been capped at England, England U20s or England Sevens level since the first cohort of graduates in 2010. Following a thorough assessment, Myerscough College (Lancashire), Bishops Burton College (North Yorkshire), Oaklands College (Hertfordshire), Brockenhurst College (Hampshire) and Worthing College (Sussex) have been named as the additional centres. The AASE programme is designed to meet the needs of young people, aged between 16 and 18 who have the potential to achieve excellence in rugby whilst also pursuing an education at the same time through A Levels or BTEC courses.As well as serving more young people, with the centres now based across the country identified students will benefit from reduced travelling time and it’s hoped local rugby clubs will also have more players, and better players, available to them. The new programmes will commence at the start of the next academic year in September 2013 and it is expected there will be approximately 70 new starters this year.Andy Paton, the RFU Player Development Manager (Women), said: “This is fantastic news for the women’s and girls’ game. It will continue to develop players in our already well-established Player Pathway at this age group, whilst the programme is also designed so that each athlete is given the opportunity to develop their rugby skills alongside their studies. The programmes at Hartpury and Moulton have been educationally very successful with over 90% of all athletes going on to higher education following the completion of the two-year course.“Having a good geographical spread of AASE centres will allow both players and parents the opportunity to select a programme closer to where they live whilst helping to support the players’ local clubs and Constituency Bodies.“The RFU is really excited about the next few years with the 2014 Rugby World Cup in France and the 2016 Olympics Games, which will feature sevens, in our sights. We are confident that the expanded AASE programme will support our international ambitions in both the XVs and sevens game.”

Nicola Marshall

In the last 18 months Cobham Sports Association, which includes Cobham RFC, has doubled the size of its grounds and to mark this success there will be an open Celebration Sports Day on Sunday May 12th when England World Cup legend Jason Leonard will formally open their new Premier Rugby Pitch. The England Touch Rugby and England Lacrosse teams will be putting on displays and encouraging volunteers to have a go.

President of Cobham RFC Lionel Frewin said “The day will showcase our sports sections and encourage more active sports participation within the local community.”

The doubling of the grounds comes just three years after Cobham Sports Association developed a new clubhouse thanks to a member’s legacy, sports matching and an ambitious fundraising campaign across the membership.

Frewin said, “Having created a wide ranging level of sponsorship support Cobham Sports Association is now looking to develop links with a number of organisations in the local area to ensure the investment benefits the whole community.”

COBHAM CELEBRATION

HISTORIC TRIPLE FOR U20sStefan Curtis

England Under 20s won the Six Nations Champions title for an unprecedented third time in a row after an impressive 28-15 win away in Wales at Eirias Park.

The match was on a knife edge for large parts of the game with Wales fly half Sam Davies a constant threat with the boot, but two tries from flanker Harry Wells and one from wing Jack Nowell gave England the win, fly half Henry Slade adding 13 points with the boot.

Wales secured the first points, a Davies penalty putting the hosts 3-0 up. But England hit straight back and a nice break from scrum half Callum Braley freed up LV= Breakthrough Player of the Year winner Nowell to touch down in the corner. Wales regained the lead when Davies’ second penalty made it 6-5, before Slade put England in front with 25 minutes gone to make it 9-5.

Slade brought England to within a point after 34 minutes with a long range penalty and, as the half drew to a close, England opted to kick for touch instead of the posts and back row Wells touched down for his first England try, converted by Slade. Wales were reduced to 14 men with their No 8 Ieuan Jones in the sin bin.

The hosts started the second period putting England under pressure, eventually rewarded as Davies stroked over his fourth penalty but Slade hit straight back to make the score 18-12. A Slade drop goal increased the gap to nine but Davies returned fire with his fifth penalty of the night making it 21-15. England had the final say, Slade again opting to go for touch and a strong driving maul touched down by Wells for his second to give England the 28-15 win.

Departing Head Coach Rob Hunter said: “It’s a massive achievement and the guys deserve all the credit – they’re a hard working group and this trophy is their reward. Wales gave it a real go and all credit to them, we never felt comfortable.”

Captain Jack Clifford added: “I’m so happy for all of the boys and all of the management, everyone works so hard and to end up with this trophy as captain is a dream come true.”

CUP FINALS SEE A DULWICH DOUBLE AND WARWICK WIN DULWICH COLLEGE 27–17 NORTHAMPTON SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Dulwich College, having secured a 15-8 victory over Old Swinford Hospital last year to lift the Daily Mail RBS U18 Cup, retained the silverware with a hard-fought 27-17 victory over Northampton School for Boys at Twickenham last month.

Hector McKimm and Baba Ajisebutu bagged tries for Dulwich either side of an Ollie Hartfield effort as the Londoners turned around at the break 17-7 ahead. And the reigning champions’ experience saw them home in the second half despite a spirited fight from Northampton.

Dulwich put the first points on the board through the boot of centre Dom Fraser, who kicked all of his side’s points in the 2012 final. They extended their advantage when a mammoth driving maul allowed second row McKimm to touch down for a try, converted by Fraser.

Northampton flanker Hartfield then pounced on a loose ball 15 metres out to force his way over, with Conor Bullivant adding the extras. Fraser re-established Dulwich’s

10-point advantage on the stroke of half time when he improved Ajisebutu’s try in the corner, the winger showing great pace to reach Ed Parsons’ pinpoint kick.

Northampton reduced the deficit shortly after the restart as Bullivant slotted a penalty. But McKimm completed his brace squeezing over from another catch-and-drive, improved by Fraser once again.

Northampton held genuine hope for the final 15 minutes after Hartfield tapped a penalty and darted over for his second try, converted by Bullivant. However, Fraser was on-target with a penalty to restore his team’s lead and, despite a late yellow card for Parsons, it proved enough to see his team home.

A nailbiting encounter in the Daily Mail RBS U15 Cup Final saw Warwick School beat QEGS, Wakefield, 12-6, flanker Jordan Ainslie’s late try sealing the Midlands school’s first Cup final triumph.

QEGS had built a 6-0 lead at the interval through a Tom Allott penalty and drop goal before Warwick edged ahead in the final quarter through William Stride’s converted try, with Ainslie making victory certain three minutes from time.

QEGS enjoyed early dominance, their larger pack’s pressure yielding three points for Allott in the fifth minute, with Allott’s left-footed drop goal two minutes before the interval the only further score of the period.

Warwick emerged with intent after the restart and were the stronger side for long periods. But they had to wait until the 47th minute to break down a resolute QEGS, caught by surprise when Stride weaved his way through for a try from a tapped penalty. Stride added the conversion to hand his side the slenderest of advantages at 7-6, before Ainslie, who grabbed Warwick’s winner in their semi-final against Bromsgrove, splashed over after a sublime break and dummy on the right.

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DOUBLE HEARTACHE FOR BRAVE FELSTED IN THE VASEFELSTED SCHOOL 15–17 YARM SCHOOL

Felsted School having won through to not one but two Daily Mail RBS Vase Finals suffered double Twickenham heartache, battling all the way and losing by narrow margins.

Will Guthrie’s late try and conversion snatched a two-point victory for Yarm School in the U18 Vase. Felsted were 10-0 ahead as Charlie Kingham and Josh Hunter-Jordan crossed for tries. But scores from the talismanic Zach Kibirige and Conor Hartigan to add to Guthrie’s effort were enough to complete a Yarm revival.

It was all Felsted early on, however, and their early pressure brought a try for powerful number eight Kingham. Will Malins failed to extend his side’s lead when he scuffed a penalty attempt, but three minutes later Felsted doubled their tally. Once again, Kingham was at the heart of the score, showing fine hands to release wing Hunter-Jordan in the corner. Yarm needed a quick response and they found it through England U18 international centre Kibirige when he gathered Guthrie’s chip over the defence to touch down at full stretch.

Yarm drew level on 46 minutes when scrum half Josh Jones dashed up the right touchline before feeding the ball inside to replacement Hartigan. Felsted, who had watched their U15s beaten in the Vase final, were in determined mood and regained the lead 10 minutes later when Malins hacked through a loose ball and won the footrace for five points. But Yarm, after opting for a scrum from a penalty inside the 22, shifted the ball right for Guthrie to snipe over and duly kick the winning extras.

FELSTED SCHOOL 13–19 ROYAL LATIN SCHOOL

Joe Robey’s try 11 minutes from time ensured that Royal Latin School saw off the challenge of a spirited Felsted School in the Daily Mail RBS U15 Vase final. Felsted went into the break 13-7 in front thanks to tries from Matthew Lumb and Stefan Warner in addition to a James Lennon penalty, with James Bassford replying for Royal Latin. But Buckinghamshire outfit Royal Latin recovered in the second half as tries from Robey and Elliot Pittwood sealed victory on their first visit to Twickenham.

Felsted opened the scoring through the boot of Lennon, who slotted a simple penalty from the 22. Royal Latin struck back straight away, however, as they spread the ball to right wing Bassford for a fine try in the corner, Will Hughes striking an excellent conversion.

Felsted’s Lumb had looked a threat throughout the opening quarter, and the full back grabbed his team’s second try as he raced home from deep inside his own half for five points. The Essex school extended their lead further before the interval when Warner dived on Lennon’s well weighted chip, with the latter’s conversion attempt hitting the post.

Following a series of pick-and-drives early in the second half, Royal Latin’s second row Pittwood burrowed over to bring his side to within a point. And Robey completed the comeback, the prop barging over after Ollie Toone had been dragged down just short. Hughes added the extras.

Zach Kibirige, Yarm School and England U18Warwick School celebrate 12–6 win

Old Technicians RFC from Plymouth decided to enjoy the RBS 6 Nations England v Italy match in style. They were all a-jingle as 16 members dressed as Morris men and women arrived at Twickenham to watch England’s 18-11 win and make it onto the BBC News.

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COACHING MADE EASIER BY RFUThe RFU has introduced a new online coaching device which covers every coaching level and environment.

With quality coaching fundamental for enjoyable and safe play, a great deal of work has gone into ensuring that the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes are developed for each environment at every level of expertise. Whether new to coaching or an expert, this new online device means coaches can benchmark their skills against the ideal and plan their route to coaching excellence.

Said Stuart Lancaster, “As someone who has progressed through the RFU’s coaching qualifications to become England Head Coach, I can thoroughly recommend this new initiative. Bringing essential information to coaches operating at every level through modern technology will make their progress faster and easier.”

Grassroots coach, Paul Caldwell, from Newark U15s, said, “Having seen this new online service, I would say that life will be a lot simpler for anyone who wants to coach at whatever level and to progress as far as they want. I know that I will use it and it will help me to develop alongside my young team.”

This new Coach Development Model is available for all to use at www.rfu.com

COME ON DOWN!Heaton Moor’s Under 10s ran straight off the pitches to join coaches Mike Ireland and Brent Prior and Pete Fielding the club’s Chair of Marketing & Publicity in pointing out that they recently received the RFU’s Club Accreditation Award for providing all that’s best in rugby union. Now they are on a recruitment drive to share the enjoyment of their excellent facilities with new players of all ages and abilities.

For further info visit www.heatonmoorrugby.co.uk

BAXTER & GUSTARD FOR ENGLAND ARGENTINA TOURDave Barton

EXETER CHIEFS Director of Rugby Rob Baxter and Saracens Defence and Forwards Coach Paul Gustard will join the England coaching team for the tour to Argentina in June.

Subject to Aviva Premiership placings, Baxter will link up with England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster and Attacking Skills Coach Mike Catt to prepare for the match against the Barbarians at Twickenham on May 26 while Gustard will be available once Saracens’ Premiership and Heineken Cup involvement has ended.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We are delighted to have two quality coaches who have come through the English system for what will be a hugely significant tour for us and a big thank-you should go to

Saracens, Exeter and Premiership Rugby for supporting England in this way.

“It was important that we found two coaches who could mirror the skill set of Graham (Rowntree) and Andy (Farrell) while they are away (with the British & Irish Lions) and come in and keep developing the players within our system.

“Paul, having worked together with Andy at Saracens, already has a good understanding of how we operate and Rob, who has done a great job in developing a very competitive Exeter pack, will pick up the set piece and breakdown.

“Both will work alongside Mike Catt as part of our integrated coaching team and we are looking forward to them joining us after their club commitments finish on what is an important tour in our development as a team.”

ENGLAND WOMEN THIRD IN THE SIX NATIONSJulia Hutton

With England Women prioritising their international sevens programme, the defending Six Nations champions had to settle for a third place finish in this year’s tournament.

Without 17 players who were transferred to a Rugby World Cup Sevens training squad, England put on some impressive performances against Scotland, Italy and Wales but didn’t have the firepower to overcome France at Twickenham or eventual Grand Slam winners Ireland, losing 20-30 and 25-0 respectively.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “We are never happy about not winning the Six Nations but at the same time our plan this season was always to prioritise the sevens programme as we build towards the Rugby World Cup in June.

“This young squad has learned a lot from this campaign to stand us in really good stead as we head to New Zealand and America this summer. The younger players have also been exposed to top international rugby 18 months out from next year’s XVs Rugby World Cup in France.”

Hugh Godwin

Stuart Lancaster and the England players paid tribute to the army of volunteers who underpin rugby in this country when nine volunteers from southern clubs were invited to watch the England squad train at the Pennyhill Park team base during the RBS 6 Nations.The group enjoyed a three-course lunch, watched the England squad in training for the match against Italy, and met Head Coach Lancaster and a number of players including Chris Robshaw, Freddie Burns, Danny Care, Tom Croft, Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs for some highly prized photos and autographs.Lancaster said, “The England team never forget that the game of rugby union in this country is underpinned by an army of more than 50,000 volunteers, who give up their time and effort every week of the year to ensure our rugby clubs continue to flourish - whether it is coaching or refereeing on the pitch, or running the bar and club finances off it.“It was great to invite some of those volunteers from across the south of England to our training session as a thank you, both to them individually and to everyone who volunteers in English rugby and keeps it thriving. They are a reminder to all of us that every player who has the honour of representing England has achieved that with the support of club or school volunteers.”

The idea was the brainchild of Steve Grainger, the RFU Rugby Development Director and Tom Stokes, England Team Operations Manager. Lancaster has made connecting with the country’s volunteers and the clubs key to his off-field strategy.The volunteers invited to Pennyhill Park were: Jess Veacock who has successfully run the vRugby programme for young volunteers in Devon and developed girls’ rugby on the area. Claire Legg, Supermarine RFC senior women’s captain and manager and captain and manager of the county senior squad. Michele Amos part of the Hampshire Safeguarding team and a very active volunteer at Basingstoke RFC. Steve Trenchard, Club Coaching Coordinator at Chinnor RFC and within Oxfordshire. Paul McGoohan of Verulamians RFC, a small Hertfordshire club competing with some of the big clubs. Maggie Watts who has played a huge part in the development of Kent club Thanet RFC’s youth and girls sections for many years. Stacia Long who works to encourage non-rugby players into rugby at Wandsworth School and from there into clubs. David Scott, whose significant development of the mini/youth section of Maldon RFC in Essex includes five years of school outreach work. Andy Addis, a driving force of the Newent rugby club in Gloucstershire said: “The RFU worked hard for us to feel very welcome and valued, and everybody in the squad made time for us. All in all it was a great experience.”

RUGBY VOLUNTEERSGIVEN ENGLAND TREAT

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UNITED COLOURS OF NORTH DEVONPaula Rowe

Devon County RFU have presented the North Devon Barbarians with a new set of shirts featuring the colours of the five clubs from which players are drawn – Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Tiverton and Torrington.

A team of Colts from local clubs with insufficient players to field their own Colts teams, the Barbarians are the brainchild of North Devon Community Rugby Coach, Wayne Reed, who says, “The team runs itself by using social networks and there are over 80 players or coaches in our Facebook group. The aim is to keep the club players playing until they are seniors and, hopefully, recruit enough new and former players for some of the clubs to field their own teams again.

“The reasons for a drop off of players at this age group include player migration, work or college commitments and competing activities. But one of the main reasons was the shortage of volunteers to coach and run these teams and that the qualifications of those coaching could be improved.”

Reed organised local coaching courses and is looking to get 18 coaches from nine clubs up to level 2 during the summer. Gary Bucknell, senior coach at South Molton RFC said, “If it wasn’t for the Barbarians we would potentially lose five senior players next season.”

The Barbarians first match in their new shirts saw an entertaining game against Tavistock RFC. The new shirts were presented by Dave Butt, Chairman of the County Community Rugby Committee, who said, “North Devon Barbarians are a great example of how a CRC can help small clubs and maintain their youth playing base for everyone’s benefit. This could well be a template for others.”

The games are rotated between the clubs, with this latest match hosted by Ilfracombe Rugby Club, celebrating their 135th anniversary this year. The Barbarians have played five fixtures, with three more planned this season, which means that 18 to 25 young players will have meaningful and enjoyable fixtures.

Said Reed, “I don’t intend for this to be a permanent team and hope at least two of the five clubs will have their own sides again next season.”

CATHERINE BLAZES A TRAIL AT WHITNEYCatherine Forteath has become Witney Ruby Club’s first ever female Life Member, the club’s highest honour. She has played for Witney 159 times, mostly in the second row or as a flanker, a record all the more impressive as there are fewer games in women’s leagues than men’s.

Catherine has been virtually ever-present for the club for 15 years, serving on the Ladies Section Committee, as Fixture Secretary and Kit Manager, among other roles. She also regularly fund raises for good causes on behalf of the rugby club. She played for Oxford’s ladies’ rugby team before joining Witney and also plays hockey for Wychwood Ladies, often travelling direct from her hockey games on a Saturday to support the men’s rugby teams at Witney.

RFU YEARBOOK - RUGBY CONNECTED 2013-14The RFU Yearbook annual clubs publication is often confused with the England Rugby Yearbook official RFU magazine. Given the Yearbook’s main purpose of connecting everyone in the game with clubs at every level, the title is being changed to Rugby Connected. The publication is now created in house, with Jon Newcombe editing, and is improving and adapting to suit clubs’ needs.

In order to ensure that your club is properly represented please ensure that information held on RugbyFirst is updated by Wednesday 26th June 2013. The amount of information will vary according to your club’s level. However, all will have club name, address, contact phone number, web and email address, and contact details for the honorary and fixtures secretaries.

All information can now be checked, added to and amended via a single page within your club’s RugbyFirst site. To update roles go directly to your club or via the search function at http://clubs.rfu.com/clubs/ and select the tab called ‘Yearbook – Handbook Details’ on the left hand menu of your club site. On this one page you can update all the relevant information for Rugby Connected 2013-14.

For technical assistance, please contact the RugbyFirst helpdesk on rugbyfirstsupport@therfu.com or 020 8831 6651. The Helpdesk is open Monday to Friday from 0900-1300 and 1400-1700.

For full RugbyFirst guidelines and step by step information, click on the link http://clubs.rfu.com/Clubs/portals/webmasters/

Dave Butt presenting the shirts to Wayne Reed and the North Devon Barbarians Players.

SIX OF THE BESTSix members of the Warwickshire Society of Referees’ Junior Whistlers, who officiated at the Rosslyn Park Sevens, stood out not just because of their cerise shirts but more for their excellent refereeing skills. The six young Warwickshire officials were Toby Holroyd, aged 17 a pupil at Arden High School, Knowle; Kieran Bowerbank, 16 of Landau Forte Academy, Tamworth; Josh Jelley, 15 (King Henry VIII Coventry), Morgan Hickman, 15 (Laurence Sheriff School, Rugby) Alex MacDonald 15 (John Cleveland, Hinckley) and Jason Kenney 16 (Nicholas Chamberlain, Bedworth).

GUARDS ALL HEART IN FINAL The Welsh Guards won the Army Premiership Cup 11–3, although the 39 Engineers Regiment had ample opportunity to grab the silverware. The Guards stood their ground and kicked the points on offer in a tough encounter. Said Skipper Steve George, “We landed from Afghanistan, had a week’s leave and everyone turned out for the first round match. With that sort of spirit the team gelled. We stuck to a limited game plan of not surrendering points and kicking our goals. It worked against the Royal Welsh in the semis and again in the final. The boys were all heart”.

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WIN A SET OF KITFROM SSE RUGBY!Nicol McLelland

As a National Community Partner of the Rugby Football Union, SSE is determined to help support local rugby communities up and down the country and is offering £10,000 worth of free rugby kit for your club to win. Over the last two years SSE has rewarded clubs in England with many different giveaways including training kits, training sessions with England legends Danny Grewcock and John Bentley, and last year Liverpool St Helen’s won £10,000 worth of free energy credits for their club.

SSE Rugby.com is a site dedicated to grassroots clubs in England and features regular blogs from SSE Ambassador and England flanker Tom Croft highlights from community clubs, as well as offering support and advice on clubs energy needs.

Continuing to help support clubs at a community level, SSE is once again giving away more rewards to clubs who sign up to SSE Rugby.com, with £10,000 worth of rugby kit up for grabs. In total, SSE has 45 match kits to giveaway, which includes balls, water bottles, kicking tees, cones, hurdles, post protectors and much more.

To be in with a chance of winning one of these rugby kits, simply register on www.sserugby.com by April 28th. The winners will be contacted by Wednesday May 1st. For full terms and conditions, visit www.sserugby.com

SSE is also the Official Energy Supplier to English Rugby, and is fully committed to making clubs more sustainable in the long-term. To deliver on this commitment, SSE and the RFU has developed SSE Rugby Energy to help clubs save money on their energy bills. To find out more information about how your club could benefit, visit www.sserugby.com

SSE Rugby Kit Giveaways includes: • Match Kit: match Balls, Water Bottles, Kicking Tees, First Aid Kit• Fitness Kit: Cones, Hurdles, Training Balls• Kids Kit: Kids Match Balls, Water Bottles, Kicking Tees• Pitch Kit: Post Protectors, Flags

PRESIDENT’S XV AWARDSTony Simpson

FIRE-WALKING and fireworks in Nottingham, Guinness record goal-kicking and sheep sales in Alnwick, karaoke and canoeing in Gloucestershire and woolly hats in Sheffield are all part of the rich tapestry which makes the seventh annual RFU President’s XV Awards list such a colourful collection.

Not every winning entry is either a piece of theatre or out of left field – many clubs have earned their place in the spotlight and their £500 first prize by sheer hard work and delivery of a simple plan which has addressed a particular need. But the President’s XV Awards

were conceived to highlight examples of best-practice among grass-roots clubs and to showcase both ingenuity and industry in equal measure.

Once again the list of winners and their citations underline how the army of volunteers that sustain the game at grass-roots level is packed with people of great resource and even greater energy and dedication.

“The quality and variety of the entries never ceases to amaze me,” says RFU President Paul Murphy. “Picking a winner from so many excellent submissions is a very difficult and challenging task for the panel. Finding the 15 deserving winners and the 30 Runners-up from such a list was not easy.

“One intended spin-off from each

year’s awards was to showcase some of the best work and most productive ideas that are bringing rich rewards to some of our clubs and I would commend every club to have a careful look at the bright ideas and the successful projects which are driving our great game forward.”

The Panel of Judges comprised: Paul Murphy (RFU President), Bob Reeves (RFU Senior Vice President), Jon Dance (RFU Junior Vice President), Willie Wildash (RFU Immediate Past President), Jason Leonard OBE, Gill Burns MBE (former RFUW President), Joe Stanniford (RFU National Youth Council), Owain Jones (Rugby World) and Carole Thelwall-Jones (RFU Volunteer Engagement Manager).

REFS BACK IN BANGKOK The Oakwood Bangkok International Rugby Tens 2013 at Bangkok Patana School in Soi La Salle featured 36 teams in the main men’s open division, 60 youth and student teams, and six women’s touch rugby teams.

The tournament, the most popular celebration of

rugby in Thailand, draws players from far and wide including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates, and international stars who have played at the highest level of the sport.

This year the star list included Bobby Skinstad, former Springbok captain turned television commentator; Willie Lose, sport broadcaster and former Auckland, Tonga and North Harbour player; Breyton Paulse, former Springbok winger; and Solomon King of the New Zealand Sevens team.

Such an array of countries and talented players were delighted that our regular North Mids tourist John Kelly, joined by Michael Patz and the RFU’s Alan Biggs, flew out to officiate.

Asked about the heat (36C), dehydration (humidity of 90%) and intensity of the fixtures, Michael said that was less important than the language barrier when being refereed by Kelly from Birmingham or Biggs from the West Country. Kelly was officiating at the event for his fifth time, Patz for his third but for Biggs this was a new

experience. There were also referees from Canada, Singapore and Thailand, all expertly managed by ex-pat David Viccars.

Now in its eighth year, the tournament focused on fund raising for Changing Lives Forever, a junior rugby initiative for children from disadvantaged communities. This season the men’s open final went to the wire, with local favourites The Jam Boys, from South Africa v The New Zealand Legends. Patz officiated, the match won in extra time by a golden try from The NZ legends.

Results

1 Player Safety & Welfare Winner - Eastern Counties RFU; Runners Up – Maidstone, Kent, Eccleshall, Staffordshire

2 This is Rugby Winner – Wortley, Yorkshire; Runners Up – Leek, Staffordshire, Kesteven, Notts, Lincs & Derby

3 Player Recruitment Winner – Broadland - Great Yarmouth, Eastern Counties; Runners Up – Wymondham, Eastern Counties, Penrith, Cumbria

4 Player Retention Winner – Sheffield, Yorkshire; Runners Up - Canterbury Christ Church University, Kew Occasionals, Surrey

5 Girl Power Winner – Drybrook, Gloucestershire; Runners Up – Jersey, Hampshire, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire

6 Valuing Volunteers Winner - Rushden & Highham, East Midlands; Runners Up - Crewe and Nantwich, Cheshire, Kent RFU

7 vRugby (Young Volunteers) Winner - Tunbridge Wells, Kent; Runners Up - Yeovil College, Somerset

8 Quality Coaching Winner – Sheffield, Yorkshire; Runners Up - Bury St Edmunds, Eastern Counties, Westcombe Park, Kent

9 Better Referees Winner – Chelmsford, Essex; Runners Up - Eastern Counties Referees’ Federation.

10 Better Facilities Winner – Farnham, Surrey; Runners Up – Guildford, Surrey, Maidenhead, Berkshire

11 Community Engagement Winner - Nottingham Moderns, Notts, Lincs & Derby; Runners Up - Birmingham Exiles, North Midlands, Leigh, Lancashire

12 School Rugby Winner – Westoe, Durham; Runners Up – Chineham, Hampshire, Felixtowe, Eastern Counties

13 College Rugby Winner - The College of West of Anglia; Runners Up - Birmingham Metropolitan College, Easton College

14 University Rugby Winner - Nottingham University; Runners Up - University of Huddersfield, Nottingham Trent University

15 Fundraising Winner – Alnwick, Northumberland; Runners Up – Farnham, Surrey, Southport, Lancashire

ALL AT SEAFORD Seaford RFC’s annual President’s Wine and Buffet Evening at The Salts last month (March) saw: RFU President, Paul Murphy; the Sussex County RFU President, Ken Gordon and the Seaford RFC President, Graham Thompson share an enjoyable evening with members of the Sussex RFU Committee; Seaford Mayoress, Linda Wallraven; the Seaford Lifeguards Chairman, Peter Gwilliam and a number of Seaford RFC Vice Presidents and sponsors. Paul Ungoed handed over a £1,150 cheque to the Matt Hampson Foundation from the Seaford Rugby Club Players, part of the proceeds from their Christmas pantomime.

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ENGLAND WOMEN LOSE OUT TO NEW ZEALAND IN ROUND THREE FINALJulia Hutton

England Women missed out 19-5 to New Zealand in the Sevens World Series round three final in Guangzhou, China.

Crowned round two champions in Houston in February, they were missing several big name players for this tournament with Head Coach Barry Maddocks choosing to rest the likes of Joanne Watmore and Ruth Laybourn.

England, however, still put on an impressive show cruising into the knock out stages, conceding just 15 points to China, Fiji and the USA. In the quarter-finals against the Netherlands, the clash didn’t go all England’s way with England only sealing the win in the last play of the game thanks to a late Alex Matthews try. Canada awaited England in the semi-finals and England really stepped up a gear to nil the Canucks 19-0 with Alex Matthews and Katherine Merchant (2) scoring.

In the final, England started well with Merchant scoring early on but New Zealand soon matched that with a converted try. Kelly Brazier added a second try for New Zealand on the half time whistle before adding her second and a conversion after the restart.

The loss still saw England move up the World Series rankings into second behind New Zealand, just eight points adrift which sets up a tasty title chase in the final round in Amsterdam next month (May 18/19). England Women are then in action at the Marriott London Sevens on May 11-12 at Twickenham Stadium.

YOUR CHANCE TO ASK QUESTIONS THAT MATTER.Talking politics and religion might start a row in the club bar, almost as emotive is the topic of how we spot and develop talent.

Everyone has an opinion, some believe 10,000 hours of practice will bring excellence, others take the stance that it’s all about genetics: winners are born not made.

The U14s coach insists his scrum half is the best he’s ever seen and is bound to play for England by the time he’s 20. But he’s also playing a lot of football and judo - will that hold him back? Or does the fact that he’s the oldest in his age group matter?

The RFU’s Talent Symposium 17–19 May is relying on you to pose the crucial questions.

For the first time ever in sport, National Institute for Health Consensus Guidelines, the most powerful and scientifically validated consensus tool, will come into play.

Sixteen experts, including world renowned Professors Bruce Abernathy, Lew Hardy and Joe Baker, will look to provide the answers to your questions.

A ten-strong eminent panel from across the world, chaired by Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Vice Chancellor Cambridge University, will bring intellect and impartiality in considering the answers and shaping them into a consensus for the game

The RFU is determined to create a unified talent pathway

The first step is to decide what talent actually is from the widely differing views.

Nobody will be more interested than England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster who is kicking off proceedings

But everyone who has a stake in rugby talent should get involved. You might be a teacher, coach, selector, parent or player.

This is your chance to put questions to the experts whose answers will be amalgamated by the eminent panellists into a consensus statement.

There will be informative Open Seminars throughout Saturday May 18th, with price reductions for RFU qualified coaches and students.

We are asking for questions online for a panel of experts to consider and discuss. Submit yours now by visiting www.rfu.com/talent and clicking on the Submit Questions page.

TALENT TRUTHS & TALL TALES

WEST MIDS POLICE DIG DEEP SOUTH WALES POLICE 25–27 WEST MIDLANDS POLICE

Reigning champions West Midlands Police travelled to South Wales last month (March) for the quarter final of the Police Service U.K 2012/13 Trophy and took an early lead with a Chris Scott penalty. South Wales responded with a converted try to make it 7-3 but ten minutes later it was 7-10 after West Mids scored though wing Dave Sproson and Scott converted.

An exciting game saw the lead changing hands three times, until South Wales took advantage of unusually poor West Mids defending, to score three unconverted tries, to make it 22-10 at the break.

West Mids bounced back with centre Gareth Johnson scoring under the posts, converted by Chis Scott. South Wales answered five minutes later with a penalty but then had a player sent to the bin. The score remained 25-17 for a nail-biting 15 minutes, until, with time running out and West Mids eight points behind, centre Gareth Johnson broke through three missed tackles and scored near the posts for Chris Scott to convert, making it 25-24. Chris Scott scored a drop goal to take the lead by two points and the West Mids held on until the final whistle.

Congratulations to Chris Scott and club Captain Francis Nock, selected to represent British Police against Australia Police in Hong Kong, the day before the Lions play Australia.

CENTENARY RUGBY AT RAF HALTONSome 300 children gathered at RAF Halton to celebrate 100 years of flying from the Buckinghamshire RAF Station by playing rugby and trying military skills, including the chance to fly.

Flying at the Station dates back to 1913 when on the 18th September a Henry Farman aircraft from No.3 Squadron Royal Flying Corps (the predecessor to the RAF) landed on what today is known as the Maitland Parade Square and flying has continued at Halton ever since.

Wing Commander Daren Moss, Officer Commanding Training Wing and the driving force behind the rugby tournament said: “The rugby festival marks the start of our Centenary of Flight celebration year. Not only does it allow us to showcase the fact that RAF Halton is also the RAF Home for Sport for rugby union but it is also a fantastic opportunity for the players and coaches to experience some of the supporting activities at RAF Halton not normally seen by the

public. We are also very grateful that Saracens and London Wasps have provided us with activities and players.”

David Bliss (13) Team Captain for Marlow Under 14s said: “There was plenty to do not just rugby. Having team building events, the shooting and the opportunity to go gliding was great. The aspects of rugby I enjoy the most are teamwork, the physical side and team spirit. It provides us with things we’ll probably need later in life. I hadn’t thought about joining the RAF, but I might look into it now.”

Supported by London Wasps winger Christian Wade and Saracens flanker Matt Hankin, the tournament was a resounding success. In the Under 14s category Bracknell won the Cup and Marlow won the Plate. Man of the Tournament went to Tavis Hunter from Marlow. In the Under 13s tournament Witney beat Newport in the Cup Final, whilst Biggleswade narrowly edged Chipstead to win the Bowl Final. A total of 14 teams from around the UK took part in the Festival.

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Last month in a first for the girls’ section, Drybrook RFC hosted an international touring team, Canada’s Mississauga Blues RFC U18s Girls. The squad and coaching staff were hosted by Drybrook families and theU18s Girls played the Canadians, who had spent a number of weekends in training for their UK fixtures. Their training paid off, as the match ended 54-5 to the Canadians but was enjoyed by girls and spectators alike. Drybrook U13s and U15s girls played Tewkesbury RFC girls, the hosts winning both games in front of invited local community and primary and secondary schools, a GRFU representative, the Gloucestershire RDO and local RFU Community Rugby Coach.

Said Mandy Meredith, manager of Drybrook RFC Girls section, “It was brilliant to have so much support on this great morning for girls’ rugby. The Canadians were impressed with our set up, rugby and hospitality and we are now planning a tour to Canada, another first for the girls’ section!”

VERWOOD PULLING THEM INVerwood RFC’s Great Van Pull around the local area on Easter Saturday in aid of Sport Relief andSomerset & Dorset Air Ambulance saw businesses and members of the public contributing at least £400 when club volunteers took the strain all around town and covered more than five miles. The charity event was also part of the club’s Drive-4-Recruitment campaign which is set to continue throughout the off-season.

CANADA COMES TO DRYBROOK

ENGLAND WOMEN U20s DISAPPOINTEDJulia Hutton

England Women Under 20s experienced their second defeat of the season against France last month (March) with Amanda Bennett’s young side succumbing to a 15-3 defeat in Dijon. After a 17-5 loss to Les Bleus a month earlier at Esher RFC, the squad were left ruing errors and missed opportunities. Bennett said: “We’ve learnt a lot from these two games to help us prepare for the Nations Cup this summer. That will be a very exciting competition where we will face some very different opposition in the form of Canada, the USA and South Africa.”

RFU NATIONAL UNDER 17 FINALS The National U17 Finals take place on Sunday 5 May at Stourton Park, Stourbridge, the finalists having made it through the 21st April Semi-Finals played at Doncaster (North representatives v Midlands representatives) and Henley (London & South East representatives v South West representatives). The National U17 competition consists of four levels: Shield, Bowl, Plate and Cup, and is organised in three stages: Local leagues, Divisional knockout stages and National Semi-Finals and Finals

This competition is growing in status year on year and the emphasis remains on competitive rugby for club players, rather than Academy players who have ample opportunity to play in competitive games and structures.

For more information please contact your Divisional Organiser or Benji Crossley in the RFU’s Tournaments & Competitions Department on 020 8831 6501 or benjicrossley@rfu.com

The National U17 Finals will be held on Sunday 5 May at Stourton Park as follows: Shield KO - 11:00; Bowl KO - 12:45; Plate KO - 14:30 and Cup KO - 16:15.

HEADS DOWN & DRIVE AT BURNLEYThe appointment of Burnley club coach Simon Finnan as Community Rugby Coach is already yielding excellent results as many local schools make use of his services. The post was funded by the club, the RFU Innovative Fund, Burnley Schools Sport Partnership and the Lancashire County RFU’s Youth Trust. Burnley also celebrated gaining RFU Club Accreditation with Mayor Charles Bullas, one of their former players, and his wife Irene; Malcolm Worsley, President Lancashire County RFU.; Bob Grant, one of Lancashire’s two RFU Council representatives; Helen Tyson from Burnley Schools Sport Partnership and Keith Ormrod, President of Bury RUFC. The day’s celebrations were appropriately complemented by the home team winning their North Lancashire League match 34-0.

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HOW DO YOU VALUE YOUR RUGBY CLUB?Every year we deal with claims arising from serious incidents, such as fire or flood, significant enough to disrupt or even halt the normal operation of a sports club. Thankfully, the majority affected by these incidents make a full recovery – but that may only be possible if the correct level of insurance is in place.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In fact, a number of rugby clubs that come to Marsh for insurance for the first time are found to be underinsured. That is, the level of insurance cover is not sufficient to cover the cost of reinstating any property damaged by a serious incident.

The implications of underinsurance are potentially very serious. If a rugby club’s property is insured according to an incorrect or out-of-date valuation, the club may be left with insufficient funds to complete a rebuild. For instance, if a club’s insurance reflects a rebuild estimate of £1 million, but the actual cost runs to £1.5 million, then the insurer may not pay the difference – potentially leaving the club with a bill for £500,000.

Unfortunately, the impact of underinsurance does not stop there – its effect will very often be felt even if the damage to property does not amount to a “total loss”. If a club is underinsured, then all claims relating to property damage can be adjusted downwards and any settlement reduced through the application of the “average clause”. So, if a club were underinsured by 20%, a claim amounting to £10,000 could possibly pay out only £8,000 – again leaving the club out of pocket.

It is vital that the insurance cover is based on an accurate valuation. That sounds simple, but valuation must take into account a range of issues – inflation, regulations, and local planning issues can all affect the cost of rebuilding after a total loss. To be clear, that must always be an accurate evaluation of the likely costs associated with a total rebuild, not market value.

It is important that valuations are regularly updated – at least every five years for larger rugby and multi-sports clubs, and every seven years for smaller rugby clubs. This is quite simply because the cost of rebuilding may change over time – material and labour cost inflation is an obvious factor, but legislation, statutory and non-statutory building specifications, and planning rules can all come into the equation.

The risks associated with underinsurance are significant and wide ranging, but they are relatively easy to manage – provided the club gets advice and support from experts prepared to carry our accurate valuations, and from a specialist insurance broker like Marsh.

Marsh is the official insurance broker to the RFU. To find out more please call Marsh on 01444 335392.

The RFU is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Marsh Ltd. Marsh Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for insurance mediation activities only. © Copyright 2013 Marsh Ltd. All rights reserved.

HELP PAINT THE BIG PICTUREThis year once again sees the return of the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Sports Club Survey which launched on April 2nd. The Sport and Recreation Alliance, is the independent umbrella body for the national governing bodies of sport including the RFU.

The survey is a key research tool to give us the low-down on what life is like for rugby clubs and help paint a picture of what is really going on in grassroots rugby clubs. The survey covers all sports clubs including rugby union across the country and aims to set out in detail how clubs are functioning in the current economic climate.

The value community rugby clubs provide is tremendous – which is why it’s so important that we get accurate data to help shape future decisions and campaigns with Government for the best deal for sport. In order to gain an up-to-date picture of rugby clubs in 2013 the survey will look at a range of topics, including clubs’ finances, access to facilities, the costs of hiring and owning facilities and the issues clubs feel they face, as well as any opportunities identified for the future.

The 2013 Sports Club Survey will be available for clubs to complete between April and June 2013. The results will be published in September 2013.

For further details visit: http://www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/policy/SSC More Information: davestubley@rfu.com

NAILBITING U19s’ WINStefan Curtis

A strong England Under 19 team, coached by John Fletcher, Peter Walton and Ian Peel, beat their Irish rivals 16-15 at Donnybrook RFC in Dublin in a topsy-turvy encounter.

Scrum half Jordan Burns’ opening score and a penalty from fly half Sam Olver made it 8-0 to England after 22 minutes. Flanker Ross Moriartyscored England’s second try and the visitors were 13-0 up at half time.

A reinvigorated Ireland came out after the break and soon shot into a 15-13 lead courtesy of two tries within 10 minutes and a well-executed drop goal from No. 10 Conor McKeon. But England regained their composure and Northampton Saints player Olver slotted a drop goal of his own to put England 16-15 ahead. Ireland saw two further drop goal attempts sail wide and England held out for the win.

Said Head Coach Fletcher: “We should have been out of sight by half time, we scored two tries but it should have been more. In the second half Ireland came back fighting and we seemed to lose some of our composure, two guys went to the sin bin and we were staring a defeat in the face at 15-13 down. Full credit to guys for battling back and putting Sam in a position to get his drop goal. Overall it’s been a good experience, a good exercise, and a good test for our players.”

Stefan Curtis

England Under 18 were crowned European champions for the second successive season, winning the Justin Bridou Trophy after beating France 27-22 in front of 15,000 fans at the Stade de Alpes in Grenoble. Tries from flanker Matt Bolwell, centre Nick Tompkins and prop Paul Hill secured the win, while fly half Josh Sharp kicked 12 crucial points.

France secured the first points with a well taken penalty out wide, but England silenced the partisan crowd when Bolwell touched down a driving maul from a lineout to make it 7-3 after Sharp’s conversion. As the half came to a close England hooker Jack Walker offloaded to Saracens’ Tompkins who held off two defenders before touching down.

After the break Hill picked up the ball in his own half, beat three French defenders and dived over to make it 21-3. This wakeup call to France saw them score two quick-fire tries to make it 21-15. A Sharp penalty after 57 minutes made it 24-15, a third French try reducing the deficit to just two points at 24-22. Sharp’s second penalty with ten minutes to play gave Head Coach John Fletcher’s side a five-point cushion at 27-22 and that’s how it stayed until the final whistle.

Captain James Chisholm said: “We really had to work for that and full credit to France, at 21-3 up we let them back into it, but there’s a real determination in this group and there was no way we were going to let that lead slip through our fingers once we had it.”

Head Coach Fletcher added: “I’m delighted for all of the guys, it was a great game and both sides played their part. We played well for large periods and deserved to get the win.”

The next challenge for England U18 will come in August when they tour to South Africa, where they expect to meet some strong opposition.

U18s CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE AGAIN

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DYNAMIC DUO GET GIRLS ON THE PITCH Andy and Sarah Pratt decided to set up a girls’ rugby section at Ellesmere Port RUFC as they had two U12s who needed a team to play in. The couple had posters designed, contacted local schools, attended School Sports Fairs and arranged a Girls Rugby Development Day at the club which recruited 20 girls. They have since arranged for a Rugby Ready course to train volunteer coaches, secured sponsorship for T-shirts and a playing kit for the girls, who played their first game as a curtain raiser to Birkenhead Park’s league game this month. And added to all this Andy and Sarah have already recruited 32 i females for their touch rugby programme in summer to encourage members and the local community to come together for a weekend of DIY.Clubs can continue to sign up for Natwest RugbyForce and can access online resources to help them make the most out of their weekend by visiting www.rfu.com/natwestrugbyforce

RUGBY IN OXFORD CITY CENTREDamian Dolan

Oxford City centre shoppers had a Friday afternoon treat when London Welsh took the sport into the heart of the city. Under the watchful eye of London Welsh Community Development Coach Matt Walsh, and with the help of Oxford City Council, passers-by tested their rugby skills in the Speed and the Accuracy Passing Cages.

The Speed Cage competition was won by Shane Fixter from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, who recorded a pass of 40.9mph. The world record of 48mph was set by Wasps scrum half Joe Simpson in 2011.

“The work we do in the schools of Oxfordshire is great and we’ve had a lot of really positive feedback, but it was great to come into the city centre and get the name of London Welsh known,” said Walsh. “There’s been a huge amount of interest in the event. People have been really getting into it.”

SIGN UP FOR SOME FUN IN SUSSEXBarns Green’s annual charity Tag-7s Tournament takes place on Sunday 19th May, with registration/start times 11.00am/12.00am. So sign up or go along to the village green, Barns Green, West Sussex Teams of all agess, mixed ages, mixed sexes are welcome

Cost: £60.00/team (of 7), extra players £5/person.

Contact: Phil Kemp on 07595 304303 or e-mail phil.kemp@tesco.net

Paula Rowe

For the 2013/2014 season the RFU is implementing changes to the Senior Women’s Player Pathway (18+) to enhance opportunities for players, clubs and Constituent Bodies at this level.

Following a review of the Senior Player Pathway, the CB Programme will be removed as a mandatory element of the pathway. CBs will, however, continue to play a major and important role in the Player Pathway by owning and leading their own programme. CBs can still participate in the CB Programme (now to be played in April/May), and they may play inter-Division rugby and run development days. They will also be responsible for nominating their players for further development. It is hoped this will help to further

develop relationships between the women’s game and their CBs, improve the quality of coaching and the experience, as well as to ensure consistency.

The RFU will also introduce a new Academy Programme for the Senior players, who are nominated directly by their CB, Club or University in the 2013/14 season. There will be four academies nationwide and the programme will run over a 12 month period. At the end of the season players could be nominated to attend England trials. Through the new academies the RFU Women’s Performance Department will deliver an improved quality of experience for players including coaching, strength and conditioning programmes, nutritional, lifestyle and analyst support.

Nicola Ponsford, the RFU’s Head of Performance (Women), said: “The change in the CB programme will give

CBs the opportunity to develop women’s rugby in the way that is best suited to their area. Each CB is different so by giving autonomy back to the CBs this will ensure that these differences can be taken into account.

“The RFU will continue to work with the CBs going forward and will look to strengthen links between CBs and their clubs. The introduction of the new Academy Programme will allow the RFU Performance Department (Women) to work with players who are fully committed to being part of the RFU Player Pathway and who have a sole goal of representing England at the highest possible level. More details on the nomination process to the new structure will be sent out in June.”

The current RFU Player Pathway for Girls (U18s and U15s) will remain unchanged for the coming season.

RFU SENIOR LEVEL WOMEN’S PLAYER PATHWAY

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PURPLE PATCH FOR DURHAM DURHAM 26–17 CARDIFF MET

Durham University took on Cardiff Metropolitan University in a rematch of the dramatic 2011 BUCS final when Durham broke Cardiff Met hearts with a last minute penalty. Two years on and it was more disappointment for the men from Wales as Josh Beaumont, son of Bill, led his team to their second trophy in three years.

“Winning two BUCS championships in three years is unbelievable, especially for the lads that have been in all three

finals,” he said. “We knew we had a good team and we’ve worked really hard for each other and it showed out there today. We’ve gone the season undefeated and are BUCS champions again”

Durham secured the first score of the game, full back Simon Hammersley, starting outside the 22, weaved tfrom outside the 22 hrough the Cardiff Met back line dodging and bouncing off tackles before diving over the line, Dave Treglown adding the extras.

Cardiff Met registered their first points through Guy Wood who outpaced the Durham backs to make the score 7-5. before a penalty from Treglown made the score 10-5 at half time.

The second half began with both teams exchanging penalties before Jack Pattinson crashed over for Durham’s second try, the successful conversion opening up a 12 point gap. Cardiff Met responded by adding six points from the boot of Matt O’Brien, to make the score to 23-14. Another Cardiff penalty from in front of the posts reduced the difference to just six points but within moments Treglown put the game beyond doubt with a penalty.

AMBER’S EXETER LIGHT UP TWICKENHAMEXETER 17–15 CARDIFF MET

The University of Exeter’s women win the BUCS women’s Rugby Championship final against favourites and reigning champions, Cardiff Met, undefeated in almost two years and who had amassed 94 points against Exeter already this season without conceding any in reply.

After 30 minutes Exeter found themselves 12-0 down following two

tries from Nia Davies, followed by another scored and converted by full back Mary Ann Gittings.

Cardiff Met then lost Gittings and scrum half, Ireland international, Larissa Muldoon to injuries and within minutes Exeter were awarded a penalty and kicked for touch five metres out, driging over the from the resulting lineout and back row Ellis Collins grounding the ball and make the score 5-12, the conversion reducing the gap to five points going into the break.

Cardiff Met gained three penalty points from the boot of Delyth Davies to take them to 12-15 but it was Exeter dominating in the latter stages, captain and fly half, England’s Amber Reed leading the team attack. With less than ten minutes remaining, Carys Phillips was sin binned and Exeter threw everything at the opposition, earning a penalty in front of the posts.

Reed kicked to the corner for five minutes of heart in mouth rugby as time after time Exeter were rewarded for their forward pressure with penalties which could have taken the game to extra time. Each time, however, Exeter went for the victory, eventually recycling the ball through several phases of play, to winger Poppy Davis, who dived over for the try.

Moments later the final whistle signalled a fantastic comeback by Exeter, crowned 2013 BUCS Champions. Said Amber Reed, “It was the perfect way to end my university playing career and I’m so proud of the girls. We knew that everyone viewed Cardiff Met as the favourites but we knew if we did the simple things well and put pressure on them there was no reason we couldn’t come away with the win.”

GREAT SEND OFF FOR STANLAKEPaul Bolton

ENGLAND Under 16s gave their head coach Phil Stanlake the perfect retirement present with a stunning second half fightback which clinched a thrilling 32-26 win over Wales at Oxford University’s Iffley Road ground this afternoon.

England trailed 15-0 at one stage but a penalty from fly-half Owain James on the stroke of half time lifted their spirits and they were a transformed side after the break.

England ran in four tries in the second half but it was not until replacement scrum half Alex Mitchell crossed seven minutes from time that England led for the first time. Replacement centre Conor Dolan, called up from the England South squad at the BMW Wellington International Festival, capped an industrious display with England’s fourth try three minutes from time. The win helped England avenge a 24-20 defeat by Italy Under 17s at Lichfield and marked the end of Stanlake’s four year reign.

The former Cheltenham and Gloucestershire fly half was previously assistant coach for nine years and the match marked the end of an era with team manager David Maughan and chairman of selectors Ian Sharp also stepping down after their long involvement.

“It was a fantastic game of schoolboy rugby. Wales did dominate the first half there’s no doubt about that, we made some slight adjustments at half time and talked about what we needed to do and we stuck to it,” Stanlake said. “The team’s character shone through, they managed the game very well and everyone stepped up to the plate. You can’t ask any more than that.

An England win appeared unlikely when Wales centre Matthew Pearce powered over after just six minutes and full back Jack Evans added the conversion which was followed by a penalty after 26 minutes. Wales also capitalised when England lost centre Rotimi Segun to the sin-bin for killing the ball in a ruck as they worked an overlap for right wing Rhys Gealy to score an unconverted try.

But James’s penalty gave England a glimmer of hope and lock Alex Munday continued England’s fightback when Wales fumbled in defence and England countered. James reduced the deficit to four points when Wales were penalised for holding on in a ruck but Evans quickly cancelled out that score with his second penalty. England equalised with an opportunist try from flanker Joe Mullis who picked out a stray throw from Wales replacement hooker Aldi Coverdale at a five metres line-out and nipped over for a try that James expertly improved.

A third penalty from Evans temporarily restored Wales’ lead before the alert Mitchell tapped and ran a penalty in the visitors’ 22 and darted over for a solo try that James also converted. Dolan rounded off an excellent display when he cut through and James again added the extras to put the game beyond Wales. A second try from Gealy in injury-time could not deny England their celebrations at the final whistle.

Stanlake presented each England player with his shirt before the match and was mobbed by his young charges after he had delivered his final post-match address.

Earlier England Under 16s were edged out by a resilient and lively Italian side in the first of their two Easter internationals at Lichfield’s Cooke Fields ground. England eased into a 10-0 lead but visiting fly half Leonardo Mantelli took control of the game and an opportunist try from right wing Luca Sperandio on the stroke of half-time knocked England off their stride. England regained the lead when scrum half Jack Maunder burrowed over early in the second half but a try from hooker Edoardo Ferraro and two penalties from Mantelli clinched victory for the jubilant Italians.

“We played some fantastic rugby but didn’t quite manage our game in the right parts of the field,” said Stanlake. “We created bit of pressure for ourselves at kicks offs and the decisions made after them. But we need to take the lessons from today of how well we played and certain things we can do with the ball but also areas where we can improve.”

TOUCHLINEEditorial input with pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia MowbrayEmail: patriciamowbray@rfu.com Direct Line: 0208 831 6514

Correspondence to:Patricia Mowbray, Touchline Editor, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA.

Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates Email: gameinvestment@therfu.com Tel: 0208 831 6762

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12 Touchline – A P R I L 2 01 3

Paul Bolton

Fun, friendship and fantastic rugby were on display at a successful BMW Wellington International Festival staged in Berkshire over the Easter holidays. Nine teams – all Under 16s or Under 17 – from across Europe and North America took part in the tournament at Wellington College from which the two England Under 16s teams emerged unbeaten.

England North won all three of their matches by beating France Under 16 B (27-26), Netherlands Under 17s (18-8) and Belgium Under 17s (46-12). England South drew a thrilling opener with France Under 16s A 22-22, thanks to touchline conversion from fly-half Owen Waters that bounced in off the crossbar, and they then beat Scotland Under 16s 26-20 and United States Under 17s 32-25 in the tournament finale.

While the results were highly satisfying for Richard Wareham, the England South head coach, and Peter Coke, his England North counterpart, the tournament also gave the players to make lasting friendships with team-mates and opponents. For the end

of tournament dinner, which featured a singing contest won by the United States, players sat with their counterparts from other countries rather in teams.

“The festival is a great opportunity not just for players but for coaches,” Coke said. “I have been very lucky to watch and learn from some fantastic schoolmaster coaches. There are some pretty good coaches on the schoolboy circuit these days and to be around those people makes a massive difference. Our learning curve both as players and coaches is huge here and the camaraderie you get on the sidelines is very special.”

Wareham described coaching England South as “a privilege” and enjoyed watching the development of his young charges during a week of outstanding schoolboy rugby.

“Their path has been upward. They have had to learn to live with and accept each other,” Wareham said. “That will stand them in good stead for the future for World Cups and tours. Rugby is a very small world and hopefully these guys will stay involved in the game for 40-50 years and they will have made friendships that last a lifetime.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR AARONDoes your club want to gain £1,000 by winning a 10s tournament, which also celebrates the life of a very special young player and Army officer?

The Aaron Lewis Rugby 10s Tournament at Westcliff Rugby Club, Essex, on June 22, is a fabulous chance to get involved and enjoy some summer rugby. This fifth annual event also comes with a significant prize for the winning team. So why not sign up now?

Founded in 2009 by Aaron’s friends and family, the event commemorates the 26-year-old Westcliff player and Royal Artillery Lieutenant, who died in December 2008 while serving in the Gereshk area of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Aaron played wing and full back for the club and was earlier a member of the Wasps Academy. He was a pupil at Westcliff High School for Boys and Campion Sixth Form, before graduating from Loughborough University and going to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The Aaron Lewis Foundation supports charities which were close to Aaron’s heart, including Whizz Kids, a disabled children’s charity, which benefits from this summer’s tournament. It is also seeking to set up bursaries for young people travelling abroad to do charity work.

Old boys’, university, club, pub and social sides are welcome at the 10s event. This is a great way to get on board with the fantastic work done in Aaron’s name. If you would like to sign a team up or your business or organisation would like to become sponsors or give prizes please contact Patric Redding on 07939 360818 or email patricredding@hotmail.com

Aaron Lewis

ENGLAND POWER THROUGH BMW WELLINGTON FESTIVAL

The Rugby Football Union wishes to express its gratitude to the following who generously support the game in England

The RFU wants to remind member clubs at Level 3 and below that they have insurance cover automatically provided by the RFU through Marsh for:

· Personal Accident Insurance while playing rugby union· Public/Products Liability Insurance· Employers’ Liability Insurance· Referees’ and Coaches’ Liability Insurance· Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

If your club has queries concerning insurance cover provided as an RFU affiliate member, please contact Marsh, the RFU’s official insurance brokers, via the following:

RFU hotline Tel: 01732 877647

Email: rfu.clubs@marsh.com

Marsh have also developed specific policies that provide a range of insurance covers including property, business interruption, and legal expenses; meeting the needs of your rugby club and providing peace of mind for you and your members. Marsh will work with you to put the most appropriate insurance in place so that it dovetails correctly with the cover purchased by the RFU on behalf of its affiliated clubs, avoiding gaps or overlaps in your protection.