Hertfordshire RFU 2015-2016 Season End Newsletter 7766 Hertsrugby.Co.Uk
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Hertfordshire RFU 2015-2016 Season End Newsletter 7766 hertsrugby.co.uk About erts Leaping to the top with Herts Rugby 2 016 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP THE BILL BEAUMONT CUP CHAMPIONS 2012 UNDER 20’S THE JASON LEONARD TROPHY CHAMPIONS 2012 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP THE BILL BEAUMONT CUP FINALISTS 2011 7766 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD FINALISTS 2009 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD CHAMPIONS 2005 Sponsored by Hertfordshire Rugby Football Union Hertfordshire Rugby Football Schools’ Union Hertfordshire Society of Rugby Football Union Referees Sponsorship News 7766 It is with deep sadness that I inform you that our main sponsors Weston Homes Plc have notified us that they are ending as main sponsors of Herts Rugby as of the end of this season, 2015-16. Our connection goes back to 2002 when Chris Palmer (Cuffley RFC) introduced us to both Bob Weston (Chairman) and Stuart Thomas (Gr Finance Dir) and since then we have had a most fantastic relationship. We are so grateful for their incredible support whether on the field, in the clubhouse, on the golf course and of course helping to finance the amazing growth we have witnessed over the past 10 years in the playing numbers. There is no question that if we hadn’t had such generous financial support from them then the game of rugby would not be in such good health in Hertfordshire. During this period Herts Rugby has seen success on the field as follows, 2012 County Champions, 2012 U 20’s Jason Leonard Trophy, 2011 County Championship finalists, 2009 County Shield finalists and 2015 County Shield Champions. For a small county we fight well above our weight and this is down to superb preparation which couldn’t happen without sponsors of the like of Weston Homes. Life moves on and as said ‘one door closes and another opens’, well no discussions have moved on other than to say we are now in the hunt. Whether we look for one main again or two or three joint sponsors for the future that has to be decided. What is known is that we need the help from rugby minded people who may know of some company or beneficiary who would be interested in talking to us. Weston Homes’ name and logo is now well known throughout Hertfordshire and further afield maybe another local/national company could join the partnership, please contact me if one comes to mind. Finally we wish Weston Homes all the success in the future and hope that our paths will cross once again and are confident that all clubs in Herts Rugby will have the door open to welcome them back to the game. Colin Haslam, Herts RFU, Chairman of Marketing A Message from The President 7766 Dear Friends in Rugby, My final contribution of home spun wisdom as your President. Where did those two years go? As my term in office progressed, I came to realise the added value our sport has brought to my life, long after I was well past donning my boots. It has been a privilege to join many of you, mainly at the Graham Walker invitation of committees, to walk in to clubhouses, normally Hertfordshire RFU President to a greeting of “Are you still going” or “You’ve stacked it on” and then roll back the years. Old adversaries on the pitch, friends for life in the clubhouse. Amazingly, the longer we are retired, the better we were. Thank you all for your wonderful hospitality and camaraderie. So, is that the role of a President, dining out and spreading largess? Far from it. Unsurprisingly, the saying ‘IN VINO VERITAS’ remains as relevant as ever. Polite conversation over lunch gleaned a slight insight into any issues, the fourth pint after the match (and please drink responsibly) tended to lead into a frank discussion about the state of club rugby, good and bad. What else then? I must applaud and thank your Executive Committee for the tireless work they undertake on your behalf. Managing and supporting The RFU, Safeguarding, Competitions, Finance and Developing our game all take more and more effort as our world complicates itself. Just as volunteers run your club, over 100 volunteers are involved in making Hertfordshire tick. Thank you one and all. I am left with an overwhelming sense of pride, being part of one of the smallest constituent bodies, who continue to punch above our weight. Congratulations are due to Peter Baines, President of the RFU next season, a great honour and thoroughly deserved by him and Sue who has supported his efforts for many years. Our County Championship campaign, could have, should have, would have. The best team in our division, yet didn’t get points on the board against Cornwall, who ran out as Champions of England. I know the boys will be keen to have another crack next season. I am proud of them, as I am of our under 20’s who reached the national semi finals. Ladies rugby progresses, not only did we produce a crop of internationals, we took part for the first time in the Ladies County Championship. It is only time before the fixtures are twinned with the men to play on the same day. To all clubs in Herts, thank you for making this county one of the best in England. To my successor, Martyn Kirk, I wish you well and look forward to supporting you in any way I can. To all those who have supported me, I remain in your debt. Enjoy the summer and let’s get back at it. Graham Walker, Herts RFU, President President Elect of The RFU - Peter Baines 7766 Friday 3rd June 2016 will go down as one of the red letter days in Hertfordshire RFU’s history - the voting in of the first RFU President from Hertfordshire council representation. Peter Baines is the proud and fully deserving recipient of this honour and will be a fantastic ambassador for rugby and Hertfordshire in the year ahead. Sitting at a top table of Bill Beaumont, Chairman of the RFU, Jason Leonard, England legend and current President and Ian Ritchie the Chief Executive of the RFU, Peter looked like the cat that has got the cream as the moment approached for him to get his blazer of office - as he had every right do. Peter was supported on the day by his wife Sue and their family as well as rugby colleagues from St Albans and the Herts RFU Executive. Having known someone through rugby for many years, it is sometimes easy to forget the depth of their contribution. When Jason Leonard introduced Peter as the new President, it was a timely reminder of his amazing rugby career. There are not many people who can say they have founded a rugby club, been an inaugural trustee of two rugby charities (The Rugby Football Foundation and the RFU Injured Players Foundation) and been a strong influence on the game at amateur and professional levels in fundamental ways, especially in the Premiership Heads of Agreement and the integration of women and girls into the full union. The litany of achievements made clear that Peter is a worthy candidate for the honour of RFU President and a magnificent servant to the game in St Albans, Hertfordshire, England and world-wide. Peter’s opening address as President Elect (he takes office officially on 1st August) was his usual blend of good sense, humility and humour. Whilst Peter was never a star player like them, he has been as influential off the pitch as Bill Beaumont and Jason Leonard were on it and he made clear that he will use his year as President to continue to be an influence in the quiet, practical but incredibly important ways that he has done for many years. He also made clear how important Sue and his family have been in supporting his career as a rugby volunteer and administrator, not begrudging his absence at family events due to rugby’s call. Sue and his family are owed a debt of thanks by Hertfordshire and the wider rugby community for that and she got a large bunch of flowers and a hug from Jason Leonard on all our behalves. The good news is that Peter will continue to be an asset to Hertfordshire during and after his period of office as President. For that every player and club at whatever level in Hertfordshire should be thankful and raise a celebratory glass - To Peter Baines, RFU President - congratulations and well done, you thoroughly deserve this honour. Annual Dinner 7766 Yet another well supported county event again held at Mid Herts Golf Club where close to 100 valued rugby enthusiasts and partners certainly enjoyed their refreshments at the bar prior to sitting down for dinner. Once we were well into the food and drink the International Awards were presented to … Jimmy Spiers, Andy Berry and Henry Robinson, all for representing England Counties last summer. Sam Winter could not make the dinner due to working but we caught up with him at the Cornwall match where Graham Walker presented him with his award. Following the desert we were welcomed by HRFU President Graham Walker who in his inimitable style gave his State of The Union address closely followed by our Guest Speaker in our very own Peter Baines as RFU Vice President, who was given great applause especially as it wasn't going to be too long now for him to be starting his tenure as President of The RFU. Finally we were royally entertained by one of the most popular entertainers on the after dinner circuit in Adger Brown.