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The Official Newspaper of The RFU June/July 2014 Issue 169 TROPHY TOUR The Webb Ellis Cup left on a 15 country Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour recently, flying out from East Midlands Airport to its first stop in Japan. Delivered in partnership with Land Rover and DHL – two long term supporters of the game and Rugby World Cup 2015 Worldwide Partners – The Trophy Tour sees rugby’s most coveted prize on a 12 month journey in the lead up to Rugby World Cup 2015, hosted in . At East Midlands airport in to see the Cup off to Tokyo were Rugby World Cup 2003 winner and England 2015 Ambassador, , Land Rover Brand Experience Director, Mark Cameron, DHL UK and Ireland Marketing Director, Shannon Diett, together with children from the local area. More information about the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour at www.rugbyworldcup.com/trophytour Follow the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour on Twitter @rugbyworldcup #CelebratingRugby or on Facebook /rugbyworldcup

Don’t forget tickets are currently on sale through the Rugby Community Ticket programme – if you haven’t received details speak directly to your club. Tickets go on general sale on September 12, 2014 – Join the Front Row for more information on tickets and tournament news www.rugbyworldcup.com/frontrow ADULT COMPETITION RECOMMENDATIONS APPROVED

PAULA ROWE The RFU Council has approved the recommendations of the Adult Competition Review that will see adjustments to the structure of competitive rugby. The changes take account of player welfare concerns and will help to reduce the financial burden on clubs, while providing meaningful competition. WELSH CLAIM , RFU Chairman said: “The decision by Council to accept the recommendations of the CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE Adult Competition Review is a major step forward in NICOL McCLELLAND determining the future of our great game, to deliver London Welsh produced a superb defensive performance to beat Rugby 48-28 on accessible and healthy competition for generations aggregate in the 2013/14 Greene King IPA Championship final and earn promotion back to the to come. Aviva Premiership. On an emotionally charged evening, Bristol were denied a winning farewell “It is vital that the changes work from the bottom to the Memorial Stadium, their home of 93 years, after Welsh claimed a 21-20 victory. Welsh now and that principle has been fully endorsed look forward to a return to the Premiership after a one-year absence. by Council. Chasing down a 19-point deficit from the first leg in Oxford and cheered on by a sell-out 12,000 “The review brought together extensive research crowd, Bristol threw everything at Welsh but late tries from Exiles flanker Carl Kirwan and wing and diverse views into a set of recommendations Seb Stegmann and 11 points slotted by Gordon Ross ensured Welsh step up to replace relegated that we believe best serve the changing needs of our . game. The RFU Council has endorsed that belief London Welsh head coach Justin Burnell said, “It’s just fantastic for London Welsh; it’s a fantastic and provided a mandate for work to proceed to club. Next year it will be Leicester, Northampton and Saracens – we’re absolutely over the moon.” implement the changes.” The revised structure offers clubs a balanced number of home games per season and a varied diet of league and Cup rugby within a 35-week season. The maximum number of matches played by most John Douglas clubs at levels 3 and below between September and Review Steering Group Chairman April will not exceed 30. Continued on page 2…

TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 1 Continued from page 1

Work will begin immediately on team’s travel time and distance to away matches: Recognising the importance of providing from other sports and leisure activities, in implementing the recommendations, with the · Level 4 – will consist of three leagues of meaningful competition and more addition to the demands of travel and cost. exception of changes to the league structures 15 teams with no Cup competition opportunities to play rugby at second XV Adjusting the league programme will help to (recommendations 8 and 9), which will take · Level 5 – will consist of eight leagues of and below, the RFU will further strengthen reduce the cost to clubs. effect from 2016/17. This will ensure that there 12 teams with a compulsory National and support this key area of the game with “Every effort has been made to provide as is sufficient time for the detailed planning and Cup competition increased resources. many opportunities as possible for feedback preparation necessary at all levels, giving clubs · Level 6 – will consist of 16 leagues of 12 teams John Douglas, Chairman of the Review and comment throughout the review process, at least one season’s notice of the changes: with an optional National Cup competition Steering Group said: “The aim of the review and we are most grateful to everyone across the Level 3 will remain a national league, · Level 7 – composition and operation of league was to provide competitive rugby that will game who has contributed.” reduced in size to 15 teams (from 16 teams) with rugby at Level 7 and below will continue to be encourage maximum player and supporter no Cup competition. determined and managed locally, Level 7 with participation and to grow and sustain our clubs, For full list of recommendations From Level 4 downwards the league pyramid optional National Cup competition organised in a world that will continue to change. www.rfu.com/reviewrecommendations will be flattened, with a view to reducing each by Divisional Organising Committees “More than ever rugby faces competition Henry Slade STEPPING UP AT TWICKENHAM When a Barbarians team with over 700 caps claimed a 29-39 victory over a young England XV at Twickenham it was not just the score that made a difference. The match against the Baa-Baas gave aspiring England players opportunities to develop and take a step up said their Head Coach John Callard. “A lot of the players who had finished their season joined the senior squad in camp and worked with the senior coaches,” he said. “They gained from being around the senior players, the infectious nature of their determination and enthusiasm and the intensity, which they brought it to our camp “We have campaigned for this group of young players to come through and have the opportunity of playing at Twickenham and this gave the likes of Sam Hill and Henry Slade the opportunity to step up again and show what they can do. They were fantastic in the U20s set up and have done well in the Premiership when they’ve had the opportunity at Exeter. Representing England is another level for them. “Our senior coaches are not frightened of picking young talent for England, players like , and Anthony Watson. The Barbarians game gave the opportunity to play senior roles for some like Graham Kitchener, Henry Slade, Joe Simpson. It was a great opportunity to develop leaders as well as players.”

THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES KICK OFF IN GLASGOW ON 23TH JULY. WATCH FULL COVERAGE ON THE BBC INCLUDING TEAM ENGLAND COMPETING IN THE ON 26-27TH JULY.

NATWEST RUGBYFORCE 2014 IS HERE! PAULA ROWE NatWest RugbyForce 2014 is now only days away and more clubs than ever are getting ready for this year’s DIY weekend extravaganza. If your club has not yet signed up to take part, there is still time as they have until the 20th June to register. Speaking at the launch of the NatWest RugbyForce Pride of the Nation competition which had a record 45,000 votes, former England and British Lions international Phil Vickery said: “Every international rugby player started their career playing for their local club. For me, Bude is where my passion and love of the game was built. “The role grassroots rugby plays in establishing our love for the game is vital, by signing up for NatWest RugbyForce you’re helping strengthen the foundations of your local club for years to come. There’s absolutely no excuse not to get involved!” To get all the news and latest information, go to www.rfu.com/natwestrugbyforce. You can also find out more by going towww.facebook.com/natwestrugby Nowell, Jonny May and Anthony Watson. The Barbarians game gave the opportunity to play senior roles for some like Graham Kitchener, Henry Slade, Joe Simpson. It was a great opportunity to develop leaders as well as players.” A MILLION MILESTONE FOR ENGLAND RUGBY FACEBOOK The England Rugby Facebook page (www.facebook.com/OfficialEnglandRugby) has passed the one million fan milestone, reflecting the growing interest in the team as well as the work that has gone into building a strong England Rugby community on the platform over several years. Not only does the page help connect fans to the senior England team but it also offers additional coverage of England Women’s and age-grade sides as well as RFU community rugby activities. Facebook, together with similar social media platforms, helps England Rugby reach a new younger audience with 45% of those who like the page aged 24 and below.

2 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 SUPERMARINE’S SPREADERS PIXIE PRESIDENT Teresa Bickell, or Pixie as she is better known, joined TAKES CHARGE Supermarine ladies as a teenager in 1993, just three seasons after the ladies section was formed and as GARETH MILLS she reached her 20th year at the club she was elected Tony Spreadbury has been appointed RFU Head of President at their recent AGM. Professional Game Match Officials having led the referees’ She has been both a captain and a vice captain at the department this season. His role will be to lead in the club, and has played for the county and regionally for development of match officials in the professional game across the South West. She is also one of the club’s most active England and to create the best performance system recruiters, at any venue, at any time, with any audience for all areas of match officiating. she will champion Supermarine RFC and encourage RFU Professional Rugby Director said: “Tony everyone to go along and have a go. Spreadbury is hugely respected across the game, first on the Tony Spreadbury pitch and latterly as a referee coach. He has been instrumental in taking the department to the next level and the development of JP Doyle is just one example. With match officials under increasing scrutiny and pressure as rugby continues to grow, Tony will continue to be at the forefront of ensuring they fulfil their duties to the game in the best way possible.” RFU Head of Professional Game Match Officials Tony Spreadbury added: “I am delighted to have been appointed and look forward to driving the development of our elite referees. Their role is so important to the integrity of the game and I want to get them all closer, as a group, to work towards even greater accuracy and consistency. I would like them to be looked upon as the 13th team!” Rugby Director at Phil Winstanley said: “Premiership Rugby is delighted to see the appointment of Tony Spreadbury as the Head of the Professional Game Match Officials. The role of the match officials and the pressure on them increases on an annual basis and it is absolutely essential that we provide the right support and development opportunities to prepare them for the challenges of Aviva Premiership Rugby. Aviva Premiership Rugby has 51% of its games settled within a single score and the accuracy of decision-making and the quality of the match officials is crucial to maintaining such a competitive league.” Following retirement as a referee after the , Spreadbury became Referee Development Manager within the RFU. Spreaders, as he is known throughout the game, was for many years a popular referee known for his humour, who before taking up the role full time in 2001, combined it with a career as a paramedic. He first blew a whistle at 17, after an injury caused him to stop playing as hooker. At Coombe Down RFC he even refereed his father playing prop for the third team and disallowed his try. Added to the IRB Refereeing Panel in 1984, he took charge of his first international on 9 June 1990, between and . One of the game’s first fully professional referees, he subsequently officiated at the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups and 44 internationals.

LANCASHIRE REIGN SUPREME IN HIGH CLASS COUNTY ACTION CHRIS HUDSON Congratulations to , and – all Twickenham winners in their respective County Championships earlier this month. There was plenty of entertainment on what was a thrilling day of action at rugby HQ, with a RECORD CROWD crowd of more than 50,000 there to see an England XV do battle with the Barbarians. But several thousand either arrived earlier or stayed later to watch the cream of the country’s amateur players in representative action for their counties. WATCH ARMY WIN Topping the billing was the meeting between Lancashire and in the Bill Beaumont Cup. Lancashire, champions an astonishing 23 times, were competing in their sixth consecutive final and Army 30-17 Royal Navy were looking for a repeat of their 35-26 victory over Cornwall last year. Before a Twickenham crowd approaching 80,000, a record for an amateur rugby match, the Army In the final reckoning the scoreline was remarkably similar as the Red Rose county ran out 36-26 retained the BABCOCK and Inter Services Trophies for the fourth successive year. victors this time to retain the trophy. That hardly tells the tale though, of a remarkable game that saw The Reds were slow to turn up but once they exerted pressure in the second half gave a fine Cornwall seemingly place one hand on the cup, only to see it snatched away. display of Services’ rugby that had Army fans delighted. The Navy had the better of the first half, A dominant spell either side of half-time saw them score 23 unanswered points to recover from 10-3 playing with energy and determination, while the Army showed only flashes of excellence and a down to lead 26-10. Lancashire were on the ropes, but – on the same weekend that Carl Froch made degree of carelessness that saw them go in at the break 12 -7 adrift. They conceded two tries to worldwide headlines with his knockout of George Groves – the champions also came out fighting to Navy hooker Ben Priddey and had scrum half Tom Chennell yellow carded. The redoubtable Army deliver a KO of their own. prop Chris Budgen burrowed under for a try, converted by full back James Dixon, to put them on Inspired by their brilliant forwards, they ran in three tries in little more than five minutes to turn the scoreboard. the game on its head and maintain their recent domination of this event. Whatever was said at half time, the Reds pack returned to exert pressure that brought a penalty, Meanwhile, Surrey’s own dominance of the County Championship Shield was also on the line against calmly slotted by 19-year-old James Dixon. Tom Chennell rifled the ball to Fiji international Jack Leicestershire. Surrey, champions in 2012 and 2013, duly made it three in a row with a 39-16 victory. Prasad who danced through the Navy defence. Centre Wessels brought the Reds’ wingers into play That might sound simple, but in reality it was anything but. An edgy contest was very much in the and Bristol’s Sammy Speight was unlucky not to go over in the corner. balance for the best part of 70 minutes until tiring Leicestershire legs finally gave Surrey the space to Army No8 Ledua Jope led forays deep into Navy territory, while powerful carries by the heavies play their natural expansive game and run in two decisive tries. Will Jones, Darrell Ball and Rob Lennox took advantage of tiring opposition legs. The Navy tackled Surrey’s success has been built on a core of players from the highly successful Dorking outfit. With and tackled and every yard had to be earned. Lennox, practically unstoppable from 10 metres, scored Dorking now stepping up to , those players will be ineligible to feature in his second Inter Services try. the Shield in future. Maybe the time has come for Surrey to step up too, and take on the might of the Prasad, who had been off for a blood injury, returned to earn his Man of the Match Award. Bill Beaumont Cup big guns? Nathanael Titchard–Jones led a mighty surge only to be chopped down meters out before the The first game of an exciting day had seen Kent face Durham in the final of the Bill Beaumont mercurial Semesa Rokoduguni beat four Navy defenders, James Dixon converting. Weary Navy Division 2 Plate. This one was harder to call. players lost discipline and Rokoduguni was taken out illegally, the resultant yellow card adding to Durham were returning to Twickenham for the first time since winning the County Championship the Navy’s woes but ’ supporters were encouraged by Ben Priddey’s third try—a remarkable hat- in 1989. Kent’s only previous appearance on this stage was even further back – their defeat to trick. Royal Marine No8 Gaz Evans produced a heart and soul performance and was always a threat. Warwickshire in the 1986 final. Army skipper Mattie Dwyer led the way to the Royal Box to lift the BABCOCK Trophy and It was the men of Kent who prevailed. Durham offered solid defence and determination by the Inter Services Bowl and a near capacity crowd left having enjoyed some fantastic rugby in the bucket-load, but it was Kent who always looked the more comfortable with the ball in hand. They afternoon sunshine. were worthy of their 31-23 victory.

TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 3 McLEAN COLLECTS MBE JULIA HUTTON England Women’s Captain Katy Mclean received her MBE for Services to Rugby last month (May).The 28-year-old fly half from South Shields has won 69 caps for England CRANFORD JOINS RUGBY COMMUNITY while combining her playing career with teaching Reception children at Bexhill NICOLA MARSHALL Academy in Sunderland. Named in this Cranford Community College in Hounslow is one of 200 schools in the coaching session alongside RFU Community Rugby Coach Lou year’s New Year’s Honours List, she is the All Schools programme and initially there were challenges introducing Meadows, who leads the programme at the school. “I was genuinely second current England Women’s player to be rugby into its multi-ethnic environment. With no previous experience really impressed, especially with the girls, their grit and determination honoured, flanker Margaret Alphonsi receiving of the game, parents were invited to training and visits were made to and their competitive spirit was really good,” she said. an MBE in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours. the local mosque to discuss rugby’s merits with religious leaders. Rugby Head of PE, David Box, says, “Rugby is now one of our most Said Mclean, who was joined by her family at now has a place on the Cranford curriculum, with every student in every enthusiastically played sports. We’ve got teams out in every year group the Palace. “It’s a huge honour but it is for all year group introduced to the sport. and play lots of fixtures. In the summer term pupils are asking when rugby the people who have helped me and for all All Schools, set up by the RFU and the Foundation, will come back, which bodes well for the programme’s second year.” those who’ve worked so hard to bring the helps more secondary state school students play rugby, giving three Girls from Years 7-9 are keen participants as well as children from the women’s game forward. They deserve a massive years’ support to schools new to the game, which will embrace 750 new local travelling community. Integral to All Schools are the links between thank you.” state secondary schools by 2019. The £10 million needed to deliver this schools and local clubs and Year 8 student, Ramesh Arib, is already a Mclean started her playing career at Westoe will come from RFU investment, sponsorship and fundraising. wing for Grasshoppers RFC having taking up the sport in September: RFC before progressing through England’s At Cranford says Assistant Head Alan Fraser “We have been “Before All Schools started, I was never interested in rugby,” he said. age group sides while playing for flabbergasted by the impact. All Schools messages about discipline and “The programme pushed me to a new level, playing a sport that I had Mowden Park. She made her England debut respect were clearly messages the school values. Some students involved never dreamed of. I used to mess about in a few lessons, but rugby gave in 2007, and has gone on to play in the 2010 have displayed that discipline and respect because they have rugby to me discipline, so I behave myself. My team is like a family to me because Rugby World Cup and the 2013 Rugby World reference it to. Some students with special education needs have really we all get along well, we all help each other.” Cup Sevens. This August she’ll be hoping to taken to rugby. It gives them a real positive to focus on and a real desire A great new kit is sported too thanks to students attending a lead England to World Cup success with the to come to school.” Kit Design Workshop to learn about the game’s core values tournament taking place in from England Women’s wing Michaela Staniford helped run a recent and design their team’s rugby shirt. August 1-17.

WORLD CHALLENGE 2015 AT OLYMPIC PARK Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby stars Kylie Grimes, Mike Kerr, role in England’s QBE Internationals and RBS 6 Nations RUGBY BACK ON Chris Ryan and Bulbul Hussain joined Mayor of London, Boris picking up the coveted QBE Player of the Series Award and Johnson and England and Harlequins full back RBS 6 Nations Player of the Championship Award, is an BIRMINGHAM STREETS to announce the first World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, Ambassador for GBWR, primarily working with the GBWR which will take place at London’s Copper Box Arena at Queen military recovery unit programme. PAUL BOLTON Elizabeth Olympic Park between 11-16 October 2015 cementing “I’m very proud to be an ambassador for GBWR and it’s Rugby was back in Birmingham city centre with more than 200 the legacy of the 2012 Games. fantastic that the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge will be local businesses employees in a touch rugby event. Teams from As well as Great Britain, current Paralympic Gold Medal taking place alongside the IRB Rugby World Cup, when the 22 city centre companies were involved in the Colmore Business holders Australia and current World Champions USA will take whole world will have its eyes on England and London. I was District Community Games, a multi-sport event featuring rugby part, along with teams from Canada, , Japan, France, lucky enough to experience the electric atmosphere in the as the main sport this year. The touch rugby tournament on an and . copper box during the London 2012 and artificial pitch in Victoria Square outside Birmingham’s Council The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “I am delighted I’m really looking forward to catching some of the action House and Town Hall was so successful that organisers aim to that the Copper Box will be hosting the World Wheelchair next year,” said Mike Brown. arrange another in the summer. Rugby Challenge, which is surely one of the most terrifying and Harlequins squad members were inspired by the Said Chris Sigsworth, the RFU Rugby Development Officer exhilarating sports on the planet.” professional wheelchair rugby athletes at the Paralympic for Birmingham. “The feedback from the teams taking part was David Pond, Chief Executive of GBWR added: “We will be Games and the club agreed a partnership with Great Britain excellent, with many saying it was the best event in terms of bringing together the top wheelchair rugby teams in the world Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR), the sport’s national governing sport and organisation that had been part of the games. There for this exciting world challenge event, which will run alongside body in England, and Wales. GBWR will support was a lot of interest from teams wishing to play more regular the IRB Rugby World Cup. Wheelchair Rugby caught the Harlequins with their Harlequins Foundation community touch and we signposted a lot to local O2 Touch Centres and public’s imagination in London 2012 and this tournament will programmes and Harlequins will help GBWR with clubs. We hope to capitalise on the success by organising a give them another chance to experience the excitement of the marketing and sponsorship and assist the GB squad with follow up, opening up the event to other business and are already game with its speed, skill and big hits.” performance support. planning for next year as part of Rugby World Cup initiatives.” Mike Brown, who has 26 caps for England and had a starring Further information via www.gbwr.org.uk

4 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 WORLD CLUB QBE COACHING CLUB COACHES AT TWICKENHAM Ten Level Two coaches met England Rugby coaches and at when visiting the Home of England 7s RETURNS TO Rugby as members of the QBE Coaching Club, which sees the business insurance specialist working in partnership with the RFU and its coach educators to recruit and train 2,015 new Level 2 coaches by September 2015. TWICKENHAM For Catt and Rowntree, grassroots rugby coaches such as these from the QBE Coaching Club play a vital part in the overall development of the game. Twelve of the world’s best club rugby sevens “Coaching is crucial in developing, sustaining and increasing participation in ,” said Catt. “We need to make sure we have enough quality teams will battle it out at Twickenham on the coaches like these to welcome new players to our local clubs and encourage them to keep coming back.” weekend of August 16 and 17 to become the “It was great meet them – they definitely have all the attributes and passion to become fantastic coaches,” Rowntree added. “The QBE Coaching Club World Club 7s 2014 Champions. has been successful in providing the likes of these ten with the next step in their rugby coaching development and we are excited to see more aspiring and NSW Waratahs will represent coaches progress through the stages in the future.” New Zealand and Australia respectively, while The top ten included: Hannah Haywood, Sutton Coldfield RFC, who oversees their boys’ and women’s teams. James Hybart, who coaches teams Western Province and the Blue Bulls will fly at Bromyard RFC. Jon Humphreys, Staines RFC, who wanted to stay in the game as his playing career was ending and joined the QBE Coaching the flag for South Africa. New York and Buenos Club. Jon Pritchard, Spartans RFC, who after a 14 year absence from the game now coaches Bishop Walsh School as part of the Spartans Community Aires round off the teams announced so far. Coaching Team. Jon Turner, Wisbech RUFC, an inside centre for their 1st XV, who teaches Science and PE at Glebe House School in Hunstanton With more big name clubs being unveiled, this and coaches the school’s U13 and U11 teams, as well as some of the junior sides at Wisbech. Josh Walker, Thornensians RUFC, who having played is your chance to see some of the best players in scrum half for the club for 14 years, coaches their U12s and U17s. Nick Barnham, who joined Old Streetonians RFC on moving to London in 2005 and the world’s premier club sevens tournament. has been playing centre or utility back for them and is now taking up coaching opportunities. Owen Gittoes, Greyhound RFC, a hooker/ flanker who’s Saturday’s 18 matches will be followed by both playing and coaching in primary schools as well as at Our Lady’s Catholic School in Hereford and Greyhound’s women’s team. Rebecca Mendoza, Sunday’s contest for four trophies: the World York University RFC, from the USA, who first played rugby in 2006 during her first year at University of California, Los Angeles and is now Assistant Club 7s Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield. Top- Coach of the Women’s 1st XV at York University. Will Luangrath, who plays Godfathers Rugby 7s and for Carmarthen Warriors and joined the QBE class sevens action will come with a carnival Coaching Club after completing the RFU 7s CPD course in 2013. atmosphere, with a weekend of music and If you’re interested in taking part and committing to community coaching beyond 2015, please email [email protected]. family entertainment. Only limited best seats remaining so go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk. For the latest event INSPIRING CLUBS RECOGNISED AT PRESIDENT’S AWARDS information visit: www.worldclub7srugby.com CHRIS HUDSON Inspiring stories of clubs making a difference in their communities were celebrated at the 2014 President’s Awards this month (June). Seven awards were presented to the winning clubs at a special luncheon hosted by RFU President Bob Reeves ahead of the match between an England XV and the Barbarians on Sunday 1 June. Competition across all the categories was fierce, and Reeves was quick to admit that it had been hard to pick the winners. “We revised the format this year, cutting the total number of categories from 15 down to seven to make it easier for clubs to enter,” he said. “The total number of entries was 241 and the nominations were all of the highest standard, which made selecting the six finalists in each category a real challenge. It was even more difficult to pick just one overall winner from each. I was delighted that all the clubs accepted our invitation to attend the event and it was fantastic to see so many people who are doing so much to support and develop rugby, in communities across the country, further volunteers, who have implemented a strategic plan over a together in the same room.” five-year period to grow and ‘future-proof’ an effective, efficient and CENTRE OF The winners were: successful organisation. Player Recruitment: Acklam RUFC (Yorkshire) Better Facilities: Morpeth RFC (Northumberland) ATTENTION The club initiated a plan to help new people learn about the game and The club was singled out for the efforts of its President, John Price, who get less healthy players moving by putting on weekly training sessions. has “revolutionised” the club’s playing fields and estate in a period of 10 JULIA HUTTON Initially scheduled for six weeks, it is still running two seasons later. years that also saw him serve as Facilities Chairman and Club Chairman. England centre was named Player Retention: Bromsgrove RFC (North Midlands) Community Engagement: Keswick RFC () The Sunday Times England Women’s Player Club Vice Chair Alan Danks led a project to implement a new reserve The club has developed an extensive plan to become a focal point of the of the Year at the annual RPA Computacenter team league, helping clubs offer regular competitive rugby to their 2nd local community and now boasts membership of over 770 people from Players’ Awards. The award recognises the XV and Colts players. The league crosses CB boundaries, involving clubs a resident population of under 7,000 as well as a thriving youth section tremendous talent in England women’s rugby from North Midlands, East Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire. catering for boys and girls. and is presented to the player deemed to have People Power: Surrey Rugby President’s Category – 2014 Beyond Rugby: Bumble Bees had the most outstanding season. It was voted The CB launched Surrey Referees Group to develop and retain club Barbarians (Yorkshire) for by the England Women’s EPS squad. The referees as well as recruiting new people to take up refereeing. The The Bumbles (pictured above) were England’s first mixed ability team season saw Burford reach 50 Test caps and programme, only launched in August 2013, is already attracting interest where players with learning and physical disabilities play alongside named player of the match in England’s 40-20 from other CBs. able-bodied players. They have inspired the creation of three further victory over France. She was up against fellow Club Management: Canterbury RFC (Kent) teams in England and are organising the first ever international Mixed teammates and last year’s The club has a strong Volunteer Committee, backed by 74 Ability Tournament, to be held in Yorkshire next year. winner .

TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 5 GRIFFIN CUP CELEBRATES WOMEN’S CLUB RUGBY PAULA ROWE Finchley Rugby Club in North London played host to the inaugural Griffin Cup competition for women, named after RFU Council member, Deborah Griffin OBE, who founded the first women’s club rugby team based out of Finchley RFC. Three decades after she was last at the club, Deborah said: “It’s great to be back at Finchley where women’s club rugby in England started 30 years ago. Cups like this give teams something to play for each year and help to sustain the number of players in the game.” Eight teams and 120 players from across the region took part with the winners of the Griffin Cup Hammersmith & Fulham who beat Reading Abbey Nuns and the Plate was won by PROUD SALOPIANS who dominated against Haringey. Teams taking part were: East London Ninjas, Harlequin Ladies, Kilburn Cosmos, Worthing, Reading Abbey Nuns, Windsor Dames, Haringey PAUL BOLTON Rhinoettes and Hammersmith & Fulham IIs. completed a successful three days for rugby in the county by retaining the Three Clare Cooper, RFU Women’s Rugby Development Officer said: “We introduced the St George’s Counties Championship, beating Greater Birmingham 37-12 in the final at Stourbridge’s Day Festival for girls’ rugby five years ago and now with Middlesex Rugby, we have identified Stourton Park. a need to develop the women’s game further for teams growing in terms of recruitment and The win followed victories by two county clubs in the North Midlands Finals Day at Dudley playing level. It’s great to see Middlesex introducing a new competition for the women’s game, Kingswinford where Newport won the North Midlands Cup for the second time and Bridgnorth especially in Women’s Rugby World Cup year.” retained the North Midlands Shield. Shropshire were able to include strong contingents from both clubs for the Three Counties final and held off a strong Greater Birmingham performance. They had beaten Greater Birmingham quite comfortably in the final group match at Telford but Greater Birmingham had reinforced their pack BROMLEY UP THERE WITH BEST with Zak Feau’nati, the former Samoa international making his first appearance of the season. Bromley RFC has for over 125 years served its local community, first in Catford and for the last 75 Shropshire pulled clear in the second half after a 15-12 lead at the break. Greater Birmingham years in Hayes. Recently they were awarded RFU club accreditation status and said Neil Harris, capitalised on the early sin-binning of Shropshire wing Ashley Patterson and scored the opening Bromley RFC’s Chairman said “Accreditation has confirmed our commitment to the development try through Old Yardleians scrum-half Tom Grocott. Edwardians fly half Mark Coulson added the of rugby as a major sport and our standing in the community as a respected club. conversion and Shropshire then had two tries disallowed from wing Joe Doyle and Bridgnorth full “We are dependent on a small but dedicated band of volunteers and very lucky to have local back Will Biddell. Doyle went over for an uncoverted try followed by a similar effort from Newport sponsors including Quartis, HomeFront, Loughman and Pink Garlic, without whom replacing lock Jake Goulson. Doyle’s second try stretched Shropshire’s lead to eight point but Greater playing kit and keeping training equipment up to date would be impossible. With a home Rugby Birmingham hit back just before half time when Veseyans centre Matt Hipkiss crossed for a try. World Cup in 2015 we expect to attract even more members and everyone getting involved at A penalty from Patterson early in the second half saw Shropshire flanker Jami Claire of Bromley RFC will see from the new plaque on the wall that we are right up there with the best.” Shrewsbury score a try that Patterson improved, effectively deciding a hard-fought final. Shropshire Accreditation brings with it the Sport England Clubmark recognising the excellence of the mini continued to press and hooker and captain Tom Cowll (Newport) was driven over, Patterson and youth section, which at Bromley amounts to more than 300. Bromley is one of some 570 clubs converting, before Bridgnorth’s hard-working number eight Darren Brick put the seal on victory with to have earned accreditation since January 2012. The award gives clubs credibility with local the sixth try. authorities, educational establishment and potential sponsors. If you club is interested contact your The Three Counties Championship is contested annually by the three Domestic Unions – local Rugby Development Officer or [email protected] Worcestershire & Herefordshire are the third – that make up the North Midlands RFU.

SCRUMMING DOWN TO DISNEY FOR STAN’S THE MAN PAULA ROWE A MICKEY MOUSE TOUR Stan Turner recently retired from his barman duties after pulling pints at Gloucester Old Boys Manchester Grammar School rewarded their U13s and U14s after a hard season with a tour to the for seven years. But that was just one part of his for 45 years’ service to the club who recently annual International Junior Rugby Cup at Disneyland Paris. They trained with elite coaches and paid tribute with a testimonial game between Old Boys veterans and a North current international players and, most importantly, let off a bit of steam at the Disney Parks. Combination side, which ended Open to schools and clubs at U13, U14 and U15 levels, the tournament is now going into its 12th in ended in a 35-35 draw. The year and teams were taking part from all over the UK, Paris and as far away as Australia. Steve 62-year-old has been at the heart of Swindells, Director of Rugby at MGS, says: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our U13 and U14 Gloucester Old Boys since he began squads to experience a tour at the end of an arduous season. Both squads had worked hard to playing hooker for them in 1968, develop their understanding of the game and improve their basic skills and the trip added to that later captaining the first, second and development. MGS has a proud tradition of touring and being able to experience the rugby matches, third sides, becoming vice-chairman the coaching from top quality coaches and the opportunity of visiting Disneyland Paris is something and serving as treasurer before players learn from and remember for many years.” becoming honorary bar steward. Players and coaches received top tips from Paul Turner, Festival Director of Coaching, with other Stan said he was overwhelmed famous faces such as Alix Popham, Maama Molitka, Gavin Thomas, Huw Bennett, Hugo Southwell by the support. “I didn’t want a fuss and Ben Jacobs. The roll call of recent coaches includes Luke Charteris, , , but it was just lovely. There was an , , . The boys had sessions with (Racing excellent turnout and I saw people Metro, Wales and British Lions) who supported them in the finals and presented awards. I used to play against 20 years ago. The Tournament saw the U13s and U14s Cups remain in the northern hemisphere with Dyffryn The game wasn’t too tough and School (Wales) and King Williams College (Isle of Man) respectively. The U15 Cup went south to there was a nice bit of running rugby. Western Australian Barbarians I’ve always said I’ve been very lucky For more details please contact 020 8335 4949, email [email protected] or visit in rugby.” www.sportexperiences.co.uk

6 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 WILL’S CUPS RUNNETH OVER In May, Will Halford, the RFU’s Training Officer for the North, refereed the Senior Durham County Cup Final between Westoe RFC and Billingham RUFC. Being appointed to the season-ending game meant Will has now refereed all three northern counties Cup Finals (Northumberland, Cumbria & Durham). Previously a Northumberland Society Referee, Will covered Morpeth v Tynedale at Percy Park in April 2007. He was then invited to take charge of v Aspatria by Cumbria Refs Society in April 2014. Will started refereeing in October 2003, his development supported by a number of Society Match Observers and since 2011 he has been a National Panel Referee. He said, “When I started refereeing, I hoped to one day to run out in a Cup Final, but to now have done these three is a massive privilege. Without all the support I have been given and the opportunities that being a Society Referee has brought, I would never have achieved so much. Being the referee gives me the best seat in the house at some of the most important games. I’m hoping to realise more ambitions before I eventually have to hang up my boots!”

SPORT ENGLAND FLOOD RELIEF FUND HELPS UPTON PAUL BOLTON Worcestershire club Upton have been awarded £2,900 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Flood Relief Fund to repair damage suffered by the severe winter flooding. Upton’s pitches were submerged under flood water for three months after the River Severn broke its banks before Christmas and in February, Sport England launched the £5 million HITCHIN AT 60 Flood Relief Fund to help clean up and repair sports pitches and facilities nationwide and get Hitchin RFC brought the season to a close with a superb three days of rugby, sponsored by the them back up and running. club’s main sponsor LV= The President’s Under 23s played the Chairman’s Over 23s for the John Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England, said: “The storms and floods devastated Drew Cup, with a 34-24 win for the U23s and both teams featuring many who came through the many sports facilities across England. We want to play our part in helping communities get youth system. Then a celebratory 60th year dinner was enjoyed by many former players back to normal, and we are delighted to be able to get this emergency funding to Upton Rugby Saturday saw six women’s teams compete in a Super 10s tournament, refereed by junior referees Club to help it get back up and running as soon as possible.” form Hitchin, Old Albanians won the Ladies LV= Cup, with Welwyn runners up. On Sunday, “This funding will allow us to repair the fallen posts and re-seed, weed and feed our floodlit Hitchin hosted the LV= Under 18 Cup finals, the competition showcasing the best young talent. training and match pitch so both the club and community can once more benefit from these The plate final was contested by Tring RFC and Hertford RFC, Tring winning 25-15. Shelford RFC fantastic facilities,” said Upton treasurer Rob Heeley. 45-10 won the LV= U18 Cup final 45-10 against Fullerians RFC.

BURNTWOOD’S THUMBS UP FOR STEPHEN Staffordshire club Burntwood raised more than £500 for the Teenage Cancer Trust from a charity rugby match. Some of the players were friends and former school- mates of Stephen Sutton, who died recently after touching the lives of the nation and whose thumbs up campaign raised more than £4m. Stephen, 19, lived in Burntwood and after being diagnosed with incurable cancer raised more than £ 3 million for the Trust with his high-profile ‘Thumbs up for Stephen’ campaign which has attracted celebrity support. Burntwood’s Under 17 team, fresh from a tour to Belgium, and a returning Colts XV decided to help by staging their charity rugby match. It was Burntwood’s second event for the ‘Thumbs up for Stephen’ campaign following a dinner in a marquee at the club’s headquarters. Stephen also visited Burntwood’s Sportsway ground.

WINNING COMBINATION When two coaches from Chingford Rugby Club approached half term I organised a day’s rugby camp, when boys from Debden Park High School to discuss a link in April 2013 Chingford youth sides came over to the school as well. Physical Education Teacher Graham Tongate felt that “The Chingford coaches have been fantastic and it has had linking with the club would give students additional sporting benefits both at school and at the club, with students joining opportunities and so it has proved. and running out with the club and thoroughly enjoying their “We started taking students over to Chingford to practice rugby. I think this has been a great example of club and school and join in with the club activities. The school then began working together.” promoting rugby and started having our own practices one Year 11 student and captain of the Debden Park High team, night a week,” says Graham. “The students were soon keen Aidan Holmes, adds, “Chingford have really inspired the to start playing competitive matches, so in the September we students to take part in rugby at some level, some of our started playing other schools. Initially, we lost but the boys players are now at Chingford and we are really grateful to were undeterred and determined to improve. In the October them for their fantastic coaching sessions.”

TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 7 DAY FOR PAUL A memorial rugby day recently at Queen Mary’s University of London sports ground in Chislehurst celebrated the memory of Paul Bagnall, who died in a tragic accident in January aged just 18. As Paul had played rugby for both RFC (Wildcats) and Darrick Wood School over a number of years and had played U18 rugby for both this season, a series of matches was arranged by the coaches and players from both squads to remember their much loved and sorely missed friend. The day was organised by Sue Charman, Karen and Jeremy Ridley, Lesley Mavin and Simon and Tracy McDowell, who liaised closely with Andy Hammond from Darrick Wood, wanting to both celebrate Paul’s memory and also raise money for his favoured charity, Help for Heroes. Four rugby matches of 25 minutes each were closely contested, with six of Paul’s friends representing both teams. The crowd of over 200 included a lot of Paul’s school friends. Also attending were Paul’s parents, Nick and Sandrine, and his sister Lauren, who brought Paul’s daffy duck, in Paul’s Wildcats playing shirt and his red scrum cap – he even arrived with Paul’s hipflask awarded at the end of last season to the Wildcats squad. It was entertaining to see spectators’ and Darrick Wood players’ reaction when the Wildcats responded to the traditional “Dead Ants” call from the touchline at the kick off of the last game – lying on their backs with legs and arms waving; they were joined by a “Dead Whale” as a guest prop spouted water vertically. Many generous sponsors included Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club, Bat & Ball Sports, My Butcher, Chapter One, Shampan, Majestic Wines, Laithwaites, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and many of the Wildcats parents. Help for Heroes were represented by Nigel Jones. It was said Wildcats’ Jeremy Ridley “An LAST CALL awesome day. Paul always had a smile on his face. This was a real celebration of Paul, his love of rugby and all the friends TO GET IT he made over the years with both teams.” RIGHT! RFU Rugby Connected Yearbook 2014-2015 The deadline for amending information held on RugbyFirst for the RFU Yearbook is Sunday 29th June/July 2014. While the amount of information held in the Yearbook will vary according to the club level, all entries will have club name, address, contact phone number, web and email address, and contact details for the honorary and fixtures secretaries. All this information can now be checked, added to and amended via a single page within your club’s RugbyFirst site. To update roles in RugbyFirst, go directly to your club or via the search function at http://clubs.rfu.com/clubs/ and select the tab called ‘Yearbook – Handbook Details’ item on the left hand menu of your club site. On this one page you can now update all the relevant information for the Yearbook. For technical assistance, please contact the RugbyFirst helpdesk on rugbyfirstsupport@ therfu.com or 020 8831 6651. The Helpdesk is BILL LIGHTS UP LYMM open Monday to Friday from 0900-1300 and RFU Chairman and former England and the British Lions captain, Bill Beaumont, switched on Lymm Rugby Club’s new floodlights when the club 1400-1700. hosted the Cup final between Sale FC and Caldy RUFC in their inaugural floodlit fixture at Crouchley Lane, which Sale won 26 – 21. The For full RugbyFirst guidelines and step by step floodlights, costing £68k, were jointly funded by the RFU and Lymm Rugby Club, with funds raised through the Lymm Grass Roots Sports Appeal. information, click on the link http://clubs.rfu. Said Bill, “‘Lymm is a great example of how to run a sustainable, amateur, community-centred rugby club. This is the way to do it! They get my com/Clubs/portals/webmasters/ wholehearted support and I congratulate them.” ENGLAND DEAF WHY SHOULD YOUR BEATEN BY WALES CLUB INCORPORATE? Club incorporation may seem a piece of admin too far but if you want to know why it’s PAUL BOLTON worth the effort consider this case in Wales. A community rugby club which nurtured former international players has appealed for England Deaf 0-30 Wales Deaf help to raise more than £60,000 because their treasurer could forfeit his home after legal England Deaf suffered a second defeat of the season against Wales action by a former steward and stewardess. Deaf, despite a much-improved performance at Franklin’s Gardens in The 56-year-old treasurer faces losing his three bedroomed house following legal action Northampton. England offered more in attack than at Cardiff Arms by the club’s married steward and stewardess to recover £85,133 compensation awarded at Park in January, when they went down 36-3, but the Broadstreet Cup an industrial tribunal in 2010. A Land Registry charge was put on the treasurer’s house after went to Wales. negotiations failed. England, with head coach Sean Fletcher in charge for the first time, had plenty of first half In a written judgement, the tribunal ruled that the couple were constructively dismissed possession and Hartpury College centre Cameron Roberts made a favourable debut. But England lost from their employment as stewards and that as a former player and coach the steward captain Graham Sage with a shoulder injury early in the game and conceded effectively lost his entire social network. a try from wing Gareth John, improved by Celyn Ashton (Treorchy). The club secretary said: “The implications are that there is a charge against the house owned Wales spent most of the rest of the first half defending but England were left to regret failing to turn by our treasurer and his wife who may be forced to sell to meet the compensation demand.” pressure into points when Wales fly half Richard Lewis (Dunvant) picked his way through for a try. The club is now focusing on raising the money and appealing for support from businesses Ashton added the conversion and then slotted a penalty which left England 17 points adrift at and individuals in the community and also other rugby clubs in the locality. the break. Selling the club to meet the compensation could not be considered as an option because England again threatened in the second half with a probing hanging kick from Kettering’s Tom any money from the sale would go to the preferential creditors and not to the steward and Bridgeman and replacement Guy Lavery. But Lavery was penalised for holding onto the ball and his wife. Ashton slotted another penalty pushing Wales 20 points clear. England prop Peter Altham was For further information on incorporation contact [email protected] or sin-binned and Ashton slotted a third penalty. At the death John nipped in for his second try which [email protected] Ashton improved.

8 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 GIRLS ARE BACK AT BASILDON It’s some years since Basildon RFC had a women’s and girls’ team but now thanks to linking up with a local school and its PE department the girls are back. Keith Hill coaches at the club and worked with Leanne Nancolas who was pivotal in getting girls rugby on the curriculum at Woodlands School, where the club already had a good relationship with PE staff and the newly retired Head master Andy White, which saw lots of Woodlands boys joining Basildon. “Leanne has really taken this further by forming an U13 girls’ school team and coaching girls at the club with me,” said Keith. “They are great to coach and very enthusiastic and everyone is really excited to have girls rugby back at Basildon. They are really developing their skills and we believe some will get county honours in the near future. As a club we are committed to forging stronger links with the schools in the area and by working with Woodlands we are seeing the benefits of this.” The newly formed U13s are pictured here in their new BJA Consulting sponsored kit. Girls’ training is on Wednesday night at 7pm and girls of all ages are welcome as the club is hoping to expand the age groups. Further information about playing or team sponsorship of the team please contact Keith Hill on 07769 666675

EY TO IMPROVE RFU BUSINESS EFFICIENCY AND COMMUNITY GAME SUSTAINABILITY NICOLA MARSHALL The RFU has announced EY as the Official Professional Services Supplier to England Rugby. EY was appointed the RFU’s official tax advisor over 18 months ago following a competitive tender process and this new agreement sees the firm offer general tax advice and planning, as well as helping to deliver a number of business consultancy projects. Supporting the RFU in the run up the Rugby World Cup in 2015, EY has been appointed to work closely with departments across the organisation beyond the corporate functions, adding value and knowledge from the grassroots of the game up to the elite level. Delivering objective advice and business analysis on a range of strategic projects, EY will be consulting on how to Sophie Goldschmidt improve business efficiency and secure the sustainability of the community game across England. Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This announcement comes at an important time for the RFU as we build towards next year’s World Cup. EY’s high-level of objective STAFFS PRESIDENT OPENS advice will be crucial in helping us to deliver against our strategic plan. This is another globally recognised brand to add to our partnership portfolio and we both share long-term ambitions for the HANDSWORTH’S FLOODLIGHTS partnership.” Jeremy Hallett, Partner and Head of Business Development in the UK & Ireland said, “Teams get PAUL BOLTON results when the top talent works together. This is as true in business as it is in sport and probably The official opening of Handsworth Rugby Club’s new floodlights saw the President of none more so than in rugby. It’s why I’m delighted that we’ve been able to confirm our burgeoning Staffordshire Rugby Union, Mike Proctor, present the Handsworth President, Andy Payne with relationship with the RFU with this announcement.” a commemorative plaque. Mike was at Handsworth’s annual Presidents Day which featured Having worked closely with EY for a few years, Steve Brown, RFU Chief Financial Officer, junior rugby and adult touch demonstrations, an internal adult game and Handsworth’s 1st XV commented: “We have been impressed with EY’s partnership approach, investing significant time successfully taking on an invitational President’s XV. and energy into learning about our business. It is fantastic to see how passionate their team is about The lights were made possible by a grant of £32,000 from the RFU, supporting the choice of what we do. We look forward to benefitting from their advice over the coming years.” Handsworth as a Rugby World Cup Legacy Centre. This confirms a partnership between the RFU Sharon Stotts, EY Director added, “We’ve been privileged to be able to work with Steve and his and the club to be ‘Fit for 2015’. The remaining costs were met by a grant from Staffordshire RU, an team over the past 18 months on a number of interesting and exciting projects and look forward to anonymous donation and a loan from the Rugby Football Foundation. The lights will enhance the working together on many more.” club’s facilities and provide a resource for use by the local community. SOUTH WEST CLEAN SWEEP PAULA ROWE Teams from the South West claimed victory in all three RFU Cup Finals this year. Always a special event in the calendar for grassroots players, RFU Cup Finals Day this year did not disappoint, with keenly fought matches played out in front of a crowd of passionate supporters. First to chalk up a win were Longlevens, who lifted the RFU Junior Vase after an impressive 23-12 victory over previously unbeaten . The Gloucestershire side gave up a considerable weight advantage to their Midlands opponents but more than made up for that with their devastating pace. Next up were Gloucestershire Premiership champions Newent, followed by the ‘Green Army’, who were back at Twickenham just 12 months after lifting the RFU Junior Vase. This year they faced a determined Yarnbury who made them work hard for their 20-13 victory and the Senior Vase. Bidding to make it three in a row for the South West, Trowbridge had to withstand a fierce fight back from Leek in a nail-biting contest to secure a 22-19 victory and lift the RFU Intermediate Cup. The Wiltshire side established a 10-point lead with less than 10 minutes to go and it was enough to secure the win. Trowbridge captain Matthew Howard summed up the day: “For any amateur, to run out at Twickenham is a once in a lifetime opportunity and today has been incredible.”

MORE RUGBY SIR? PAULA ROWE After three decades, a team of Gloucestershire Schoolmasters put their boots on again to play against the Stroud and District Combination Vets at Cirencester RFC. At stake was the Eric Blackman Shield generously donated by GRSFU and presented before kick-off to the ERFSU President Eric Blackman by RFU Past President JV Smith. Eric has been involved as a driving force in Gloucestershire School’s rugby for many years and this was a fitting tribute to mark his dedication and hard work. The match was well-contested but age differences and fitness levels soon began to tell, especially out wide, with a total of nine tries scored in the Schoolmasters’ 45-10 victory. Following the match both sides retired to the clubhouse and next season the Schoolmasters RFC aims to field teams at varying levels.

TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 9 HITZ BATH WORK WITH ACTION FOR BLIND PEOPLE HITZ Bath recently teamed up with Action for Blind People to pilot a five week programme at , Saracens and Harlequins. With plans to roll it out to all 12 HITZ projects countrywide if successful, the pilot aims to make young people on HITZ aware of visual impairment and also expose AFB young people to the HITZ project as possible candidates. The culmination of the programme saw the HITZ learners guiding young people with a visual impairment to the Bath Rugby v match at The Rec and providing commentary during the game after visual awareness training from Action for Blind People. The BBC’s was part of the training programme, producing a commentary masterclass for the HITZ teenagers. YOUNG PLAYERS MEET “We hope that this will be the pilot project for many more to come and that the young people involved from Action for Blind People really enjoyed their first rugby game and hopefully WORLD CHALLENGE we’ll see them on the HITZ project” said Helen Clayton, Premiership Rugby’s BreakThru PAUL BOLTON Delivery Manager. HITZ participants at Saracens and Harlequins will also take part in the training before a trip Four members of Vandyke Upper School and Leighton Buzzard’s Under 16 team coached to Twickenham to watch the World Club 7s on 16 and 17 August. The project is a partnership rugby to children in Morocco during a four day trip to north Africa as part of a World Challenge between Action for Blind People and Wooden Spoon funded by Big Lottery Waites Family initiative. World Challenge school trips aim to develop students through their ethos of Challenge, Enterprise Trust and Norton Rose. Participation and Environment, teaching them life skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, self-reliance, motivation and awareness of others. During their trip to Morocco, twins Adam and Matt Stacey , Oscar Fiske and Jake Little trekked into the High Atlas Mountains, helped to rebuild a dilapidated bike shed at a local primary school SUCCESS ALL and ran a rugby training session for local children. The RFU, through Sam Clapham, the Rugby Development Officer for , provided some ROUND FOR THANET balls, bibs and tag belts for them to take on their trip to promote tag rugby. At the end of the project phase of the trip, the boys formally presented the equipment to the head of the Moulay Zidane WANDERERS Primary School in Nouwayle Village. A successful season for saw their 1st XV promoted to London 2 South and their U18s lift the National Colts Cup with a 50-19 victory over U18s. Organised by the East Midlands RFU, the Colts contest had 147 club teams entering, the Investabroad Properties sponsored National Colts Cup Final taking place at ’ ground. Thanet opened the scoring, right wing Ryan Ashworth scoring and converting. With an OE player in the sin bin, Thanet’s inside centre Stuart Harrison ran in the second for 12-0. Hooker Brad Packham’s tackle caused a knock on and from the subsequent scrum Harrison was away, chipping over defenders and scoring under the posts for Ashworth to add the extras. OEs came back hard to score a converted try and make the half time score 19-7. After the break a penalty set Wanderers up close to OE’s line and No7 Finn Tonry Brown broke tackles before touching down, Ashworth again on target. Back came OEs with an unconverted try making the score 26-12. OEs were again yellow carded and after Mount’s long pass to the midfield Harrison tore in for his hat trick and a 33-12 score-line following Ashworth’s conversion. With OEs throwing everything into attack, Thanet defence held, Callum White at 8 making crucial tackles . The teams saw a yellow card each before OEs scored their third try to make the score 33-19. Tonry-Brown claimed his double and fellow flanker Josh Botchway added his name to the scoresheet with a powerful surge. There was just enough time for Harrison to slice open the Elthamians defence NORTHUMBERLAND’S DAY once more before passing to Tyler Webster to touch down. A final conversion for Ashworth brought his season’s points tally to an excellent 129 and Thanet’s celebrations began as captain Tom Mount CHRIS HUDSON lifted the National Colts Cup and Vice-Captain Court Horey received the which was also There’s clearly something in the water up north, because they continue to produce talented young played for on the day. rugby players. That was never more in evidence than in the final of this year’s National U20 Thanet Head Coach Mike Pond was a member of the Wanderers side that won the inaugural RFU Championships, as Yorkshire squared up to Northumberland in the final. intermediate cup in May 1997 and he has coached this side since mini days and was extremely proud And while Yorkshire have dominated this event in recent years – winning it an impressive six times of the team’s achievements in winning the National Colts Cup after lifting the RFU National Plate as since 2003 – there was a new name added to the role of honour this time around. Northumberland U17s in 2013. turned in an outstanding performance to win 39-10 and take the title, as well as avenging their defeat to the same opposition in 2006. Star of the show was undoubtedly Northumberland scrum-half Rhodri Adamson. He produced the kind of kicking display that would surely have had even the legendary Johnny Wilkinson purring, with nine successful attempts on goal and just one miss to amass a personal tally of 24 points. Adamson’s consistent form has seen him called up to represent England U20 Counties and his future looks bright. Not that this was a one man show, however. All across the park from Northumberland impressed and they certainly won the physical battle on the game line. Just don’t bet against a young Yorkshire side coming back in 12 months.

ENGLAND WOMEN FINISH FOURTH IN SEVENS WORLD SERIES JULIA HUTTON BOUNJOURNO LYTCHETT England Women’s fourth place finish in the World Sevens Series came after finishing fourth in the Lytchett U16s recently became the first English U16s club side to tour the Cosenza area of final leg in Amsterdam in May. They lost out to Canada 10-0 in the third/fourth place play-off 10-0 Southern after Head Coach Steve Morris and his team linked with local officials in Zambrone but it was England’s joint best finish of the season. and Scuola Rugby Cosenza. England Women’s Sevens Head Coach said: “We are disappointed not to have A demonstration match in the village of Zambrone saw local school children singing both the finished third or even made the final but to finish fourth behind three full-time professional teams is English and Italian National Anthems followed by Swing Low Sweet Chariot and the Lytchett boys an achievement of which to be proud.” presenting their hosts with a set of shirts. England reached the play-off match after losing 26-10 to World Series champions New Zealand. Lytchett then travelled to Scuola Rugby Cosenza to a “proper stadium, with a stand!” as one of the A superb start saw score a try and create a second before the break but boys said impressed. The visitors managed a hard fought 22 – 0 advantage at the break and took it New Zealand took control to run in four tries. England opened their account at the Amsterdam to 32-0 by the final whistle. The tour is just the start of this relationship, Italian teams are planning a tournament with a 7-0 win over France in the quarter-finals. Held at 0-0 at half-time Bristol’s Amy visit to Lytchett next season. Wilson put England ahead with a crucial try,Sarah McKenna adding the conversion.

10 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 INVITATIONAL SIDE GO DUTCH! An Essex Invitational side, made up mostly from this season’s U20s squad, travelled to Holland to play the Netherlands U19 National squad. The Dutch opened the scoring before the visitors started to build phases and pressure and from an unstoppable maul Captain Lewis Brunger darted over to level the scores. Dwayne Lyn then pounced on an overthrown Dutch lineout to score and Curtis Knightley added the extras. Mitch Sinfield coming off the bench ENGLAND U18 CLUBS AND SCHOOLS brought more front-foot ball from the back of the scrums as the first half ended with Essex 12-5 up. COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCE With fly half Matt Rannigan injured, the Dutch PAUL BOLTON came out firing. Sinfield made inroads into the England U18 Clubs and Schools were beaten 23-9 by France U18 A in physical as we expected France to be and we coped well.” Dutch defence feeding Cameron Dutch, who their second and final match at the Tri Nations Festival at the French Although England, who were beaten by Ireland Under 18 Clubs in sailed in from the 22. Knightley converted. Soon National Training Centre in Marcoussis. England led twice in the first their opening match, lost both festival matches, Reed was pleased with the home team had grabbed a try but Essex had half through three penalties from fly half Dan Lewis but France struck their efforts. “Giving young players in the aspirational pathway the a nine point cushion. A penalty in front of the an important blow with a converted try just before the break. opportunity to play two internationals in a week at the French National Essex stick saw the Dutch fly look to kick to “I think France were surprised just how much of a game we gave them,” Training Centre was one that they will benefit from,” he said. “They have touch before a surprise tap and go,feeding the said England head coach Dave Reed. “They had a really good winger been fantastic ambassadors for the game and for the RFU.” ball along his backline, his winger crossing in who was probably the difference between the sides but they were as the corner. The Dutch conversion sailed wide making it 19-15 The visitors then put together the game’s best passage of play only to be dragged into touch GLOUCESTERSHIRE but the resulting lineout was turned over by Gloucestershire kept their place at county Olly Brooks who switched with Dutch to send rugby’s top table with a 45-19 win over North him over for his second try. Minutes before the Midlands and Cinderford centre Rob Winchle whistle the Brooks/Dutch combination added was clearly happy scoring Gloucestershire’s Essex final points taking the score to 29-15. fourth try in the pouring rain. Brooks was hailed Man of the Match and Coach Cutting said “The lads have done really well and can look back on this moment and know they beat a decent international side”.

REMEMBERING MAJOR CHRIS A great day of rugby at The Whiteway saw a memorial match played to remember Major Chris Cox, a past South Cerney-based RLC officer who captained Cirencester RFC before being tragically killed in an accident in Germany in 2004. LISA LIFTS The Regiment and rugby club maintain close links and, with the blessing of Chris’s widow, Katie and other family members, WOMEN’S arranged a Vets’ match to mark the 10th anniversary of his death. The match featuring nearly 45 players in total was AWARD played in front of a large crowd and raised Lisa Poulton, of Wimbledon Ladies, was funds for a number of charities including presented with the Surrey Women’s Award Leukaemia Research and the Army 2014 at the Surrey Rugby Annual Dinner & Benevolent Fund. Awards Evening at Twickenham becoming Featuring two well-matched sides of the award’s first recipient having joined genuine Veterans ranging from 35 to 59 Wimbledon Ladies when the team was formed with RFU referee Eric Bullion officiating, in 1990. She has been treasurer and supports the match was always within a single score the club as a whole and, while playing, mentors and it was only in the final minutes that the other team members. Mike Keane, Wimbledon host team pulled convincingly ahead to president and chairman, said “I could not think win 36-24. of a more worthy recipient”.

TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014 11 MARRIOTT’S NEW OFFER FOR RUGBY FAMILY OSSETT TAKE SHIRTS The London Marriott Hotel Twickenham in the stadium’s OFF REFEREES’ BACKS South Stand is offering the rugby family preferential rates Ossett RUFC, who have nurtured several referees, were recently including breakfast and a drink available to book both presented with a collection of referees’ shirts to thank them for midweek and weekends. providing a regular meeting venue Weekend rates are from £79.00 single occupancy per night for the Yorkshire Federation of and £94 for double, a saving of more than £30 on the normal Referees’ Societies. The shirts single occupancy rate. represent among others the Armed To reserve your room, call 0800 221 222 or visit Marriott.com forces, Home Nations, Premiership, or book direct on LondonMarriottTwickenham.co.uk using Cup Competitions and Yorkshire the booking code LLF. shirts spanning the last 25 years. RUGELEY CELEBRATING TREMENDOUS SEASON Rugeley rugby club ended their most successful season in recent history with an emphatic win in the Rubery Owen cup final against St Leonards of Stafford at Stoke RUFC. The score stood at 19 – 7 at the break and

Chris Fell Chris the final score of 45 – 19 rounded off their most successful season in over 25 years, Rugeley Seconds winning the Merit League ENGLAND COUNTIES U20 ONE POINT ADRIFT and their first team winning the Midlands 5 PAUL BOLTON North West League before the The Rubery Owen Cup victory. Chairman Carl Johnson England Counties Under 20 Head Coach destination, it’s a journey and we will continue Another Jintchvelashvili penalty stretched said “ I am the proudest Chairman in the Bob Hood’s side suffered an agonising 23-22 with the journey. They experienced different Georgia’s lead, England reducing it to a point whole Staffordshire County and am now defeat against a well-organised Georgia side at cultures, different styles of play and they will go when left wing Kwaku Asiedu created space looking forward to continue the hard work Cambridge’s Volac Park. back to their clubs better rugby players.” for tight-head prop Jack Culverhouse to step again next season”. England scrum half Rhodri Adamson landed England had expected a backlash from Georgia over for the try which Ben Penfold, one of a touchline conversion after wing Jack Rossiter after beating them 36-10 in a midweek match at four Cambridge players in the side, improved. levelled the scores at 20-20 with a late try. Shelford and they made life difficult by playing Culverhouse was sent off seven minutes later But handling in a ruck gave Georgia full back to Georgia’s strengths up front. Georgia’s centres along with Georgia’s loose-head prop Mataradze Giorgi Babunashvili the chance to kick the Devi Devsurashvili and Temuri Iremadze caused Tornike. England took the lead for the first time winning penalty. The Under 20s’ defeat followed problems throughout but it was left wing Davit when Adamson struck a penalty but Georgia two one-point reverses for the England Counties Gulitashvili who scored the opening try which responded with a Babunashvili try that he senior side against France Federale and Ireland fly-half Jintchvelashvili converted. England hit also improved. Rossiter’s try and Adamson’s Club XV earlier in the season, and said Hood, back throug open-side flanker Jack Alcock’s superb conversion appeared to have clinched “Georgia deserved their win. We didn’t convert unconverted try, but Jintchvelashvili landed a victory but Georgia snatched a win celebrated our pressure very well in the first half and that penalty just before the break to give Georgia a joyously by their small band of supporters when cost us. I told the boys that success is not a 10-5 lead. Babunashvili landed his late penalty. RIDE FOR LORY FROM LEWES TO BLOIS She joined the Lewes team in 2010, older than She has a great sense of humour, loves to laugh “The aim is to complete the cycle in a week, most new players at 36, and says her captain and make other people laugh. She adores her arriving back on 14th September, exactly a year Lucy Stewart, “Lory looked about 25, stunning kids and Is a great mum to her two teenage kids after Lory’s injury,” says Nigel. “We would be and physically fit. She was a real force to reckon Rosie and Harrison.” so grateful to have support from other rugby with on the pitch, quick and a fearless tackler Says Lucy, “We know that really serious clubs or anyone associated with our sport. Lory but off the pitch she’s laid back, smart, caring, injuries are rare in rugby but Lory is one of the was a great example of rugby’s core values, open-mined and just beautiful. She’s one of the unlucky ones. She’s also very special and so her especially teamwork and enjoyment. Now we strongest women I have ever met and I’m so Lewes team mates and the club are asking for need to be the team looking after her.” glad to have met her and to be her friend. We everyone who plays or has played rugby to help “The club are already grateful for the all are. us to support her now that she needs us. “ support of sponsors, Southdown Sports “Before her injury Lory trained very hard, Lewes RFC are setting up a trust fund for Club, The BodyAlign Clinic, Kinetica Sports, with 5k runs every day, weights, swimming. Lory with the help of the RFRU Injured Players InterSport of Lewes, Aspects of Beauty, Lory Mortley is what her team mates describe She wanted to be really fit for rugby and she Foundation and, having already held one MayoWynneBaxter, Matrix Fitness and would as “a lovely lady” and they want the entire achieved that. Her last match was the best I ever fundraising event, five members, including club be extremely glad to receive further support rugby family to support them in providing saw Lory play. Chairman Nigel Baker, are training for a week- and donations.” for her after a serious brain injury sustained “She likes to say she’s a middleclass darling, long fundraising cycling challenge from Lewes For further information please contact Nigel playing rugby last September. shops for food at M & S and doesn’t eat meat. to the twinned town of Blois in France. Baker at [email protected]

THE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT THE GAME

TOUCHLINE Editorial input with pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray Email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Tel: 0208 831 6762 Touchline is published by PPL Group, on behalf of the Rugby Football Union, the national governing body of the game in England. Also available on the RFU website: rfu.com Photography courtesy of Getty and Touchline contributors. Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and CBs for contributions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the RFU. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the RFU or PPL Group. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions. All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners. The RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trade marks of the Rugby Football Union and are subject to extensive trade mark registration worldwide.

12 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2014