SEPTEMBER 2010 / issue 127 RFU THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE TOUCHLINE RFU AND RFUW RUGBY REUNION FINALE THE O2 Rugby Reunion finale took place at Kneller Hall, on September 5th. The culmination of this summer’s O2 Rugby Reunion regional events, ‘The Big One’ gave 34 teams from across the UK the chance to play in front of some 500 supporters and to meet members of the Rugby squad. The winners were: Police in the STEELE Corporate Competition; Saiyan in the Cup; with Parched As lifting the Bowl and Inappropriates the Plate. PUTS O2 Rugby Reunion, a nationwide initiative supported by the RFU to encourage players who have drifted away from rugby to get back playing RUGBY AT the game, used a specially created Facebook application which let friends put a team together and sign up and play at one of the nationwide touch rugby events. HEART OF ‘The Big One’ at Kneller Hall was followed by the Women’s final at The . Commenting on the initiative, 2003 World RFU Cup winner said: “As both a coach and past England player I truly believe in the importance of keeping young players in the game. Rugby is a fun, sociable sport for players and fans BUSINESS alike and through O2 Rugby Reunion more John Steele – RFU Chief Executive players have reunited with their old team mates and rediscovered their love of the game.” Dave Barton & Peter Thomas The O2 Rugby Reunion regional events took JOHN STEELE started as the RFU’s Chief Executive on “These are hugely exciting times for rugby. On my first weekend place in Newcastle, , Bristol, Manchester, September 6th, vowing to put rugby ‘at the heart of the back in rugby I watched the Premiership double header, visited a , and Dorset said Jenny Simms, RFU union’s business.’ community rugby playing initiative and watched the Women’s Sponsorship Account Director, “The Play On The former Chief Executive of UK Sport said: “This is a huge World Cup final. There is so much good work going on around campaign is all about getting people back into the day for me. It really doesn’t get any better. I have had a lifetime in the country but I believe there is still a lot more that can be done sport, an important strategy for the RFU. The O2 rugby, right back to my mini rugby days in Cambridge, and I have to develop the game.” Rugby Reunion touch events were created to a massive passion and, I believe, empathy for the sport. Steele, a former fly-half who became the Saints ensure the best possible links to local clubs and “As a union we have one goal and that is to develop the game Director of Rugby and then Executive Director, is looking forward the regional rugby communities and to reach a at all levels across the country. To do this we need to put rugby to the 2015 Rugby World Cup as a unique opportunity for English wider audience via the O2 Rugby Reunion and at the heart of everything we do. The RFU is here to serve and rugby, saying: “2015 and a home World Cup in the sport I am Facebook activity." lead rugby and we will continue to build on firm foundations. passionate about is something very, very special for the game To find out more about the RFU’s retention “The business is on a sound financial footing, which is a and the whole rugby family. It is a means for us to grow and campaign, Play On visit: www.rfu.com credit to my predecessor Francis Baron. But we need to make develop the game at all levels and a focus all our combined sure that we invest in the right way to put rugby at the core of efforts on delivering the best tournament ever. our organisation.” “In terms of 2015 we are still in the planning stage but already RFU Chairman Martyn Thomas and Steele will be visiting we know that it will give us all a once in a lifetime opportunity to grassroots clubs around the country to meet the 50,000 get players into the game. We want to work closely with everyone volunteers in the sport and he promised: “We will be listening in the game to ensure that we are all ready to develop a joined up to everybody to discover what we are good at, what we can do approach that brings new players into our clubs for the long term better, how we can work better with our partners in the and which will help us create sustainable success over the next interests of rugby. decade and beyond.” WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP A RECORD BREAKER ALTHOUGH England were unable to end rugby game filled the Stoop is ground breaking. ’s stranglehold on the Women’s Such a thought would have been regarded as Rugby World Cup on Sunday September 5th, going nonsense before this tournament began. down 10 – 13 to the defending champions who “New Zealand were excellent today but our secured their fourth successive world title, the defence matched their attack, and I thought we match did much to promote women’s rugby. had the momentum at 10-10 to take the win, but ceive England came tantalisingly close to taking unfortunately for us they eventually won by the Click here to re rugby’s ultimate prize with a magnificent effort in smallest of margins.” E front of a record-breaking crowd of over 13,000 With attendance over the tournament’s five TOUCHLIN people at the Twickenham Stoop, drawing level match days at over 30,000 and viewing figures ight to your inbox with the Black Ferns in the last quarter. Only a late for the 13 matches televised live on Sky likely to stra penalty from the boot of centre took build interest in broadcasting the women’s game, each month the victory out of England’s reach. said RFUW Managing Director, Rosie Williams, England Head Coach said: “I am so “The whole tournament exceeded everyone’s proud of the players. At the moment we are all so expectations. We are delighted it was such a disappointed but I genuinely believe in the bigger success and believe it has helped the IRB to put picture of this result. The legacy this tournament women’s rugby firmly on the map.” Catherine Spencer will leave behind is huge. The fact that a women’s Continued on page 2

1 HQ NEWS

WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP 7 s A RECORD BREAKER Simon Mills Continued from front page…

ENGLAND will be out to take the final step to end New to reach the final. was acknowledged as the Zealand’s domination of the Commonwealth Games player of the tournament after scoring a hat-trick against Sevens in Delhi in October when 7s makes its fourth Samoa, touching down again against Fiji and getting appearance. New Zealand have claimed gold medals at England on the scoreboard with another long-range strike Kuala Lumpur (1998), Manchester (2002) and in the final. But despite further scores from Andrew Vilk (2006), and are yet to lose a game. and , England went down 29-21 against New England pushed them closest in Melbourne with a great Zealand and had to settle for the silver medal. run, topping their pool thanks to a 14-12 win against This time round England will have a squad of specialist , then powering past Samoa 17-14 and Fiji 21-14 sevens experts including Gollings, who also appeared at the 2002 Games, and Isoa Damudamu, and will be out to At the final, a nervous start by England put the home side on the recapture the form that saw them beat New Zealand in the defensive with a knock on from the kick off which handed New finals of the Wellington and London tournaments in 2009. Zealand an early opportunity to exert their dominance. Immediately They face Australia once more in a key pool clash on Day the Black Ferns showed why they are world class, making England One of the tournament after taking on Sri Lanka and defend furiously. An incredible effort in defence, including -saving Uganda. The competition will be tight with Australia and tackles by and Margaret Alphonsi saved an early New Zealand already assembling exciting squads – Hosea score by the visitors. Gear and Lachie Turner among them – and Samoa go into New Zealand also had their first opportunity at the posts within the Games after capturing their first IRB Sevens World eight minutes but Brazier missed the target, as did Emma Jensen six Series title. minutes later, letting England off the hook. England started their build-up in July and head coach Ben With New Zealand in explosive form, England were unable to get Ryan said: “The objective for these players now is to deliver into their stride and were constantly on the defensive, though they for a winning England team at the Commonwealth Games. had their first real chance following the sin-binning of fly half There will be big guns in New Delhi like New Zealand, Anna Richards. which means we’re certainly not going to be the favourites. Some good immediate pressure by England got them into New But we believe and trust in the players selected and that our Zealand’s 22 for the first time, but just like England’s defence, New preparation will be right going to Delhi so that we’ll be in Zealand held firm. England fly half Katy McLean was unable to add the best possible shape when we’re on the start line." three points after missing a penalty. New Zealand then lost a second player, Mel Bosman, to the sin bin but moments later England gave away a penalty in their own 22. New Zealand opted not to kick for goal and their gamble paid off. With Richards returning to the field, the visitors took a clean line-out ball CRB e-APPLICATIONS and spun it into the midfield, with wing Carla Hohepa finding a gap to DO YOU carry out the CRB checks for your club? Do you touch down for the first try and first points of the evening on 33 want to speed things up a bit, while reducing postage costs minutes. Brazier added the conversion to hand her side a 7-0 lead at and errors on forms? the break. The RFU are, on 4th October, launching a CRB E-Application But England’s hopes were far from fading and McLean soon kicked system. This will mean that our entire workforce of both England’s first points with a steadying 43rd minute penalty. Brazier volunteer and paid staff can apply for a CRB check through a could have matched McLean’s efforts minutes later but her kick went 100% secure online site. Many of you will have dealt with paper astray leaving England just 7-3 adrift. CRB applications over the past few years and will, we are sure, Hohepa was once again in dangerous form and made a threatening recognise the huge benefits of this new electronic process: break, but lock Jo McGilchrist matched the winger’s speed to execute a try-saving tackle to stop the Black Ferns adding more points to the • It is free to member clubs and CBs score board. England were once again magnificent in defence as • Brings time and money savings for clubs, applicants and the RFU Richards went close, before they were overturned. • Gives quicker turnaround time on forms for most applications Brazier stroked over a 55th minute penalty but, with New Zealand (60% of clear certificates returned within 10 days) losing captain Melissa Ruscoe to the sin bin, England were now in control to the delight of the Stoop crowd. A well worked England • Is expected to prevent 99% of errors as a live on-line guide helps line-out and drive saw scrum half Amy Turner go close. New Zealand every step of the way were penalised and a series of scrums saw the home side batter • Means application forms won’t get lost in transit New Zealand’s defence. Eventually another solid scrum just five • Gives the ability to track applications through the CRB process in metres out saw Turner pop the ball out to the right wing for a far more detailed manner For further information contact the RFU Safeguarding Charlotte Barras to score. With McLean adding the conversion • Is more environmentally friendly – with no paper forms required. team on 0208 831 7454 . England drew level at 10 -10. England rolled on their experienced replacements for some fresh For information about CRB and other safeguarding Those who do not wish to use the E-Application system legs but they were unable to make a further dent on the score board. guidance please visit the RFU’s Safeguarding Website may continue to submit paper CRB applications. However, In fact, it was New Zealand who took advantage stroking over a – RUSafe reached on this link - we would encourage our clubs to take advantage of what crucial 65th minute penalty and putting victory out of reach for the clubs.rfu.com/Clubs/portals/RUSafe this system has to offer. home side.

NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER MIGHTY SAMURAI TAKE HONOURS

NOVEMBER at ULR SAMURAI INTERNATIONAL took the title at Twickenham should be quite a month, on 14th August, beating last year’s winners, with England taking on New , in the final. In a repeat of last Zealand, Australia, Samoa year's finale, Samurai avenged their and on previous loss by overcoming a strong successive weekends in the London Irish side 15 – 12. four Investec Internationals. Samurai, whose management team The Investec included . Mike Friday and Phil Internationals will serve as a Greening, had beaten the White Hart great practice ground for the Marauders, Harlequins and the British Army and en route to the final, there’s no doubt that There preparing for the Commonwealth players will be intent on Games in Delhi were an England squad putting down a marker for playing as England’s and a selection. It will be a stern Welsh team under the banner Amser test for England but one Justin Time. Both bowed out early but got they will relish. the applause of the crowd as did the squad from Kenya and the British Army side. Fans can still buy tickets The Middlesex Charity Sevens tournament for the Samoa Test on was played in aid of the RFU Injured Players November 20th by visiting Foundation and the Professional Rugby rfu.com/tickets Players Association Benevolent Fund.

2 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 SCHOOLS RUGBY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

FOLLOWING their hat-trick of victories at the Lancashire Schools Rugby Knockout Competitions earlier this year, Lancaster Royal Grammar School was named Lancashire Rugby School of the Year for the second time. An award ceremony at the Lancashire RFU Annual Dinner at Preston Grasshoppers RUFC, saw the Sanderson Trophy presented by Cliff Barker, President of Lancashire RFU. He also presented the captains of the LRGS U18, U15 and U14 teams with the Lancashire cups, in recognition of their victories in the schools knockout competitions. There for the school were: Andrew Jarman, Headmaster; Ian Whitehouse, Deputy Head and U15 coach; Jonny Millatt, U14 coach and the winning team captains: Andrew Abraham (U18), James Warlock (U15) and Josh Hillis (U14). Brian Bonney, Head of Rugby and Director of Sport, retiring after the ceremony, was unable to be there as he was on the Vale of Lune Spanish Rugby Tour. He said: “These successes are a fitting climax to my career at LRGS. Rugby has been the flagship sport at the school for many years and it has been a privilege to lead so many talented coaches and players.”

STUDENTS ST BENEDICT’S SEIZE U21 TITLE AGAIN

Hugh Godwin ST BENEDICT’S EALING successfully defended the Cup competition at the 14th annual Cronk Cunis Under 21 Festival at the Richmond Athletic Ground on Monday 30th August. The cup final, in which St Benedict’s defeated Tonbridge 19-7, was the culmination of nine hours of rugby played on seven pitches. A total of 71 matches were played involving 40 teams. Some 750 players took part in the festival’s five competitions – Cup, Plate, Bowl, Vase and Shield - making this event the biggest festival of one- day 15-a-side adult rugby in the country. St Benedict’s had looked likely winners from early in the day but were strongly tested in their semi-final against Brighton, winning 11 -6 in a closely fought match. The second semi-final was even closer, with Tonbridge scoring in the dying minutes to overcome Dulwich College 12-11. The Cup was presented to St Benedict’s captain Rowan Halsall by RFU President Richard Appleby (below). In presenting the trophies, Mr Appleby praised the festival’s organisers and the important place it holds in the rugby calendar. “It is wonderful to see so many young rugby players enjoying the game, renewing old friendships and making new ones”, he said. “The organisers of the festival are to be congratulated on another successful and enjoyable event.” A special presentation was made to chief organiser Tim Cunis by Richard Appleby in recognition of Tim’s outstanding contribution to rugby in developing the festival over the past 14 years. Presentations were also made to the doctors, physios, referees and match officials for their contribution to the tournament. WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE IN THE PINK!

RUGBY STUDENTS from West Suffolk College showed the lads and we’ve enjoyed the season, at the College we winning form in a new pink kit last season – not only not only improve the ability of the players on the pitch, raising eyebrows but also cash for Ipswich Hospital. but we also we have a strong emphasis on the lads The West Suffolk College under 18 and under 19 squads attitude off it. Each year the players select a charity donned charity shirts decorated with a print of a bra and some of the fundraising ideas amaze me as well as the torso for games, with each player paying for his own shirt amount they raise. Special mention must also go to our and raising sponsorship throughout the season. Each kit supplier, The Touchline Group, who were kind year the academy holds a leavers’ dinner and funds were enough to supply the shirts at cost price which helped raised during the evening. In total the youngsters from towards the total.” the College raised over £1,600 for the Radiotherapy Unit “Part of my job as a coach is to make sure kits don’t at Ipswich Hospital. The cash is being used to buy clash in games so I always speak to the other coach on specialist pillows which allow patients to lie comfortably the phone beforehand. When they asked what colour we during radiotherapy treatment. are wearing and I said ‘pink with a blue bra’, which Player Nick Shore said: “We certainly turned heads. certainly stunned them.” CUP : St Benedict’s, Ealing 19-7 Tonbridge Both fans and players from other teams have been asking Players were joined by the college’s vice principal, PLATE : Berkhamsted 21-0 Millfield where we got them from, and how they can get one.” Martyn Wagner and sports academy manager Neil BOWL : Oratory, Reading 17-0 Portsmouth GS The shirts have travelled with the players all across the Reader, to donate the funds and a framed shirt to the VASE : Pangbourne 22-14 Norwich UK. Team coach Nigel Brown said: “I’m really proud of hospital radiotherapy team. SHIELD : St John’s, Leatherhead 20-15 Hampton

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 3 COMMUNITY RUGBY SEAL OF SUCCESS FOR COMMUNITY GAME BOARD TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS Hugh Godwin BUILDS ON FIRST YEAR TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS RFC have confirmed their status as a flagship rugby club by becoming the second in Kent to receive the RFU’s Whole Club Seal of Approval, joining a select Rob Udwin, CGB Chairman This new mechanism should rationalise band of 41 clubs throughout England. The Whole Club Seal of AT THE START of its second season, the and unify the various funding sources for Approval was introduced by the RFU in 2009 to build on the RFU’s Community Game Board (CGB) has CBs. It gives them the ability to plan existing Mini & Youth Seal of Approval. achieved a good deal and is intent now on development for them and their clubs and “This award recognises the amount of work and time that building on the foundations established. to bid for RFU funding in a manageable our volunteers put in,” said Darren Grasby, Tonbridge Juddians’ Over the months there has been a way, with help from the Regional Rugby Director of Rugby.“On the coaching side alone we have at least determination to put clubs at the centre of Managers, RDOs and club and CB four coaches for each age group at mini and junior level. everything that the Community Game Board volunteers. Each age group has managers and first-aiders, and there are wants to achieve and a recognition that only I believe that the quality and amount of administrators looking after the various mini and youth in partnership can the RFU and its CBs and work the Community Game Board and our sections. On the adult side all teams have dedicated coaches, clubs protect, develop and grow the game. clubs, schools, universities, CBs and paid which ensures that at all levels players enjoy well organised Clearly, any new initiative takes time to get and volunteer workforce has achieved in coaching sessions. established and I am most grateful for the the first year is a record of which to be “Our club membership is 900-plus and the Whole Club Seal of way the vision established two years ago has proud. The work is by no means finished Approval has enabled the club to focus on the way we manage benefitted from the support of the RFU but we have got off to a flying start. and organise ourselves. We like to think we were always Rob Udwin Council, CBs, clubs and the paid and In this our second season there will be organised but this process has identified gaps in certain areas, volunteer workforce. Our schools and universities have very much a bottom-up approach and a move away from and it was good to get everything documented.” also been an important part of the whole process. traditional target-driven systems to more effective ways of Tonbridge Juddians run five senior teams and a veterans’ XV, In the Board’s first year we repositioned the Rugby performance management. as well as mini and youth rugby from Under-6s up to U18s. The Development Officers as a club-facing workforce and It was more than a decade ago and appropriate for that club has an academy side which is a combination of the best equalised their geographical and workload time that, with a recognition of the difficulties facing Under 16s to 18s and plays six matches per year in addition to responsibilities. This, we anticipate, will have a very community rugby clubs, a set of initiatives entitled training on a regular basis with the first team squad. A TJs positive impact in the new season. Blackman Action was established. Three successive RFU Exiles team which is a mix of students and local players plays The Regional Rugby Managers have become the prime Strategic Plans also set a large number of targets for the fixtures in September, at Christmas and Easter. The club has a point of contact for Constituent Bodies and, with a more game. But with new times comes new imperatives and a thriving women’s side which recently achieved promotion into robust role established in managing their recognition that community rugby can the London 2 league. RDOs and other staff on their patch, they best benefit from a bottom-up rather than “Every club can make improvements, said Grasby. “We realised also have a single management line, a top-down approach. The RFU is last year that our database of new and existing players needed reporting to the newly-appointed Head of determined to deliver the environment updating to ensure we can communicate regularly with them. Now Club & CB Services, Jez Allman. and resources that clubs tell us they we can track which players are playing regularly and the club can We have made a good start on putting in require and I believe we can together best field five sides every Saturday.” place Planning, Funding and Reporting create sustainable clubs and grow the Andy Pratt, RFU rugby development officer for Kent (Rural), processes with our CBs which will ensure a game we all love. said: “Tonbridge Juddians RFC have worked particularly hard in more focussed, accountable and bottom-up I am grateful for the support and expertise recent years to ensure their mini and youth sections provide approach to managing the game at a that our CBs and clubs have brought to the excellent opportunities for young people and the senior sections local level. process and believe that the Community can now also boast this hard-earned RFU accreditation. The fact that all 28 county CBs have signed Game Board’s job is to listen, to help them Jez Allman, the RFU's Head of Club & Constituent Body Services, up to the pilot will certainly expedite this solve problems, and to help them to help said: “To earn the Whole Club Seal of Approval accreditation is a process and I am most appreciative of their themselves to succeed. major achievement that underlines a club’s commitment to support which speaks of real and positive Realising a vision is, of course, more excellence. The process is designed to encourage best practice in all partnership in achieving the kind of progress difficult than defining it but a very positive aspects of running a rugby club, helping assess where they are and Jez Allman we all want. step change is, I believe, being made. providing a template for them to move forward.”

NORTHUMBERLAND BOOST FOR SPOON Tony Simpson ANYONE crazy enough to run a marathon distance ‘up a ladder’ might imagine that a 230-mile canter round Northumberland using bicycles, kayaks and legs would be a fun challenge, besides being a vehicle for fund raising. The participants handed over the £13,000 raised 18 months ago by climbing five times the height of Mount Everest in a relay on a Versaclimber machine and set about preparing for the Northumberland Challenge. Mike Old, new Manager of England Counties XV and son of British Lion Alan, was joined by Ryan Howard, Joe Talbot and Catherine Emmett on the adventure, with the Northumberland branch of Wooden Spoon the beneficiaries of their efforts. Backed by an enthusiastic support team, led by and RFU Committee Member Danny Hodgson, the quartet put down an impressive marker by completing every yard of the 230-mile course. Said Mike. “It was a hugely rewarding challenge, with a real sense of achievement at the end of it, made even more satisfying as we raised around £15,000 for the charity. We also had amazing back-up from people providing food and support. I am hoping this will become an annual event and possibly run six teams next year, although I may well move into a management role next time!” The event began from the causeway at Holy Island and a 24-mile opening leg to the foot of the Cheviot Hills. Then followed a 30-mile run/walk to Byrness, where the group were joined by former British Lion, England and Northumberland star for a 20-mile mountain bike ride to Kielder Water. A six-mile paddle over Kielder Water preceded a 36-mile bike ride to Hadrian's Wall, with a six-mile stroll along Hadrian's wall launching Day-Two, before a 65-mile ride to Boulmer on the coast, followed by a six-mile run/walk along the coast path and finally a 15-mile ride to Bamburgh Castle. Photo: Chris Lishman

4 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 COMMUNITY RUGBY

PINNER TO BE PITCH PERFECT WITH RFU RFU’S FIRST RUGBY GETTING IN TOUCH HELP Hugh Godwin WITH THE GAME THE RESURGENCE of north London club INCLUSION OFFICER Pinner & Grammarians has been recognised by the Rugby Union which is providing Hugh Godwin NEVER has so much touch rugby been seen. Through July and August this summer regional the bulk of the £46,500 funding for an has appointed Pete THE RFU development officers and community coaches, all extensive drainage scheme on the London Ward as England’s first Rugby turned out in specially designed kit, helped to organise Borough of Harrow-owned Shaftesbury Playing Inclusion Officer, working in the and run no less than 183 touch events. Fields in Hatch End. London North region. The initiative aimed to get the 16+ age group enjoying The state of the lower pitch, which would It is a strategic aim of the RFU the fun that touch rugby has to offer and at least 167 of become waterlogged and unplayable for long to make open and the events did just that, with no less than 13,000 periods in winter, had been increasingly accessible to all, and Ward, 27, players involved and an average of 78 at each frustrating for the club as it develops its mini will develop the game in tournament or festival. and youth rugby sections and expands the economically disadvantaged Pleasing aspects of the scheme included the fact that number of teams at adult level. areas around the capital and 30% of all the players involved were women and that Negotiations began over a year ago, firstly increase the opportunities to almost 40% of the events featured surrounding fun between the club and the RFU following an play and coach among black activities like barbecues, beer and music festivals introduction by the Middlesex County RFU and ethnic minorities, and the Said Jez Allman, the RFU’s Head of Club and CB Chairman, Michael Barnes, a former Pinner disabled. Services, “It was marvellous to see so many people captain and chairman. A report from consultant The former Middlesex rugby enjoying touch rugby through the summer, many of agronomist, John Hacker of PSD Preston, development officer will also them not having had their boots on for quite a while indicated that a very comprehensive new develop rugby's already and others who were new to the sport. Everyone’s drainage scheme was required. The RFU successful attempts to reach out delighted with the success of the scheme and the way contribution utilised funds from Sport England to young people who find clubs and organisations, having enjoyed the for improvements to grassroots facilities and themselves on the margins of experience, are looking to expand on it and organise the club applied to the the full-time education or regular touch events themselves.” Foundation Groundmatch grant scheme which criminal justice systems. was matched by the Borough’s contribution of Nic Scott, the RFU’s Equity, £6,000. Certain safeguards required by the RFU Pete Ward Inclusion & Safeguarding included security of tenure for P&Gs and an Manager, said: “We are agreement to ensure that the drainage system delighted to be combining with external funding partners to support this is maintained. new post, which was proposed by the RFU’s London North regional Work carried out by Agripower Ltd of Great development manager. Missenden was completed in June this year. “It’s a great step forward for our inclusion programme as it focuses on Thirty 10cm drains have been cut at 3m intervals some of the important inner city areas around London such as Hackney across the lower pitch.. The whole area has been where rugby is laying down roots as a popular sport for young people to treated for weeds and the pitch re-seeded. participate in and enjoy. Pinner and Grammarians president David “The London North region includes some deprived inner-city areas and a Hiles said: “This commitment and financial relatively high proportion of black and ethnic minorities. There are also support by the RFU is a feather in the of prisons and pupil referral units where we have already been successful with the club and indicates confidence in our future initiatives aimed at introducing a wide range of young people to our game development. To have two fully functional and its core values.” pitches will help us to expand. “We are Pete Ward said: “I am delighted to be appointed in this new position. extremely grateful for the help and expertise I know rugby can have a positive impact in the areas around London I’ll be shown by Rick Bruin, RFU Facilities and Funding working in, and it is good the RFU are taking responsibility for developing Manager, and for the support given by Cllr the game like this. The Core Values of the game - Teamwork, Respect, Susan Hall, portfolio holder for Leisure Services, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship - are completely applicable to the in driving this through.” lives of young people in these areas.”

FAIRPLAY MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN MIDDLESBROUGH Charlotte Pearl aggression; improving confidence and self- esteem across age groups and providing THERE have been some 30 schemes run specific guidance where possible. The nature under the FairPlay programme since its and values of rugby, especially the fact that it is launch last January and another 30 are a contact sport, helps work out anger issues in planned. a secure environment. The spirit of the game The RFU, Wooden Spoon, Barclays Spaces lends itself well to building self-esteem and the for Sports and Enterprise Education Trust, success of our local schemes means we are have joined forces to create FairPlay which looking to expand them in the future.” targets young people unable to attend To overcome any lack of facilities in mainstream education, including those Middlesbrough, transport was provided to and either in or on the edge of the criminal from the local rugby club on a Saturday justice system through exclusion from morning and one boy is now playing rugby school. there regularly. Some taking part have Nowhere has the programme been more completed a Community Sports Leaders successful than in Middlesbrough in the Tees Award. Reed said:“Feedback has been Valley, a town that has twice the average UK extremely positive. During the scheme the crime rate, and where almost a quarter of young people involved have come together and working age people are claiming benefits. bonded, and as a result PRU staff are reporting Three schemes have run concurrently there, improved behaviour in the classroom.” each including young people from local Pupil Improving behaviour in the classroom and Referral Units (PRUs). Two PRUs, Ashdale and getting these young people back into Tollesby, ran their own schemes, while the third scheme based at Middlesbrough RUFC education, training and ultimately employment lies at the heart of the programme as far as combined a number of PRUs and Learning Support Units that operate out of mainstream each of the partners are concerned. schools. OBE, Lead Ambassador for Wooden Spoon and England's most capped Over 100 young people took part in the schemes, which involved eight weeks of classroom rugby union player who began playing at Barking RFC, said: “Spoon has found that rugby and rugby coaching sessions. Said Dave Reed, the RFU Rugby Development Officer for helps young people at risk of violence feel less threatened, it manages individual anger Teesside, “Having the right people delivering the coaching is key to success, and the RFU problems, and the discipline of the sport is helping young people fit into education and have highly motivated coaches who believe in the programme.” employment." Active support from the local authority has also been fundamental. John O’Boyle is the Kevin Wall, Managing Director, Head of Corporate Coverage for EMEA at Barclays, said: Behaviour and Attendance Adviser in Middlesbrough Council and a driving force in helping “We know from the feedback we are getting from our community sites and other projects to engage young people in the FairPlay programme. how opportunities through sport can deliver major benefits to young people, not only in O’Boyle said: “Broadly speaking, we are looking to address three key things – delivering terms of tackling issues such as crime and anti-social behaviour, but also in developing physical activities where possible for young people who have energy, but issues with their skills and confidence and improving their future prospects."

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 5 CLUBS LIVERPOOL COLLEGIATE LAUNCH ACADEMY

LIVERPOOL Collegiate had Wales hooker Garin Jenkins and Lancashire RFU President Don Welsh sharing the official duties when they presided over the official launch day of the newly created Rugby Academy at their headquarters at Liverpool Cricket & Sporting Club in Aigburth. The opening was marked by Garin and Don presenting Academy T-shirts to 20 -year-old Chris Lloyd, the club’s leading points scorer last season and the club Player of the Year; and at the other end of the Academy spectrum, to 15-year-old Jamie Lightbody, full back for the Under 16s. Gary Ackerley, the Academy Manager, said: “This Academy is the next stage in the development of the club, both to improve the standard of rugby and to encourage the retention of our young players. The Academy will provide opportunities for skills development while offering educational support with coaching and refereeing courses for its members.” SHEFFIELD OAKS & GLORY Tony Simpson a unique LINKS between marketing and brewing and fund-raising rugby have been initiative. A strong for over a new brew century and entitled ‘Oaks & Sheffield Oaks Glory’ has been RUFC, with its produced roots in the which will Hillsborough generate funds area of Sheffield, for the club via is a prime each drink sold. example. Club Chairman The club began Joe Pogson when teachers said: “It has and former been a great pupils from a process local school working with founded their the brewery. own team and They have this soon grew, allowed us to enjoying many a create glory day something including cup unique to and league wins, Sheffield while before the side supporting our began to age and new blood was needed. club and helping to build on the success With a local reputation for being a friendly, we have had so far.” successful, forward-thinking club The new brew will be available in many membership grew quickly, with ‘Oaks’ in independent pubs and off-licences in and 2010 becoming bigger and stronger than ever. around Sheffield. The picture shows Joe It was no accident, then, that Crown Pogson tapping the first barrel at the Brewery became involved with the club in launch of ‘Oaks & Glory’.

COMPLIANT 7 s HELP SCOPE TAXI! DEEPINGS BIG DRIVE FOR CHARITY ON AUGUST 16TH some of the UK’s stage of their lives, and a substantial Paul Bolton leading firms took part in the Compliant amount was raised. Global Rugby 7s at Rosslyn Park. Tensions The final saw Brooks Macdonald Asset TWO multi-coloured London taxis appeared on the streets of the town of Market Deeping were raised this year with a number of Management take on one of recently as eight Deepings rugby club members prepared to take part in the charity Sucato Run. firms entering for the first time. With no tournament’s newcomers Touch The players drove from to Portugal over the August Bank Holiday weekend in the charity banger previous form on the corporate 7s circuit Briefings. In a technically sound display rally tour to raise money for the Gemin-i charity which raises money to help 60,000 children in 114 they brought an uncertainty to proceedings of 7s, Brooks Macdonald ran out winners countries tackle problems such as malaria, HIV/Aids, human rights and conflict resolution. which made the day all the more enjoyable. by 22-7. Next year the tournament will be On their marathon journey, the players departed from Market Deepings with an entourage of riders on Compliant Global hosted the event to held on Saturday 6th August, all Harley Davidson motorbikes. The Sucato Run began in Rouen in Normandy and ended at Cabo de Roca raise money for their 2010 charity Scope, enquiries should go to in Portugal. The Deepings players involved were: Mark Owen, Nic Coupland, Gary Hainsworth, a supporter of disabled people at each [email protected] Dan Hainsworth, Lee Coupland, Phil Vaughan, Wayne Elliott and Phil Mills.

6 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 CLUBS TADLEY GREAT DAYS FOR EVERYONE IN KEIGHLEY KEIGHLEY RFC have been putting their revamped headquarters Bumble Bees had made their competitive debut at Keighley at the to good use following their make-over via the RBS RugbyForce project. Fat Boys’ Sevens earlier in the year and were back to enjoy another The West club had two highly-successful social events in outing, which developed into a major re-union. SILVER quick succession when they staged one of the RFU touch rugby The attendance, which included former players from far and near tournaments and followed up with an even bigger production when keen to share in the tribute to one of the club’s best-loved players the Bradford & Bingley Bumble Bees team for players with Moderate and coaches, ensured that fund-raising for the Bumbles up-coming JUBILEE and Severe Learning difficulties helped them celebrate the naming of tour to Wales to take on Llanelli Warriors was well supported. “There the stand in honour of North East Counties and Yorkshire player, was a lot of reminiscing about happy times, which is just how Frank Frank Whitcombe, who died a year earlier. would have wanted it,” said Tony Simpson: “One of those days Steve Williams The fact that two teams from neighbours and rivals Wharfedale when nobody could remember dropping a pass or missing a tackle! contested the touch rugby final did not detract from a thoroughly A great day for everyone, especially the Bumble Bees, many of whom TADLEY RFC is preparing to celebrate its Silver Jubilee enjoyable event, which included a competing women’s team. The stayed long into the evening to share fully in a proper rugby day.” at its refurbished Red Lane headquarters. The club has come a long way since November 1985 when Frank Jose, Roy Mears, John Thomas and Mike Jewell, moved on from a local club to form their own. Their first game kicked off on September 28th 1986 at a local school against a Chairman’s XV. They found a suitable ground in 1992 and converted the old barn at Red Lane, Aldermaston, into a clubhouse. The venue was officially opened by the then President of the RFU and Berkshire RFU representative Dennis Easby in September 1994. A 1996 lottery grant helped expand facilities and the club enjoyed success on the field moving up leagues, as well as establishing the Tadley Tigers junior section. Now in their 25th season, new facilities have been unveiled, including an expanded clubhouse, a physio room and the laying of a third pitch. The facilities were funded by the club and The Veolia Environmental Trust, which awarded them a grant through the Landfill Communities Fund. Said founder member, Roy Mears: “It’s been hard work but fun and very gratifying and we’ve come a long way. There’s a lot we can do in the future and I’ll be interested Mrs Mollie Whitcombe and grandson James, together with Bumble Bees founder Anthony Brooke and the assembled Keighley cast at the to see where we are in another 25 years time.” formal naming of the Keighley RFC stand.

REDDITCH CHRISTEN NEW PITCH RHINOS GO HEAD TO HEAD REDDITCH officially opened the new pitch at their MEMBERS OF KINGS NORTON RHINOS tag rugby team Kings Norton Rhinos will be running tag rugby teams in Under Bromsgrove Road ground with a busy programme schedule came face to face with their fiercest rivals to date when they 7 to 9 age groups and also junior rugby at under 13 and 15. In of rugby activities over the August Bank Holiday weekend. met these tough newcomers at the West Safari Park. addition this year has seen the start of Rugger Bugs where boys The weekend kicked off with their first women’s touch The seven-year-old players from the Hopwood based club and girls under 6 years of age develop their co-ordination, agility rugby tournament which gave Redditch’s newly-formed were invited for a head to head with a difference. The boys met and inter-personal skills in a safe and friendly environment. women’s team their first taste of competitive rugby the park's newest attraction, the Armoured Indian Rhinoceros, The 'armoured' rhinos - Sophie and Rap - can now be seen alongside established sides including Droitwich and during a visit to the Safari Park in August. daily in their new enclosure called 'Realm of the Indian Rhino' Bromyard. The young rugby players Henry, Toby, Daniel and Matthew, at Safari Park. KNRFC would like to thank WMSP Redditch then staged an Under 15s match against Old from the rapidly expanding Rhinos Tag and Junior Rugby section for making the visit possible. Halesonians, which the visitors won 19-12, followed by an at Kings Norton RFC, were keen to show just how formidable a Kings Norton Rhinos train at Hopwood Park, Ash Lane every inter-club fixture between the veterans, the Exiles, and a team they are! Having had a very successful first season together Saturday morning at 10am. For further details contact combined 2nd and 3rd XV. they are all looking forward to the new season. Steve Washington on 07866 735560 . The new pitch was then officially opened by the Mayor of Redditch, Councillor Kath Banks who was joined North Midlands President Steve Guy, Charlie Hemmings, North Midlands Junior Vice President, & WIDDEN OLD BOYS PRETTY IN RFU President Nigel Banwell, North Midlands Referees’ Society President Terry Rees and PINK FOR CANCER RESEARCH Rob Bray, the chairman of the North Midlands Community Rugby Committee. The pitch was christened Mike Taylor with a match between Redditch and the Guanos, the WIDDEN Old Boys RFC, who play in Gloucester’s premier popular Midlands invitation side, with the visitors league, recently unveiled their 2010/11 1st XV kit in aid of running out 62-21 winners. cancer research, pink with a dash of green. For the launch, The floodlights for the new pitch, which is part of a all the sponsors were in a packed clubhouse, including: major development at the multi-sport complex, cost Cooke Sheet Metal, Burger Star, Back Badge Cars, Studies in £46,942 of which £30,000 was provided by the Rugby Work and Thornbrook Ventilation. Throughout the season Football Union's Community Club Development the club will make collections on match days and organise Programme fund and £5,000 from the Rugby Football fund-raising events. Foundation charitable trust.

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 7 CLUBS LIVERPOOL GIRLS HOPE GRASSHOPPERS AND TO FIRE MANCHESTER ROLL BACK Tony Simpson LIVERPOOL By Tony Simpson St Helens have YEARS PRESTON Grasshoppers and Manchester will be turning back the strengthened their pages of history when they meet at Lightfoot Green in a league links with game on October 2, 2010 – it will be 160 years since they first met in Fire and Rescue what proved to be a very entertaining afternoon for the assembled Service (MF&RS) with crowd. February 2nd 1870 was the date the two clubs came together a second sponsorship for the first time and there were regular meetings until Hoppers’ package involving a new girls’ rugby team. The under 18s girls’ demise in 1885. team at Moss Lane has received funding from MF&RS for their Sporadic matches took place after the re-birth of Preston new kit and equipment so that they can enter the North West Grasshoppers in 1900 but a regular fixture was put in place shortly League in the 2010/11 season. after the World War II, which has only been interrupted whilst the The Service’s links with the club will be further bolstered as Gary clubs have gone their separate ways with League Rugby. There have Bennett, a fire-fighter, has volunteered to coach the team. He is one been 74 previous meetings, with Hoppers winning 31 and of four coaches training the girls’ teams at Liverpool St Helens FC. Manchester 35 with 8 drawn. The launch of the new team fits with the aims of the Service’s Ironically, both clubs can claim the same individual as being Fire Fit project, to increase community participation in healthy arguably their best ever player – A N Hornby, who represented activity and encourage active lifestyles. The project follows a England at both rugby union and cricket. successful 2008 partnership between MF&RS and Liverpool St Preston Grasshoppers have recently appointed England Counties Helens Football Club which launched an Under 15s girls’ rugby coach Dave Baldwin Head Coach at the club, replacing the long- team. Now numerous girls, aged 12-15, regularly play and train at serving Alex Keay. Baldwin will head up a new coaching structure Liverpool St Helens with many achieving great success. including recently appointed Strength & Conditioning coach Karl Programme Coordinator of the Legacy Programme at Merseyside Fitzpatrick and new Assistant Coaches (skills & Fire and Rescue Service, Essie Li, said: “I was amazed by the level kicking coach) and Michael Lough (backs coach). of hard work and stamina it takes to reach the standard that the Baldwin, who is 45, started his playing career with Bramley in his girls’ play at. We are honoured to be able to work closely with native Yorkshire before joining RUFC and then Sale, Liverpool St Helens FC to promote public health together and wish where he spent a long and distinguished career as a second row them every success in the upcoming season.” forward, winning representative honours with Yorkshire, North of The launch of the new partnership tied in with a touch rugby England and England 'A'. After retiring he became Director of Rugby tournament in which nine teams competed. Pictured are teams Dave Baldwin at Manchester RUFC where he spent seven years. from Essie’s Angels (the Fire-fighters in orange) and LSH. RPA RPA ACADEMY INDUCTION VITAL FOR YOUNG PLAYERS THOSE attending this season’s RPA Academy Induction Day have praised its value in setting young players on the road to professionalism. The third annual RPA Academy Induction Day was held at Loughborough University in August and was attended by over 60 Academy Players from all 12 Aviva clubs. The players heard from legal, health and sporting professionals, who outlined the landscape of professional rugby and advised on playing insurance, player agents, drug awareness, anti-doping and social responsibility. Players were also introduced to the range of health, welfare and education opportunities offered by the RPA's Player Development Programme. The day was well supported by a number of high profile former professional players including , Jim Evans, and Kevin Maggs, who shared their advice and experience of life as professional players with the Academy players. Howard Graham, Academy Coach at Harlequins said: "The day delivered some important messages for our new Academy Players and did that in a very good way, giving the players tips about how they can protect themselves against some of the pitfalls of being a professional player, and highlighting the need to look after their futures once their rugby careers are over. "Allowing the boys to hear from external experts, such as media lawyers and former professional players who have been through the experience themselves had a strong impact, as it's good to hear advice from the horse's mouth." Jonah Holmes, Academy scrum half at London Wasps said: "I LEXUS GREAT BRITISH BIKE wasn't expecting to find out as much as I did. New academy players need to come to this day; it's very useful. RIDERS CLOSING IN ON £100,000 Will Spencer, Academy lock at said: "I was surprised about how in depth the day was. I have learnt so much from THE LEXUS BRITISH BIKE RIDE 2010 has raised completed the full 330 mile route, said: “The Lexus Great speaking to the former players like Harry Ellis. It's kick-started me £90,000 to date for rugby charities the RPA Benevolent British Bike Ride was a challenging and memorable four into speaking to agents, sorting out my insurance and so on." Fund and RFU injured Players Foundation, and armed days for everyone who took part, but it’s been made forces charity Help for Heroes. truly worthwhile by the news that we have raised Event ambassador and Rugby World Cup winner Richard £90,000 for three terrific charities. Thank you to Hill started the 150 riders on their 330 mile ride from everyone who sponsored a rider, the event sponsors and Lands End to London on 1st September, arriving at the organisers, who have all helped make the Lexus Twickenham Stadium four days later for the Aviva Great British Bike Ride 2010 such a great success.” Premiership Rugby . Amongst the This year’s ride, will be the first in a series of annual riders was England Manager Martin Johnson, who events which aim to raise £1.5 million for charity over completed Day 3 of the ride from Yeovil to Winchester, and the next 5 years. The Lexus British Bike Ride 2010 will ex-serviceman Derek Derenalagi, who lost both legs in remain open for sponsorship for the next two months. Afghanistan in 2007 and rode the last stage into If you would like to support the three charities you can Twickenham on his hand bike. sponsor Fiona at RPA Communications Manager Fiona Hackett, who www.virginmoneygiving.com/fionahackett

8 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 CHAMPIONSHIP

TGI FRIDAY! Emma Kennedy THE MIDDLESEX Charity Sevens at OBE, Club President and Twickenham saw Mike Friday coach captain of the victorious British ULR Samurai to final victory over Lions team of 1971, praised London Irish at a time when he the troops, “It is hard to be was taking on the role of away from home and you assistant coach at Championship have shown true fortitude, club London Welsh. loyalty and courage and to Friday’s new appointment the Guards I say: ‘this is brings a reversal of roles within your second home a notable coaching partnership. whenever you want it.‘” , current Head Coach London Welsh minis of London Welsh, worked as Friday’s demonstrated a few moves for assistant in the England Sevens coaching Mike Friday the 1st XV and the Chelsea The RFU Championship season was launched unit. Under Friday’s direction the team won Pensioners before the Corps of Drums at Twickenham in August with representatives their first London Sevens title and four successive provided a celebratory parade and a gun run from all 12 clubs there to meet the media Hong Kong titles. competition in advance of a firework finale. before getting stuck in for the new season. The pair first played together at Wasps when Friday returned to the club after four seasons with Blackheath. His international playing career includes captaining the England Sevens, caps for PLYMOUTH ALBION PLAYERS LOOK TO FUTURE the A and Student teams and Barbarian representation. Said Albion’s chairman of rugby Graham MORE THAN 100 primary school Following four years as coach of Blackheath, Dawe: “It is good to engage players in the youngsters from Plymouth and the Friday joins the residents of in what community and they certainly enjoy the surrounding districts brightened up their could be a defining 125th season for the Exiles. interaction with young players. If just one summer holidays by attending two all-day With a third place finish in the Championship last of these youngsters eventually goes on coaching sessions laid on by Plymouth Albion year, London Welsh have been dubbed as the team and plays for Plymouth Albion then it is a RFC at their Brickfields base. to rival for promotion. job well done and good news for the club.” Partly funded by the DRC Partnership, the Said Greening, “Mike brings an enormous Later the Albion players also coached boys and girls, aged between five and eleven, amount of coaching ability and also the same local secondary school pupils. were put through their paces by the entire mindset as myself and all at London Welsh. He Plymouth Albion Championship squad led will bring the sort of expertise and commitment by head coach Nat Saumi. we are looking for at the club… to take London “This has been a great opportunity for local Welsh back into the top flight.” primary school children to work with At the London Welsh 125th season celebrations, professional players,” said organiser and the the Welsh Guards’ Military Tattoo kicked off the club’s Community Coordinator Chris Perkins. event, which raised funds for the Welsh Guards “All of the children really enjoyed themselves Afghanistan Appeal and honoured the long and all of them said they’ll be back next year.” association between club and regiment. PREMIERSHIP LEGENDS STOOP TO CONQUER

THE INAUGURAL South Africa v England The South African Rugby Legends Legends match, at the Twickenham Stoop, Association (SARLA), a beneficiary of the on Friday 26th November, will feature some event, was originally set up to raise funds of rugby’s most famous names, the night for the development of rugby at grass roots before the two countries meet in the and club rugby in South Africa. Today Investec International at Twickenham. SARLA has grown into a full-blown social Following the success of the England v awareness charity using sport as the Ireland Legends match played earlier this catalyst to bring people together. The year, The England Legends have invited their England nominated charity will be South African counterparts to compete in announced at a future date. what is expected to be a highly competitive Tickets will start at £20 for Gold seats, clash. Both sides are raising funds for their £10 for unreserved seating and £5 for nominated charities - including SARLA, The concessions, and are now on sale via South African Rugby Legends Association. www.union.quins.co.uk or by calling England's team will be led by former 0871 527 1315 . You will also be able to pay captain and British and Irish Lion Martin at the gate. Corry and will include several members of the 2003 World Cup winning team. England's most-capped player, Jason CHURCHDOWN ANSWER SOS Leonard, will return to his former home CHURCHDOWN School, Gloucester were recent winners of a Community Schools Project run by ground to take part. Other heroes of 2003 Gary Little, Community Manager at Aviva Premiership club . Local schools entered include , Paul Grayson, community projects and prize winners Churchdown were on the pitch at Kingsholm to receive the award. and . They'll be SOS IRB Kit Aid collects unwanted sports kit to give to less developed countries like South Africa, joined by other recent internationals: Kenya, Bulgaria and Samoa, working with 20 countries and with a further 56 on their waiting list. They , , Matt promote the importance of recycling and have saved 75,000kg of quality sports kit from being thrown Perry, Garath Archer, and Ben into landfill sites since 2000, delivering over £2million worth in just 10 years. Clarke - all subject to availability. Said the Churchdown team: “We have been involved in this project for just under a year, working The South African Rugby Legends will be closely with four schools: Longlevens, Innsworth, Parton Manor and Elmbridge Junior Schools We led by their Assistant Coach and SARLA brought pupils to an art day at Churchdown School where an artist helped them produce musical CEO John Allan, the ex Scottish and instruments out of recycled materials and make flags of countries helped by SOS IRB Kit Aid. Springbok hooker and their Coach (former “We attended sports leaders conferences at Bentham and Hatherly Manor, giving a presentation to and Springbok Coach) Ian raise awareness and get schools interested in being a part of the project. We have been along to each McIntosh. Other former Springboks will of the schools that we worked with, giving an assembly to show the work of SOS IRB Kit Aid and had include AJ Venter, Joost van der Westhuizen, lots of interest in helping. We also collected lots of kit for SOS at our own school.“ Braam van Straaten, Robbie Kempson, Pictured on the pitch with Richard Westaway from SOS are Becky Matthews, Adam Willis and Lisa Cobus Visagie, Bobby Skinstad and ex Denby. The rest of Churchdown School’s SOS team are: Katie Evans, Sam Cooper, Andrew Kilby, London Irish player Ryan Strudwick – Gemma Dobson and Vicky Staples. again subject to availability. Martin Corry

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 9 COACHING MUSEUM WELLS WORKS WITH MIDLANDS COACHES WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP Paul Bolton and the way that he dealt with everyone. EXHIBITION ENGLAND forwards coach John Wells ran a He was a model for every coach. successful session for 53 Midlands coaches and “The way that he identified and corrected Phil McGowan referees at & ’s Portway faults was what you would expect from one of training ground. the country’s leading coaches. AUGUST 20 th 2010 saw the sixth The session, which focused on the breakdown, “We had referees from the Midlands Group in Women’s Rugby World Cup kick off gave coaches and referees to see at close attendance plus Chris White who said the in Guildford, Surrey. Twelve nations quarters how session was a competed, with New Zealand the former real eye-opener running out winners. A special and of great exhibition profiling each of the captain and value to them. competing teams, previous coach works “I think John tournaments and the history of and to tap into also enjoyed women’s rugby opened at the twentieth century, and the pioneering Wells’s vast the session and Museum in Twickenham Stadium’s East spirit that brought it to mainstream experience. he commented Stand to celebrate the World Cup. acceptance. Finally there’s a look at what is “It was a how impressed The exhibition tells the story of the involved in a World Cup from a player’s fantastic he was by the Women’s World Cup, since its inaugural perspective, in the ‘Player’s Experience’ session which enthusiasm and championship in 1991, documenting the section. A variety of posters and artefacts gave the commitment of great games and tournament winning from the earliest days of the game and coaches and coaches who sides. It examines the roots of the women’s previous World Cups are also on show. The referees a John Wells work at a very game, recalling Emily Valentine, a little exhibition runs through to Spring 2011. fascinating different level. known Irish girl, fast gaining the type of Entry to the World Rugby Museum can be insight into in-depth technical coaching,” said “It brought home how important the England mythology that has seen her dubbed the combined with a Twickenham Stadium Ian Bletcher the Coach Development Officer for team is to the community game. Hopefully we ‘female Webb-Ellis’. Tour. For information, including opening the West Midlands. can run similar sessions two or three times a The exhibition also chronicles the hours, prices, or to book your Stadium Tour “John Wells impressed everyone with the year to continue to strengthen the links between resistance that drove the sport in advance visit www.rfu.com/museum or sheer humble way that he presented the session the elite and community games.” underground at the beginning of the call 020 8892 8877 .

IPF IPF BROUGHT BIG IMPROVEMENTS SAYS NICK

NICK SINCLAIR is now able to take a break away with his Nick, now 40, has seen a big change in recent times wife Julie and six-year-old son Scott. For the Lancashire with the advent of the RFU’s Injured Players family this will be something new. Nick, who was seriously Foundation. “I was playing 7 in an away match at injured aged 18 playing for Fylde, needs a lot of essential Durham and had just left school when I was in a pile up equipment to accompany him and thanks to a small grant that put me in the Hexham spinal unit. I was three from the Injured Players Foundation that’s possible. months in bed, had an operation and then spent three “Without roof rails and a top box there was no way to months in Southport spinal unit. I should have been travel with so much stuff,” says Nick. “The car is starting university but instead went home to live in my wheelchair-adapted and so has no storage space.” parents’ front room, until they moved into a bungalow. “You have no choice but to just get on with it and back then nobody came to see you from the RFU, they didn’t like to acknowledge that someone had broken their neck playing rugby. Even when Fylde were fund raising and wanted to spread the word through the RFU it was a ‘no’. Locally, people cared. came to see me, he played for Fylde when my dad was in the second XV, and people came from Lancashire and Preston Grasshoppers but there was really no set-up to help back then.” In the intervening years Nick met and married Julie, who worked as a respite centre nurse, and their family was complete when Scott arrived. “Dave Phillips from IPF has been great,” said Nick. “The cold is a real problem for me and he suggested Julie and I put a conservatory on our bungalow and helped with a grant to part fund it. We also had partial funding for a loft conversion so that Scott could have a bedroom upstairs. “Things have certainly changed for the better, now you just have to email the IPF and you hear within a week if they can help. I also went to Twickenham for the first time in 19 years last November for the England v Australia match. I was in the IPF hospitality box with my dad, Keith, and they put us up at the nearby Lensbury Club. Quite a difference from the England France match DAN TANNER, a community rugby coach for Birmingham 19 years earlier when I was at pitch level and frozen.” recently raised £1,200 for the Injured Players Foundation by Nick was sitting in the newly-built sunny conservatory cycling 1000 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End. He and the which overlooks the garden of his home and rest of the charity bike ride put in 100 miles a day over ten and a contemplating being able to take trips away from home. half days. His parents, ever supportive, will probably be going Said Dan, “When I crossed the finish line it was a feeling of joy along too. and pain! Having been involved in rugby for a number of years, “It will be great to have a holiday,” said Julie, “and this I’ve met guys who have been badly injured and felt this was a conservatory has made a huge difference too. We were way of giving something back to the sport I love. We can all over the moon when the IPF weighed in and it was empathise with those who can’t play any more through serious finished last November. Nick does suffer from extremes injury and I’d urge anyone thinking of fund raising to consider the of temperature and it was great for him to get some sun IPF as a beneficiary.” even through the winter and to watch Scott playing football in the garden and attacking the plants!” Donations can still be made through: www.justgiving.com/Dan- Tanner

10 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 RFUW ENGLAND STARS IN COMMUNITY ROLES Julia Hutton ENGLAND WORLD CUP stars and Amy Turner have been appointed RFU Community Rugby Coaches (CRCs) for Kent and Surrey respectively. The England and Richmond players took on the new coaching roles on their return from the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Burford has been playing rugby since the age of six when she started at Medway RFC. Her honours include England Under 19s, Academy and Sevens as well as England Seniors where she has earned over 25 caps. WRWC 2010 was her second 15s World Cup. She said: “I’m really keen to start this new role. Rugby is a big part of my life so to work in it is fantastic for me. It’ll be great to work in an area where it all began for me, developing rugby and giving something back to the game.” Turner started playing rugby at Kingston RFC when she was seven. She joined Richmond in 2007 and captained the side to a Premiership win in 2009/10. She has played for England U20s, England A and Sevens and has been a key player in the senior squad since earning her first cap. She added: “I’m so excited about this opportunity. It’s great to be on board with the RFU as they have been a fantastic support to me through the years, developing me as a player and coach. I’m excited about working as a coach and developing rugby in the area.” They join the London South Rugby Development Team headed by Rugby Development Manager for the region Peter Macaulay. The pair will also work in teaching the core values of the game: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. England team mate, flanker , who plays her club rugby for Lichfield, has also secured a new role. One of the RFU’s Community Rugby Coaches in Birmingham, she has now been appointed an RFU Regional Rugby Union Student Liaison Officer. Hunter will help develop rugby in universities and Further Education colleges in the Midlands West region. Aged 24, she has played for Northumberland Under 16s, North East Under 18s and England A, before progressing to the senior England side. She was born and raised on Tyneside and gained a degree in Sport Science and Mathematics at Loughborough University, also playing for their rugby team as well Rachael Burford as Novocastrians before joining Lichfield. Amy Turner

CB s INDIAN SEVENS FINE TOUGH START FOR TUNE IN YORKSHIRE MIDLANDS U20 s Tony Simpson

WEST YORKSHIRE was an unlikely stopping-off point on Rugby Development Officer Hamish Pratt the Indian Sevens team’s itinerary ahead of the said: “This has been the most polite, eager to learn group of Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October, but their hectic people I have been ever worked with in this country. They week-long stay in Bradford provided plenty of valuable have been an absolute credit to their country both on and coaching and cultural activity during a busy programme. off the field. They are an outstanding example of how rugby The most beneficial aspect of the visit was the amount of really is a global game and the whole visit was a very coaching the squad received during their stay from positive experience for everyone involved. The whole squad premier coaches of Yorkshire RFU, Bradford & Bingley were very focused on improving their skills and learning all RUFC, the British Asian Rugby Association, they could about the technique of sevens rugby and it was a and Carnegie. pleasure working with them.” The week culminated in a sevens tournament at Bradford Bees Chairman Glen Shaw said: “This was a ground– Paul Bolton & Bingley’s Wagon Lane headquarters, with eight teams breaking development for our club. We are planning our representing the host club, the British Asian Rugby next pre-season tour to India! The club is committed to ULSTER ACADEMY U20s 45 Association (BARA), two Yorkshire Select and the visitors engaging with all communities and are looking forward to MIDLANDS U20s 7 producing some keenly-contested matches. training and playing on different continents.’’ MIDLANDS Under 20s had their hands full trying to cope with Sterner tests clearly lie ahead for the Indian team in Delhi During the tour, the squad was hosted at local temples and a powerful Ulster Academy side in their first fixture against the as they lock horns with the world’s best, who themselves will met a range of community groups. Said Bradford Council Irish province at Instonians RFC’s Shaws Bridge ground. be seeking to end New Zealand’s monopoly of the event. Assistant Director Phil Barker: “It was great to see top-class The Midlands, used to testing themselves against Irish The squad was hosted by Bradford College, whose Project sportsmen training in our city and working alongside our provincial opposition having played regularly against Leinster’s Manager, Ronnie Todd commented: “We are absolutely communities to show what we can achieve. I’m sure the Academy in recent seasons, found themselves up against an delighted that Rugby India chose our region and clubs to Games will be a great success and we will have contributed Ulster side containing some players with senior experience and prepare for such a prestigious event. This forms part of the to Rugby India’s tremendous progress.” others from the Ireland Under 20 squad. work we are undertaking to promote the Sport of Rugby The most satisfying finale for the tourists came in the The Midlands players also had to travel to Belfast on the across all communities. Sevens will be one of the highlights shape of a 26-24 win over a West Yorkshire Select Seven in morning of the match and were put under immediate pressure by of the Commonwealth Games and will help spread rugby the final at Wagon Lane, the winning try coming with the Ulster. Early penalties were conceded followed by well-worked across the world.’’ last attack of the game – a perfect finale to a great week. tries from the hosts when their power running coupled with some poor defensive work by the Midlands added to the score. Ulster led 26-0 at the break but it was not all one-way traffic as the Midlands contributed to an excellent spectacle with excellent breaks by Richard Wilson (Paviors and NLD) and a forceful game from Will Ward ( and ), who was the nominated Man of the match for the Midlands. In the second half, the Midlands forwards, ably led by hooker and skipper Will Radburn (Worcester Wariiors and North Midlands) produced a forward drive that Ulster could not counter without all their pack. This left openings for the Midlands backs to attack with Kane Nixon (Paviors and NLD) Dan Barrett ( and North Midlands) and Matt Neild (East Midlands) to exploit. Neild scored the visitors try with Alex Warner (Bournville and North Midlands) adding the conversion. Despite the final scoreline, the inaugural fixture against Ulster was considered a success by the Midlands party and gave the players an early opportunity to play a high-profile representative match at the start of a new season which will see the launch of the newly-formed England Counties Under-20 XV.

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2010 11 REFEREES WHITE TO MAXIMISE REFEREE POTENTIAL LONDON TO PARIS 24 Simon Mills CHAMPIONSHIP referee Paul Knowles and his younger development systems we already brother Toby, a former England U19 and U21 player, after the CHRIS WHITE has been handed have in place in England. diagnosis of a friend’s son with cerebral palsy, decided to join the the job of developing the next “There is a lot of talent out there inaugural London to Paris 24 cycle ride in aid of the charity Scope. generation of top English referees. and we’ll focus on maximising the A twist on the White is the country’s most potential of a small group of officials well-peddled route, experienced senior match official with the potential to succeed at the saw 80 two-man after taking charge of 50 major top end of the game. There will be a teams leave London internationals, including great deal of concentration on the at 8am on the appearances at the 1999, 2003 and technical aspects of the game – at the morning of Friday 2007 Rugby World Cups. breakdown and scrummage, for 23rd July, ride Now the 47 year old from example – and we’ll look at areas through the night Cheltenham, who took charge of the like communication on and off the and arrive in Paris Aviva Premiership opener between pitch as well as at analysis and before 9am local Harlequins and London Wasps on game preparation and fitness and time, the following the opening day of the season, has a medical support. morning, allowing new role as the RFU’s National “It’s all about maximising potential all finishers to Referee Academy Manager. more quickly and we want to make witness the final He will help identify those with the sure we produce a constant stream stage of the Tour de talent to reach the top of the game of officials to take charge in the France on the and run the programme by Premiership.” Champs Elysées the mentoring referees and supplying Ed Morrison, RFU Head of Elite next day. the technical, analytical, fitness and Referee Development, said: “Chris Toby said: “I don’t sports science support needed to White’s credibility in the game is well know if it was the maximise their potential. documented after such an illustrious fear of being The aim is to get promising referees refereeing career. He is an educator dropped off the into the ranks of Aviva Premiership by profession and I believe he’s the back of the group or the benefits of cycling in the middle of a officials more quickly and better correct person to lead this exciting bunch but without really noticing it, we were averaging over 35 prepared than ever before and to new initiative. I have every km/h during the daylight stages. It was pretty exhilarating.” increase the overall number of high confidence he will be hugely The pace slowed during the night-time stages but as a grey quality officials in the English game. successful in his new role, ensuring dawn broke on the outskirts of Paris all except a few who started Candidates will be drawn from across our young referees within the the ride were in a position to break the 24 hour barrier. By the the refereeing spectrum, from the academy enjoy the best possible time the Arc de Triomphe was reached and the riders were cycling National Panel downwards, with a opportunity to develop their down the Champs Elysées with the sun on their backs there was small group to be selected before the refereeing skills.” something almost processional about the last few miles to the end of the year. Richard Glynne-Jones, RFU Head of finish at the Eiffel Tower. “I still have the motivation to Referee Development, said: “Some Said Paul, “The guys at Scope did an incredible job organising continue refereeing at the highest 3,500 referees are qualifying every year the ride and it’s great that the event should have raised in excess level but I’ve always had a passion and many then go on to join Referee of £150,000 for them. I must also thank my company, Capgemini, for the development side of the Societies, where their progression can who, as befits the sponsor of the , game and improving performance,” begin. Chris’s input is intended to supported me in my desire to do the ride from the beginning said White. “The purpose of this new complement the excellent work that including making a very generous donation.” programme is to provide specific goes on up and down the country to Further donations can be made at extra support for referees with the ensure those referees with exceptional virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser and for anyone interested, potential to progress to the highest talent are given every opportunity to Scope will repeat the event next year and are also organising a level and it adds to the superb fulfil their potential.” London to Amsterdam 48 hours solo ride.

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