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JUNE 2011 / issue 136 RFU THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE TOUCHLINE RFU AND RFUW MOVING FORWARD IN DIFFICULT TIMES The departure on June 10th of the RFU Chief Executive “We must now move forward, the critical things remain Officer, John Steele, will have been unsettling for the entire unchanged as Martin Johnson, his coaches and the game. Board of Directors Chairman, Martyn Thomas, has players prepare to go to New Zealand to contest the Rugby World been asked to cover the role of Acting CEO until July. Cup. They are far too professional to be affected by recent events He says, “The loss of a CEO is always going to cause difficulty and, having talked it through, the World Cup campaign remains and unrest but regrettable though it was, the Board unanimously their focus and their challenge. felt that it was in the best interests of the Union for John to “After England return from New Zealand, we will have four years leave. While he had done many positive things in terms of the before hosting the only in this territory that most new structure, the Board ultimately felt that John’s position had of us will see in our lifetimes. It is a tremendous opportunity, for become untenable and that his departure was the best decision for the community game, for the professional clubs, for our volunteers the long term benefit of the Union. and everyone involved in rugby. “I accept that people will have been shocked by the news but “With new directors joining the Union, the Shaping Up structure the direction of travel John Steele set out is not something there stands. The Commercial and Operations areas of the organisation is any desire to change. When he was appointed the concept was will make immediate progress. However, the shape, scope and that we should put rugby at the heart of everything we do and responsibilities of the Performance Director role are something we that remains the case. are looking at. “This was always going to be a testing time, both the difficult “ and I have discussed it and, to give him some help action taken in January with people losing their jobs and now on this, is chairing a small group, which includes with John’s departure. However, the RFU Council and the Board Rob, , Richard Hill and John Spencer to look at has signed off the Business Plan and the budget. Stephen Brown, how that role will work. At the moment Rob is doing two jobs, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, made a tremendous covering both performance and operations. He has been very, very presentation to Council on the day of John’s departure, and the professional in the way he has carried on in a difficult situation. budget and the Business Plan were unanimously approved. Martyn Thomas Continued on page 2… SUCCESS FOR YOUNG SAXONS

KEEPING IN TOUCH Mayor of , Boris Johnson, and England World Cup winner, , joined forces on 17th June to launch O2 Touch, an RFU initiative which aims to get England IN THE CHURCHILL CUP England Saxons fielded of the Churchill Cup Executive, said: “The Churchill Cup has playing touch rugby this summer ahead of the Rugby World their youngest ever side in the ninth and final provided what we had all hoped for – regular international Cup in New Zealand. tournament, with an average age of 23 and beat the competition for USA and in a showpiece event, At the launch outside City Hall, Boris Johnson, said “Rugby USA 87-8 and 41-14 before defeating Canada which has been hosted in 17 venues and included 13 doesn’t need to be a full contact sport and the O2 Touch 37-6 in the final. participating nations since 2003. It has also given refereeing programme enables everyone, young or old, male or female, to To underline the point, the Saxons try-scorers in the and coaching opportunities for all three unions and have a go, get fit and have fun. Sixways final were Miles Benjamin, 23, , 21, ultimately strengthened the relationship between us. We “I’m a big fan of rugby and fully support this new initiative to get Charlie Sharples, 21, and Jamie Gibson, 20. The game was would like to thank all those who have made the Churchill people more active. That is why I am also announcing today that I controlled by Man of the Match fly half Rory Clegg, 21, who Cup a success, including previous sponsors Barclays and our am providing funding of £115,000 to help complement the scheme also supplied the conversions and a pair of penalties. broadcast partners . in London. With England hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2015 I Leicester number eight Jordan Crane, who stepped up to “The initial period of the alliance agreement was five years want everyone to get behind the sport and give it a try.” lead the side in the absence of the injured Luke Narraway, (2002-2007) and was subsequently renewed on a two-year England players , and Maggie Alphonsi said, “It’s been great and the way we’ve come together rolling basis. The latest agreement will expire at the end of joined a touch rugby workshop at the launch and RFU affiliated has been a credit to the guys and the management. The the current tournament and it was felt by all parties that clubs across England will be running weekly touch rugby sessions way we’ve played and won our games has been really Canada and USA should be fully integrated into the existing throughout the summer. The RFU has distributed hundreds of encouraging. There are some boys who’ve played for the portfolio of international strategic investment tournaments. touch rugby training kits to participating clubs to help get them Saxons in this tournament who’ve got a great future as “In addition the success of playing additional fixtures up and running. O2 Touch is the first initiative to be rolled out to England players ahead of them. Canada was our toughest in Australia and New Zealand in 2010 and the need to support the RFU’s Choose Rugby campaign which aims to increase game of the competition and we answered all the questions support three Tests Series, has led to the conclusion that participation before Rugby World Cup 2015. and came away with a good scoreline.” the development and performance of England’s elite and Ronan Dunne, UK Chief Executive Officer at O2, said “Our The tournament, which began at Franklin’s Gardens and potential elite players is best delivered in the future with longstanding association with England Rugby is something we are took in Esher and Kingsholm before the Sixways finale at midweek matches alongside the Test matches. We will very proud of. We have supported the English game from elite to Worcester, gave an opportunity for fans to see international continue to support USA Rugby and Canada as we much as grassroots levels since 1995 and are committed to making rugby as we can and wish their teams all the best at Rugby in their locality and star players of the future. RFU Continued on page 2… Business Operations Director Paul Vaughan and a member Cup 2011.”

A CHANCE TO PLAY IN RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 – ENGLAND PRELIMINARY TRAINING SQUAD PAGE 3

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 1 21/06/2011 16:48 HQ NEWS MOVING FORWARD IN DIFFICULT TIMES KEEPING IN TOUCH Continued from page 1… Continued from page 1… accessible as possible. O2 Touch provides men and women across depending on where their club is based. To be in with a chance “On the community rugby front, Steve Grainger, our new the country with the opportunity to discover just how much fun of representing the North or the South at Twickenham, teams can Development Director, Rob Udwin our Community Rugby Chairman rugby is. With the Rugby World Cup just around the corner, it is upload their film at: rfu.com/O2touch. An RFU committee will and I are conscious that the Rugby Development Officers and the perfect time for everyone to pick up a ball and show select the top five films from the North and the South, with the Community Rugby Coaches (CRCs) have not had certainty of their support.” winning teams getting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play late and we have now notified our CRCs that their contracts are The RFU is running an online competition with winners having at Twickenham. extended to the end of the year. We want to drive the situation the chance to play at Twickenham. Touch rugby players are England’s second highest try scorer of all time, Will Greenwood, forward and not leave in limbo people who are an important part encouraged to go along to their club and film themselves in action added “Touch rugby is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the of the workforce. to show how easy and inclusive touch is. The RFU has produced its game, it is so easy to pick up and no matter what age you are or “The Board asked me to become Acting CEO until the next Board own video at Twickenham to get the creative juices flowing and to which part of the country you are from, it is a great way to have meeting on 29th June and at that point the Board will decide on inspire potential players to get involved. fun whilst playing rugby.” who takes that role over the longer term while we hire a new full Entrants are asked to pledge allegiance to the North or South, To find out more visit rfu.com/O2touch time CEO. We won’t rush the process and the CEO appointed will not have a remit to come in and overturn what has been achieved. Francis Baron brought the RFU an enviable financial stability without which what John Steele began to put in place could not have happened. TWICKENHAM HELPING “We have to maintain a ‘business as usual’ approach and I am confident that our clubs, supporters and our sponsors will want to remain associated with , its values and with Rugby HEROES World Cup 2015. Whatever has happened in the recent past we will endeavour to secure as much stability and certainty as possible commercially, while progressing matters on the rugby front.” Stephen Brown, the RFU’s Chief Operating Officer, adds that the challenging financial position presented by the RWC next year is not a cause for concern. Although the year ahead will see “a sizeable loss of £10.2 million due to less home games, the sum was both expected and planned for.” The Union puts something away in the good years to provide for the RWC year and the 2011/12 loss is more than covered by this provision. “Our turnover size and growth puts us in a great place, with a balance sheet that I would have been proud of in my previous very strong business. The amount of investment going into the game has also remained stable so we are continuing to keep the game flourishing and developing. The Board and Council approval of the Business Plan and budget means that we can now confidently run the business for the next 12 months and continue to invest in rugby in England.” ENGLAND V

IN INVESTEC Credit: Peter Tarry and Private Derek Derenalagi of the 2nd Mercian Regiment INTERNATIONAL SOME OF RUGBY UNION’S greatest legends will scrum cornerstones of 2008 and together we are determined to England take on Wales at on down at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday December repeat the success. Saturday 6 August, the Investec International match giving 3rd 2011 for the ‘Heroes Rugby Challenge’ supported “We received the immediate support of the RFU, fans the final opportunity to catch England at Twickenham by J.P. Morgan. and Sky Sports and J. P. Morgan has Stadium before the team flies to New Zealand for the The fixture, which will mark the 10th Anniversary of become our Lead Sponsor. Our target once again is to pack Rugby World Cup. Britain’s Armed Forces Operations in Afghanistan, promises Twickenham and raise over £1 million to help fund the H4H This is no warm up! England are expected to name a strong to be an even bigger attraction than the first Tedworth House facility – the state of the art, ‘one-stop shop’ side to take on an exciting Welsh team. Following a tense match in 2008, when some 52,000 spectators helped raise recovery centre for our wounded, for life. There is a long encounter in the RBS 6 Nations, Wales will be out to bounce back £1.46m for Help for Heroes – the charity which provides history and empathy between rugby and our Armed Forces after losing 26-19 in in a match which saw winger Chris practical support for our wounded service men and women. and we hope the public will respond by coming to watch a Ashton score two tries. England Rugby World Cup-winners, Lawrence Dallaglio top class match at the same time as showing their support for England Team Manager Martin Johnson said: “Wales are a very and Jason Leonard, as well as Welsh legend, , will our service men and women.” tough side and this game is an important part of our preparation manage a strong H4H Northern Hemisphere XV against an Roger Thompson, head of UK Business at J.P. Morgan Asset for the World Cup. We always receive great support at home and all-star Southern Hemisphere outfit, which will be overseen Management added: “This should be a hugely successful it should be an exciting last Twickenham appearance before we by Australian and All Black World Cup winners Michael event once again. The line up promises to be exceptional and head for New Zealand.” Lynagh and Sean Fitzpatrick. Players will be drawn from the will attract a fantastic crowd to help raise even more money England v Wales kicks off at 2.30pm on Saturday 6 August , northern and southern hemisphere professional game, the than in 2008. As a company we’re committed to supporting tickets starting at £30 for adults and £10 for under 16s from best players from the Armed Forces and the pick of the young rugby at all levels and are delighted to be lending our support rfu.com/tickets. Academy players. None will be paid to play. Coach and player to Help for Heroes in what will undoubtedly be a truly announcements will be made over the coming months. exciting event.” Jeff Blackett, Chairman Heroes Rugby Challenge Committee Help for Heroes celebrates its fourth birthday in October said: “I have received increasing numbers of requests to and the tri-service charity is urging people to continue to do SAFEGUARDING stage a second Help for Heroes match to follow the success their bit by supporting the Heroes Rugby Challenge. With of 2008. Although we live in a different economic and social adult ticket prices starting at £30 and great family deals on environment three years on, I have been overwhelmed by the offers show your support and buy your tickets to the Heroes POLICY enthusiasm of Help for Heroes, Simon Halliday, Lawrence Rugby Challenge via matchdaymail.rfu.com/press and THE RFU has long been at the forefront in ensuring Dallaglio, Jason Leonard and Ieuan Evans. They were all ticketmaster.co.uk that the sporting environment is a safe one for the young and the vulnerable. The Union’s new and updated Safeguarding Policy and guidance document is now available for all levels of . RFU LEGAL HELPLINE Safeguarding Young People and Vulnerable Adults within Over the past 12 months 127 calls have been made to the RFU Legal Helpline with more than 80 rugby organisations getting Rugby Union Policy & Guidance, replaces the previous legal advice on over 30 different topics ranging from leases to VAT and incorporation to data protection. This service is ‘Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union Guidance’ provided by the RFU in order to support volunteers. document with immediate effect. Please ensure that any Rugby administrators can simply call 0844 56 18177 and quote the scheme number 81066. Advisors are available 24 hours a day, seven future safeguarding related processes are carried out in days a week except for public holidays. Any club, Constituent Body or Referee Society administrator can use the service. Advice is free and accordance with this new document. calls are charged at 5p per minute when calling from a BT landline, mobile phone charges may vary. A PDF copy can be viewed on the RFU website Taunton RFC’s general manager Stephen Sanger-Davies said: “The service was certainly a big help to our club. We got instant and under Safeguarding Children or directly on rfu.com/ unbiased answers to our questions and I would certainly recommend it.” safeguardingpolicy Croner Consulting Ltd, a leading specialist company which supports 400,000 businesses in the UK, provides the service advising on all For further information please contact the RFU aspects of rugby operations including: Contract & Commercial Law, VAT, TAX, Payroll, Health and Safety, Employment Law and Personnel. Safeguarding Team on 0208 831 7454/79

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 2 21/06/2011 16:48 HQ NEWS ENGLAND RUGBY WORLD CUP TRAINING SQUAD ENGLAND has announced a 45-strong FORWARDS (25) BACKS (20) Preliminary Training Squad for the Rugby Mouritz Botha (Saracens) () World Cup. () ( Saints) All of the 2011 RBS 6 Nations squad are included, (Leicester Tigers) () while there are call-ups for Saracens’ Matt Stevens (London Irish) (Harelquins) and Mouritz Botha and wing Charlie (Leicester Tigers) (Sale ) Sharples, all of whom helped England Saxons retain Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers) (Leicester Tigers) the Churchill Cup against Canada. Paul Doran-Jones () Riki Flutey (London Wasps) Also named are Tom Waldrom and (Harlequins) (Northampton Saints) – Rugby Players’ Association Player and Aviva Hendre Fourie () (London Irish) Premiership Young Player of the Year respectively (Northampton Saints) (Saracens) – as well as Richard Wigglesworth from champions (Unattached) (Harelequins) Saracens. (Northampton Saints) Charlie Sharples () England Team Manager Martin Johnson said: (Bath Rugby) Joe Simpson (London Wasps) “Every one of these players has the chance to be (Bath Rugby) James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby) in that final 30 going to New Zealand. The camp (Stade Francais) (Saracens) is going to be intense and competitive, as you (London Wasps) (Gloucester Rugby) would expect leading up to a World Cup, but all the (Harlequins) Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers) players are ready for it. Simon Shaw (London Wasps) Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens) “We have guys such as Lewis, Jonny and Mike (Sale Sharks) () Tindall who have been in this situation before but Matt Stevens (Saracens) (Leicester Tigers) also a lot of players who won’t have experienced a Steve Thompson (Saracens) World Cup training camp. It’s now up to all of them Tom Waldrom (Leicester Tigers) The final 30-man squad will be announced to set down their marker over the next 10 weeks David Wilson (Bath Rugby) on Monday, August 22 before we head to New Zealand.” (Northampton Saints) (London Wasps) Martin Johnson HONOURS FOR BOTH MEN’S & WOMEN’S POPE’S GRAND RUGBY VOLUNTEERS

JOHN OWEN, a Director of the England Rugby CENTURY 2015 Board, Chairman elect of Trustees of the Hugh Godwin RFU’s Injured Players Foundation, former RFU President and formerly Council member for BRIAN POPE, England’s and Chairman of Community Rugby, oldest living international was awarded an MBE for services to rugby in the rugby union player, was recent Queen’s Birthday Honours. due to celebrate his 100th birthday on June 29, Awarded an OBE for services to women’s rugby and the was the for Women (RFUW) Union is marking the representative on the RFU Council and RFUW Chair occasion by presenting Deborah Griffin. him with an engraved John Owen played rugby for Cumbria to colts level, for silver salver. The England first XV, captained Cumbria Police and English Rugby Internationals Club Police v and . He is an Intermediate will also be giving him a Level coach, coached club and county youth teams framed picture and match for some 15 years and is Chairman of Cumbria Rugby report from his England Union. John was also in charge of FIRA/AER coach playing days. development, working closely with Pierre Villepreux, Though no longer able to former coach of , and was awarded a medal of get along to Twickenham honour for this work by FIRA in 2006. Stadium to watch matches A senior detective officer with Cumbria Constabulary in person, Brian was fit for 32 years and a qualified lecturer in criminal law, enough to play golf into his John also served on the Cumbria Discipline Committee 90s, achieving a hole in one for a decade. Former Chairman of the North Division, John Owen on the famous Maiden hole he served on many RFU working groups. A member at Royal St George’s in Sandwich aged 92. The course will be the venue for this of the Penrith RUFC Committee and coach of all their year’s Open Championship and it was at the clubhouse bar, over a pink gin or youth sections during very successful years in the ‘80s two, that Brian used to swap sporting stories with EW Swanton, the late rugby and ‘90s, he has been a tireless worker for rugby union, and writer and commentator, and fellow resident of Sandwich. and with his wife Joan a foster carer for more than Edward Brian Pope was born in Barnet in Hertfordshire in 1911 and attended 30 years. Uppingham School where he captained the rugby team in winter and the hockey Said John, “This award is an unexpected great honour team in the Easter term. Going up to Cambridge, at Clare College, he won his for me, for the RFU and Cumbria my home county. rugby blue in 1932, playing in the 8-3 defeat by Oxford at Twickenham, where It is also testament to all those who I have worked with Oxford included Vivian Jenkins at centre and Tuppy Owen-Smith, later an England throughout rugby over many years. When rugby gives full back. so much to those of us who play it, it is good to But Brian was already an England international by then, having played at scrum give something back when we are no longer taking to half in 1931 against Wales, Scotland and France at Twickenham, Murrayfield and the pitch.” Stade Colombes respectively. Deborah Griffin was appointed the first RFUW After an extraordinary 10-try affair in , England went to on representative to the RFU Council in 2010, a month Easter Monday, 1931, for what would turn out to be France’s last Championship before England hosted the largest ever Women’s match before 1947, due to arguments over professionalism. England led three Rugby World Cup which drew significant crowds to the times and scored three tries to two in the 14-13 defeat (under modern scoring Sports Park in Guildford and to the final at the values they would have been 19-16 winners). . The same Swanton reported the England captain Carl Aarvold’s post-match The existence of the tournament owes much to speech was gracious and in fluent French. Among Brian’s team-mates, Aarvold Deborah who, with the support of a small team of and John Tallent went on to be Presidents of the RFU. organisers, in 1991 staged the first Women’s World Cup Deborah Griffin Brian, whose club was Blackheath FC, later served in the RAF in World War in Cardiff. The tournament was a crucial development II, and was an underwriting company director, working on the Lloyds Insurance for the game and in 1998 the International Rugby Board first English Women’s club side at Finchley RFC. market. His grandson Andrew Watson is delighted to report Brian has remained endorsed the event to give it official status. Said Deborah, “The OBE is a marvellous recognition “a great supporter of England rugby” throughout his years of retirement. Her influence was instrumental in the formation of the strides that women’s rugby has made over Brian Pope for England: of the RFUW in 1984. She joined the RFUW as recent years and reflects the hard work of so v Wales, Twickenham, drew 11-11, 17 January 1931 Finance Director in 2002 and continued in that role many who I have been privileged to work with in v Scotland, Murrayfield, lost 28-19, 21 March 1931 until becoming Chair in 2005. Currently Director of administering and promoting women’s rugby. v France, Stade Colombes, Paris, lost 14-13, 6 April 1931 Corporate Finance at Deloitte, Deborah is also able to “The award perhaps reflects my longevity of service. look back on an illustrious 10-year playing career which However, the modern game is now very fortunate to began at University in 1978 and included captaining the have an army of committed volunteers.”

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 3 21/06/2011 16:48 HQ NEWS HIGGY HITS SHOPS COACH LICENSING & ONLINE ALISTAIR HIGNELL enjoyed three highly successful careers in sport: as an England COACHING ACADEMY rugby player, a county cricketer and a sports broadcaster. A much-loved figure in the sporting The RFU’s Coach Licensing world, he retired after being diagnosed with MS. Scheme kicks off this season across England, after successful pilots in Higgy’s has been a tough journey, and his story is East and Southern regions a fascinating example of strength and determination It recognises coaches who when faced with adversity. Appealing to a broad continually develop their own range of sports fans, this story is about setbacks and skills and knowledge by attending triumphs, about making the shift from the athletic coaching and CPD courses. The struggles of sport to the struggle of performing scheme is a voluntary one and is everyday tasks. supported by an online Coaching It’s the genuine and emotional story of how a highly Academy to support coaches at all successful sportsman faced up to a devastating illness levels of experience and expertise. and became one of the most inspiring personalities The website offers resources of our age. and features to enhance coach ‘Higgy’ will be available at the Rugby Store and development and enjoyment of RFU online at RFUDirect. coaching courses. IPF The Cannonball Run and the Injured Players Foundation (IPF) are unlikely bedfellows, but become partners this summer thanks to the efforts of John Oakden and his wife Sally, from Newby Bridge in the IPF BLAST OFF Lake District. Tony Simpson John became an IPF client when, in 1980 and just a month after his 16th birthday, he damaged his spine in a rugby accident at Sedbergh School. Luckily, if the term can be properly used, the spinal cord was crushed but not severed, a crucial distinction which has enabled him to rebuild his life to such an extent that he can embark on the Cannonball challenge to support organisations that helped him. His condition is technically described as ‘C4/C5 Quadriplegic’ and only after a long battle against his disabilities has he been able to reach a position where he can think about raising money for others. John and Sally are now embarking on an epic challenge. involving travelling 2500 miles across Europe in six days. Adding an extra dimension to the magical mystery tour is the Oakden’s decision to tackle the course in a 1974 Ford Granada, unlike many other entrants who favour modern supercars. The route and logistics of the trip, in which the winner is the car which comes closest to averaging 60mph over the journey, are not revealed to entrants until shortly before departure from each rest stop. Last year’s run started at Brooklands Motor Museum in Surrey with the first leg being to Portoroz on the Slovenian coast, 923 miles from Dunkirk! “We took the car to Monte Carlo last year and got home safely, although we used 11 litres of oil in the process, so we’ve had to fit a new engine.” says John. “We’re excited about the event and hopefully we can raise some money to give to Spinal Research, which is doing amazing work, and to the Injured Players Foundation, which has also helped us. We’ve raised some funds through our business customers at KC Inks in Kendal and we’re hoping to get more sponsors at the Sevens.” “We feel that we should try to give something back and this is something I can do, so we’re going for it. Any sponsorship that people can offer would be very much appreciated.” The link is: http://www.justgiving.com/ KC-Inks-Ltd COMMUNITY RUGBY

MAY THE RBS RUGBYFORCE BE WITH YOU! GUINNESS GRANT BIRMINGHAM BARBARIANS’ WISH Guinness Club Together winners, the Birmingham Barbarians, fulfilled every rugby fan’s dream recently by playing at Twickenham, their skills brought up to scratch by England coaches Brian Smith and Mike Ford, who took them through their paces at Richmond’s training ground. Arriving at Twickenham the teams were met by England coach for a pre match team talk. The two Birmingham Barbarian teams, the Vikings and the Saxons, lined up in the tunnel ready to make that dream run onto the pitch. With every team member giving it their all, the match ended in a fair 5-5 draw, with no team walking away losers…the perfect end to a once in a lifetime experience.

ENGLAND’S TOM PALMER and former Lions and England great Jason Leonard recently joined forces with the local community to help renovate the facilities of Wortley RFC as part of a nationwide community volunteer programme, RBS RugbyForce. A joint initiative between RBS and the Rugby Football Foundation, RBS RugbyForce awarded Wortley RFC a support package worth £5,000 to help change the face of their rugby club. Palmer and Leonard rolled up their sleeves with fellow volunteers to help the club undertake a number of key renovations. The team started off by tackling the clubhouse, CLUBS HELP TO PUT RUGBY AT THE making improvements to the changing room roof and replacing flooring tiles. A new ceiling was added to the main clubroom, with walls plastered, while the ladies and gents HEART OF RFU toilets were refurbished. Finally electricity was restored to both storage building and changing rooms. After a barbeque for all, Palmer and Leonard held a training session with TO PUT RUGBY at the heart of everything the RFU does as a governing body it is youth players. absolutely critical to gain a thorough understanding of clubs’ key issues and their individual Chinnor Rugby Club’s RBS RugbyForce weekend was their biggest volunteer project development ambitions which impact on the overall development of rugby in England. To develop this understanding, the RFU’s team of Rugby Development Officers met with in recent years, with members of their Friday Club directing 26 improvements. Some 80 clubs around the country conducting by far the biggest project of this nature that the Union members helped out and club catering staff also fed a team of junior footballers from has undertaken, with over 900 clubs participating. The feedback from both clubs and the field Thame’s twin town Montesson in France. Competing in a local tournament the French teams is that this was a successful and positive experience. The input of all the clubs has contingent couldn’t be accommodated by the soccer club so Chinnor RFC stepped in. beeninvaluable and the information is being compiled at both national and CB level, to gain For more information visit www.rbs.co.uk/rugbyforce the greatest insight before distribution through all RFU channels, in time for the new season.

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 4 21/06/2011 16:48 COMMUNITY RUGBY RUABLE NATIONAL MLD TAG RUGBY FINALS The RFU held its second National RUAble National Tag Rugby College and Glebe School. Finals at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Aylesbury, with SEN school Garry Hyndman, EFDS Event manager, said; “The RFU teams from across England having earned their place through put on an excellent tournament, showing disabled athletes regional qualifying festivals.Competition for the National another opportunity to be active. The finals were testament Moderate Learning Difficulty (MLD) tag rugby champions 2011 to the commitment of the young people taking part and their title was both fierce and sportsmanlike. enthusiasm for the sport. We look forward to welcoming the RFU Six teams of Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils took part in the finals, back in 2012” the showpiece event for the English Federation of Disability Chris Hargreaves, the RFU’s National MLD tag finals Sport’s (EFDS) three-day Festival of Sport for young disabled Co-ordinator and ’s Community Rugby Coach people. London Wasps’ Dave Walder presented the trophies focusing on disabled youngsters, said “This festival is part of our and the winners, decided by tries scored as points were even much broader programme aimed at giving young disabled people after each team had played 10 games, were Dove House School, the opportunity to play and get involved in our sport on a long- Basingstoke, with runners up Two Rivers School from Tamworth, term basis. The finals and regional feeder festivals demonstrate Staffordshire. The Spirit of Rugby award for fairplay and what is possible when there is the chance to get involved sportsmanship went to Stainburn school Workington, Cumbria. whatever your disability.” Other regions were represented by Rigby Hall School, Ellesmere DISABLED TAG RUGBY ON THE RISE Tony Simpson THE NORTH WEST Wooden Spoon to youngsters with learning difficulties, MLD/SLD Tag Rugby Festival at not only in their athletic achievement, but Blackburn RUFC was a testament to also in education and social development. the work being done to bring rugby Wooden Spoon has been a key experience to this area of education. partner along with the RFU and the The festival saw 39 teams from 29 schools standard of rugby played has steadily taking part, with 400 participants, and improved over the years. This year’s finals was the culmination of the North West’s involved quality rugby. disability tag rugby programme, which Testimonials to the success of the event engaged close to 600 young people this year. came from a number of schools, among It includes five local festivals, in-school them: coaching by the RFU CRC team and “Pupils really enjoyed themselves and the development opportunities for teachers, High School from Manchester ran out coaches and referees were fantastic with IN THE sponsored by Lancashire Wooden Spoon. winners against the Loyne School from all the participants, giving assistance when The team from Morecambe Road School Lancaster. Event organiser Stuart Urquhart needed but ensuring that the games flowed COMMUNITY won the MLD event beating Clare Mount said “The programme has been a huge and were enjoyable, to play and watch.” in the final, while in the SLD event Melland success and made a positive contribution Gavin Attwood, Redbridge High. FLOODLIT CRICKETERS, young farmers, the NHS, cage bird and horticulture clubs and people with learning difficulties are all part of Aspatria RUFC’s FAIRPLAY community support that earned the Cumbrians recognition in the President’s XV Awards SUCCESS sponsored by specialist business insurers QBE. A £500 cheque and trophy were presented by FOR SOUTH Cumbria’s representative on the RFU Council, Roger Hackney at a dinner attended by around 90 people. The President’s XV recognition capped a successful YOUNGSTERS season for the Bower Park club, who won promotion to North TWO BARCLAYS/WOODEN SPOON FAIR PLAY West One after an unbeaten projects have been a great success at the Springwell run extending back into Centre in Barnsley and a third, at the Nexus Centre November 2010. in , as part of the drive to help teenagers struggling in the education system to get back on-side. The eight-week programme saw all the students become knowledgeable and even able to referee the game. Said RFU Community Rugby Coach Andrew Gilmore Appleyard, “The boys also benefited from the life skills course, learning about money, interviews and other issues. Rugby’s core values formed a backdrop to those sessions and made a big impact.” Appleyard cited one discussion about anger and intimidation when a video of the All-Blacks Hakka demonstrated that anger and intimidation can be controlled. This was then linked to sportsmanship and respect exemplified through ‘rugby tunnels’, which the students emulated at the end of the practice sessions. All the players mastered basic rugby skills, with some standing out for their running and tackling abilities. Feedback from the students was positive, some saying COMPLIANT 7S it helped their confidence and anger management. The Compliant Global 7s are back for their biggest students also visited Barnsley RFC getting a tour of the year yet, as 16 of the UK’s leading banks, club, rugby exercises in the gym, a competitive game consultancies and financial services firms do and a kicking competition before receiving awards for battle. There will be entertainment, a champagne completing the course. tent, hog roast, hot tubs, live music, and a number Stephen Sells, a staff member at the centre, said: “We of household rugby names in attendance and were very impressed with the way rugby and the Fairplay fundraising for the police charity Child Victims of project helped. They obviously enjoyed the rugby element Crime. The tournament is at Rosslyn Park, London and hopefully that will open more doors but because of on the 6th of August. Tickets £5 on the gate. their enthusiasm for the sporting content, they also gained For more information email valuable life skills.” [email protected]

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 5 21/06/2011 16:48 COMMUNITY RUGBY TEDDINGTON HAC LIFT JUNIOR VASE STOKE SECURE TAKE SENIOR VASE Stefan Curtis INTERMEDIATE Tony Simpson EDWARDIANS FC 6 – 37 HAC RFC LITTLEBOROUGH RUFC 8-42 CUP London’s HAC RFC pulled off an emphatic six-try 37-6 win against fellow RFU Junior Vase finalists TEDDINGTON RFC Tony Simpson Edwardians FC at Twickenham Stadium. TEDDINGTON RFC beat Rochdale- AYLESFORD BULLS 10 – 16 HAC’s dominance in the pack resulted in two early tries, the first from hooker Thomas Dyson and based Littleborough RUFC 42-8 in STOKE-ON-TRENT the second from No. 8 Ben Woolf. Edwardians got onto the scoreboard with 20 minutes on the clock Twickenham’s RFU Senior Vase Final. Stoke-on-Trent came from behind to seize the through the boot of fly half David Gray, but the Birmingham club then saw captain Mike Bourke sin The Middlesex club, promoted in four silverware in the RFU Intermediate Cup Final. In binned. Both clubs then exchanged penalties to give HAC a 13-6 lead at the break. out of the last five seasons and current the proverbial game of two halves, Bulls had much In the second half, HAC scored early through wing Henry Monsell, sparking Edwardians into life, London 3 South West champions, the better of the first-half before Stoke raised their but they were unable to convert a period of sustained pressure into points and were punished by a secured their 62nd consecutive win in a game to claim the prize. well worked HAC try through wing Guy Stringer. Frenchman Robert Hankey got HAC’s fifth try and dominant display. Stoke snatched the lead after 10 minutes when skipper Robert Kerrigan added the sixth, with three minutes left on the clock. Captain and centre Jonathan Dickson fly-half Steve Talbot landed a penalty but the Bulls scored the first of Teddington’s seven tries went ahead from a driving maul after 23 minutes, and in the 21st minute Teddington grabbed Sam Carroll driving through for the score, their second try courtesy of flanker Dominic making the Bulls 5-3 ahead at the break. Stone. No.8 Tom Doran went over twice, That lead was lost when Talbot secured another either side of half time, to move the score to penalty Simon Price intercepted and raced away. 25-3. The Midlands side’s Simon Price pulled further Littleborough hit back with 25 minutes left ahead on 53 minutes when the centre collected the through lock Mark Forden but Mathew Jones ball from prop James Salt to secure his side’s first added a fifth try for Teddington, who last try and an 11-5 lead. The Bulls set up a tense finale lost a game on April 11 2009. The Antlers full with a try on 75 minutes when lock Peter Webdale back Ross Swanson finished off a brilliant galloped to the corner for a try that Harvey could team move and with just six seconds left on not convert. Desperation then delivered the final the clock, Teddington replacement Henry painful act for the Bulls. They tried a counter attack Kirchner took his side’s points tally to 42-8. from behind their own line and when the ball was spilled by Summers, centre Dickens pounced for the final try of the game.

CLUBS JUNIORS JUMPING WITH IDEAS

NAILSEA & BACKWELL BOOST CHECK EM CAMPAIGN NAILSEA & BACKWELL RFC U13s silent auction to secure local sponsorship for their away kit was the brainchild of Tina McManus who, together with husband Steve McManus, recently joined the club’s team of parents. The bids from local companies Burdens, Tall Pines, Goulds and H Sweet raised enough for the kit and an extra £500 to donate to the Tenovus charity and support the Testicular Cancer ‘Check ‘em’ Campaign.

OLD NORTHAMPTONIANS Lowestoft & Yarmouth were recently presented with £500 and a winner’s trophy after being named IN the 2011 Seal of Approval Club of the Year in the President’s XV Awards, supported by business insurer QBE. The prize went to the club’s burgeoning junior section at the same time as the men’s first team was celebrating promotion to London League 2 North East. Jerry Stone, chairman of L & Y’s junior rugby club, and a coaching co-ordinator for local schools, says “Rugby union is more than just a game. It’s about family, adding value to people’s lives and it’s about recognising what a good club can give them.” Lowestoft & Yarmouth, who achieved their Mini & Youth Seal of Approval last August, are believed to be the first club to offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme to young volunteers through their rugby activities. The club are looking to employ someone a part-time player-coach to work in local schools and are encouraging primary schools to treat tag as a summer sport, adding to the beach rugby already under way. When they host junior fixtures they invite more than one club so that the comparatively long journeys in the area are worthwhile. Junior players are ball boys at first-team matches, and each of the age group sides has its own flag that can bear the name of a local sponsor. They are also setting up a committee of young people, aged 10 to 17, to liaise with the main club committee. Old Northamptonians recently conducted two highly successful coaching sessions in the townships of South Africa during their tour to Cape Town. Thirty players and coaches organised the coaching with the support of SCORE (www.score.org.za) and Western Provence Rugby. Mark Kefford the Club Coach says “The first session was a real challenge. It was supposed to be for REED ENDS 10-YEAR 100 children so when 280 turned up our resources were stretched but we adapted quickly to ensure the children got the maximum out of it and the kit that we left will provide a great legacy. I am truly proud of what we achieved and it will live in our memories forever.” STINT Thousands of pounds had been raised to supply over 150 rugby balls, kit, training bibs, cones and Paul Bolton bags for the children to keep. Money was raised through partnership packages raising sponsorship with FORMER LABOUR MP Andy Reed enjoyed mixed fortunes when he bowed out after local and international business such as Regus UK, The Qube, CS2, Stuart and co, and 5 Point Financial 10 years as president of Birstall rugby club. In his annual president’s match, his Samurai Planning. In addition many fund raising events were held in the shape of a 20:20 cricket tournament, XV were “thrashed” 47-12 by Birstall first team, but he helped raise about £1,500 for Rich club lunches, Christmas bazaar, New Year ball, bucket shakes, bag packing at supermarkets and quiz Englegardt, the Birstall player who suffered a broken neck at the start of last season, and nights. These events were all well supported and raised a significant amount of money. the Rugby Football Foundation. Reed, who joined Birstall in 1983, picked a team which A spokesperson for SCORE said, “As a result of this visit a renewed interest in rugby as a sport has included former Leicester Tigers winger Freddie Tuilagi and Ikram Butt, the first Asian to emerged which is a great challenge and wonderful opportunity for the staff at the centre. They are play . He said, “We managed to get thrashed by the first team, who have not planning on starting a school league which to date has been off the school sport agenda.” had the best of seasons. I think they saved the best until last. It’s time for fresh blood.”

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 6 21/06/2011 16:48 CLUBS STEELERS WIN GORDANO SHARKS TURN TIDE Only four years ago youth rugby at Gordano This last season Gordano Sharks U15s found a Sharks RFC was struggling and the then U11 good balance, with healthy competition for places, side disbanded for lack of players. This saw John five now playing for Vikings. The team recorded Critchley, coach of the club’s now U15s, lead a 10 wins out of 16. They also reached the semi- recruitment drive, forming links with local state finals of the local cup competition, with much secondary schools like Gordano and Backwell. of their success due to the hard work of coaches Pupils, predominantly footballers in a football John Critchley, Ben Livings and Kevin Instance. focussed area, experiencing rugby for the John Critchley said, “Hopefully, next season we first time at secondary school, discovered an can go one step further and win the silverware. enjoyment the game, largely due to rugby’s core We’ve got a great bunch of lads and I’m sure values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline with a bit more practice we can compete at the and sportsmanship. Players who had moved on to highest level.” other clubs also wanted to return to Gordano. Next season will bring the squad’s first tour This combination saw a Gordano U13s side and they now have a smart new kit sponsored GAY RUGBY CLUB RFC, retained the European champions title reintroduced in 2008. The first season was by ‘Kenny Group’, a local building and civil for the third time recently when they won the Union Cup. This biennial tournament difficult, with players new to the game coming up engineering contractor. Says Captain Ben Baxter, saw the London-based club win the XVs section and the second team runners-up in the against experienced opposition. However, there a “The team is in really good shape with great tens. The final saw the Steelers XV beat their old rivals the Manchester Spartans 29-0, comprehensive win against local rivals Nailsea & morale. The most pleasing thing is that many while their tens team took on the Parisian side Le Coq Festif, who won 27-7. For more Backwell lifted spirits. former football players are now confirmed information about the Kings Cross Steelers RFC visit www.kxsrfc.com The 2009/10 season saw players gaining in rugby lovers.” experience and confidence. There were more The club recently became one of the few in wins, more players joining the squad and three the area to gain the RFU Seal of Approval and were selected for the local district side: North permission to build floodlights will enable LET’S HEAR IT FOR COBHAM Somerset Vikings. evening training.

Cobham U18s completed another successful season, with a 28-12 win against Esher cementing their place as undefeated winners of Surrey League One for 2010/11. This makes them Surrey champions for eight straight seasons, from U11 through to U18, in which they have not lost a game (apart from two defeats on a tour to South Africa at U16). This season they fielded both A and B teams in Surrey League One and recently beat the Independent Schools Barbarians 37-31. Nine Cobham players also played in the Surrey U21 Cup Final. RAGING STUDENT BULLS Tony Simpson REGIONAL HONOURS finished even at the Raging Bull ‘Cock-o-the-North’ Colts finals at Huddersfield RUFC when Lymm Colts came from behind to beat Sheffield 28-20 in the final game of the four-match programme, the Challenge Cup. Old Brodleians gave the White Rose challenge a successful start with a 31-22 win over Warrington in the Challenge Bowl and Wheatley Hills from Doncaster made it a Yorkshire double when they beat Fleetwood 22-10 in the Challenge Trophy. Caldy then hit back with the first part of a double, beating host club Huddersfield 20-3 in the Challenge Vase and it was left to Lymm to square up the proceedings and complete a great afternoon of top-quality Colts rugby with their win over Sheffield. Lymm celebrate their win WEYMOUTH WORK FOR WIN In Weymouth RFC and HMS Portland’s second outs, enabling winger Dean Parker to charge annual fixture it was Weymouth who ran out down a Portland clearance and touch down an worthy winners tying the two-match ‘series’ one all. unconverted try making it 12-0 at the break. The game’s opening 20 minutes saw missed In the second half HMS Portland’s changes made opportunities for both sides before Weymouth’s an impact when they burst over for a try in the Man of the Match Joe Gibson broke the deadlock corner. Weymouth then produced a converted by setting up and scoring a try which scrum-half try under the posts before, in the dying moments Nathan Allan converted. Weymouth kept up the HMS Portland added a second try as a consolation pressure, turning over Portland scrums and line- 19-10.

BISHOP’S MOVE

BISHOP STORTFORD COLTS sealed a highly successful season with a 41-8 win against Devonport Services to win the English National Plate at Northampton Saints’ Franklin’s Gardens. This seals a treble for Stortford who had already won their Saracens Herts Middlesex League Colts Division and the Hertfordshire County Cup final.

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 7 21/06/2011 16:48 CLUBS YORKSHIRE CUPS RETURN TO HUDDERSFIELD RIGHT ROYAL RUGBY AT HUDDERSFIELD RUFC enjoyed a successful season with both their First XV and CIRENCESTER 7S Academy side bringing home Yorkshire Cups to Lockwood Park. Inaugurated in the 1877/78 season, the Yorkshire Cup (or ‘T’owd Tin Pot) is probably the oldest rugby union competition in Great Britain, with the original trophy still used. Huddersfield’s First XV triumph in the Centurion Yorkshire Cup was their first since 1890. The Yorkshire Cup success came at the end of Huddersfield’s third season in , and included a 51-13 rout of Wharfedale in the semi-final. In an action-packed final against Hull, Huddersfield’s stand-out players were Chris Johnson, who scored four penalties and a drop goal, and Lee Paxman, who ran 40 yards to score a try. The final score was 25-18. The route to Huddersfield Academy’s Yorkshire Cup win wasn’t an easy one, with Huddersfield beating Sheffield 2-1 in a deciding kick off after a final scoreline of 14-14. The Academy side lifted the cup after a 10-5 win over York, after being 5-3 down at the break. Mike Baggs, Huddersfield’s Junior/Academy coach of 14 years said: “I’ve coached many of the lads from when they were in the U6 teams, and it’s a fantastic way of finishing my coaching career.” The season was also notable for Dereck Tasker, Huddersfield’s treasurer, who celebrated 25 years in the post. He has been instrumental in raising funds for the club, including securing a lottery grant of £2 million. Huddersfield’s chairman, Mick Brown, said: “Dereck is very proud of the facilities on offer, and shows boundless enthusiasm for running the club and balancing the books.”

Cirencester RFC’s annual sevens tournament marked 34 years of sevens at the club, with over 400 players competing and financial support from Friar Tuck, Urban 18, Relish and The Rotary Club of Cirencester. Cirencester won the U18s Hugh Evans Memorial Shield and the U11s D & J Sports Shield, and finished runners-up at U16, U15 and U14. In the U16s an unbeaten Cleve won the Halcrow Shield following an excellent 38-5 win against Cirencester, whilst Bredon Star snatched the Alder King U14s shield, Bath winning the Kellanda Cotswolds U13s shield and Dursley successful in the John Sawyer U12s shield. The two girls’ competitions were won by Chipping Sodbury at U18s and Super Miren in the U15s. Peter Barefoot of CRFC closed the event by presenting Youth Chairman, John Fowler, with the ‘Cones Award’ to mark his valuable input over the years. YARNBURY TRIBUTE TO YOUNG CANCER VICTIM Tony Simpson SPECIAL MEMORIES of a young rugby union player who lived life as a true sportsman were refreshed recently at Yarnbury RUFC when friends and team-mates of Oli Simcoe-Shelton, a former Colts player at Brownberrie Lane, played a fund-raising match in his honour raising £1,500 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The 20-year-old died of cancer earlier this year and his team mates arranged a match against the current Colts to raise funds for the Trust. Players returned from universities and jobs all over the country and one player returned from Germany where he is based with the Army. Oli was treated in the Teenage Cancer Unit at St James Hospital in and funds from the Yarnbury effort will be going to the unit, which relies heavily on voluntary contributions. Eric Simpson was instrumental in securing donations for a post-match auction and thanks are due to the many businesses in Yeadon, Horsforth, Guiseley and Rawdon who donated generously, together with the people who made bids and contributed to other fund-raising schemes. Money was also raised for a bench at Yarnbury in celebration of Oli’s life. BARKERS BUTTS IN THE PINK HEMSWORTH JUBILEE Tom Somerville Tony Simpson THE WEST COUNTRY was recently RUGBY UNION in invaded by the pink shirted legions of Barkers Hemsworth, South Butts RFCs mini and junior players touring to Yorkshire, was first raise money for Breast Cancer Research. Over played when Old 180 children donned pink tour shirts, the Hilmians, the Old charity’s colour, for games at Barnstaple and Boys of Hemsworth a triangular tournament against Bude and Grammar School, took Wootton Bassett’s youngsters. The tour was on British Bemberg hugely enjoyed and over £1700 was raised for (Doncaster) RFC in Breast Cancer Research. 1934. Out of a thriving Old Boys Association, Hemsworth RUFC was formed in 1960 and opened up to all-comers, and now celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the club continues to draw players from across the area. They have been using the milestone to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity through a game against Pontefract RUFC Select Pythons. The highlights of Hemsworth’s 50 year history are their victory in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy in 1983/84 and winning the prestigious Yorkshire Shield in 1986/87. Last season Hemsworth won the Gerry Roberts Memorial Trophy for clubs, with only six players who played in that final having played regularly for the senior side this season, a sign of the club’s progression. The second team has achieved great success this season; losing just once and winning the South Yorkshire Merit table. The main celebration event is the Anniversary Reunion at Moxon Fields on Saturday, September 10, and club officials are keen to get as many former players along as possible.

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 8 21/06/2011 16:48 SCHOOLS INVITE TO ISLE OF MAN BUCHAN SCHOOL, on the Isle of Man runs Saturday sessions for all ages up to under 11s and the success of their Saturday morning rugby led in 2007 to the employment of a specialist teacher of boys’ PE and Games, Neil MacGregor, who has developed rugby in school time, at after school clubs and on tours to the mainland. For the last three years the school has qualified for the National Tag Rugby finals at Rugby School, and their U11s recently won the Rossall Schools 7s and also had 12 a side wins over St Mary’s College, Stonyhurst and Kirkham Grammar. An enthusiastic group of parents have qualified as coaches to help out on Saturdays. The geographical isolation of the Isle of Man and the fact that Buchan are the only island primary school playing contact rugby is overcome by a monthly tournament against the island’s club sides. English schools and clubs are actively encouraged to visit. Kirkham Grammar tour there every year. It’s a great place and any schools or clubs looking for somewhere different to tour next year should contact Neil MacGregor on 01624 820481 or e-mail [email protected] TWICKENHAM THRILLER FOR DERBYSHIRE GIRLS DELIGHT An audience of 64,000, at Twickenham, for the Army v Navy game in May provided a group THE CURRENT YEAR 11 team at Queen of girls from Range High School, Formby with Elizabeth’s Grammar School Ashbourne a dream opportunity. Following their victory in have won the Derbyshire Schools trophy the North West Emerging Schools Advanced every year since they first played the Tag Rugby tournament, the Year 7 and 8 girls game in Year 7. This year the narrow win were invited to play in the National Girls’ Rugby over Lady Manners School, Bakewell was Showcase at half-time during the Babcock Trophy secured without the presence of England game against South West Champions Pool player (and Leicester Academy recruit) Academy. On a day of services rugby, it was fitting George Tresidder or NLD centre Oliver that the Range girls’ playing kit was generously Fewtrell who were both injured. Coached sponsored by the RAF! by Head of PE Martin Farr they have been a huge credit to the school.

STUDENTS MANCHESTER STUDENTS PASS TAG TEST XAVERIAN CATHOLIC SIXTH FORM COLLEGE students from Manchester recently organised every element of a tag rugby festival as part of the college’s first year Btec Sport and the second year HSLA courses. To prepare for the event all the students completed six certificates and went through an enhanced CRB check. They approached local primary schools – Webster, Holy Name, Plymouth Grove, Our Lady’s and Heald Place – to coach Year 4 pupils. The Xaverian students organised, refereed and kept score, whilst managing over 150 pupils and a visit from Sharky, the Sale Sharks mascot. The children enjoyed a 70ft inflatable Dragon Assault course and drinks and honey bars supplied by local beekeeper Craig Hughes of Crossmoor Honey. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Mark Hackett awarded medals to all the children, with the winning shield going to Our Lady’s Primary School. An added bonus was a £250 charity donation. Youngsters with the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Mark Hackett DOMINANT DURHAM COACHING Tony Simpson contributed from a number of local universities, including Manchester and University of Wales Institute Cardiff produced Metropolitan, UCLan, and Liverpool Hope. The tournament COACHES a tremendous final of the British Universities and Colleges Sport also provided invaluable game time for 23 referees recruited from (BUCS) Sevens Championship at Preston Grasshoppers. Durham Federation Development Squads across England by the North West’s snatched the prize by a two-point margin, getting their hands on a Referee Development Manager Paul Renton. GET THE second trophy at UWIC’s expense winning 29-27. There was no close finish in the Women’s finale as UWIC ensured The event was the product of five regional qualification festivals in that there was a trophy to take back to Cardiff via a handsome 48-7 which over 40 teams participated. The huge volume of organisational victory over Leeds Met. The top four men’s and women’s teams go on and admin work provides opportunities for students to expand their to the Prestigious European Students Festival, while Durham have a BEST awareness of what is involved in sports event management. Under place at Twickenham in the Middlesex Charity 7s. Former England and Paul Bolton the guidance of Student Liaison Officers (RUSLO) Richard Marelli British Lions captain Bill Beaumont OBE and Bob Reeves, RFU Chair of (Midlands) and John Livesey (North West), an army of volunteers Student Rugby and RFU Junior Vice President, presented the trophies. FORMER INTERNATIONAL full backs Thinus Delport and and RESULTS: ex- and Gloucester prop Men’s Plate final Tony Windo topped the bill at a successful Bath 19 26 inaugural Warwickshire Coaching Conference Men’s Cup final at ’s . UWIC 27 Durham 29. Delport, now player/coach at National League One club Stourbridge and a Sky Sports pundit, Women’s Plate final ran the first session using members of the Manchester 7 Exeter 39 Warwickshire Under 15s squad to demonstrate. Women’s Cup final Windo, the new director of rugby at Bromsgrove UWIC 48 Leeds Met 7. School, ran a technical session on scrummaging. Former England full-back Hodgkinson ran the final session on kicking techniques. The conference was attended by 50 coaches representing more than 20 Warwickshire clubs and schools.

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 9 21/06/2011 16:48 CBS NINE TRY REGAIN LANCASHIRE DO BILL PROUD UNDER 20 TITLE LANCASHIRE 32 – 23 HERTFORDSHIRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE 62 – 30 HAMPSHIRE LANCASHIRE completed a hat trick of Bill Beaumont Cup victories and carried Tony Simpson off the County Championship for a record 21st time when they produced a powerful second-half display to get the better of a tenacious Hertfordshire Gloucestershire reclaimed the winning 32 – 23 at Twickenham. National Under 20 Championship Both sides kept the ball in hand at every opportunity and exhinited some robust at their Twickenham final against defensive play but the only try of the opening period on nine minutes stemmed from a Hampshire, who rocked the delicate piece of footwork by Lancashire fly-half Alex Davies. His well-timed chip into favourites from the outset. Fly- the Hertfordshire in-goal area saw centre Matthew Riley gather unchallenged and score. half Chris Lewis landed three Davies added the conversion and a later penalty to keep the Red Rose men ahead 10-6 at long-range penalties in the first the break, full-back Richard Gregg slotting a brace of penalties for Hertfordshire to keep 12 minutes before Gloucestershire them in contention. centre Brett Turner replied with a Lancashire extended their lead with a second try after 47 minute as Hughes got into penalty and wingman Reuben Haile his stride on the right flank, two solid hand-offs giving him a clear run to the line. Ollie cut the deficit further snapping up Brennand, also showed nimble finishing skills for another Lancashire try, lock Louis reduce the arrears to two points at 29-27. a loose ball and sprining home. McGowan and replacement James Moore swelling their try tally to five. Hertfordshire Gloucestershire pulled ahead with a Tom Emery Hampshire struck again with tries from gained reward for their tenacity when flanker Laurence White and replacement Ollie try, but Hampshire hit back with their sixth wingmen Myles Roberts-Bailey and Jaryd Cooper-Miller crossed, Gregg converting the latter, and the game closed with replacement penalty through replacement Jack Parsons. Robinson, a conversion from Lewis putting Jack Micans crossing for his team’s third try on the final whistle. his side 21-8 ahead after 19 frantic minutes. Again Gloucestershire hit back quickly, another Gloucestershire responded with a try from flanker forward drive producing Brown’s second try and Kurt Brown that Turner converted and though a conversion from Turner before a thundering Lewis was on target again with a penalty shot, trademark burst for a try under the posts by scrum-half Sam Arnott nipped through for a try Haile and a hat trick score for the wingman again converted by Turner. Wingman Spencer courtesy of a pass in goal from Sutherland, Sutherland’s try put his side ahead for the first both goaled by Turner. The last word went to time Turner‘s boot put Gloucestershire 29-24 replacement wingman Richard Harrington after ahead at half-time. a burst by replacement hooker Callum Stonier, Lewis landed his sixth successful kick to Turner converting. ENGLAND COUNTIES TICK ALL BOXES Tony Simpson England Counties completed their fifth successive unbeaten summer tour when they proved too strong for the Spanish national side in Valladolid and produced the perfect ending to another trip that ticked all the boxes. The 55-6 win underlined the growing quality of Counties XV rugby season on season. Given that the side had an average age of just 22 years and 60 days, beating a side ranked 23 in IRB ratings was a source of great pride. Victory in the final game followed comfortable wins in the two ‘warm-up’ games against representative teams from Madrid and Castilla Leon. The opening eight-try 53-10 win FINAL OF TWO HALVES over Madrid had a reasonably competitive edge, whereas the second match in Salamanca, which the Counties won 104-10, was never a serious contest once the visitors had weathered an early spell of DORSET & WILTS 43-22 SURREY pressure and started to find some real fluency. DORSET & WILTS retained their County Championship Shield Crown with a “I’m extremely pleased with the way the trip has gone,” said Manager Michael Old: “We had three good second-half try blitz of Surrey. After trailing 19-17 just after halftime, the men in successes and built on every game. We had a good group of lads who came together extremely quickly and white romped away with tries from Lewis Warner, Scott Chislett and two from stayed together for the whole tour. They were a credit to English rugby and England Counties throughout Chippenham replacement Tom Baldwin. the trip, thanks in no small part to the great job Gareth Collins did as our tour captain.” Dorset & Wilts Head Coach Simon Culley said: “It was a slow start but we stuck to our game England Counties are now unbeaten in 16 summer tour games stretching back five years to a defeat plan, which is based around speed and width and to score those extra tries at the end of the by Podmoscovie in Moscow on June 12, 2007. They have now played 40 games in total since 2002, game was the icing on the cake.” winning 29 and drawing two. Dorking No 10 Matt Noble secured a third-minute penalty as the local side dominated the first 10 minutes. And it was all Surrey as scrum half Steve Munford crashed over and Noble converted for a 10-0 lead. Midway through the first half Dorset & Wilts rallied and Clilverd went over for a try, converted by captain Adam Westall, to close the gap to three points. Westall then crossed from a line-out move and converted before he and Noble traded penalties to leave Dorset & Wilts leading 17-16 at halftime. Noble landed his fourth penalty to put his side ahead at 19-17 as the second half started in similar ding-dong fashion before Warner and Baldwin waded in, followed by Chislett Results: Castilla Leon 10 – 104 England Counties and then Baldwin again to Madrid 24 – 53 England Counties 53 Spain 6 – 55 England Counties 55 secure the silverware 43-22. REFEREES HIGH FIVE FIVE REFEREES have made it into England’s top tier of GRESHAM’S GET RECOGNISED match officials, having been promoted to the RFU’s National International rugby referee Wayne Panel of Referees. The new panel referees for next season Barnes recently visited to Gresham’s are Tom Foley ( Referee Society), Jonathan Healey School, in Norfolk to congratulate the (Somerset Referee Society), David Proctor (North Midlands school on their Centre of Excellence Award Referee Society), Fergus Kirby (Durham Referee Society), from the RFU. He presented Gresham’s and Rob Warburton (London Referee Society). headmaster, Phillip John, with one of his Outside the Elite Referees Unit, the National Panel of Referees IRB referee jerseys from the RBS 6 Nations. contains the best 45 referees in the country, and the Referee Referee development manager for the Development team, volunteer coaches and match observers have all region, Dave Broadwell, said: “To have had a key role to play in the referees’ development and progression. such excellent facilities available for referee As a student at Bristol University, Tom Foley established the Bristol development within Norfolk and also for University Referee Society, while Fergus Kirby is a final year student nearby counties is very much appreciated at Durham University and president of the Durham University by the RFU. Hosting referee courses at Referee Society. Head of Referee Development, Richard Glynne- the school means we can offer first class Jones, said: “We are particularly pleased that Fergus and Tom have benefitted from being part of University Referee Societies and facilities, which enhances the experience of New National Panel have high hopes that the establishment of referee societies at other Gresham’s School headmaster Phillip John with all those involved.” Referee, Fergus Kirby universities will further add to the development of young referees.”

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 10 21/06/2011 16:48 CHAMPIONSHIP RFU CHAMPIONSHIP new boys London Scottish will kick off their campaign against visiting Titans on the weekend of September 3. CHAMPIONSHIP Scottish, who saw off Barking to claim the National One League title, will then travel to Bristol Rugby, bidding to get back in the Aviva Premiership 2011-2012 after a three-season break. The season will start on the weekend of September 3 and include a two-legged semi final for the first time. FIXTURES Rugby, Moseley v London Welsh Rugby, Rugby v Moseley Moseley, London Welsh v Bristol Rugby Round 1 (September 3): Moseley v Cornish Round 7 (October 15): Leeds Carnegie v Round 13 (December 3): v Round 19 (January 28): Cornish Pirates v London Pirates, v Bristol Rugby, London Moseley, Plymouth Albion v London Scottish, London Scottish, Esher Rugby v Nottingham Welsh, Doncaster Knights v Esher Rugby, London Scottish v , Leeds Carnegie v v Doncaster Knights, Nottingham Rugby, London Welsh v , Rotherham Scottish v Nottingham Rugby, Leeds Carnegie v London Welsh, Plymouth Albion v Esher Rugby, Rugby v Cornish Pirates, Esher Rugby v Bristol Titans v Plymouth Albion, Bristol Rugby v Leeds Bedford Blues, Bristol Rugby v Rotherham Titans, Nottingham Rugby v Bedford Blues Rugby, London Welsh v Rotherham Titans Carnegie, Moseley v Doncaster Knights Moseley v Plymouth Albion Round 2 (September 10): Cornish Pirates v Round 8 (October 22): Cornish Pirates v Esher Round 14 (December 10): London Scottish v Round 20 (February 4): Bedford Blues v Doncaster Knights, Esher Rugby v Bedford Blues, Rugby, Doncaster Knights v Nottingham Rugby, Doncaster Knights, Leeds Carnegie v Cornish Plymouth Albion, Nottingham Rugby v Leeds London Welsh v Plymouth Albion, Rotherham London Scottish v Bedford Blues, Leeds Carnegie Pirates, Plymouth Albion v Bristol Rugby, Bedford Carnegie, Esher Rugby v London Scottish, London Titans v Leeds Carnegie, Bristol Rugby v London v Plymouth Albion, Bristol Rugby v London Welsh, Blues v Rotherham Titans, Nottingham Rugby v Welsh v Doncaster Knights, Rotherham Titans v Scottish, Moseley v Nottingham Rugby Moseley v Rotherham Titans London Welsh, Esher Rugby v Moseley Cornish Pirates, Bristol Rugby v Moseley Round 3 (September 17): Doncaster Knights Round 9 (October 29): Plymouth Albion v Round 15 (December 24): Cornish Pirates v Round 21 (February 18): Cornish Pirates v v Moseley, London Scottish v Cornish Pirates, Moseley, Bedford Blues v Leeds Carnegie, Plymouth Albion, Doncaster Knights v Leeds Bristol Rugby, Doncaster Knights v Rotherham Leeds Carnegie v Bristol Rugby, Plymouth Albion v Nottingham Rugby v London Scottish, Esher Rugby Carnegie, London Welsh v Esher Rugby, Titans, London Scottish v London Welsh, Leeds Rotherham Titans, Bedford Blues v London Welsh, v Doncaster Knights, London Welsh v Cornish Rotherham Titans v Nottingham Rugby, Bristol Carnegie v Esher Rugby, Plymouth Albion v Nottingham Rugby v Esher Rugby Pirates, Rotherham Titans v Bristol Rugby Rugby v Bedford Blues, Moseley v London Scottish Nottingham Rugby, Moseley v Bedford Blues Round 4 (September 24): Cornish Pirates v Round 10 (November 5): Cornish Pirates v Round 16 (December 31): Leeds Carnegie v Round 22 (February 25): Bedford Blues v Leeds Carnegie, Doncaster Knights v London Rotherham Titans, Doncaster Knights v London London Scottish, Plymouth Albion v Doncaster Nottingham Rugby, Esher Rugby v Plymouth Scottish, London Welsh v Nottingham Rugby, Welsh, London Scottish v Esher Rugby, Leeds Knights, Bedford Blues v Cornish Pirates, Albion, London Welsh v Leeds Carnegie, Rotherham Titans v Bedford Blues, Bristol Rugby v Carnegie v Nottingham Rugby, Plymouth Albion v Nottingham Rugby v Bristol Rugby, Esher Rugby v Rotherham Titans v London Scottish, Bristol Rugby Plymouth Albion, Moseley v Esher Rugby Bedford Blues, Moseley v Bristol Rugby, Rotherham Titans, London Welsh v Moseley v Doncaster Knights, Cornish Pirates v Moseley Round 5 (October 1): London Scottish v Round 11 (November 19):Bedford Blues v Round 17 (January 7): Cornish Pirates v Moseley, Leeds Carnegie v Doncaster Knights, Moseley, Nottingham Rugby v Plymouth Albion, Nottingham Rugby, Doncaster Knights v Bedford STRUCTURE Plymouth Albion v Cornish Pirates, Bedford Blues Esher Rugby v Leeds Carnegie, London Welsh v Blues, London Scottish v Plymouth Albion, The only change this season sees the promotion v Bristol Rugby, Nottingham Rugby v Rotherham, London Scottish, Rotherham Titans v Doncaster Rotherham Titans v London Welsh, Bristol Rugby v semi-finals played over two legs home and Esher Rugby v London Welsh Knights, Bristol Rugby v Cornish Pirates Esher Rugby, Moseley v Leeds Carnegie away on the weekend of May 5 &12, before the Round 6 (October 8): Cornish Pirates v Bedford Round 12 (November 26): Doncaster Knights v Round 18 (January 14): Plymouth Albion v Championship final scheduled for May 23 & 30. Blues, Doncaster Knights v Plymouth Albion, Cornish Pirates, London Scottish v Bristol Rugby, Leeds Carnegie, Bedford Blues v London Scottish, London Scottish v Leeds Carnegie, Rotherham Leeds Carnegie v Rotherham Titans, Plymouth Nottingham Rugby v Doncaster Knights, Esher Titans v Esher Rugby, Bristol Rugby v Nottingham Albion v London Welsh, Bedford Blues v Esher Rugby v Cornish Pirates, Rotherham Titans v SERVICES 17 PORT & MARITIME REGIMENT sailed ARMY SEVENS away with the Army 7s title recently in a finals ARMY NAVY SETS NEW RECORDS event which drew 16 men’s Regimental teams SUCCESS and six women’s Corps squads to Aldershot The Army v Navy record 62,799 crowd enjoyed a great display of rugby as the Army and demonstrated that, Army rugby is thriving scored seven tries against a well prepared Royal Navy side to regain the BABCOCK despite pressure of ‘ops’. Inter Services Crown by 44–10. Another record was set too with Reds lock Ben Hughes winning his 32nd Army , an Army – Navy record and one more than Bob Marchwood Dolphins based in Southampton Armstrong of the Royal Marines. waters produced a polished display – despite the non-availability of some players between the Edinburgh and Bournemouth Sevens. Coach Isoa Damudamu, currently injured, covered all the angles of preparation and motivation. Skippered by Petero Rokomadu the Dolphins played attractive rugby against a strong Royal Welsh team. Eliki Vakalalabure marshalled his men but it was the speed and guile of Army cap Malakai Magnus that attracted two-on-one marking and earned him Player of the Tournament after the Dolphins19-12 victory. The Women’s final saw The Gunners use all round speed and fitness to beat the Army Medics 19-12. Maz Claassens, the women’s Player of the Tournament, shone for the Medics. However, the Artillery controlled possession skilfully with Army fullback Katie Garside in ebullient form. GREAT FAREWELL FOR ARMY REFEREES COACHES BACK TO SCHOOL FOR REFS When Wellington College, in Berkshire, hosted the annual International Schoolboys Festival it was a huge success in the development of up and coming match officials from across the globe. Headed by National Panel Development Manager Steve Leyshon and National Panel Development Officer Mikel Mellick, the 10 referees oversaw all matches, while also taking charge of fixtures in the RFU Championship, BUCS tournament, National Leagues and local league fixtures. Andrew Hosie (Canada), Graeme Wells (Scotland) and Luc Janssens (Belgium) were joined by RFU National Panel referees Greg MacDonald, Matt Carley, Centre Dani Phan slices through for first of three tries Wayne Falla, Shane Lewis, Jonathon Healy and Tom Foley. Each game was filmed and reviewed, with RFU match THE WOMEN’S Army v Navy match saw the Navy fight gallantly against observers and referee coaches Chris White, Mike Winnell, Peter Farrell, Jerry Wallis, Clive Nicholas, Geoff Blackburn, an on form Army team right to the final whistle but the Army squad was Sam Collins, Murray Halliday, Colin McDonald, Karl Kirkpatrick and Alan Biggs on hand to discuss and review individual unstoppable, securing a 66 -0 victory. Their team put on an enjoyable performances. exhibition for head coach Dean Lewis and two supporting coaches Gary Hearn Said Leyshon, “The wide range of rugby that the team is exposed to over the Festival week is what makes the event and Lee Whetton who leave the Army at the end of the season. During the unique – from schoolboy internationals to gritty Gloucester league derbies – the element of change keeps the team on season, the Army overcame tough opposition, including Scotland, Holland its toes and experiencing a different rugby culture.” and clubs from the Premiership and scored well over 100 points in the Inter Services Championship.

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Touchline - JUNE.indd 11 21/06/2011 16:48 RFUW ENGLAND A WIN EUROPEAN TROPHY England A Women were crowned European Trophy champions after seeing off hosts Spain in a tight 5-3 final victory. Spain were the only side to put any points on England who didn’t concede a single point against A, the Netherlands and Russia. The final saw England only take the lead in last minute of the game. Lichfield No.8 sealing the victory with the 70th minute try. England A Head Coach Mike Barnett said: “It was a tense, heart stopping game, and we were on the edge of our seats for most of the match, but we pulled through and sealed the victory. The whole point of this campaign was to give the players a tough experience and we certainly got that. Certainly a lot of our players have put their hands up for selection higher up the England ladder.” England defeated Italy A 5-0, Netherlands 36-0 and Russia 39-0 on route to the final.

ELITE PLAYING SQUAD NAMED FOR NEXT SEASON Julia Hutton THE ENGLAND WOMEN’S Elite Playing squad (EPS) for the 2011/2012 season and for the forthcoming season will benefit from RFUW changes to the programme. The EPS, selected through the traditional England trial process, including the RFUW Divisional Programme and the new England Sevens Open Trials, includes two new players in the XVs squad and nine sevens players. A number of other EPS athletes will also support the sevens programme. By changing the focus the RFUW will deliver an enhanced programme with more position specific coaching in both XVs and sevens and longer international camp time, strengthening the delivery of the divisional programme. New to the EPS this season is Lichfield No. 8 Harriet Millar-Mills and Bristol’s , who both played for England U20s this season. In the sevens squad Jennifer Brightmore, Hannah Field, Sonia Green, Rose Jay, Charlotte Keane, Ruth Laybourne, Lydia Thompson and Charlotte Wild move into the elite squad. RFUW NATIONAL 7s “We are really pleased with the standard of talent,” said the RFUW’s Head of Performance Nicola Ponsford. Julia Hutton “We have a great mix of experience, with several world cup players still involved, and some exciting young Welwyn RFC and London Irish took the top honours at the RFUW National 7s at players, a number graduating from the England U20s and the RFUW Divisional Programme.” Lichfield RFC, with Welwyn were crowned Under 18s Cup champions after beating The England Elite XVs squad will compete in a strengthened international programme which will see them Worcester 17-5 in the final. Courtney Arberry scored a brace of tries and kicked a compete in not only the RBS 6 Nations but more regular and competitive fixtures against their European conversion and Ruth Flory also touched down. Welwyn also defeated London Irish and southern hemisphere rivals. The England Sevens team will prepare for a rigorous programme up to and and Paviors en route to the final. including the July European Championship. London Irish took the honours in the Under 15s Cup, beating Reading 39-0. Caitlin Ponsford added: “The global landscape is changing. We are in very exciting times that should see women’s Ward scored a hat-trick, Rebecca Pritchard a brace and Sarah Bern added London rugby go from strength to strength The inclusion of sevens within the programme represents the first step Irish’s sixth try. in a new direction. The RFUW is finalising the longer term sevens strategy in conjunction with the RFU and Hosts Lichfield beat Ellingham and Ringwood in the Under 18s Plate final, while alongside the IRB sevens strategy. Having open trials and the inclusion of some players within the 44 allows us Reading defeated Tyldesley/Waterloo in the Under 18s Bowl final. Lichfield Vixens to develop and test processes that we need to put in place.” saw off Mowden Rockcliff in the Under 15s Plate final. MUSEUM TREASURES OF THE COLLECTION Until 9th October 2011 The latest exhibition at the World TOUCHLINE Rugby Museum, Twickenham allows Editorial input with jpeg pictures to: visitors a rare glimpse behind the scenes Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray at the Museum, which has the greatest Email: [email protected] rugby collection in the world, with over Direct Line: 0208 831 6514 25,000 objects from rugby playing nations Correspondence to: across the globe. These items date from Patricia Mowbray, Touchline Editor, Rugby Football Union, the 1800s right up to the modern day, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA. and cover all aspects of the game. Space dictates that many fascinating Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates items are often kept behind closed Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 831 6762 doors. This exhibition allows the opportunity to shine the spotlight Touchline is published by PPL Sport, on behalf of the Rugby on some of the more unusual and Football Union, the national governing body of the game in England. treasured items. This is your chance to Also available on the RFU website: rfu.com try to decipher a letter from William Webb-Ellis, view hundreds of images Photography courtesy of Getty and Touchline contributors. Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and CBs for contributions. from the Museum’s collection, or discover what rugby balls were 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 originally made from. Admire intricate PPL Sport. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial trophy designs and beautifully content, no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions. All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners. embroidered touch flags. Meet Dog,

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