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TOUCHLINE The Official Newspaper of The RFU January 2018 Issue 208

ENGLAND’S MEN, WOMEN & U20S DEFENDING SIX NATIONS TITLES NATHAN MIDDLETON

On 4 February ’s men kick off the The Red Roses are aiming for back-to-back (lineout steals) as well as impressive record in the tournament where they defence of their Six Nations campaign with titles for the first time since 2012, (metres gained). have lifted the trophy on six of the last 10 occasions, the opponents on the opening weekend and while if the U20s back up their Grand Slam was the tournament’s top scorer with three Grand Slams during that time. both the Red Roses and U20s are also looking to victory from last season, it will be the first time last year as she scored 51 of the Red Roses’ The 2017 was the retain their titles. they have managed to do this in their history. 217 points, while full back first time the tournament used the bonus-point The tournament runs through February On their way to winning the 2017 title, will look to continue her try scoring feats in system and this will again be used this year. This and March, with England’s men looking to England’s men scored the most tries (16), and the Six Nations where she has scored 25 in means it is four points for a win and a team can create history by winning three successive Six also had a number of players leading individual 26 appearances. secure an extra bonus-point if they score four Nations titles. statistics, such as (top tackler), The U20s will hope to keep up their recent Continued on page 2 SUE DAY BECOMES RFU CHIEF WAYNE BARNES BREAKS FINANCIAL OFFICER & BOARD MEMBER REFEREE RECORD NATHAN MIDDLETON JOANNA MANNING-COOPER When Wayne Barnes stepped out into the middle for against Irish last month Sue Day, former England international rugby (December) he overtook Chris White as the man who has captain at 15s and sevens, and England’s record taken charge of the most Premiership games ever. try scorer has been appointed as the new The 38 year old passed White’s record to reach 191 matches Chief Financial Officer of the RFU, and to the refereed in the English top flight, a record which he has held RFU Board. since 2010. Sue Day is currently a Deal Advisory Partner at Barnes said: “I’ve always admired Chris. He was in the same KPMG. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant local society as me and when you’re growing up and want a (ACA) and has worked in finance roles at KPMG career you think ‘it would be nice to referee a Premiership for the past 20 years. Sue was appointed Partner game’, but you never think you’ll emulate someone you’ve at KPMG in 2015, and has worked as lead admired and respected such a huge amount. It is very nice for Partner on a number of high profile mergers and me to have that record but I’m just striving to get a bit better acquisitions, and corporate finance transactions. each week.” In her role at the RFU she will be responsible for Injury put an end to Barnes’ playing career which began at the financial planning, management and reporting, age of six and he took charge of his first game at the age of 15. legal and governance and technology, reporting “I played at my local rugby club, Bream RFC, but I got injured to CEO Steve Brown, with voting membership of and a friend of my dad’s was a referee and a school teacher was the RFU Board. Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2

TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 1 ENGLAND’S MEN, WOMEN & U20S DEFENDING SIX NATIONS TITLES Continued from page 1 tries or more, and if a team loses by fewer than seven points they secure a losing bonus point. A draw is worth two points and if a side secures a Grand Slam by winning all five of their games, they earn an NatWest 6 Nations extra three points. Italy – #ITAvENG An England squad for the NatWest 6 Nations tournament will be announced on Thursday 18 England U20 – Friday 2 February, KO 7pm (6pm GMT), Stadio Enzo Bearzot (Gorizia) January before the squad departs for a week’s training camp in Portugal three days later. England – Sunday 4 February, KO 2pm (1pm GMT), Stadio Olympico () England Women and England U20s have announced their EPS squads (see pages 4 and 6). England Women – Sunday 4 February, KO 6:30pm (5:30pm GMT), Stadio Mirabello (Reggio Emilia) Says England head coach Eddie Jones: “We will need to improve if we are to hunt down our opponents and beat them. This tournament will be exciting and challenging, as we know we will play – #ENGvWAL against some very strong teams.” England U20 – Friday 9 February, KO 7:45pm, Kingston Park (Newcastle) Red Roses head coach adds: “While it was an incredible achievement to take England Women – Saturday 10 February, KO 12:15pm, (London) home a Grand Slam Championship last year, going into 2018 that counts for nothing, this is a new England – Saturday 10 February, KO 4:45pm, (London) squad, a new challenge and we are determined to go out and win the competition once again.” And says England U20 head coach Steve Bates: “We have some exciting players and a track record – #SCOvENG of producing full internationals so this is a great opportunity for fans to come out and see the future England Women – Friday 23 February, KO 7:30pm, Scotstoun (Glasgow) stars of England rugby.” England U20 – Friday 23 February, KO 7:30pm, Myreside () You can watch how Eddie Jones’ side get on in the tournament on terrestrial television with BBC England – Saturday 24 February, KO 4:45pm, BT Murrayfield (Edinburgh) and ITV both broadcasting the games – ITV will broadcast England home games, with the three away games on the BBC. BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra will also be covering – #FRAvENG all of the matches, while you can follow the online text commentary with IBM TryTracker on England U20 – Friday 9 March KO 9pm (8pm GMT), Stade de la Mediterranee (Beziers) EnglandRugby.com for every match. England – Saturday 10 March, KO 3:45pm (2:45pm GMT), () The Red Roses games will all be available on Mix, you can also watch the majority of England Women – Saturday 10 March, KO 7pm (6pm GMT), Stade des Alpes (Grenoble) games on Sky Sports Action while the two England U20 home matches will be on Sky Sports Action. All of the breaking stories, analysis and features throughout the tournament will be on Ireland – #ENGvIRE EnglandRugby.com, while you can also follow the story on England Rugby Facebook page, on Twitter England Women – Friday 16 March, KO 5:30pm, (Coventry) or with Instagram. England U20 – Friday 16 March, KO 8pm, Ricoh Arena (Coventry) As well as following the specific game hashtags on social media, you can keep up to date with England – Saturday 17 March, KO 2:45pm, Twickenham Stadium (London) conversations on #CarryThemHome, #RedRoses, #WearTheRose and #NatWest6Nations throughout the tournament. BARNES BREAKS REFEREE RECORD Continued from page 1 SUE DAY BECOMES RFU a referee and they said ‘Why don’t you come and “Then the captain of Kilburn presented a help out and do some refereeing?’ So I did that at bouquet of flowers, the president of London school and then my dad’s friend said if you can French said a few words, we started the game CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER do it at school, why don’t you come and do the and 80 minutes later, with a lot of management local third team?” and a lot of talking, I blew up without giving After spells refereeing age-grade internationals one penalty. & BOARD MEMBER and two years on the sevens circuit, Barnes “I was chuffed afterwards and I was greeted by Continued from page 1 became a professional referee in 2005 and a year the president with a glass of Chablis and a beret Sue Day is President of Wasps FC, and was capped for England 59 times, including winning three later took charge his first Test match. Since then and we went into the clubhouse and shared some Grand Slams in the Women’s Six Nations tournament. She has also captained the England Women’s he has been the man in the middle for seven stories. Everything about rugby was special Sevens team, and coached the England 7s Developmental team. Sue played for Wasps for 14 years, Aviva Premiership finals, a European Champions that day and you realise why you’re involved in and captained the team to the League and Cup Double in 2004/5. Cup final, 77 Test matches and a touch judge at this sport.” RFU CEO Steve Brown commented, “This is a very exciting appointment for the RFU. Sue brings the 2015 World Cup final. Barnes combines his refereeing role with top-quality financial experience and knowledge, combined with a thorough understanding of “The highlight for me in my career was not being an experienced criminal barrister. “You professional rugby at international and club level, and a very deep love of the game. Sue is a highly an international but a game quite locally when juggle and I’ve got a very understanding wife experienced and accomplished leader, with an excellent reputation in both finance and rugby, and I London French played Kilburn Cosmos and it in Polly. You train hard Monday and Tuesday at am delighted that she is joining us, as we strive to become the world’s leading rugby nation.” was just after the Paris attacks in 2015. It was Twickenham as we all get together as a group of Sue Day added: “Rugby has been a huge part of my life, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity my first game back after the World Cup and my professional referees. for me to combine my passion for rugby with my professional experience in senior financial roles game got cancelled. I was meant to be doing “The work laptop comes with me so when I fly and in developing high-performing teams. This is an exciting time for England Rugby at all levels against Munster, but they called it off down to the laptop will be open for of the game and I’m looking forward to joining the senior team at the RFU and playing my part in as there were still concerns about whether they most of that flight. You’ve just got to make sure encouraging rugby and its values to flourish across England.” could protect the stadium. you get the right balance. Being a barrister helps Sue Day is also a founding Trustee of the Women’s Sports Trust, and has been a rugby commentator “I spoke to the president and when I got down me to switch off from rugby totally and that’s a for Sky Sports and . there he said he’d like to have a minute’s silence huge advantage. You’re thinking on your feet in before the game. The players formed a circle in a court room, you’re thinking on your feet on a the middle of the pitch and we got the spectators rugby pitch and I know we wear slightly different to join us as well as there were only 10. costumes but there are a lot of similarities.” COACH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SEES ENGLAND U20 COACHES APPOINTED NABIL HASSAN England Rugby has appointed three U20 visits to and interactions with coaches, support coaches for the 2017/18 season. staff and athletes from a range of sports. Anthony Allen, Richard Blaze and Jimmy Allen is a former and Leicester Ponton all join for 18 months as part of the new Tigers centre and won two caps for England. coach development programme agreement He currently coaches in the Tigers’ academy. signed between the RFU and Premiership Blaze is a former England U21 forward and Rugby. The programme will run alongside the also previously played for . coaches’ current club duties and will include Prior to this, he was forwards coach at Tigers the 2018 Six Nations as well as the World until September 2017. Rugby U20 Championship. Ponton joined as academy The U20 coaching team will be led by RFU coach in January 2012. performance manager Steve Bates and the trio Head of international player development will receive an individually designed coach said: “The coaches will gain development programme, which commenced experience from working in a different on 15 November with a visit to Pennyhill Park to environment with people who have different observe the England senior team’s preparations. ideas and approaches to them. It follows a successful trial last year which “We have a stronger idea now of how we saw Louis Deacon, Tom Williams and Ian Vass, want England U20s to play so they will have who has gone on to coach at Montpellier, lead to amend their own philosophies but they the U20s to Six Nations glory as well as into the will also gain experience of coaching at two final of the World Rugby U20 Championship. international tournaments – the Six Nations as Sweet Tweet @RugbyTouchline This year’s coaches will also be directly well as the World Rugby U20 Championship. involved in preparing for, delivering and We believe that experience will stand them in Have you joined us on Twitter at @RugbyTouchline, which reviewing the U20s coaching and playing good stead in the future. celebrates the best of grassroots rugby? programme under the experienced eye of head “The opportunity to be a senior coach in If not, join the twitterati and Touchline’s Twitter account which coach Bates. an international environment doesn’t come will bring you the latest news and all the great things happening The coaches will also have access to mentors around too often so this is a unique experience in the community game. and be exposed to a range of non-rugby elite for them with a group of very talented young performance environments that will involve rugby players.”

2 TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 Law Reference in 2017 Law Book Law Reference in 2018 Law Book

10.4(a) – Punching or striking 9.12 SIMPLIFIED A player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee(s). Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, 10.4(b) – Stamping or trampling contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm A player must not stamp or trample on an opponent. (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, LAWS AND 10.4(c) – Kicking trampling, tripping or kicking. A player must not kick an opponent. 10.4(d) – Tripping A player must not trip an opponent with the leg or foot.

REVISED 10.4(e) – Dangerous tackling 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. A player must not tackle (or try to tackle) an opponent above Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders SANCTIONS of the shoulders. A tackle around the opponent’s neck or even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders. head is dangerous play. A ‘stiff-arm tackle’ is dangerous play. A player makes a stiff-arm 9.14 tackle when using a stiff-arm to strike an opponent. A player must not tackle an opponent who is not in Playing a player without the ball is dangerous play. possession of the ball. TABLES A player must not tackle an opponent whose feet are off the ground. Unions recently took part in a World Rugby consultation on the Laws of the game and sanctions. Simplified laws and 10.4(f) – Playing an opponent without the ball 9.15 Except in a scrum, ruck or maul, a player who is not in Except in a scrum, ruck or maul, a player who is not in possession revised sanctions tables came into force at the start of this possession of the ball must not hold, push or obstruct an opponent of the ball must not hold, push, charge or obstruct an opponent not in month (January). not carrying the ball. possession of the ball. Right is a summary of key changes for the adult game. Age Grade Law references reflect these. 10.4(g) - Dangerous charging 9.16 A player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the A player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the ball without trying to grasp that player. ball without attempting to grasp that player.

10.4(h) 9.20 A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without use of the arms, a. A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes or without grasping a player. any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul. b. A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders. c. A player must not intentionally collapse a ruck or a maul.

10.4(i) – Tackling the jumper in the air 9.17 A player must not tackle nor tap, push or pull the foot or feet of an A player must not tackle, charge, pull, push or grasp an opponent opponent jumping for the ball in a lineout or in open play. whose feet are off the ground.

10.4(j) – ‘Tip tackle’ 9.18 Lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving that A player must not lift an opponent off the ground and drop or player into the ground whilst that player’s feet are still off the ground drive that player so that their head and/or upper body make contact such that the player’s head and/or upper body come into contact with with the ground. the ground is dangerous play.

10.4(k) – Dangerous play in a scrum, ruck or maul 9.19 The front row of a scrum must not rush against its opponents. Dangerous play in a scrum. Front row players must not intentionally lift opponents off their feet a. The front row of a scrum must not form at a distance from its or force them upwards out of the scrum. opponents and rush against them. Players must not charge into a ruck or maul without binding b. A front-row player must not pull an opponent. onto a player in the ruck or maul. c. A front-row player must not intentionally lift an opponent off Players must not intentionally collapse a scrum, ruck or maul. their feet or force the opponent upwards out of the scrum. d. A front-row player must not intentionally collapse a scrum. OR 9.20 Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. a. A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul. b. A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders. c. A player must not intentionally collapse a ruck or a maul.

10.4(m) – Contact with the eye(s) and Contact with the eye area 9.12 A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. OLNEY Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, REWARDED IN trampling, tripping or kicking. 10.4(m) – Acts contrary to good sportsmanship 9.26 A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good A player must not do anything that is against ANNIVERSARY sportsmanship in the playing enclosure. the spirit of good sportsmanship. 10.4(m) – Biting 9.12 A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. YEAR Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, In its 140th year, Olney rugby club scooped the title of Club of trampling, tripping or kicking. the Year at the Bucks and MK sports awards. Going up against clubs from a wide range of sports from across 10.4(s)/(m) – Verbal abuse of Match Officials 9.12 A player, must not, while the ball is out of play, commit any A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. the county, Olney was recognised for its impact in bringing misconduct, or obstruct or in any way interfere with an opponent. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, players back into the game, its hugely successful junior section, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm and for the efforts of its hundreds of volunteers. (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking. Club president Tom Salsbury said: “This award is a huge honour. Winning it is recognition of the hard work that our army of 10.4(s) 9.27 volunteers put into the rugby club. With over 450 junior players, All players must respect the authority of the referee. They must not Players must respect the authority of the referee. They must not dispute the referee’s decisions. They must stop playing at once when dispute the referee’s decisions. They must stop playing immediately three senior sides, a vets team, colts and ladies squads, and a the referee blows the whistle except at a kick-off or at a penalty kick when the referee blows the whistle to stop play. bustling social scene, Olney is a thriving community club. It’s a following admonishment, temporary suspension, or send-off. special time for Olney RFC as we celebrate our 140th season this year – and an exciting future lies ahead.” 10.4(n) – Misconduct while the ball is out of play 9.26 A player, must not, while the ball is out of play, commit any A player must not do anything that is against the spirit Picking up the award were Kath Middleditch, publicity officer, misconduct, or obstruct or in any way interfere with an opponent. of good sportsmanship. and committee member Geoff Janes, who at 66 years old is one of the oldest players still turning out for Olney RFC. The award 10.4(o) – Late-charging the kicker 9.25 A player must not intentionally charge or obstruct an opponent A player must not intentionally charge or obstruct an opponent was sponsored by Tim Harman and his family and presented at a who has just kicked the ball. who has just kicked the ball. glittering ceremony at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 3 Featuring on englandrugby.com and in Touchline, these stories celebrate achievements of those involved in the grassroots game. Let us know about your remarkable people NO ORDINARY JOE by emailing: [email protected] JOE OGDEN Just over a year ago Joe Sandford was given less than a 5% October 2016 and has spent the last year giving back to those who chance of surviving a catastrophic car crash. were there in his time of need. Sandford had been in New Zealand on a rugby exchange, playing “The support I got from the rugby community after the accident for a local team and using his free time to travel, when he was was just unbelievable,” says Sandford. “My first memories are of involved in a major accident that changed his life completely. my teammates in New Zealand coming to visit me. The messages The fly half from Heathfield & Waldron RFC has spent the last of support I got from home reduced me to tears but they were also year defying every prediction on his recovery and is now helping what drove me to get home.” give back to the club and teammates who were there when he Last year Sandford ran his own charity day at Heathfield to raise needed them most. funds for those that have helped him through. “I had been in New Zealand for a couple of months on “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support organisations like scholarship programme playing with Rangataua,” explains Headway East Sussex have given me as well as everyone at the Sandford. “We trained five times a week and played on the club so I wanted to give back.” weekends and I used my free time to explore the country. I was Sandford’s recovery is by no means over, it is as he puts it a “long driving to the Bay of Plenty when I crashed. I pretty much broke and gruelling process”, but he continues to set himself targets. everything in my body.” He is now the manager of the club’s second fifteen and this year Once airlifted to hospital, he was placed in an induced coma and qualified as a Level Two coach. his family were given a bleak outlook. “I love the sport and I just want to be involved. Coaching is “Once I got out of the coma they gave me less than a 5% chance something I’m really enjoying and I want to take it as far as I can. of any meaningful recovery. That is when I started setting I’m amazed by how far I’ve come and I’ve been told by doctors that myself targets.” it is because of my ‘sheer bloody-mindedness and determination’. The rugby community back home was doing everything it could But I don’t think about that. I’m just focused on moving forward to help. His club held a charity day to raise the funds required for and continuing to help the people who helped me.” Sandford’s rehabilitation and to cover the costs of any changes Tell us what rugby means to you using #ThisIsRugby or share to his home. In the end, Sandford didn’t need it. He was home by your story here. DENNIS PLAYS INTO CLUB RECORD BOOK Dennis Vittle played his 1,000th game for North in 2015 and recently made his record-breaking 1,032 appearance for the club’s third team at the age of 67. Dennis, who has also been club chairman since 2006, has been on no less than 40 tours, just ten matches were involved, however, as Dennis just loves a social trip with teammates. All this has depended on support from his wife Alethea, who according to Dennis is “very understanding”. No doubt, as Dennis clocked up 150 matches for Avonmouth before his North Bristol debut in 1974. In all, he has scored 53 tries, kicked one penalty and one conversion. Playing at lock Dennis says: “I restrict myself to scrummaging and lineouts now and stay with the pack when I can. I don’t back up the wingers any more but wait for the ball to come back to where I happen to be. winner on the day – the Venerable Vittle. “I’m not the fittest but I can keep up with some aspects of play and Pictured left is Dennis and his son Alex who also joined three I’m always there to fill a spot if needed.” other dads and their boys playing for the club in another recent Dennis’s record-breaker ended in a 36-34 nail-biting finish with game. The others were: Alan and Tom Cogram, Martin and Ben Nailsea & Backwell taking the honours but there was one certain Green and Mike and Billy Cantin. RED ROSES GET READY FOR ACTION

The England Women Elite Player Squad (EPS) recently attended a four-day training camp at Loughborough University to start preparing for the Red Roses’ Six Nations campaign, with a further camp scheduled before their first game. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Ladies), who earned her first international in the opening Old Mutual Wealth Series Test which saw England beat Canada 79-5, joined the squad as a new EPS player. The England Women’s squad will convene again on 22 January for a final week-long training camp before a playing squad is selected ahead of the opening Test against Italy.

4 TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 NEW WORLD RUGBY MUSEUM ELIZABETH BOX

The award-winning World Rugby Museum at Twickenham museum curator Phil McGowan. collections – has increased significantly since 1996, and the Stadium has moved to a new home in the South Stand and will “The cutting edge new museum will be bigger, better, brighter move represents an opportunity to become more object focused reopen in time for the 2018 NatWest 6 Nations Championship. and more interactive than ever before,” he said. and better tell the true story of rugby from around the world. Its The World Rugby Museum is the definitive home for everything “It will house the world’s most prestigious collection of rugby interactive galleries will encourage participation at all levels of the and anything about rugby. Featuring more than three times as memorabilia. This will include commentary, film and match- game and give younger visitors the opportunity to find out ‘What many objects, the new museum will display memorabilia from footage from the most iconic moments, memorable tours and Kind of Rugby Player’ they are. around the world and from all eras, making it a must visit for all greatest players in the history of what is the world’s most dramatic Early estimations are that the new gallery will feature more than rugby fans. team sport. three times as many objects as it did in its previous East Stand While the museum is currently closed, Twickenham Stadium “It will also include purpose-built events, education and research location, covering iconic teams, such as the 1924 New Zealand Tours and ‘From the Vaults’ online blog are continuing. Anyone facilities and invite visitors to engage in the game with exciting side, the 1900s Wales teams, the 1971 and 1974 British & Irish Lions who has completed a Stadium Tour since the museum closed hands-on interactive exhibits.” sides, as well as the 2003 England team. will get free entry to visit the new museum when it re-opens next The museum began life as the ‘Museum of Rugby’ in 1996 Check out the new museum website here, like the World Rugby month (February). before rebranding as the ‘World Rugby Museum’ in 2008. The new Museum on Facebook and follow on Twitter. The new location presented an opportunity for the museum to museum has been designed in partnership with Mather & Co. improve its content and modernise its interpretive methods, says Its collection – that includes the RFU and Harry Langton rugby LIFTING, SHIFTING AND TEA ON TUESDAYS Newark Rugby Club have honoured a group of club member volunteers who have helped in the club’s £1.4 million redevelopment project. The ‘Tuesday Team’ have worked since May 2016 on the project which is seeing the Nottinghamshire club completely rebuild their existing clubhouse facilities at the Kelham Road ground. At the opening of Phase Two, just before Christmas, the club awarded the volunteer group special certificates to mark their contribution to the project which has saved the club many thousands of pounds. While contactors have done the main construction and technical tasks, the volunteers have concentrated on enabling works beginning by clearing existing structures for demolition. So far the club has completed a new changing block, built to Union and Sport England specifications, plus an office, toilets, community meeting room and new entrance hall which will feature a club shop once the whole project is complete. The completion is expected to be next autumn (2018) when a new clubhouse bar and dining room facility is due to be opened. The first phase, which was a new changing block, was opened in September by the club’s former international Dusty Hare. The volunteers have been led by David Pick, a former quantity surveyor, who has led the project having retired from full time work last year. The group have included his 89 year-old father, Cyril. David commented: “The team has varied in numbers but the ages range from late 50s to late 80s. They have saved the club in excess of £25,000 through their efforts in lifting and shifting, painting (and lots of it), cleaning and clearing, making benches and supporting the contractors in numerous jobs while drinking tea and having lots of fun. It’s been a giggle most weeks.” The most concentrated period of work came last May when the old dressing room block had to be demolished. The ‘Tuesday Team’ were then joined by other club members to make sure the building project kept to a tight deadline of having a new facility ready for the start of the 2017-18 season last September. Newark are partly funding the new development through their own substantial fund raising campaign which so far has raised around £400,000. In addition, the club has been further helped by a £295,000 grant from Sport England, a £100,000 loan from the RFU Foundation plus grants from WREN, the landfill tax organisation and Tarmac, the construction company.

TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 5 TICKETS VERITY WILLIAMS

Tickets for England’s match against the Barbarians on Sunday 27 May 2018 are on public sale. The uncapped fixture will take place at Twickenham Stadium and sees the two sides compete for the Quilter Cup. This new name reflects England partner Old Mutual Wealth’s plans to separate from its parent company and list on the London and stock exchanges in 2018 under its new name Quilter. England’s men’s and women’s autumn internationals will also adopt the new name and be known as the Quilter Internationals from 2018. In last season’s match, England beat the Barbarians 28-14, which saw head coach Eddie Jones give a number of new faces their first opportunity in an England shirt including , , and . All four went on to win full caps for their country during England’s U20S WANT TO CREATE summer Test series in Argentina a few weeks later. England head coach Eddie Jones said: “The Quilter Cup is an important match for us as we prepare for our three Test series against in June. The series will be a big OWN LEGACY NABIL HASSAN challenge for this team and we know the Barbarians will provide us a fantastic opportunity to play against some high- England U20s named their 32-man Elite Player Squad for the also named in the 32. This new group of players with new coaches quality opposition before the tour. The Barbarians brand of 2017/18 season, which will compete in the 2018 Six Nations as will be “looking to create our own legacy with what is a new set rugby is well known for being exciting and open and we will well as the World Rugby U20 Championship in May. up” said Steve Bates. look forward to playing them in May in front of a big crowd Of the 32 players, 14 have already been capped at U20 level with Eight members of the England U18 squad that toured South at Twickenham.” several part of last season’s Grand Slam winning side. The squad Africa in the summer have been selected with Joe Heyes, Beck To book tickets for the Quilter Cup and see England includes 10 members of the group that reached the final of the Cutting, James Scott, Josh Basham, Sam Moore, Tom Willis, Tom in action on home soil for the last time prior to the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia, eventually losing Seabrook and Fraser Dingwall all included. summer Test series in South Africa, please click here to New Zealand, including Alex Seville, Marcus Street, Henry Marcus Smith, Nick Isiekwe and currently injured Tom Curry, Take advantage of the early bird offer – tickets will Walker, Dino Lamb, , James Grayson, Will Butler, Gabriel who are all still eligible to play for the U20s, are not included due start from £15 for adults and £10 for children. Group bookings Ibitoye, Ali Crossdale and . , who was part to their involvement with the England senior squad. are available. of England’s senior squad that toured Argentina in the summer, is ARTIFICIAL GRASS PITCHES OPEN AT KEIGHLEY AND STOURBRIDGE VERITY WILLIAMS The two latest Rugby 365 England Rugby artificial grass pitches Robin Edwards, in the and West Yorkshire have launched with Stourbridge RFC events taking place at Stourbridge RFC and Keighley RUFC. Chairman, said: “There These new pitches at Keighley RUFC and Stourbridge RFC are many potential follow on from completion of the first three Rugby 365 pitches in benefits. Firstly we , and at the end of last year. have a wonderful pitch England Rugby’s investment in Rugby 365 is part of their Rugby on which we can play World Cup 2015 legacy of delivering over £50m over four years into in almost any weather the development of 100 artificial grass pitches across England. conditions, it will ensure Former England international joined RFU that fixtures can be President John Spencer to officially open the West Yorkshire pitch played throughout the at Keighley on 16 December in front of hundreds of guests. season. The number of On the day the pitch hosted a schools festival, as well as three games we can host is matches for Baildon U15s Girls v Old Brodleians U15s girls, dramatically increased Keighley vs Selby in Yorkshire One and capping a great day with by having the new Keighley U15s v Bradford Salem U15s. Friends and family enjoyed surface and we expect to a BBQ, tea coffee and cakes. see more rugby played Sam Griffin, Chairman of Keighley RUFC, said: “The pitch has by a variety of local made a big difference to us in terms of playing on the pitch and teams from across our also in terms of making changes to the club as it’s a catalyst for community. We think it making changes and improvements in the club.” is a positive attraction Club member Ken Dyson added: “For the community as a whole, for players young and for the club, for everyone that’s been here today, it goes without old to play all forms saying how important this is. It’s taken us into a new era – one of the game and also that’s allowing us to develop in different ways as a playing side, to provide a ready but also opening it up to the whole community that benefits not platform for other sports only us as a club, the community itself and a host of different teams who have similar requirements. We are now able to help to we have many enquiries. We always say that anyone is welcome at sports. It’s a win-win situation for one and all.” promote this excellent facility and we are committed to engaging Stourton Park and we mean it.” The opening ceremony at Stourbridge RFC took place at 12 noon with educational establishments and other local organisations to Joe Heatley, a player at Stourbridge RFC First XV, added: “Last on 5 December, with Peter Wheeler (RFU) and Margot James encourage them to become involved in rugby. season we were lucky enough to play on two AGP pitches when (Stourbridge MP) performing the honours, supported by Nick Perry “The reaction from members has been consistently positive. we played Tynedale at Kingston Park and Preston Grasshoppers (Stourbridge RFC President), Robin Edwards (Stourbridge RFC Everyone who has walked on the surface comments on the extra on their new Rugby 365 pitch. All of the players enjoyed the Chairman) and Jackie Jeavons-Fellows (Stourbridge RFC Patron). ‘spring’ the surface gives and the overall look and feel of the pitch experience of playing on the new surface and couldn’t have The ceremony was followed by lunch for 150 guests, Stourbridge is much applauded. been happier when we found out about the RFU’s investment U14s vs Hinckley U14s, Stourbridge Grasshoppers XV vs “We adopt an open-door policy and actively encourage people at Stourbridge.” Kidderminster IIIs and the National 2 North fixture between to come along and try the pitch. This is in its infancy as we have Stourbridge and Hinckley in front of the largest crowd of the season. only been open for a few days but early signs are very positive and

6 TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 good day so far and hopefully there are many more to come.” Although so much of his rugby life has been at the highest level of the game, Ed has remained fully committed to grassroots NEW YEAR’S HONOURS rugby, both in his willingness to pass on his knowledge to players, VERITY WILLIAMS referees and administrators and in his commitment to helping to Ed Morrison and, develop young referees. inset right, Elfyn Pugh Ed is particularly loyal to the City of Bristol and Bristol Harlequins Club, where he was fixture secretary for over 30 years. He has been an active member of Bristol Referee’s Society for 31 years. Whenever he was not appointed to referee an international match or a match on behalf of the RFU, he would endeavour to referee at a local club – even a few days after a final. Since his retirement Ed has become an integral part of the referee’s society again, in particular, as part of the society’s sub-committee responsible for the recruitment of new referees. Only recently, he has been part of a team who have visited and presented to over 30 clubs within the Bristol area in a two month period, in an attempt to boost dwindling refereeing numbers. Following over 50 years of service to Willenhall RUFC, the club which he helped establish, Elfyn Pugh has been awarded the honour for his services to rugby in the Staffordshire community. In 1966, as a player for works side Rubery Owen, Elfyn was instrumental in establishing Willenhall RUFC which aimed at providing rugby for players in the Willenhall area and for non- Rubery Owen employees. As a Founder Member he was instrumental in finding a site and arranging the purchase of land for the present club site in Essington. The club is still going strong today (at Level 8) and until this season Elfyn has held virtually every club committee position. He finally stood down at the end of season 2015-16. Elfyn has also been the longest serving member of the Staffordshire Management Committee but his greatest passion has always been coaching. Starting in the 1970s, and for 15 consecutive years, he organised the very successful Former international referee Ed Morrison has been awarded an He went on to officiate in 42 international rugby matches during a Staffordshire Rugby Union Coaching Conference weekends. OBE and Elfyn Pugh has received a British Empire Medal in the period in the game when international matches were significantly He arranged visiting coaches from all parts of the UK plus New Year’s Honours list. less plentiful than they are today. accommodation and facilities for 70-80 coaches and players. Both awards were in recognition for their services to rugby and After retiring from officiating in 2001, Ed took on a referee A beneficiary of Elfyn’s coaching organisation was Graham rugby related causes. development role within the RFU. He became the Elite Referee Smith who began his coaching journey with Staffordshire and Ed was an international referee for 11 years and became Unit Development Manager in 2003 and Head of Elite Referee progressed to Assistant Coach to and the England England’s first full-time professional rugby union referee. He took Development in July 2008, a position he held until his retirement Women’s side which won the Rugby World Cup in 2014. During charge of the 1995 World Cup final when South Africa defeated in July 2013. his long service, many coaches have started out on their journey New Zealand after extra time in Johannesburg and remains the He said: “I’m incredibly proud and pleased to receive this award. inspired by the coaching activities which Elfyn has organised. only Englishman to have refereed a Rugby World Cup Final. It’s great to have recognition for officiating which sometimes His interest in coaching is not just confined to organisation. He Ed took up refereeing in 1982 following injury and progressed doesn’t always get the plaudits. I’m very, very happy, particularly qualified as a RFU Preliminary Award holder in 1970 and has worked rapidly, being appointed to the International Referee Panel in 1989. for my family who were thrilled to find out this morning. It’s been a closely with schools, coaching rugby as an extra-curricular activity NEW YEAR, NEW WARRIOR CAMPS FARRELL ELIZABETH BOX WINS RUGBY WRITERS’ AWARD England’s was voted the Rugby Union Writers’ Club 2017 Personality of the Year and joined the likesof Jonah Lomu, Martin Johnson and in receiving the Pat Marshall Memorial Award. The 26 year old was recognised for his contribution to England’s defence of their Six Nations title, the British and Irish Lions drawn series in New Zealand and Saracens retaining the Champions Cup. Michael Harrison, staunch volunteer helper at Wharfedale RUFC, also received recognition for service to the game.

England Rugby’s Inner Warrior campaign launched the latest of the fastest growing team sports for women in England.” series of camps this month (January) after last year’s camps gave “As part of the 2017-21 funding agreement with Sport England a huge boost to grassroots women’s rugby participation. and our new Women and Girls’ Action Plan, the RFU is looking to The 2018 Warrior Camps are run until January 28th with 185 significantly expand the number of women and girls participating rugby taster sessions taking place at clubs nationwide. The 2018 in grassroots rugby across England, and the Warrior Camps are campaign theme is ‘New Year, New You’, encouraging women instrumental in supporting this growth.” to kick start their fitness routine for the new year and challenge The Inner Warrior campaign aims to encourage more women themselves to take up a new sport. and girls to play contact rugby, teaching participants key England international Katy Daley-Mclean commented, “It can be introductory skills and drills for rugby within a non-committal, hard to stay motivated to get fit during winter. Team sports, such social and fun environment. as rugby, provide support and encouragement, making fitness fun The January Warrior Camps launched with a continuation of and social. The Warrior Camps give women the opportunity to the 2017 brand creative that shows everyday women from various try rugby, often for the first time, and it’s fantastic to see so many walks of life, bursting out of their work ‘uniforms’ into their rugby feeling inspired to take up rugby.” training kit, metaphorically freeing their inner warrior. An England Since its initial launch, over 10,500 women have attended Warrior Rugby digital campaign also kicked off, encouraging the public to Camps nationwide; and of those women, 3,500 had never picked up express their inner alpha spirit and ‘Show Their Warrior Faces’ on a rugby ball before. The number of camps available to women has social media. continued to grow to meet demand and the influx of players saw 41 After finding herself isolated and struggling with mental new female contact rugby club teams established in 2017. health issues, 33-year-old Alex Muller-Nicholson decided to do Steve Grainger, RFU Rugby Development Director, said: “Female something completely out of her comfort zone. She went along participation in rugby has seen unparalleled levels of growth in to her local rugby club. This is her story. recent years, with a massive 215% increase since 2013. It’s now one

TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 7 DULWICH CELEBRATE JOE OGDEN Dulwich College became the first side to win Blundell’s fought back when an interception With half time approaching Dulwich opted points in an exceptional performance, missed both the Schools Cup and the Champions brought them into Dulwich’s 22 with a resulting to use their forwards from a lineout and hooker the tricky conversion but the score gave his side Trophy after overcoming Blundell’s 34-29 in a penalty slotted by Karea to bring the score to 7-3. Louis Wright scored from a driving maul putting a chance. thrilling final at Allianz Park. It was Jardine a couple of minutes later who Dulwich ahead 21-17 at the half time whistle. With 12 minutes left on the clock and The match saw the team from south east London broke the line from a scrum before offloading to Dulwich captain Oscar Gleave opened the Blundell’s nine points down, Karea overpowered lead for much of the game but a brilliant individual Femi Sofolarin whose touchdown made it 14-3 second half by jinking his way through the four of Dulwich’s players, scoring out wide. He performance from Blundell’s’ centre Barry Karea after the conversion. middle with the ball, then flung wide for Ferrari converted his own try to bring Dulwich’s lead to kept his side in the game until the very end. With Dulwich dominating, Karea produced to score his second try in the corner. Jardine just three points. The final 10 minutes proved In a frantic opening few minutes, Dulwich his first moment of magic to keep Blundell’s in added the extras from the touchline to make it tense for both teams but Dulwich held firm and a College made the breakthrough when fly half the game. Breaking from his own half, he beat 28-17. Dulwich continued to press and, when a penalty from Jardine made it 34-29. Sunni Jardine flung a miss pass after three two defenders and then set up scrum half Sam pass fell to ground, Gleave secured a drop goal Hundreds of Dulwich students celebrated at minutes created space for winger Louis Ferrari to Maunder to score. From the subsequent kick off from 30 metres out to make it 31-17. the final whistle, with their school adding the sprint over in the corner. Jardine, who scored 11 Karea did it again, breaking through to set up Dulwich open-side Luke Simpson broke Champions Trophy to the three consecutive points in an impressive display, was on hand to Maunder for yet another try. Two conversions free from a maul, beating three players on his Schools Cup trophies that they won add the early extras, making it 7-0. from Karea made it 17-14. way to touching down. Karea, who scored 14 between 2012-14. RETURNS TO DORKING RUGBY CLUB Last month (December), before she left England hard work and dedication. Meeting one of the first Surrey and several girls are in the U13s Surrey of what’s been achieved at Dorking so far and for an extended period in , Dorking professional women rugby players – a participant Development Squad. excited to see girls rugby develop further.” Rugby Club welcomed Kay Wilson, former in two Rugby World Cups plus the Six Nations Kay said, “There are some talented girls here, Highlighting the growth in girls rugby, there Red Roses star winger, back to the Big Field and 7s – has been an amazing opportunity.” I’ve spotted a few who really stand out. It’s good are discussions with the RFU to host the first in Brockham where she played rugby as a Club President, Humfrey Malins, CBE, to see girls’ rugby doing so well at Dorking. It’s ever Surrey Girls Rugby 7s competition in young girl. added, “It’s lovely to welcome such a famous always a pleasure going back to the club where April 2018. Kay attended a lunch at the club before international player back to where she spent I first played. A lot has happened since then, but Pip, her team of coaches and some of the watching the senior squad in action against so many of her formative years playing and Dorking is where it all began!” girls, work closely with local schools to support Westcombe Park the week before and returned to training. What a privilege for our club and an DRFC Girls Rugby lead partner is Dorking- girls’ after-school rugby clubs. New community join in a girls rugby coaching session. She spent inspiration for our girls.” based Mole Valley Asset Management whose coaching initiatives supported by DRFC will be the morning with girls from each of the club’s four Girls rugby is thriving at Dorking Rugby Club support helps to drive many of the girls’ rugby launched within schools in 2018. age groups: U9/U11s; U13s; U15s and U18s. with 50 girls playing regularly. In addition to initiatives. Portfolio Manager Andrew Holder The girls rugby lead coach Pip Merrett said, twice weekly training sessions, the girls play said, “Professional athletes like Kay have been For more information on girls rugby at DRFC, “Kay is a brilliant role model for the girls and her competitively in matches and RFU competitions. instrumental in making sure women’s rugby gets email [email protected] rugby career shows what can be achieved through A number of U15 and U18 players represent the attention it deserves. We’re extremely proud

8 TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 CAMBRIDGE TAKE VARSITY HONOURS JOE OGDEN Cambridge University beat 20-10 at Twickenham to win picked up from the feet of his number eight and ran in to score to bring the score to 8-3. And Cambridge added to that lead the 2017 Varsity Match and extended their overall tally to 63 wins the first points of the game. The conversion was missed by Mike through Russell, brother of Scottish international Finn, who fended from 136 matches. Phillips leaving the score 5-0. off his opposite man to score after 55 minutes, making it 13-3. Tries from Cambridge’s Chris Bell, Archie Russell and Charlie Oxford threatened throughout the half and took the points with Oxford were finally able to score a try of their own after 65 minutes Amesbury sealed the light blues’ second-consecutive Varsity seven minutes left on the clock after Cambridge collapsed a maul when Will Wilson couldn’t be stopped from two metres out. Kearns Match victory. and captain Conor Kearns stepped up to narrow the lead to just added the extras to narrow Cambridge’s lead to just three points. But Cambridge saw three disallowed try decisions go to the two points. minutes later, Cambridge used a rolling maul to drive over Oxford’s television match official in the first half. The referees had a On the stroke of half time the referees had to make yet another line with Amesbury touching down. Phillips kicked the crucial decision to make once again after 25 minutes when captain decision when Jake Hennessey broke through to score only for the conversion to bring the score to 20-10. Oxford made several breaks Charlie Amesbury was deemed to have been held up over the line. replays to show an earlier pass was forward. The teams went into in the final 10 minutes but Cambridge’s defence held firm with the No decision was needed, however, when Cambridge won a scrum half time with the light blues 5-3 ahead. score remaining 20-10 at the final whistle. against the head five metres from Oxford’s line and scrum half Bell Phillips knocked over a penalty for Cambridge after 50 minutes

BARNSLEY BOYS GET A TASTE FOR RUGBY Barnsley RUFC and local RFU Community Rugby Coach Andrew to the club sessions on Saturdays. From three one-hour taster Appleyard got together with CBRE All Schools coaches recently sessions, the club saw six under 12s increase to 10 training each to encourage school pupils to try rugby at the club. week and three U13s increase to 12. Coaches from the CBRE All Schools cluster adapted three There are plans now for more sessions for Years 7 and 8 and sessions for boys from Years 7 and 8 working with rugby’s core some for Years 9 and 10 to build the U14s and U15s teams as well values and the CARDS system. as using this recruiting method at other South Yorkshire clubs. The boys’ parents had all received invitation letters for them and Said Angie Lee, Barnsley RUFC Club Safeguarding Officer: “It’s their sons handed out by teachers to all the boys, not just the more great to see new players at the club as a direct result of the Believe athletic ones in school teams. The sessions were also publicised & Belong sessions and the fact that some of those new players are on social media. completely new to rugby is fabulous. Andrew oversaw sessions and talked to parents about the “Our under 12s and 13s were struggling for numbers and have a CARDS system, the club environment and the benefits of their dispensation to play a combined team this season. I was genuinely boys joining and the young players were also asked to explain excited to see numbers coming into the club for those age grades. rugby’s values to their parents. This is proof that quality coaches getting into schools will impact On the last session, the club’s Mini/Junior Lead & Safeguarding positively on player numbers.” Officer was there to chat to parents and players and invite them

CEO ON THE ROAD At the end of the year, RFU Chief Executive Steve Brown hosted a roundtable discussion with local field-based employees at Old Coventrians RFC. Discussions included the future of technology at the RFU, the game’s values, data protection and ticket sales. Steve is hoping to host similar events nationwide, where possible in rugby clubs to also meet club members. At Old Coventrians he chatted about the club and current season with Jane Waterhouse (Junior Section Chair), Phil Gill (President) and Bill Whetstone (Secretary).

TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 9 WYLES’ OFF-FIELD PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT RECOGNISED

Saracens back Chris Wyles was recently proactive in creating and growing the brand, it is to have a focus away from rugby, and This award highlights a player’s off-field named the winner of the first RPA Personal working closely with the team at Saracens and through launching Wolfpack I feel my on-pitch personal development success and is judged by a Development Award of the 2017/18 season, with support from the RPA to manage his time performance has improved greatly, as I’ve had panel consisting of RPA Rugby Director, Richard which is designed to reward and celebrate the effectively off the pitch and build a business a passion and challenge away from the game. Bryan, and RPA Alumni Representatives, Chris off-field development achievements of RPA from scratch. Opening our flagship bar last week has been an Bentley and Rob Vickerman. members taking part in the RPA Personal Chris said: “It’s a massive honour to be named amazing experience, the response has blown us This is the first of three Personal Development Development Programme. the first winner of this award. It’s a seriously away and it’s such a rewarding feeling to sit back Awards to be made in the 2017/18 season, with The highly versatile back who has made cool feeling to be recognised for something and watch people enjoy our beer and the space further winners to be announced in February more than 235 appearances for Saracens and which has been incredibly challenging but also we’ve created.” and April. All three winners of the award will represented the USA on 54 occasions, has been hugely rewarding. The RPA and Saracens focus Caroline Guthrie, RPA Personal Development be shortlisted for the annual overall Personal rewarded for his work co-founding Wolfpack so heavily on supporting our players, preparing Manager for Saracens, said: “Chris is such a Development Award to be presented at the RPA Lager with former teammate and retired South guys for life after rugby and it’s a testament worthy winner of this award. He has shown Players’ Awards 2018 in association with England African lock Alistair Hargreaves. to the support I have received from both to be fantastic drive and commitment in setting up his Rugby on Wednesday 9th May in London. Launched in 2014, Wolfpack Lager is now served named the winner of this award. Launching business with Al Hargreaves and his attitude to The RPA Personal Development Programme in more than 60 pubs across the capital, has a Wolfpack with Al has been an enormous preparing for life after rugby is hugely inspiring. (jointly funded by the RPA, RFU and permanent ‘bus bar’ at Allianz Park for Saracens experience, we’ve worked so hard together It is brilliant to recognise all the work he has ) is a central pillar of the home games, and has seen the successful opening to build the business and ultimately create a done, take inspiration from the effort he has put RPA and provides its members with essential of the Wolfpack bar in north London. product which we’re exceptionally proud of. I in and appreciate the support he now offers in off-field education, personal development, career Chris has been acknowledged for being highly can’t speak highly enough of how important sharing his experience.” transition opportunities and welfare support. STOURBRIDGE RUGBY CLUB TACKLING KNIFE CRIME Stourbridge Rugby Club and Opening friends to show their support for this initiative Boundaries will be using the power of sport and hope to engage with neighbouring rugby in a community charity event in May and clubs who have a similar objective, let’s tackle teaming up with West Midlands Police to raise knife crime!” awareness of the increase in knife crime and Farah Ahmed, Project Manager for Opening how it can be combatted. Boundarie, said, “As a local resident of Norton in The campaign named I Support Tackling Stourbridge, and someone who has had a double Knife Crime was launched in November to murder in my area, I am keen to demonstrate coincide with the club hosting the 2019 Japan what we as a community can achieve when we Rugby World Cup tour and the club’s first game come together using the power of sport to drive played on their new England Rugby artificial social change and allow us to live in a safer and grass pitch. more inclusive society.” Stourbridge Rugby Club caters for all ages Detective Superintendent Ian Parnell of West and abilities and wants to provide a positive Midlands Police said: “Across the West Midlands outlet for people to take part in organised sports there has been a recent increase in knife crime, programmes which contribute towards reducing ranging from possession offences at one end to crime, finding positive identity and community murder at the other. We are working really hard empowerment, leadership and teamwork. with retailers, schools and partners to remove Robin Edwards, Chairman at Stourbridge knives from the streets of the West Midlands and Rugby said, “The devastating effect of the we are ensuring those who do carry a knife are increase in knife crime is being felt across UK robustly dealt with through the criminal justice society and locally we have felt the terrible system. There is now better reporting of knife sadness of lives being lost through this dreadful crime from schools, and more efforts from police show instances of knife crime seen, used or Miranda Williams, Public Fundraising evil. We believe it is vital for our community to understand why young people feel the need to threatened has jumped from 1,554 in 2014-2015 to Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital to come together in support of organisations carry bladed weapons. 2,391 in 2016-2017. That is an increase of 35%. The Charity, said, “The money raised will make a that can tackle this problem and collectively “I am supportive of any community led numbers for knife homicide have almost doubled huge difference to the lives of our brave children we aim to raise funds from rugby to invest in a initiative that seeks to prevent knife crime from 9 to 17 in the same period. and their families, enabling us to do more for safer future for us all. Working with the charity and the terrible impact it has on families and There is now an open invitation for those in our care.” Opening Boundaries and West Midlands communities. The work of Opening Boundaries individuals and teams to register their interest Police, a charity rugby competition at the end and Stourbridge Rugby Club is key in offering to take part on the day. The fundraiser will also For more information on the event or to of our season will see us donate all proceeds diversionary activities for young people to provide activities for the whole family and an register your interest please contact, to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. We will focus on.” opportunity to talk to Birmingham Children’s [email protected], by the encourage our players, sponsors, supporters and Statistics provided by West Midlands Police Hospital and the West Midlands Police. 31st January 2018.

10 TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 LOCAL MP UNVEILS WIMBLEDON CHANGING PAVILION

Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon, the growing levels of usage. Previously, the Mayor’s commitment to deliver a sporting RFC’s improved changing pavilion, which is officially opened Wimbledon RFC’s upgraded communal showers meant that fixture legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic going to vastly improve the experience of all changing pavilion last month (December), scheduling was problematic with male and Games. The aim of the Fund, which is its users. Grassroots sports is hugely important thanks to a grant from the Mayor of London: female teams having to wait until the other had managed on the Mayor’s behalf by the Football in our area and throughout the country, and Sports Facilities Fund (MoL:SFF), which is finished before using the facilities. Dedicated Foundation, is to increase participation levels having access to facilities like this one is vital delivered by the Football Foundation – the showers now mean that this is not an issue. in through the funding of to encourage more people to get active. The country’s largest sports charity. Now, the club can offer its players and the affordable, good quality facilities within local Football Foundation is working hard to support The funding has enabled the club to extend local community a state-of-the-art facility. communities in every London Borough. this vision, through schemes such as MoL:SFF.” its existing changing pavilion, which was This will benefit not only Wimbledon RFC, Since it was launched in 2000, the Foundation Meg Gardiner, Honorary Secretary at no longer able to support the level of usage but also St George’s University, Willington has awarded around 15,000 grants worth more Wimbledon RFC, said: “As Wimbledon RFC and posed scheduling issues due to limited School, Putney High School and Old Johnians than £580m towards improving grassroots enters its 152nd year, we have been lucky changing space and communal showers. Now, RC. A number of sports are delivered across sport, which it has used to attract additional enough to expand our facilities even further the facility comprises: eight changing rooms, these users including rugby, netball, football, partnership funding of over £800m – over which would not have been possible without six of which are en-suite; two officials’ changing athletics, running and cricket. £1.4bn of investment into the grassroots game. the grant from the Mayor of London: Sports rooms (both en-suite); a large meeting room The project was made possible thanks to The Foundation also managed the MoL:SFF Facilities Fund. We are looking forward to our and office space, and a treatment room. a £50,000 grant from the Mayor of London: programme on behalf of City Hall. bright future.” Not having been upgraded for more than 25 Sports Facilities Fund. Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon, years, the existing pavilion could not support The Mayor’s Sports Facilities Fund is part of said: “I was delighted to unveil Wimbledon DURHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS RELAUNCH CUP COMPETITION

Durham County RFU Schools Union have re- tournaments in line with Age Grade launched the Schools Cup, with over a thousand Rugby. In round one, the mid Durham pupils playing rugby union as a result. and north Durham schools attend The County Schools Cup competition, with one round of age grade fixtures to help from Durham RFU Professional staff, took reserve their position in either the its makeover around the county, setting up at Cup or the Plate final. While in the twelve different rugby clubs from last September. south, the south east and south west Along with its new look, the Cup and Plate Durham Schools competed against one another As well as the girls competitions, St John’s the county. By using County Society referees competition attracted 35 schools, with a number to progress to their next step of the competition. Catholic Sixth Form took on Queen Elizabeth for these competitions we were able to add playing in the seven different age group Cup and The Durham County Cup and Plate finals are Sixth Form in the Year 12/13 Boys final round, for professionalism to the games and raise the Plate games new to the competition. set to be completed early this year. St Johns to be crowned Plate Winners and QE to profile for future events. John Pearson, Durham County RFU Schools The U13 and U15 girls have already enjoyed a take home the Cup. “The Cup and Plate events were a great way to Union Secretary, said; “The revitalisation of central venue finals event at Darlington Mowden The remaining year seven, eight, nine and 10/11 show Durham Schools that the Schools Union is the Schools Union Sevens and more lately, Park, where over 100 girls took part in a series Boys finals will take place across the County here and looking to provide more rugby playing the implementation of a full range of boys of rugby games for either the Cup or Plate in a to see the completion of the 2017/2018 Schools opportunities for them.” and girls festivals and Cup competitions, has “Waterfall” format. County Cup at the end of this month (January). The next stepping stone for the Competition undoubtedly assisted in breathing fresh air into The 2017/18 U13 winners were; Pearson commented: “To attract so many will be to source referees from the Young Match the organisation.” U13 Plate – Teesdale School, schools and provide a number of games at Officials within Durham Schools for future With the help of RFU staff, The Schools Cup U13 Cup – St. Wilfrid’s, U15 Plate – Staindrop both Cup and Plate level has raised the level festivals such as the Cup and Plate. and Plate competition has been split into two and U15 Cup – St. Thomas Moore. of participation in rugby in the schools in

TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2018 11 MITSUBISHI MOTORS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS NICOL McCLELLAND Entries for the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open, with the awards recognising volunteers who have a made an outstanding contribution to rugby in their club, school or community. Last year over 1,500 entries were submitted for the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards as volunteers across the country were identified for their valuable work in the game. The four winners were announced at an awards evening at Twickenham Stadium, where they were awarded a Mitsubishi Motors vehicle of their choice, to keep for a year. The awards, part of the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer Recognition Programme, will see 42 local celebration events held at Mitsubishi Motors dealerships and rugby clubs between April and June 2018. One finalist from each event will then be invited to the awards evening at Twickenham Stadium on Friday, 7 September where the overall winners will be announced. “Volunteers are such a vital part of the game,” said Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi Motors Managing Director. “The amount of work that they put in to the day-to-day running of their clubs is invaluable and these awards give us the opportunity to recognise the hard work they do.” If you know someone who has made a difference in your area, nominate them here

YRA CONFERENCES HELP DEVELOP NEXT GENERATION LEADERS Young Rugby Ambassadors (YRAs) recently came together at four regional conferences held at Premiership Rugby venues to coincide with matches, showcasing the best the Aviva Premiership has to offer. The YRA conferences started at Kingston Park with Newcastle Falcons, before moving to the Majedski Stadium, the Ricoh Arena, Coventry and Sandy Park, . YRAs travelled from far and wide to attend the workshops, learn about the RFU’s Strategic Priorities, the work of Constituent Bodies and important influencing skills to equip them to work with their club committees. YRAs were put through their paces practising real-life scenarios they may encounter in clubs and universities in order to influence decision makers. They worked through: player and volunteer recruitment, increasing confidence and awareness of their work, and promoting the YRA programme in new environments. One YRA commented: “I feel a lot more confident in my work as a YRA now and I will take ideas I gained from this conference back to my club.” The days were supported by Rugby Development Officers, Community Rugby Coaches and Constituent Body volunteers, providing YRAs with a wealth of experience and knowledge to help expand their understanding of the rugby landscape. Jenny Box, Volunteer Engagement Manager, explained: “It’s so valuable to have volunteers of all ages and levels of experience in a room together. Not only are we providing YRAs with information on how their valuable volunteering fits into the bigger picture, we’re also helping our CBs to get to know the future leaders of the game. “We’ve had lots of great feedback from across the conferences, so we’re keen to look for more ways to link our YRA network with our CBs and continue this sharing of knowledge and expertise.” If you would like more information on the YRA programme and how to get young people involved in volunteering at your club or CB please email [email protected] or click here for more information.

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

TOUCHLINE Editorial input with pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray Email: [email protected] Direct Line: 0208 831 6514 Correspondence to: Patricia Mowbray, Touchline Editor, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA. Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 831 6762 Touchline is published by The PPL Group, on behalf of the Rugby Football Union, the national governing body of the game in England. Also available on the RFU website: englandrugby.com Photography courtesy of Getty and Touchline contributors. Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and CBs for contributions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the RFU. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the RFU or PPL Group. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions. All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners. The RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trade marks of the Rugby Football Union and are subject to extensive trade mark registration worldwide.

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