TOUCHLINE

The Official Newspaper of The RFU May 2014 Issue 168 EUROPEAN CLUB RUGBY FUTURE SECURED The new deal on European club rugby signed by all nine “The RFU, and in particular Ian Ritchie, has invested significant stakeholders underlined their commitment to an invigorated time over the last few months in helping to find a solution to a competition meeting all the parties’ requirements. It is a problem that at one stage looked difficult to solve. We are very truly meritocratic tournament, with appropriate division of pleased that the challenges off the pitch are concluded so we finances, underpinned by a long-term agreement and strong can enjoy the joys of the game on it, creating more unforgettable governance, starting in the 2014/2015 season. memories for players and fans alike.” It features three cross-border club competitions: RFU CEO Ian Ritchie said: “This is an excellent outcome for all the European Rugby Champions Cup, the European concerned, most importantly the players and supporters who have Rugby Challenge Cup and a new competition called the made European rugby what it is today. This equitable, long term Qualifying Competition. agreement will provide the platform for to continue to RFU Chairman CBE said: “The benefits will be expand across , increasing interest and involvement in the seen far and wide, from the clubs to the supporters, sponsors game at all levels. and everyone who has followed the fabulous mix of high “I would like to credit all parties, including BT and Sky Sports, class rugby and good natured rivalry - all played out in many for their efforts in reaching an agreement for the benefit of the spectacular towns and cities in Europe. competition and the future of the sport.” Continued on page 2… EXETER LV= CUP CELEBRATIONS NICOL McCLELLAND Exeter Rugby Club chief executive and civic reception for the Chiefs and city centre chairman Tony Rowe OBE says his club’s roads were closed to allow the buses through LV= Cup celebration parade through the city the packed streets. Not since 2010, when was a “fantastic occasion”. Thousands lined the Chiefs gained promotion into the Aviva the streets as two vintage buses carried the Premiership with victory over , had Chiefs squad, coaches, management Exeter rugby fans witnessed such scenes. and directors from St James’ Park to the “The victory parade has been a fantastic Guildhall to celebrate the club lifting the occasion,” said Rowe. “Four years ago we had LV= Cup. one and I told the guys to make the most of ’s side landed their first major it because you won’t do it again. It was just silverware in the club’s 143-year history when brilliant to see all these people come along, they overcame rivals and not just rugby fans. Winning a Cup is a 15-8 on their own Sandy Park turf. The Lord significant achievement and to do it at home Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Rachel Lyons, hosted a was a fairytale.”

ENGLAND U18 EUROPEAN HAT-TRICK STEFAN CURTIS Under 18s won their third consecutive FIRA/AER European Championship last month (April) beating Ireland 30-14 in Wronki, Poland. Two tries from England’s Man of the Tour Taylor Prell and one apiece from Lucas Slowik and Josh Bainbridge set England on the road to victory, while Harry Mallinder added ten points with the boot. Club/Pinnacle Rugby pic Exeter credit Head Coach John Fletcher said: “We’re pleased to get the win, and I did think that we were the better side, particularly in the second half – but huge credit to Ireland, they made it extremely difficult. Our lads are a tight-knit group and it bodes well for the future. We’ve had a great tour in Poland, they want the game to grow and this tournament will have helped that. We’ve enjoyed every minute, which is what it’s all about.” England kicked off the tournament with a ten-try 62-5 win against Portugal, setting up a semi‑final clash against Wales. In a rainswept Pobiedziska, England had to work hard for a tense 11-9 win against the Welsh, with replacement No. 10 Harry Mallinder – son of Northampton Saints Director of Rugby, Jim – slotting the crucial penalty.

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 1 Continued from page 1 EUROPEAN CLUB RUGBY FUTURE SECURED An association in Switzerland, European The Qualifying Competition will comprise each of the leagues – namely the TOP 14, with a guaranteed minimum distribution for Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), will between 8 and 12 teams from Tier 2 and PRO 12. the clubs from the Pro12 in years 1-5. organise and manage the Cup Competitions. countries and Italian clubs as agreed by Competitions will be under the aegis of the BT and Sky have reached an agreement in Twenty clubs will qualify through their EPCR & FIRA-AER. IRB and run according to the IRB Laws and principle concerning the European Rugby league finishing positions from the preceding EPCR will be managed through a Board Regulations. A working party will discuss Champions Cup and the European Rugby season, with the play-off over two dates of Directors representing all parties and an and propose the principles of an integration Challenge Cup competitions, both being and the competition taking place over nine Executive Committee, with an Independent of European competitions within an all- broadcast jointly by BT Sport and Sky weekends. The Pool phase, in three blocks of Chairman. The EPCR Executive will comprise encompassing European rugby framework. Sports. The pool matches would be shared two weekends, will be completed by the end the Independent Chairman, Director-General, Equal distribution of funds will see a third equally, each showing two quarter-finals, of January, the final taking place at the latest who will manage the day-to-day operations, go to TOP 14 teams, a third to Premiership one semi-final and the final broadcast by on the first weekend of May. and three voting representatives, one from Rugby teams and a third to PRO 12 teams, both live. SPORTS GOGGLES FOR U13s & BELOW In response to concerns raised regarding the prohibition of Do not substantially restrict any normal field of vision and are sports goggles in all contact rugby at all ages, the RFU has suitable for use in evasion contact sports been liaising closely with the Association of British Dispensing Do not constitute a physical danger to the player or other players Opticians to develop a practical solution for younger players (c) The match referee is entitled to object to the player who are not able to wear contact lenses. wearing the sports goggles if the referee reasonably The RFU has introduced a trial in England to enable players believes that they are unsafe. Clubs must notify the at the Under 13 age grade and below to wear sport goggles RFU Legal Officer of all players participating in the trial by dispensed under professional supervision. This trial is a variation emailing [email protected] of the RFU’s current regulations prohibiting goggles in contact (d) Clubs must report any injuries caused as a result of the sports rugby. The trial has commenced already and will last until the end goggles to the RFU Community Medical Team by emailing of the 2014-15 season, when the position will be reviewed. [email protected] and the player’s parents Those playing contact rugby at Under 13 and below can now must report the injury to the ABDO dispensing optician who RUGBY FANS wear specially designed and manufactured sports goggles prescribed the goggles. subject to the following conditions (all of which must be met): Opticians registered with the Association of British Dispensing (a) The sports goggles must be dispensed by a registered Opticians will be listed on the General Optical Council’s list TOGETHER dispensing optician who is a member of the Association of of registered members available at http://www.optical.org/. Tournament organisers ER2015 are keen to give clarity around British Dispensing Opticians* (“ABDO”) Please check the list by inserting the name of the individual any speculation in recent media concerning fans and where (b) The player must have written confirmation from the ABDO optician or opticians practice. they sit at the World Cup matches. “We have never and will dispensing optician that the sports goggles: Are required never have any plans to separate or segregate fans at RWC to correct the vision of the player or are required to protect Any queries or further clarification and guidance in relation 2015. Rival fans sitting together is what makes rugby special, the player’s eyes due to a medical condition, to enable the should be directed to the local Constituent Body or Alys Lewis and we would never seek to change that,” said a spokesperson. playing of rugby union on [email protected]. SAFEGUARDING OFFICER DONNA BRINGS AWARD TO WORTLEY CHRIS HUDSON Wortley RUFC has put a huge amount of effort and resource Wortley’s Secretary Steve Brown said: “Donna has never into its mini/junior section, earning the Dennis Cobbold had to be asked to do anything – she has thought about it Memorial Shield, awarded annually by the Yorkshire RFU to first and is doing it. She volunteered to take on the role of the club whose mini/junior section has been outstanding in Safeguarding Officer and has raised the profile of this issue providing a safe and secure environment in which young people within the club and encouraged others in the role. Donna is can develop and play the game. the welcoming face of Wortley to new parents and a friendly Barnsley-based Wortley were singled out because of the face for all the children. She is the oil in the machine and our outstanding contribution of their Safeguarding Officer Donna unsung hero.” Stevens, also nominated as an Unsung Hero in the South The Dennis Cobbold Memorial Trophy was donated by Yorkshire Volunteer Awards. Honourable mentions went to Old the Cobbold family in memory of Dennis, a great worker for Crossleyans RUFC for their development work and Skipton Yorkshire rugby. It was presented to Wortley ahead of the RUFC for maintaining high standards over a number of seasons. Yorkshire U15 and U16 Cup finals. O2 TOUCH BUSINESS AND PLEASURE Playing in two pools CHRIS HUDSON of seven, the sides An innovative O2 from the O2 Touch Touch Festival in Centres at Lymm and Cheshire proved that Sandbach came out mixing business and on top and the final pleasure can be a was won by Lymm. But winning formula. The the big winner on the Festival at Chester night was rugby itself, RUFC attracted 14 with the event drawing teams, from both the praise from across Cheshire business the community. community and local Anne Boyd, Chief O2 Touch Centres. Executive of Sport Bentley, M&S Money, Cheshire, said: “Recent MBNA and Barclays research shows that Bank were among the inactivity amongst organisations who today’s young people came up against club will cost the UK sides from Chester, economy more than Sandbach, Crewe & £53 billion over their Nantwich, and Lymm. lifetime. It’s more “It was a great night,” important than ever for said Simon Verbickas, businesses to consider an RFU Community Rugby Coach who played a key role in “Some of these big corporate businesses have staff who travel how they can reduce sedentary habits within their workforce. organising the event. “The atmosphere was really good and from further afield in Cheshire who might not realise they could An active workforce is more productive and builds a culture there must have been around 300 people there – either playing, play at their local club. This festival has brought businesses and of teamwork and strong communication. It’s a privilege to or supporting. It was a good mix as well: each team had to have clubs together, and already we have heard about people wanting work with the RFU, local employers and clubs to create an a minimum of two ladies in their squad. to get more involved and that’s music to our ears.” active workforce culture in Cheshire.”

2 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 DEVOTO’S LV= PRIZE GOES TO NICOL McCLELLAND Academy star recently presented give back something that will benefit them so much is great.” Sherborne RFC with his £1,000 LV= Breakthrough Player Award. James Gower, Head of Rugby at Sherborne, added: “Ollie is a Recognising the next generation of young players competing real credit to the club. It’s great to have him back here doing a bit in the competition, the award went to Devoto after outstanding of a coaching with the kids – I’ve no doubt they’ll learn a lot from performances throughout all four pool stages when, like previous him. We’re really grateful he chose to us for this funding– it’s winner , Devoto recorded the most impressive back’s going straight in the pot to help our clubhouse refurbishments!” statistics, provided by Opta. At 20 Devoto has already made a big impression at Bath He could choose a grassroots club to receive a £1,000 donation Rugby’s Recreation Ground. In the LV= Cup he made 67 metres from LV= as part of the tournament sponsor’s commitment to from 23 carries, proving his ability to beat defenders (four) and fostering the development of future rugby stars. The Yeovil-born bring teammates into play (five offloads) in the process. A tackle utility back had no hesitation as Sherborne RFC developed him success rate of 90%, along with three turnovers won, show why he through age grade rugby and his father still coaches there. was this season’s LV= Breakthrough Player. “Sherborne RFC is where my love of rugby came from,” said Said Bath Rugby Head Coach Mike Ford. “Ollie’s really worked Devoto. “They’ve always been hugely supportive of my career, and hard at developing his game over the last two seasons and, if he still bring groups of kids to watch me play for Bath. To be able to keeps going the way he is, he has a bright future ahead of him.” VENUS VISIT ONE CANARY WHARF Millwall’s Venus women’s team visited the iconic One Square building in Canary Wharf to thank their sponsors Canary Wharf Contractors Fund for their season-long support. They presented Cormac MacCrann, Executive Director of Canary Wharf Contractors Ltd, with his own Venus shirt. The sponsorship has allowed the team to buy new equipment, pay for travel to away games and to enter tournaments and competitions that they couldn’t otherwise compete in. It raised the profile of the team and increased the number of members. With their season over, Venus were off on tour to Malta.

PENWITH COLLEGE COLLECT HONOURS ILKLEY YOUNG In the final league game for Penwith College in the Cornwall The squad are coached by two former Pirates players, Coach U18 Championship, they beat Redruth School 43-12 winning Greg Goodfellow and Academy Manager Mike Murphy. Said Mike the match and the League after fixtures against Helston School, “We are delighted with the achievements of this young squad, AMBASSADORS Redruth School, Truro College, Truro School and Cornwall who are a perfect example of teamwork and a delight to coach. College. Having won all their games, the Penwith team have The college is immensely supportive of students’ sport and that is CHOOSE done the college proud in the first year of this competition. reflected in the friendship and atmosphere on and off the pitch.” TEAMWORK Ilkley RFC’s Young Rugby Ambassadors, Tom Fountain, Matthew Postlethwaite and Jake Duxbury decided that teamwork was the best way to develop their club ambassador programme and get everyone involved. Speaking to Ilkley’s boys and girls the message came back loud and clear that lots wanted to help, so they recruited four from each age group from U12 to U17 who helped to design t-shirts to wear around the club and community. Each group has a mentor and is suggesting an event or initiative, with some great ideas put forward. Tom Fountain, also gave a short presentation on the YRA programme at the recent RFU Colts Forum and outlined their work and his thoughts on retaining and recruiting players from the 16-24 age groups The club’s senior committee are fully behind their YRA trio who have joined Twitter (@IRFCYRA) to give updated information and tap into other social networking sites to reach as many people as possible. Yorkshire RFU have picked up their feed and have re-tweeted updates across the county. REFEREE’S DECISION FINAL! Kenilworth Pirates 59 After the final whistle, the Teignmouth Teignmouth Vets 54 coach and the Referee Assessor informed everyone that Kenilworth had, in fact, Kenilworth Pirates veterans’ team took lost 59-61! The claim was mostly likely on Teignmouth Vets on tour and left the valid. However, a Kenilworth spokesman field of play elated, told by the debutante laughed, “We thought it only right that but extremely proficient referee that they we accept the referee’s decision as we had had won the high-scoring encounter done without question throughout the having come back strongly in the game. So a victory it was – maybe!” final session. It was at that period that The real victory was the spirit in which Teignmouth were kind enough to field the match was played and hosted and most of their Vets rather than their the enjoyment of players of a more younger whippets. experienced age group. RUGBYSPY IBIZA TENS HELPING HEADLEY COURT RugbySpy will be working with the Defence Medical itself, but also other Armed Forces rehabilitation and recovery values. The armed forces also have that same ethos.” Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court as their official charity for centres throughout the country. Edwards, whose three day event will be headlined by The this year’s RugbySpy Ibiza Tens event, three days of knockout RugbySpy will be encouraging people to pledge their time and Happy Mondays, added, “RugbySpy would like to support those tournament rugby for teams from across the world, with live skills to support those in the Armed Forces overcoming injury or overcoming injury and associated problems by putting them back music and entertainment, on the Balearic island of Ibiza from disability, as well as those who have been aided by centres like on the team, just as we would in rugby and we don’t think that it’s 6-8th June. Headley Court. Tournament Partners Raging Bull and Linekers, always about money.” As a rehabilitation centre for members of the British Armed along with Event Ambassador and Wasps winger Tom RugbySpy will act as central co-ordinators, piloting the scheme Forces who have suffered injury whilst in service, Headley Court Varndell, are lending their support to get people involved. for 12 months. works with a number of companies and charities. This partnership Head of RugbySpy and founder of the Ibiza Tens Abby Edwards, For information on the event and tickets or on making a pledge with RugbySpy aims to provide a slightly different kind of said, “Rugby is a sport that unites men and women of all ages and please visit the RugbySpy website www.rugbyspy.com support, helping to raise awareness of not just Headley Court from all backgrounds – making them a family who hold the same or email [email protected]

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 3 SURPRISE VISITOR TO BRADFIELD COLLEGE RICHARD BACK PAULA ROWE Students and staff from Berkshire schools national programme of Schools Games. values. The foundation for that legacy will IN TOUCH were surpsied by a visit from the Webb Around 500 players competed across be the many activities planned in the lead Ellis Cup, rugby’s most prized asset, at four rugby competitions with another 500 up to the Tournament to inspire children CHRIS HUDSON the Berkshire School Games. This was competing in other sports. and adults to try rugby.” When, aged 28, Richard Graham suffered a nasty back injury part of the ongoing regional build-up Dan Whiteman, RFU Rugby Development The Berkshire School Games included he hung up his rugby boots. Now aged 36, he has fallen in love to 2015, hosted in Officer, said: ‘”We want Rugby World Cup some thrilling rugby, a highlight being with the game all over again – thanks to the joys of O2 Touch England in just over a year’s time. 2015 to be a huge success, not just with Blessed Hugh Faringdon School, which is and has accepted an invitation to run the O2 Touch Centre at The iconic Trophy was seen by around record crowds watching the matches, but part of the RFU’s All Schools programme, Chester RUFC. 1000 competitors at Bradfield College also by leaving a legacy for many more winning the girls’ under 13 and under 15 Richard, who works as a Manager of a Corporate Fitness Centre taking part in the event, part of the children playing the game and enjoying its contact events. for Nuffield Health in Cheshire, had decided the risks were too high if he continued playing rugby after suffering his injury playing sevens in the summer of 2006. Discovering touch has changed all that. FIVE FROM FIVE FOR DOMINANT HARTPURY He said of the end of his playing career: “I was doing a mate a Hartpury, having taken the British Universities and Colleges Two contrasting styles saw the power and control of Truro favour by agreeing to play in a sevens tournament in North Wales. title, were again victorious in the Achieving Academic and against the fast and loose running game of Filton. Truro I went through a gap and a guy caught me around the back of the Sporting Excellence (AASE) Finals at Allianz Park beating dominated for the first half hour, rewarded with a 15-3 lead thanks head. He fell on top of me and unintentionally forced me into the Prince Henry’s Grammar School 38-8 , clinching their fifth to tries from scrum half Matt Butler and centre Jack Simmons. ground. I went off in an ambulance and at first they thought I’d consecutive title. The AASE league is run by the RFU in But a four-minute Filton spell before the break turned the game broken some ribs. A few days later, in a lot of pain, I went back conjunction with the regional academies. on its head, full back Adam Francis snuck over from close range, to hospital and had an X-Ray and a CT Scan that showed up The first half was a very tense affair, with Hartpury wing Sam before Chay Smith threw a no-look pass to send fellow centre the fracture. I decided it was probably best I hang up my boots. Westcott outscoring Prince Henry’s wing Nick Rawsthorne by Josh Daly galloping over, handing Filton a 17-15 half-time lead. For a good few years I didn’t want to get involved with rugby at two penalties to one. Just before half-time Hartpury’s Westcott The second half saw Truro hooker Tommy Lee Southworth all, because there was a big part of me that still felt I could play – scored to take his personal season’s tally to 11 and Hartpury 11-3 wrestle the lead back with a short range try before his team were the injury wasn’t painful so I didn’t notice it day-to-day. up at the break. awarded a penalty try after Filton collapsed a maul close to their “Touch has really got me interested again,” said the former In the second half, Hartpury fly half Matt Protheroe sliced line. Filton fought back, a penalty from Kieran Hill bringing scrum half. “I played it casually through work at first but in the through to score from 65 metres to score They then secured tries them to within one score, before a try from scrum half Andy Uren last six months realised how much I actually get out of it. Touch through wing Mark Harrison, centre Tom Griffiths and Protheroe levelled the scores after a brilliant touchline conversion by Scott is great and can be played in mixed teams, making it great for again. Prince Henry’s grabbed a late try through full back Sam Daley. At 27-27 Truro would still have lifted the trophy having everyone. It was a real honour to be asked to run the Touch Allan after a lovely offload from Rawsthorne. scored more tries, but a Swan penalty with the final play ensured Centre at Chester. Simon Verbickas, a Cheshire Community Hartpury captain Joe Batley said: ”This is something we’ve the trophy was gathered with a win. Rugby Coach, put me forward, the club’s Director of Rugby dreamt about since day one. We’ve had a few mishaps along the The Bowl final between Worcester and Gosforth saw the lead reacted positively, and it’s all gone from there. I’ve got lots of way, but that was definitely our best performance of the season. changing hands on numerous occasions and it went down to ideas and I’m keen to get an O2 Touch League going in the We had no gaps in our defence, and our attack just seemed to the last kick of the match before being decided. A brace of tries area.” work every time we got the ball.” from Ben Wilkinson, along with tries from Aston Whitlow and O2 Touch is a joint initiative between the RFU and O2 to get The Plate and Bowl finals were decided by last-ditch kicks. Callum Chick were almost enough for the win, but it took a 30- England playing touch rugby. A penalty with the last kick of the game from full back Connor metre penalty from full back Dan Marshall on the last play of For more information and to find out about opportunities to Swan helped Truro College to a 30-27 win over Filton College in the game to seal the title for Gosforth in their first season back pitch up and play near you, visit www.rfu.com/O2Touch a thrilling AASE Plate final. in the AASE league.

4 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 WHAT A DIFFERENCE A SEASON BOLTON JUNIORS MAKES FOR OLD HALESONIANS Old Halesonians RFC U13s were under threat so glad that all the work has paid off and look TACKLE HATE CRIME as numbers had dropped to just four when new forward to increasing the squad to 25 over the Head Coach, Matthew Williams, arrived at the next year so we can be more competitive for end of the 2012/2013 season aiming to change places and cover any player unavailability”. the situation. Over the season the squad’s success includes It was a challenging task but the current making it into the second round of the season started with a squad of 15 and through North Midlands Cup and, in a recent trip to hard graft and unrivalled support, now boasts Bournemouth for the Sports Tours U14 festival, 20 dedicated players. Matt is delighted and they were victorious overall and undefeated has ambitious but achievable targets for the in eight games over two days, scoring 40 tries. season to come. This has lifted morale and the trip cemented “The parents and the players have worked so great friendships between players who hard to recruit others from local schools and embraced rugby’s core values and can’t get it’s a pleasure to work with such a talented and enough of the game. dedicated set of lads who are a credit to their Said one player, Sam Roberts, “Thank you parents, schools and the club,” he said.“It was to Andy Wright for organising and Matt for always going to be a challenge to recruit new coaching the best few days of my life!” players and keep the squad going but I am Here’s to their next season and future success!

Young players from Bolton RUFC have Groups and Bolton Under 16s player Harry become very aware of hate crime and the Kay who donned his Junior MEP hat as the dreadful effect it can have, thanks to a voice of youth. Special guests were Sam hate crime awareness initiative at the club Bedlow, Andy Broadhurst and David Seymour organised by Club Safeguarding Officer from . Eraina Smith. Bolton’s zero tolerance approach aims to More than 120 young people aged between encourage players to keep an eye out for five and 16 from multiple backgrounds incidents of hate crime and help their team and religions and of all sizes, shapes and and club mates. If you have witnessed or experience took part in a recent open training experienced hate crime you should report evening organised by the Bolton Junior it to the local police this can be done in a Coaches, helped by several first team players. number of ways: Players, parents and coaches took part in By phone discussions about hate crime awareness and • Call 101 or in an emergency dial 999. how rugby union can help. Guest speakers • For practical advice and support call 101 and included Daniel Ladd, from Community ask to speak to your local hate crime team. Services at Bolton Council and Sergeant • If you need advice about an incident within Kevin Wright and PC Neil McMahon from a rugby setting please send an email to Greater Manchester Police; Resma Patel [email protected] or contact Kath Bennett representing Bolton’s Inter Faith Youth Safeguarding Case Officer on 0208 831 7479.

they move on to a charity match between a Caldy XV and the ALL HAPPENING AT CALDY Royal Marines National team on Saturday 24th May, after a A fabulous family club running three successful senior teams and curtain raiser women’s sevens tournament, with the final played GREAT GIRLS the full complement of colts, juniors and minis and with a reputation at half-time. for county cup finals and league success, Caldy RFC on the Wirral On Sunday 25th May, the popular Caldy Sevens is being are set for a busy month of May. held from noon. This is the 71st annual event which the club DEVELOPMENT It has already been a busy start to the year as the club are believes to be England’s longest continuously running sevens celebrating their 90th Anniversary. Back in February Caldy held tournament in England. This year it will include the likes of the a Sportsman’s lunch with Willie John McBride speaking and a North Wales Exiles, Glasgow Hawks, the Royal Marines, the 1920s-themed gala dinner when 360 members and guests were Mercian Regiment, the Rugby Club of Liverpool, Caldy, Waterloo, thoroughly entertained over the course of a weekend. RGC1404 plus a whole host of North West clubs. Kicking off on 17th May, by hosting their first ever County For more information on Caldy’s May events visit Championship game between Cheshire and Northumberland, www.pitchero.com/clubs/caldy

After a full season of delivery by many of the region’s Community Rugby Coaches, clubs across West Midlands, Cheshire and Lancashire have seen more and more girls attending club development days. LIONS AT With 30 girls from six clubs across the U13, U15 and U18 age groups at an RFU event last October, an April event saw 120 girls enjoy a full day of quality coaching, followed by contact games at both Stafford RFC and Preston Grasshoppers RFC. MALVERN At both events there were at least four new girls’ sections represented and every player had the opportunity to play Malvern RFC hosted a Six Nations question and full contact rugby in a game situation. More than ten clubs answer session in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors and were represented, giving new sides’ girls the chance of game Air Force Families Association and the Malvern time. New teams included Burnley, Ormskirk, Staffires cluster Under 17s. The compere was England and and Telford. British Lions legend David Duckham, while the Run by Martin Powell (Merseyside CRC) and Adam panel was made up of Olly Morgan (Gloucester Blackford (Greater Birmingham CRC), the initiative involved and England), Craig Gillies (Worcester and additional CRCs training players and coaches, ensuring teams’ England A) and former Ireland and Lions great sustainability. With more clubs creating at least an U13 side, Mike Gibson. A raffle in aid of the charity was the RFU are hoping this will increase the option of rugby to won by long-time club supporter Nigel Thomas. girls across the country. It was a framed picture of hims with the panel, For further information on girls’ rugby across Staffordshire, taken by DE Photos’ David Felton and delivered North Midlands, Cheshire and Lancashire, please contact to him to take away at the end of the evening. WRDO [email protected]

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 5 LUTTERWORTH THANK GWYN PAUL BOLTON Lutterworth have made 88-year stalwart to Lutterworth, where his two sons played, Gwyn Williams a life member to recognise his playing into his early sixties. outstanding contribution to the Leicestershire Williams also gave a lasting legacy to club over many years. Lutterworth by making available a parcel Williams, born in Carmarthenshire in March of agricultural land adjacent to his farm 1926, moved with his family to a farm at Ashby for the club to buy. Lutterworth’s recently Magna in Leicestershire four years later. He expanded and refurbished clubhouse was attended Lutterworth Grammar School, , built on the land. taking up rugby, and then joined the local club, Williams received his life membership captaining Lutterworth for two seasons after the at the Old Players’ Reunion lunch when Second World War. Malcolm Ross, former captain and President His talents were soon noted by Rugby and of the club and now RFU Council Member for Williams played first-class rugby for them Leicestershire, paid tribute to him. Also present for several seasons and in their lower teams were a number of past members fortunate to well into his fifties, as well as for the well- play with Gwyn, some of whom had not been known Leicester Thursday side. He returned back to the club for 50 years.

COMMONS & LORDS WIN WIN SITUATION The Commons & Lords Rugby Club, affiliated Among those playing for the Lords and to the Middlesex RFU, has played annually Commons alongside Farrelly were: man at Twickenham Stadium, starting with a of the match and Special Advisor for the 2006 fixture against a vengeful Culture Secretary Nick King; Stephen Mosley, Parliament still smarting from defeat against Conservative MP for Chester and Secretary of CUTTING EDGE COACHING the club during the British Lions tour. All Party Parliamentary Rugby Union Group; The Coaching Standards Group of Sports rugby union coaches and I wish you every Last month (April) they raised more than Andy Reed, Sport and Recreation Alliance Coach UK has given full endorsement for the success with the ongoing development of £14,000 for the RFU Injured Players Foundation Chairman and former MP for Loughborough RFU’s UKCC Level 4 Certificate in Coaching your coaching system.” when beating a combined Trentham and and Ikram Butt, former professional rugby Rugby Union, in conjunction with University This recent endorsement means that for Newcastle (Staffs) team 28 – 17. Paul Farrelly league player and founder of British Asian of the West of England (Hartpury). the first time, all RFU qualification courses MP, Labour MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, who Rugby Association. Their captain was Lib The endorsement covers a five year period are fully endorsed, meeting all of the was taking part, brought along the opposition, Dem Peer, Lord Addington and Mike Bezus until April 2019 and said The Coaching requirements around delivery and content having been a member of both clubs. captained the opposition. Standards Group, “Congratulations on and putting the RFU at the forefront of reaching this milestone in your support of sports coaching. ENGLAND WOMEN SEVENS LIFT PLATE IN CHINA

JULIA HUTTON

England Women Sevens were Plate Champions at the Sevens World Series in Guangzhou, China last month (April), defeating 19-0 in the Plate Final. This was their second Plate win of the season after finishing fifth in Dubai in December. England had to settle for the Plate knock out games after a Cup quarter‑final clash against Canada and a 19-10 loss. The defeat put them against Spain in the Plate semi-finals when they ran in 26-0 victors, thanks to tries from Rachael Burford, Sarah McKenna (2) and Amy Wilson-Hardy. In the final against France scores from skipper Abigail Chamberlain, McKenna and a penalty try brought victory. England Women’s Sevens Head Coach Middleton said: “We lost to a very good Canada side in the quarter-finals and we competed right to the end. We were hoping to pull away from those below us in World rankings and close the gap on those in front and we are now lying fourth with Russia overall and looking forward to the final leg in Amsterdam in May.”

6 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 ESSEX SCHOOLS FESTIVAL FINALS England U20 and Saracens prop Nick Auterac was at Thurrock RFC to help Essex RFU present trophies at the end of another successful schools programme. The annual Essex Schools Festivals Final was the culmination of five local festivals held at Witham RFC, St.Edward’s School, Harlow RFC, East London RFC & Thurrock RFC which also provided important club school links. The schools festivals took place throughout Essex with boys and girls from Year 7 – 11 taking part. The final involved 33 boys teams in four competitions. The age group winners were: Year 7 Trophy – William Edwards; Year 7 Shield – Brentwood County High; Year 8 Trophy – Southend High School; Year 8 Shield – St.Thomas More School; Year 9 Shield – St. Clere’s School; Year 10/11 Shield – Greensward Academy. Former England Women’s Captain Catherine Spencer organised a girls festival for U13 and U15 teams with 11 U13 teams competing and five U15 teams. Dagenham’s Robert Clack academy won both age groups going on to the National Girls Finals at Twickenham on Army v Navy day. Hon Secretary and Council member for Essex Ivor Smith said “There were around 800 pupils playing at Thurrock, not to mention the schools and players who had taken part in the local festivals WOMEN’S CUP WINNERS which really strengthened club-school links throughout the county.” JULIA HUTTON Richmond, Henley, West Bridgford, Romford Gidea Park and early on, but a try just before half-time for Henley handed them Ormskirk all took the honours at the RFU National Women’s an 8-5 half-time lead. Eccles regrouped and full back Igz Ekoku Cup Finals day. executed a strong run to score under the posts but with 15 minutes At Lichfield RFC, Premiership champions Richmond recorded left on the clock Henley bounced back with a late try to take the win. a 22-7 win over London rivals Wasps to secure the Cup as well as The Women’s Intermediate Plate Final saw West Bridgford the league title. Tries from Vicki Cornborough, Rebecca Ball and the victors after a 40-7 win over Hampstead Ladies, while in the Oli Davies securing the win. Junior Cup Final Romford Gidea Park secured an impressive In the Intermediate Cup Final, Henley inflicted a 15-12 defeat on 31-12 win over Teddington Antlers. In the final game, Ormskirk Eccles. This was the first time these two sides had ever played each recorded the afternoon’s biggest score with a 67-5 win over other and it was a thrilling contest. Both sides exchanged scores Medway including a hat-trick for Vicky Irwin. PARTNERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP Ben McGregor Director of Physical Education at Bingley Grammar saw much work done. “By the end of the week all students were School describes a visit to their partner African School Jamhuri confident to run not only their own warm up activities, but skills- High School as “The best week in my teaching career.” based sessions in game coaching and also refereeing,” said Ben. Jamil Parapia Director of Faculty MFL visited Jamhuri High “A final day showcase of the students’ work saw each group forging a link with Bingley Grammar. In the Ngara region of with a team manager, a warm-up coach, a skills coach and an in- central , , Jamhuri’s all boys intake is culturally and game coach, taking it in turns to referee their own games It was socially diverse, many travelling from the extreme poverty of one really powerful to see older students with the confidence and of the world’s largest slums, Kibera. skillset to run these sessions. They ran their own tournament Students’ interest in rugby was inspired by the success of and even allocated their own fair play officers. the Kenyan sevens team and said Ben,“We realised that it was “We presented them with their leaders award certificate, and important that when we left Jamhuri our work should continue. the winning team with medals and they were so proud. We are At Bingley Grammar School we have been working with the currently fundraising to provide them with a playing kit and RFU’s Neil Spence and Hamish Pratt. Neil has been helping me our students will donate their old boots to Jamhuri. There is a deliver the RFU’s Key Stage 4 Leaders Award which has been definite need, I’ll never forget their scrum half kicking a penalty incredibly successful in our school, vastly increasing the number from just short of half way in bare feet.” of young leaders. It was the obvious choice to deliver in Kenya.” So with Chris Chapman, Teacher of Science and 1st 15 player If you would like any further information at Ilkley, Ben Webster, Behaviour Support Manager, a visit email [email protected]. DONCASTER BACK IN GREENE KING IPA CHAMPIONSHIP NICOL McCLELLAND won the National defeated 67-14 by Coventry, centre Rob League One title and promotion back to the Knox and back row Jacques Le Roux both Greene King Championship with a final- grabbing hat-tricks for the Midlands side, day 38-20 victory over Blackheath, who who finished the season in third, while Cliffie proved challenging opponents, only two Hodgson kicked 17 points to take his record- points adrift of the league leaders with half breaking season’s tally to an incredible an hour to go. Tries from Donny’s Bevon 372 points. Armitage and Tyson Lewis – the division’s In an entertaining game of 11 tries and top try scorer – and a penalty try saw the 72 points, Worthing went down to Wharfdale Knights home. in a narrow home defeat. Raiders wing Long-time title rivals Rosslyn Park also Alex Nielsen scored a hat-trick but couldn’t claimed maximum points from their final prevent his side bowing out on a losing note. fixture with eight tries – six converted by Fylde produced an eight-try, 50-30 win fly half Scott Snedden – to beat Cinderford, over Old Albanian to finish fourth, ahead of 52-17. The Foresters’ lingering relegation Esher, who scored four first-half tries to set worries were over, however, after Henley up a 31-17 win over Richmond who finished were held to a 14-14 draw at Tynedale. one place (7th) and four points better off The Hawks return to National Two South than in 2012/13. as a result. Loughborough Students confirmed their Henley were relegated together with Hull National One status with a 29-10 win over Ionians and Worthing, whose fate was sealed Blaydon. Fly half Alex Davies scored a try long before the final weekend. Ionians were and kicked nine points

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 7 competition organised as part of Farnham’s 800 players took part in the main rugby festival on SURF & TURF FOR three day Surf & Turf Tour to Devon. the Sunday. Following the event, Farnham RUFC Tour Chairman, John Wickens, said, “Beach donated spare tour balls to the Tag Rugby Trust. FARNHAM MINIS rugby fitted right into our theme. Luckily for Farnham RUFC has a tradition of sending large Exmouth locals and holidaymakers watched more us, the gods were smiling and the sun shone. Minis tours around the UK. Said their Minis Chairman, than 300 mini players taking over the seafront Everyone had a great time.” Steve Tomlinson: “In total 645 tourists travelled for Farnham’s first ever Beach Rugby Festival. The following day, thousands of supporters together from Farnham to Devon for a weekend The players, aged from 6 to 12 years, were from watched more conventional rugby played by the of rugby, making new friends and creating great Farnham RUFC, local clubs Exmouth RFC and Farnham RUFC teams against ten other regional memories. Maybe they will go on to rival Farnham old Teignmouth RFC and Silhillians RUFC, the clubs at the host Exmouth RFC’s grounds. Some boys Jonny Wilkinson and Ryan Wilson.”

BARNSTAPLE AWARDED DAVID SMITH MEMORIAL CUP Referees voted Barnstaple the friendliest club in National League Three South West, officials from the South West Group judging them the best hosts before, during and after matches this season. All 14 sides in the division received votes but Barnstaple came out on top, narrowly beating Amersham and Chiltern. The club’s prize is the new David Smith Memorial Cup, presented at their last home game of the season against Old Redcliffians. The trophy honours the President of the Somerset RFU who died after being involved in a car crash on his way to assess the referee at the Worcester Wanderers v Newton Abbot match in October 2013.

EVERYONE’S HAPPY AT HORDEN Horden Rugby Club on the north Durham coast. has had a great season at every level. Not only has the first XV put in the kind of performances that will see them league winners and promoted to North One but the second XV won the Candy League and Pyman Cup. Not to be left out the third XV were unbeaten as Touchline went to print both in their respective county Cup final and the Pyman Shield.

STEVE’S HALF CENTURY NOT OUT The end of the season for Buckfastleigh Ramblers marks a very special milestone for Steve Chapple who reaches 500 games for the club. Steve first played rugby at school, joined Totnes Colts, progressed to their first team and joined Ramblers in 1994, remaining with them ever since. Playing most of his games at fly half, he was captain on two separate runs, one lasting four seasons. A catalogue of injuries over the years failed to deter him. Steve says his local club is very family-orientated and well run, changing with the times but staying loyal to the club’s roots and values. Most memorable moments include lifting the Barry Cup in 1998, an annual match against Salcombe. A lifetime supporter, Bill Prowse had died on the eve of the match and passion was high to win for the first time since the reformation of the club. “The atmosphere was electric and there was no way we were going to lose that game” recalls Steve. In 2011 he was invited, along with fellow Rambler Greg Robinson, to play at Sandy Park for Rob Baxter’s testimonial against , the highlight of his rugby career. Now aged 41 Steve says he will play for as long as he is enjoying it and able to play a good game.

8 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 U16s VICTORY FROM RIGHT DECISIONS UNDER PRESSURE EMMA KENNEDY England U16s finished the BMW for the team as making decisions under opportunity to represent their division Wellington International Festival with a pressure was been the theme of the week and play against each other and against 32-22 win over Scotland U16s, a try from for players and management. The players opposition from Scotland, Italy, France full back Oliver Graham and two before were trying to solve problems throughout and Wales. All played in the matches, the break from Callum Sirker lifting them and eventually created space and took before 23 were selected for the England from a nervous start when they went 8-0 advantage of that with our strike runners U16s squad to play Scotland U16s. The down. England’s sixth and final try came scoring some impressive tries.” same players later took on Wales U16s through BMW Man of the Match Ben Earl They were one of four England teams at Neath RFC winning a hotly contested after Gabriel Ibitoye touched down twice in action on the final day of the BMW match 24-22. in four minutes. Wellington International Festival, run by The BMW International Festival was England U16s Head Coach Steve the RFU and the ERFSU in partnership. the climax of a development programme Shortland said: “The faltering start was Selection having divided 100 players into including divisional training camps understandable as the team had only been four squads (England U16s, Saxons, Lions for 25 players from each region, the together for a couple of days. We had to and Roses), England Roses beat England U16s having been incorporated into the soak up a lot of pressure early on before Lions 19-14 and England Saxons beat Italy RFU’s Professional Rugby Department, building momentum. Scotland were very Academy Selection U17 by 10-8. providing greater continuity for players MIDDLESEX SPORTS passionate and effective which made The Under 16s selection process progressing through the age-grade teams FOUNDATION PARTNER it a physical encounter and a good test began last March, giving 100 players the and player development pathway. GB WHEELCHAIR RUGBY The National Governing Body for Wheelchair Rugby, GBWR, has agreed a deal with the Middlesex Sports Foundation worth £50,000 that will run for the next four years. Rhidian Jones, Chairman of the Middlesex Sports Foundation, said: “We were all impressed by the courage and commitment of the athletes at the Paralympics in London in 2012. As a charity with assets derived from the rugby community, and focussed on aiding sport for youth and those with special needs, we considered GB Wheelchair Rugby an ideal partner with which to develop a strong relationship.” David Pond, Chief Executive of GB Wheelchair Rugby, said: “We welcome the Middlesex Sports Foundation as partners as our relationship with the able-bodied rugby community continues to grow and we are very grateful for this generous funding which will help our new youth programme.’’ The money will help support and develop the sport across the country as well as to prepare the elite squad for the Paralympic games in Rio. The cheque presentation took place at Twickenham Stadium, home to GBWR’s Head Office through partnership with the RFU. GBWR is a charitable organisation. To get involved and find your nearest club please go to www.gbwr.or.uk PORTSMOUTH PERFECT DAY Portsmouth College organised and provided students, were keen to strengthen their links with the college sports sports staff and their College Sports Maker to help make department who are considering sponsoring some local the recent Portsmouth Schools Festival a success for the schools’ rugby. Referees were Portsmouth University five schools playing rugby. Three were local All Schools, students who had completed their ELRA qualification with wearing their own designed Canterbury kits. All players Nicholas Parker CRC and facilities were provided by the were invited to college coaching clinics and teachers Navy at US Portsmouth RFC.

WOODBRIDGE PITCHES GET KEITH’S BLESSING Woodbridge Rugby Club was the first call on Twickenham Head Groundsman Keith Kent’s recent 17-club round of visits. Woodbridge groundsman Bob Double was a little nervous when Keith started wielding a spade! He was accompanied by Club Chairman Rob Simpson, Head Coach Drew Fautley, Ross Stannard of RST Sportsturf, Robert Gibson and others from Otley College to meet Keith and Peter Shaw from the RFU with John Winders, Chairman of Eastern Counties Community Rugby. But Bob needn’t have worried as Keith, who uses 32 years’ experience to look after the Twickenham turf, said of the Woodbridge pitches, “They’re fantastic! If you’ve not missed a game in the wettest season in history you must be happy with that.” Woodbridge has three lovely flat pitches which Bob has tended for years and now has an arrangement with Otley College to help maintain the fine playing surfaces, arguably the best in the region. So when Keith dug in, crumbled the soil in his hands and pronounced it in great shape both Bob and Tony Gibson were visibly relieved. Keith had lots of advice for making the work easier and tips for even better performance. Woodbridge Rugby Club could rest assured that, while its 18 teams of men, women, boys and girls may win some and lose some, the pitches have professional blessing.

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 9 ENGLAND CANTERBURY AND WOMEN RHINO IN POLAND TACKLE England partners Canterbury and Rhino winner the Las Vegas Sevens in the the grounds of their historic estate in are both supporting a groundbreaking Rugby Event of the Year category at the Silesia on the Polish-Czech border, the social rugby festival in Poland this 2012 Rugby Expo at Twickenham, which tournament attracts teams from all over MILITARY August. The Piotrowice Nyskie stressed the importance of grass roots Europe and will take place this year on International Rugby Festival, now in its initiatives in emerging rugby nations. August 16th. fourth year, was nominated alongside the Hosted by English rugby fanatic Jim Anyone interested in the event should TRAINING English Premiership Final and eventual Parton and his Polish wife Anna in contact [email protected] JULIA HUTTON England Women tackled military style training at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, Hampshire last month. Preparing for the Rugby World Cup in Paris this August, they were put through their paces at the Royal Navy Leadership Academy, with challenges used to train Royal Navy officers and sailors in the Fleet. The squad took part in activities like raft building, rope courses and tackling a gruelling obstacle course, testing their problem solving, leadership and team building skills to enhance their thinking and communication capabilities Lieutenant Commander Neil Caswell, who oversaw the day, said: “All Royal Navy sailors and officers travel through these doors at some point during their career. We look at what people’s talents are, where their strengths and weaknesses lie as well as getting them to try to adapt to various pressure situations. I could certainly see progress and impressive cohesion within the squad when they left.” England Head Coach Gary Street added: “The Royal Navy are world experts in performing under pressure, thinking through problems, communication tasks and decision making. We thought it would be good to tap into their expertise and transfer that into a rugby situation.” The Women’s Rugby World Cup takes place between August 1-17 at Marcousis and the Stade Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris. More information at www.rwcwomens.com

PETER TAKES TOP PRIZE What does a 21-year-old tight-head prop in his final year of Dad Steve is grounds chairman at the club, having been an agriculture and farm management degree need before 14 years with Drifters and having played in the front row graduating and setting off looking for farm work and a rugby with Peter and 19-year-old son Thomas in a local derby. club in New Zealand? Fifteen‑year‑old son Oliver also plays there, while Peter’s The £10,000 cheque top prize in the RFU’s Grand Draw! And sistergoes along to support when not eventing with her horse. that’s what Peter Whitby from Drifters RFC had presented to him Mum is a member of the Drifters’ Dolls ladies lunch club who by RFU President Bob Reeves at Twickenham Stadium recently. raise money for local charities. He even bumped into England coaches Mike Catt and Graham From the family’s arable, dairy and equestrian farm Peter will set Rowntree, who thought he might now be particularly popular in off for New Zealand and on his return hopes to visit a university the Drifters bar. friend’s farm in Kenya and take in the Nairobi 7s. “I’ll be doing Said Peter, who was at HQ with mum and dad, Trilly and Steve, “I harvesting work to get out to New Zealand but this cheque will bought – and lost – one ticket but persuaded my dad to put my name on certainly help me get to Kenya,” he said. one of his. I was helping with lambing on a farm when I got the phone Each year RFU registered clubs, schools, colleges and Referee call telling me I’d won and thought someone was having a laugh!” Societies receive free Grand Draw tickets, from which they keep Peter has played at Drifters at Farnham Common since the U7s. 90% of all sale proceeds. “We’re going on tour in a couple of weeks so I hope the cheque will have cleared!” he grinned. To discover more visit www.rfu.com/granddraw CHECK THIS OUT! There are now new ways to offer your members and visitors more and improve their club house experience. For more information on the benefits below visit www.rfu.com/managingrugby/clubdevelopment NatWest Easy Payment Would your club benefit from being able to take payment by debit or credit card? Make the process of collecting subs, paying at the bar or buying club kit that much easier for your club members, with a WorldPay card payment system. NatWest have made it possible for all RFU affiliated clubs to receive competitive rates to manage and process debit and credit card transactions. SKY So that your members can enjoy a fantastic range of channels and sports the Sky Ultimate offer has been extended. New RFU affiliated clubs joining Sky before 30 June 2015 will receive the Sky Ultimate package for £177 ex VAT per month (T&Cs apply). O2 WIFI* With the RFU O2 Wifi offer clubs pay £30 per month on a 36 month contract with no set up or registration fees, saving over £1,700 over three years. Once installed, O2 Wifi is free for club members and visitors to use, no matter which mobile or broadband operator they’re with. It’s also simple to connect to, with a one-off registration process *This is an offer only for RFU incorporated clubs. Any clubs that are not yet incorporated should please contact [email protected] for advice.

10 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 RFU RUGBY CONNECTED YEARBOOK 2014-2015 The deadline for amending information held on RugbyFirst for the RFU Yearbook is Sunday 29th June 2014. While the amount of information held in the Yearbook will vary according to the club MANOR PARK level, all entries will have club name, address, contact phone number, web and email address, and contact details for the honorary and fixtures secretaries. WIN FAZ All this information can now be checked, added to and amended via a single page within England Backs Coach Andy Farrell travelled to Nuneaton your club’s RugbyFirst site. To update roles in recently to run a defence session at Manor Park RFC. Farrell RugbyFirst, go directly to your club or via the was at the gritty grassroots club to represent the tangible side of England Connected after Manor Park were selected search function at http://clubs.rfu.com/clubs/ and select the tab called ‘Yearbook – Handbook from more than 600 entries in a #winFaz competition on Details’ item on the left hand menu of your club @ EnglandRugby Twitter site. On this one page you can now update all the relevant information for the Yearbook. For technical assistance, please contact the RugbyFirst helpdesk on rugbyfirstsupport@ therfu.com or 020 8831 6651. The Helpdesk is WEDNESBURY WANT YOUNG PLAYERS open Monday to Friday from 0900-1300 and Wednesbury Rugby Club and the RFU recently ran a fun two-day camp to recruit players to progress through the club and eventually play 1400-1700. for seven to 14-year-old boys and girls and said Community Rugby Coach first team rugby. The youngsters learned rugby’s core skills, played tag For full RugbyFirst guidelines and step by step Adam Blackford, “Getting young people involved in the game provides rugby and finished with a game of rugby rounders, everyone receiving information, click on the link http://clubs.rfu. them with the skill to play and the discipline to carry with them for life.” a certificates. For more information contact Paul Hill on 07730417927or com/Clubs/portals/webmasters/ Paul Hill one of Wednesbury’s youth team coaches said they are hoping Adam Blackford on 07855442660.

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 11 REMEMBERING, EDUCATING AND FUNDRAISING The wants to work with dead. Similar numbers of casualties could be clubs and schools to mark the centenary of counted for the Army v Navy match that year. the First World War, supporting the national Between 1914—1918 nine million lost their commemoration programme and the sport’s lives including one million British and strong military connections. Commonwealth servicemen and women. The RFU is aiming to highlight and facilitate Many were rugby players. Some were events and activities marking this anniversary famous like England former captain Lieutenant of a war in which more than 120 international Colonel DSO, and Lieutenant rugby players lost their lives, including (some Commander Arthur Harrison RN VC. 30) 27 England players, the grassroots game The majority who sacrificed their lives were losing thousands of players. club players. The focus will be on: Remembering, By 1919 rugby had lost a generation of Educating and Fundraising. leaders, sportsmen and officials. Rugby Many clubs will be remembering those who effectively came to a halt at the outbreak of died and the RFU would like to publicise and war. In the Battle of the Somme in 1916, two support those remembrance activities. companies of the Northumberland Fusiliers In keeping with the government’s theme of were reported to have set off from the trenches educating young people about World War I, “behind a high drop-kicked rugby ball”. Only the Union wants to encourage rugby’s young eleven of the two hundred men returned. people to learn about the war on a local scale The 1914 Army Cup was won by 2nd and in relation to the game. Battalion West Riding Regiment, the Duke of With the RFU already committing Wellington’s Regiment. They embarked for CANTERBURY SEVENS considerable support to a number of military France in 1914 for the Battle of Mons. Of the charities, the desire is to focus on a designated Cup-winning team five died in action and six military charity around Remembrance Sunday were seriously wounded. Of the one thousand SHIRT REVEALED ON to have the greatest impact. There will no doubt soldiers embarking for France only 35 were still also be many clubs fundraising for services serving at the end of the war. charities at this time. We want to hear of any plans that your ST. GEORGES DAY In the 1914 Scotland v England match club, school or CB may have to remember England scored four tries. Tragically by those who died in your area. Please contact NICOLA MARSHALL 1918 eleven of that afternoon’s players were [email protected] Canterbury and England Rugby chose Chris Stephenson, Canterbury CEO said: St. George’s Day, to unveil the new England “We wanted to create a shirt that would inspire Sevens home and alternate shirts. the England Sevens fans to come together Both shirts were created with patriotic spirit and unite as one nation in the true meaning at the heart. A sea of crosses, inspired by of ‘England Is All’ and with the patriotism Saint George and the George Cross Medal, this shirt represents it was only right that we emblazon the shirts to represent the pride launched it today on St George’s Day.” shown on the rugby field. In addition to the Sophie Goldschmidt, Chief Commercial patriotic crosses the shirts feature seven Officer, Rugby Football Union commented: stripes on the cuffs, one to honour each player “Representing their country in an England shirt on the team. The home shirt is traditional is always a very proud moment for the players. white, with the alternate shirt a midnight , It’s fantastic that Canterbury has designed influenced by the blue socks introduced to such a patriotic shirt to encourage fans to really England Rugby in the 1930s. get behind the team. It’s an exciting time for Canterbury’s new campaign leads with the England Sevens as another world record crowd ‘England Is All’ message which celebrates the is expected at the Marriott London Sevens at unity of England players, coaches, volunteers Twickenham Stadium in May; we can’t wait to and fans across the whole game. It is amplified see the shirt in action on the pitch in front of a with the strapline ‘Seven Players, One Nation’ packed-out home crowd in a few weeks.” representing the united front of the entire The home and alternate shirts can be nation standing behind and supporting their purchased from www.canterbury.com and seven men on the field. www.rfudirect.com with an RRP of £55.99. CARLISLE WIN CUMBRIA WOMEN’S COUNTY CUP JULIA HUTTON the arrival of a new side in Kendal Wasps, has with the start of what should be a growing Lloyd. Lisa Ritchie added eight conversions. been a big boost to the county. Kendal have competition for the sport in the county. It Caroline Clutterbuck replied for Kendal, with Carlisle Cougars are celebrating being just completed their first season of league has given both clubs a focus, raising the Abby Bland adding the conversion. Lucy crowned champions in the inaugural Cumbria rugby. With a women’s side also having been competitive spirit. The county’s support is Meadley from Carlisle was awarded player of the Women’s County Cup. The Cougars proved formed recently in Workington, women’s really paying off, and this competition should match for a dominant ball carrying display. worthy winners in the Keswick RFC final, rugby is taking off in the region. crucially raise the profile of the game.” The game was a credit to both squads, many defeating Kendal Wasps 71-7 to lift the trophy. Katie Harper, women and girls’ Carlisle dominated from the first whistle becoming team-mates as part of the Cumbria Carlisle will next season celebrate their representative for the Cumbria RFU, said: running in 11 tries via Vicky Parker (2), Hannah Women’s County squad playing against 20th year of playing, but have, up to now, “Real steps are being made in the development Sherlock (2), Ceri Storer (2), Lucy Meadley, Kati Northumberland, Durham and Cheshire.to faced long journeys to find opposition – so of women’s and girls’ rugby in Cumbria Brown, Lisa Ritchie, Holly Freestone and Bethan the final leg in Amsterdam in May.”

THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT THE GAME

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

12 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014