FEB 2010 ISSUE 63

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE RFL

DANNY CHAMPION OF THE WORLD?

on the inside…

Rewarding Partnerships Growing the Game Working Together 6 The war of Raise funds the Rugby League for your club worlds

You Earn For every 50 £41 £500 Wembley tickets sold.

You Earn For every 50 £62 dual event CONTENTS £1000 tickets sold. 5 Media matters

9 A big achievement You Earn For every 50 Wembley package tickets sold. 14 Sweet dreams

£2000 Packages from £103 15 30 not out 18 New look for RLC National

20 The start of something big? You Earn For every 49 Wembley 10 Rewarding 12 Growing 21 Show me the money travel package tickets sold. partnerships the game £2000 Packages from £131 22 Catch up on coaching 24 The waiting game

CARNEGIE FINAL 26 Breaking down barriers 28th August 2010 You Earn For every 50 dual event package 27 Game on tickets sold. £2500 Engage GRAND FINAL 28 Cup shocks! Packages from £124 2nd October 2010 30 Showing a clear commitment

FEB 2010 ISSUE 63

THE RUGBY LEAGUE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE RFL

DANNY CHAMPION OF THE WORLD?

on the inside…

Rewarding Partnerships Growing the Game Working Together Contact us now: 16 Working together Ray Tennant Steve Gafney T: 07595 520 338 T: 07595 520 578 E: ray.tennant@rfl.uk.com E: steve.gafney@rfl.uk.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE MEDIA MATTERS .... with John Ledger

Welcome to the first Rugby League Bulletin of 2010 .... RL Here we go, here we IN NUMBERS Eyes on the prize - SL XV launch As it’s the start of a new year we’ve decided to revamp the magazine go, here we go! At long and give things a fresh look. Whilst the layout may have altered the last, after seemingly content certainly won’t and we’ll continue to include news, interviews and features from across the whole game. interminable months This issue includes a preview to the first major Rugby League event of frustration, the of 2010 – the Gillette . In the lead up to the big game David Burke has interviewed both a past and present player and new season is up and I’m sure that everyone will find what Danny McGuire and running .... have to say very interesting. Elsewhere in the 32-pages other highlights include news on an exciting link up between Engage Super League clubs and community 78,090 Spectators attended the teams in the Midlands, an interview with the recently appointed RFL seven Round One fixtures of En- From now until October, the biggest Director of Participation and Strategic Partnerships, David Gent, who gage Super League XI conundrum come the weekend will not be explains what the RFL will be doing in the coming years to increase how to avoid being dragged off to IKEA or roped into redecorating, but what to wear to player growth and a look back on the great work the Coaching and the game: one coat or two and, from June at Performance Department have done over the last 12 months. least, possibly no coat at all. On the field itself the season has got off to a great start with the Summer rugby has still seemed a lifetime Engage Super League and Northern Rail Cup competitions making a away these last few weeks, though, as the welcome return. However, the action isn’t just confined to the pro start of Engage Super League and Northern ranks and the coming weeks will see the student game showcased as Rail Cup has coincided with one of the the Pcubed Varsity match is held at The Stoop, as well hardest winters of recent times, but perhaps as exciting community competitions like the Gillette National Youth that says more about how soft we’ve all become. League and Hattons Solicitors National Conference League continuing With weekly action, Rugby League has despite the inclement weather we still seem to be suffering. returned to the sports pages of national 2,657 Schools visited by and regional newspapers on a regular basis professional clubs community and while coverage on radio, television and the TOM HOYLE internet is also back with a vengeance. foundation staff in 2009 Editor Yet even before Crusaders RL and [email protected] defending champions Rhinos kicked off the 2010 season on a snow-covered pitch at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, it The front page of The Mirror’s content or quality but the bottom line. would have needed someone with the vision supplement featured the photograph That is not to say editors and sports and hearing of The Who’s Pinball Wizard not of 14 players in front of the Palace editors do not care or do not listen, far to have been aware that professional Rugby of Westminster with Big Ben in the from it, and Rugby League fans can still League was back. background, a terrific picture from the influence how the sport is covered in their Certainly the tens of thousands of official launch of Engage Super League favourite newspaper. Rather than grumbling shoppers who crowded the Trafford Centre XV in which helped raise the about the lack of stories in this morning’s twitter.com/CommunityRL in Manchester on January 23 for the fans’ competition’s profile immensely. paper to your pals at work or down the launch of the new Engage Super League The feedback from the newspaper sales pub, or posting a whining missive on a season were left in no doubt what was departments at The Mirror and The People messageboard, a considered letter or email coming. shows a positive impact to the circulation of to a newspaper’s editor would have far more Published by the Rugby League Services Department of the RFL. 120 Teams expected to take With a handful of clubs hosting stalls both newspapers, a rare sales spike in an era impact. The RFL, The Zone, St Andrews Road, , HD1 6PT. part in 2010 Co-operative Rugby selling merchandise or handing out leaflets, when newspaper circulations are in general An explanation that Rugby League Tel - 01484 448000 | Fax - 01484 545582, League Conference photo opportunities with both the Carnegie decline. coverage provides a reason for you to Email - [email protected] | Internet - www.rfl.uk.com Challenge Cup and Engage Super League Unfortunately even though The Mirror continue buying/reading the paper and trophy, and a star-studded show on the and The People offer proof that quality the threat to change your buying/reading main stage hosted by BBC Radio 1’s Mark Rugby League content sells newspapers, habits should things not improve can The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the RFL Board of “Chappers” Chapman, the Trafford Centre the sport continues to struggle for exposure work, especially if the editor/sports editor Directors. launch was a huge success. in the national press, a frustrating situation receives enough of them. For those who didn’t get the chance to which reflects poorly on the power brokers Take this as a call to arms, dear Bulletin combine some retail therapy with a Rugby who used to be based around Fleet Street. readers: don’t stand idly by while sportsmen Contributors - Tom Hoyle, Phil Caplan, Neil Barraclough, swpix.com, Dave Williams, Nick League experience, there were ample The RFL’s Media Department continues whose obscenely inflated salaries and Boothroyd, Phil Hodgson, Dave Burke, John Ledger, Julie Stott reminders of the imminent return of summer to work closely with national newspaper egos are inverse proportion to their rugby. journalists to help them enhance their talents dominate the sports page of your In late January two national newspapers If you are interested in advertising in the Rugby League Bulletin, please contact - coverage and regularly lobbies the sports newspaper at the expense of the wonderful – The Mirror and The People –ran special [email protected] editors and editors who fail to give the sport athletes in Engage Super League and Co- full colour new season supplements, giving the column centimetres it merits. However operative Championship. Main Cover Photograph - Danny McGuire (swpix) 30 Attendees on the Level 1 BME Engage Super League unprecedented free in recent years control over editorial content Instead, pick up a pen, take up the © The League Ltd 2010 Rugby League coaching course exposure around the country. Both papers has been slowly and inexorably taken cudgels and let the people who run your promoted their specials on their front away from editors and senior journalist favourite newspaper know just what, good Designed by - Tom Hoyle pages and supported the supplements with throughout the newspaper industry by the or bad, you feel about their Rugby League Printed by - Redwood Print Ltd Tel - 01484 711111 national and regional radio advertising. accountants whose only concern is not coverage.

- 4 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 5 - For stand-off Danny McGuire, victory at on Sunday 28 THE WAR OF THE February would be extra sweet .... Danny McGuire is hoping and don’t whip up any Storm damage for Leeds Rhinos in the World Club Challenge. On top of the world - The Rhinos stand-off knows all about 2009 winners Manly RUGBY LEAGUE Melbourne’s twin terrors having seen the dynamic duo regularly destroy Great Britain and ’s trophy aspirations. “Melbourne’s backs are outstanding,” says McGuire, “but Slater and Inglis stand out. They must be the best two backs in the WORLDS world at the minute. “Slater is a great reader of the game and so dangerous coming off the shoulder of other attackers. He’s the supreme finisher with his pace and skill.” Praise indeed from arguably Super League’s top poacher. With the first major Rugby McGuire adds, “Inglis is a man mountain. He is the size of a front rower but can run League event of 2010 like a winger. “He’s scary in full flight but we have a almost here, DAVID BURKE couple of formidable centres in and so hopefully they can keep him under wraps.” alternately on either side of the world. caught up with a past McGuire lines up for Leeds in his fourth “The big question is whether the Aussie World Club Challenge at Elland Road on 28 fans would support it as well as the English and present star ahead February. Slater was in the Melbourne side but it would enable some of our players who beaten 11-4 by Leeds in 2008 when Kevin don’t get the chance to play over there in of the Gillette World Club Sinfield was man of the match. internationals an opportunity to see Oz.” And Slater bagged a hat-trick of tries on McGuire, a keen Leeds United soccer Challenge .... his last visit to Elland Road in ’s fan, has enjoyed mixed fortunes on his four 46-16 drubbing of England in November’s appearances at Elland Road. Gillette Four Nations final. He made his debut at the ground, where McGuire, 27, could only watch helplessly he cheered on Gary McAllister, Gordon from the stand after took Strachan and Gary Speed as a youngster, his place for the semi-final win over New in the 44-4 Tri-Nations final thrashing by Zealand and then retained his spot for the Australia in 2004. final alongside . “I went on for after 24 Inglis was named Golden Boot winner for minutes when it was already 26-0,” recalled 2009 as the world’s best player and McGuire McGuire, “so I suppose I was in a no-lose WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE ROLL OF HONOUR knows Leeds are in for a torrid test as they situation. I could play freely but it was very bid to be crowned world champions for the disappointing. 1987 8 Manly 2 (Wigan, 36.895) third time in six years. “ was brilliant that night 1989 WIDNES 30 Canberra 18 (, 30,786) “Melbourne may be without a few players and we thought we had a chance after 1991 WIGAN 21 Penrith 4 (, 20,152) but are obviously taking it seriously with beating them at Wigan a couple of weeks 1992 Wigan 8 22 (Wigan, 17,746) a warm-up game in Australia and another earlier. But they blitzed us. 1994 Brisbane 14 WIGAN 20 (Brisbane, 54,220) against Harlequins before they face us,” said “Probably my best memory of Elland Road 2000 St Helens 6 MELBOURNE 44 (Wigan, 13,394) McGuire. was beating Canterbury Bulldogs 39-32 Melbourne, whose assistant coach in 2005 in front of 37,000 fans – a record 2001 ST HELENS 20 Brisbane 18 (, 16,041) Michael Maguire has succeeded Brian Noble crowd for a World Club Challenge in this 2002 41 Newcastle 26 (Huddersfield, 21,113) at Wigan, supplied eight players for last country. 2003 St Helens 0 ROOSTERS 38 (Bolton, 19,807) year’s Gillette Four Nations. “It was our first World Challenge and we 2004 BRADFORD 22 Penrith 4 (Huddersfield, 18,962) Slater and Inglis were joined by Cooper were desperate to win. I was lucky enough 2005 LEEDS 39 Canterbury 32 (Elland Rd, 37,028) Cronk, , and to score a try and win the man of the match 2006 BRADFORD 30 Wests 10 (Huddersfield, 19,207) in the Australia squad with award which always adds a sweet taste. 2007 ST HELENS 18 Brisbane 14 (Bolton, 23,207) and representing New “Then we beat Melbourne in 2008 but Zealand. I was taken out after only 22 minutes and 2008 LEEDS 11 Melbourne 4 (Elland Rd, 33,204) Storm will be missing injured Cronk, had to come off with a damaged AC joint in 2009 Leeds 20 MANLY 28 (Elland Rd, 32,569) White and with my shoulder. Conditions were awful with moving to after the 23-16 wind and rain but it was a great contest. BRITISH CHAMPIONS - 11 wins Grand Final victory over Daniel Anderson’s “Then last year we were outplayed by Bradford 3, Wigan 3, Leeds 2, St Helens 2, Widnes 1. . Manly. We didn’t apply enough pressure and “In an ideal world it would be better to let in some sloppy tries. Not long after that AUSSIE CHAMPIONS - 4 wins stage the World Club Challenge at the end we lost five out of seven games so we hope of the season when both clubs have their there’s no repeat on either count. Brisbane, Melbourne, , Manly all 1. squads which won the respective Grand “Having followed Leeds United all my Finals,” argues McGuire. life it’s always great to play at Elland Road “But that’s clearly not possible because which has a fantastic atmosphere. of the international tournaments although “We were proud to be called world I would like to see the game staged champions – and want that title back.”

- 6 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 7 - Wigan and Great Britain legend Andy Gregory Well done - James receives his award tells the Rugby League Bulletin why Leeds should take great delight in winning the Gillette World Club Challenge against ....

Mighty atom Andy Gregory pocketed 23 winners medals in his illustrious career with Widnes, , Wigan and Leeds. But Gregory, who also earned 26 Great Britain caps, believes his two World Club Challenge successes with Wigan – against Manly Sea Eagles in 1987 and four years later – are among his proudest possessions. “The biggest regret of my career is that I never managed to beat the Aussies in an Ashes series,” says Gregory. Come on Leeds - say’s Gregory “We came mighty close in 1990 winning the first Test at Wembley before going down narrowly at Old Trafford and then losing the decider at Elland Road. But nobody will ever take away the fact that I was twice a world champion with Wigan. The teams on that historic night were - victory over Penrith at Anfield. “I have plenty of friends who are Aussies Wigan - Hampson, Russell, Stephenson, “Everyone knows I’m a Man Utd fan and I but there’s nothing I like better than putting Lydon, Gill, Edwards, Gregory, Case, Kiss, came in for some stick for not touching the one over them – and I’m sure every English Wane, Goodway, Potter, Hanley (capt). “This is Anfield” sign when we ran out. A BIG ACHIEVEMENT! Rugby League player is the same. Substitutes, Byrne, West, Gildart, Lucas. “I wasn’t being disrespectful – I just Young volunteer James Stott is celebrating yet “The World Club Challenge is a great Manly –Shearer, Ronson, Williams, O’Connor, couldn’t reach it!” concept and it was a privilege to play in the Davis, Lyons, Hasler, Daley, Cochrane, Penrith couldn’t halt Gregory who was another award after scooping a 2009 Young Achievers first one that now seems light years away.” Gately, Gibbs, Cunningham, Vautin (capt). outstanding and sent Sam Panapa over for a Award. TOM HOYLE looks at another volunteering St Helens did play a challenge match Substitutes, Brokenshire, Ticehurst, Pocock, try in the 21-4 triumph. against Eastern Suburbs at Sydney Cricket Shaw. “I then moved to Leeds so missed Wigan’s success story ... Ground in 1976 – losing 25-2 – but it wasn’t There were fireworks off and on the titanic clashes against Brisbane in 1992 and until 1987 that Wigan chairman Maurice field and Gregory recalls, ”Both teams had 1994. But I was a Sky pundit for Wigan’s trip Rugby League has recently celebrated yet awards ceremony and representing the Lindsay’s persuaded the powers-that-be a reputation for playing open, adventurous to Brisbane in 1994 and tipped the Broncos another award winner, with James Stott Shaw Cross Sharks club as well as our great to inaugurate a showdown between the football but there wasn’t a try scored all to win quite convincingly. being awarded a prestigious volunteering game.” English and Aussie champions. night. “Then Wigan turned in a breathtaking award for his work with his local club. “It’s a hat trick now for us after the Gregory, now 48 and rebuilding his life “It was a very tough contest and a performance to win 20-14 and I couldn’t The 20 year old from – a BARLA Media of the Year award and the RFL after overcoming personal tragedy and real forwards battle with leave my house for a month after that. previous RFL Volunteer winner – travelled Young Volunteer of the Year so to add this health problems in recent years, said, ”That deservedly winning the man of the match “Bradford, Leeds and Saints have flown to London earlier this month to collect his gong is unbelievable.” night against Manly will live in my memory award. the flag for Britain with their successes in “Young Sports Achiever” award, thanks to After nominating James for the award for evermore. “ banged over four recent years and don’t try and tell me the the hard work and effort he has put into the Shaw Cross Chairman Chris Smith was “It was a fantastic experience and I penalties for us and they had Aussies don’t take it seriously. Shaw Cross Sharks website over the last delighted James has been successful. “James remember coach having our sent off for elbowing . “They hate losing as much as us but I couple of years. has been inspirational,” said Smith. pre-match meeting at the Kilhey Court Hotel “ and Brian Case were also would like to see the venues alternated After serious injury cut short his playing “After picking up a career ending shoulder in Wigan and then our bus leaving for the sin-binned and it was no match for the faint- between the hemispheres so they can’t career, James continued to stay involved injury he’s continued to be a major part of two-mile journey to . hearted. have any excuses.” with the club and he spends several hours the club and instigate what we feel is one “I couldn’t believe the crowds flocking to “But the game set a benchmark and it’s Gregory, who has coached Salford and a week updating and developing the site, of the finest websites in the amateur game the ground in the colours of Saints, Bradford a pity it wasn’t played every year after since quitting as a player, will be despite working in a full time job. This award (www.shawxsharks.com). and Leeds as well as Wigan. It was then that. I was delighted it was revived in 2000 at Elland Road on Sunday 28 February to was the second major volunteer gong James “He’s never moaned about his inability it hit me what the World Club Challenge because the players and fans love it. see Leeds Rhinos take on Melbourne Storm has collected, as in 2008 he was named as to continue playing yet I know that inside meant. “We should take any chance we can to in the Gillette World Club Challenge. the RFL Young Volunteer of the year. he’s in agony as a young man with loads of “Central Park was 80 per cent full 90 rub the Aussies’ faces in the dirt!” “I still get to games and help out coaching “This award was a huge surprise,” said energy. minutes before the kick off and what an Gregory’s old club Widnes – Jonathan at Wigan St Pats. I’ve had a few personal James. “However we are all very proud of him atmosphere. It made the hairs on your neck Davies, et al – then sunk problems in recent times but am now back “It’s a great achievement, not just for and he really has turned a personal setback stand on end.” Canberra at Old Trafford two years later and at the gym regularly and have never felt myself but also for the game of Rugby into positive outcome.” More than 36,000 fans were shoe- the pint-sized scrum-half, who was built like better,” he said. League as a whole and to all those people horned into Central Park and Wigan fielded a car park bollard, said,”That was a great “I’m working full time with Hughes who week in week out work tirelessly for an almost exclusive British line-up. Kiwi Widnes team and that night was one of their Brothers building company who have been their clubs as volunteers.” For more information on volunteering on was the only foreigner – and greatest moments.” great. But you can be certain I’ll be cheering “It’s great to know that Rugby League to find out to make nominations for the Shaw Cross Sharks - on the attack he was a non-playing sub. How times There was no denying Gregory again in for the Rhinos at Elland Road!” is being recognised as a community sport 2010 RFL Service Area Awards visit www. change. 1991 when he captained Wigan to a 21-4 at grass roots level and I really enjoyed the therfl.co.uk/community

- 8 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 9 - In partnership - Super League & the Midlands REWARDING PARTNERSHIPS

Building on the rapid growth in playing Birmingham, Telford and Northampton. This numbers seen in the Midlands region over will build upon the already strong number the last few years, UK-based Engage Super of full-time staff in the Midlands, brought League clubs will be paired with a specific about by the RFL’s Whole Sport Plan. club to help grow their junior teams in time All Engage Super League clubs now for the Midlands summer season. deliver community programmes through RFL Community Partnership Manager, Chris Thair said, “Unlike their counterparts in the Rugby League heartland, few Refereeing Whistles THE PARTNERSHIPS community clubs in the Midlands benefit Ahead In West Midlands from the profile and community work of Coventry their local professional club. () “We are grateful to the Engage Super Birmingham League Clubs and their partner Foundations, Rugby League Refereeing in the West (Hull FC) who run the community work on the clubs’ Midlands has taken a huge step forward behalf, for agreeing to assist the clubs in Nottingham with the formation of a new match the Midlands who don’t have a professional (Hull Kingston Rover & ) officials society. club on their doorstep. Telford The West Midlands Rugby League “Many Engage Super League clubs have (St Helens) Match Officials Society has now been already formed rewarding partnerships Derby launched with an elected committee with clubs many miles from where they are (Leeds Rhinos) and is now looking forward to the located and we hope to replicate this as a challenge of 2010. North Derbyshire collective body.” “18 months ago we had very few ( Trinity Wildcats) active match officials in the West Wolverhampton Midlands, so to go from that to a fully ( Tigers) functioning active society is a great Northampton step forward and I look forward to (Harlequins RL) seeing what further developments Redditch the society can produce” said ( & Salford City Reds) Danny McNeice, RFL Match Officials Development Officer for the region. Leicester Newly elected society chairperson () Peter Parker was understandably delighted with the way the society has taken off. their partner charitable foundations such as “We have had a very strong club the Wolves Foundation at Warrington. set up in the West Midlands for years Many have won numerous awards for with the likes of and their pioneering efforts and work closely Birmingham Bulldogs and it is great to with the club in deploying players into see that people are now engaging in schools and community events. The Heads the match officials side of the game” of the Foundations agreed to deliver the he said. programme in 2010 and the decision was “There is a strong future for our recently ratified by Super League chief society as the game grows in the West executives. Midlands and longer term we could In addition to widening the pool of Rugby produce Super League Officials of the League talent across the region, the plans future!” will also give Engage Super League clubs Anyone in the West Midlands with an RFL Midlands Regional Manager David the opportunity to run their eye over some interest in taking up the whistle is more Butler added, “This will provide a huge potential elite players. than welcome to join the society to join boost to clubs in the region by helping “The signing of former Leicester Phoenix those with experience under their belt. them recruit and retain players in readiness and Bristol Sonics player Michael Coady by for the new season and supporting the Leeds Rhinos shows that there are talented For more information on the West invaluable work of the Midland based players out there who can play our game at Midlands Rugby League Match Engage Super League clubs have announced an exciting coaches and volunteers. the top level” said Butler. Officials Society or on becoming “Engage Super League has huge “This programme will give all those a Rugby League Match Official, initiative that will provide valuable support for community nationwide appeal and we will work players without a professional Rugby contact Danny McNeice on danny. together in harnessing that power for the League Club on their doorstep an [email protected] or 07775 022 Rugby League clubs across the Midlands in 2010. NICK benefit of all.” opportunity to get to the top of our game.” 800. The partnerships will see Super League BOOTHROYD takes up the story .... community staff and possibly players spend For more information on Rugby at least one day with their partner club League in the Midlands visit www. in places such as Nottingham, Coventry, midlandsrugbyleague.co.uk

- 10 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 11 - The other area is the sport’s talent pathway, where we’re trying to get 6,000 boys into the pathway. That means that in each of the Service Areas there’s an opportunity if you’re good enough and eventually that feeds through to a much stronger England team in 2013 and 2017.

The RFL was very successful in receiving £29.4m from Sport England. How can the sport make sure that is repeated when David Gent the next Whole Sport Plan is submitted? Simply by meeting the targets we’ve agreed with Sport England. If we don’t deliver the targets then we won’t get the same amount of money, but I remain very confident that we’ll achieve them. If we do meet those targets then that will put us in a very good position for funding at the time of the next Sport England grants. GROWING THE Have you identified any key growth areas that the RFL will target? For example, women, girls or students? The big areas in which we believe there can be massive expansion are League For All and Masters Rugby League. They are played GAME between spring and autumn, a time of the year when people want to be outside being active and healthy. David Gent is the RFL’s Director of Participation Another area is definitely the women’s and girls’ game. We know that 97 per cent and Strategic Partnerships. NEIL BARRACLOUGH of Rugby League participation is male and caught up with him to find out about how Rugby that clearly means there is room for growth among females. 16 to 19 - a key area to target League plans to continue its growth over the next Students are also vital because it helps us to get more college and university teams, four years .... which would make a massive impact on those figures relating to people dropping that we’ve got to deliver because they’re out of the game between the ages of 16 really investing in us as a sport. We’ve got to How long have you been at the RFL? country. That means we’ve got money to and 19. fulfil our potential. I started at the end of September last year. invest in facilities, whether it be improving pitches, changing rooms or clubhouses, and League for All - Tag & Masters How many development staff now work Would a change in government be likely Have you settled into the job? What does we’ve also got funding to produce new and for the RFL? What kind of geographic to affect any of the current funding from your remit entail? better qualified coaches. base is covered? Sport England? I’m really enjoying myself. I’m the Director On top of that there is money to help Across the country there are now 84 The short answer is that we don’t know. of Participation and Strategic Partnerships, clubs get more volunteers in place as development staff employed by the RFL. However, if we are clearly seen to be which boils down to getting more people well as fund things like League For All, We have development staff in every single delivering on our targets and getting more playing at community level and finding new where we try to bring new adults into the one of the nine regions in England, as well people playing, then that’s surely what any sources of funding to support that activity. sport. The funding is largely behind the as in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. From that government would want to see. network of development officers we’ve perspective we are truly a national sport. Did you have any previous knowledge of got in place to do that work, but we’re not On the press release announcing your Rugby League? just concentrating on the North West and Can you see that figure rising over the arrival, a section spoke about “meeting I’m the team manager for Bradford Dudley Yorkshire - it spreads everywhere across coming years? targets in key areas such as education, Hill U12s and have been since they were England. That figure of 84 will stay firm now but social deprivation and welfare”. What U7s. there are also 94 community Rugby League are those targets and why are they the What are the RFL’s Whole Sport Plan coaches getting more people to play the responsibility of a sports governing body? From your point of view, what are the targets? game by working with clubs, schools, The government wants to improve the RFL’s immediate challenges? We’ve got to do five main things. First, there colleges and universities within their area. health of the nation and that involves The biggest challenge we’ve got is getting is the adult participation target that I’ve increasing physical activity. The best way more people playing the game. That task is already outlined. You previously worked for Sport England to increase physical activity is by getting going to dominate my life for the next four We’ve also got money to help us retain - what advantages does that give you in people to play sport. years. We’ve got nearly £30m from Sport players between the age of 16 and 19, terms of your current role? The RFL receives money from Sport England England and my key role is to make sure where there’s a massive drop off in people I was the regional director for Yorkshire but my job is also to get funding from places that it is invested in the best possible way playing the sport. Part of the programme so I know a lot about Rugby League from like the Department of Health in order to to get more people playing Rugby League. we’re implementing is focussing on how the other side of the fence. I believe there help us achieve those objectives. In terms of figures, our intention is that in we get more people to stay in the game. is bags and bags of potential for Rugby Another example might involve the Home four years’ time there’ll be 52,000 more That might be through things like saying League to succeed - not just in the north but Office. The government believes that if adults and 30,000 more children playing you don’t need to play 13 a-side and can also in the south because it’s a great activity you can engage young people in positive Rugby League on top of the people already instead concentrate on League For All, or with lots of different forms that make it activities at community level then we’ll enjoying the sport. even changing fixture days from Saturday easy for people to play. have a better society. A good society has to Friday night because it’s more convenient lots of people volunteering and contributing Can you give a simplified explanation of for that particular age bracket. How strong is the RFL’s relationship with to their community and a great way to do what the Whole Sport Plan is, why it’s The third area is that the government Sport England? How does that help Rugby that is down at your local rugby league club. important and how it’s delivered? wants all governing bodies to improve the League? It’s in those sorts of areas where there is The Whole Sport Plan gives us the money to experience for people playing the sport, and It’s very healthy. Sport England would not further government funding that we can try help the community game grow through the we get measured on various satisfaction have invested this much money without to access to help fuel the growth of Rugby amateur and professional clubs across the levels, such as Clubmark accreditation. that healthy relationship but it does mean League.

- 12 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 13 - SWEET DREAMS If you think you know your Rugby League and have the knowledge to mix it with 30 Engage Super League coaches, NICK BOOTHROYD finds out why the time has come to prove it .... NOT OUT

Oxford University stalwart John Hobart has reflected on Rugby League’s continuing progress as preparations go Over 8,000 thousand Rugby League supporters have already entered Each budding Super League coach can enter their team in three teams into the official competition, the different mini-leagues so they can compete against a number of into overdrive for the 30th annual Pcubed Rugby League only fully automated and free-to-enter tournament based on the different people. Varsity Match. NEIL BARRACLOUGH caught up with him .... Opta statistics. A huge number of mini-leagues have already been formed with The clash, which will be held at The backgrounds. We’ve got two Americans Entering a team is simple and free of charge, supporters simply need supporters challenging each other to prove their Rugby League on 4 March and in our squad this year and previously to go to www.sldreamteam.co.uk pick a team name and follow the on knowledge and coaching prowess over the course of the Engage broadcast live on , will be the we’ve had guys from Nigeria, Spain and screen instructions. Super League season. 15th Varsity match of Hobart’s career. Kazakhstan.” The Oxford University club manager and Evans, who originally founded South To take up the challenge you need to pick your squad of 17 players As well as fans, Rugby League personalities including Sky TV assistant coach, who played for England Norforlk Saints, will be coaching in his which includes six backs, three half-backs and eight forwards with a commentators Eddie Hemmings and and BBC Students and reserves 11th Varsity fixture. He added, “We play maximum of three players from each club. correspondents George Riley, Robbie Paul and Dave Woods have during his career, represented Oxford in Harlequins U20s on Saturday 20 February entered teams. seven Varsity games before being involved and our league season has gone well, too. Every player in Engage Super League has a value attached to them, in the coaching set-up for the last eight “We’ve got some lads still with us from university sport so it’s a very different for example last year’s man of steel is valued at Rugby League journalists such as Gareth Walker of The People, David years. last year and that undoubtedly helps group of players. Having said that, the £105,000, and your squad must not exceed the budget of £1.65m. Burke of the Sunday Mirror, Julie Stott of the News of the World, He said, “My first Varsity game was because it’s a totally different atmosphere lads were very disappointed last year so Trevor Hunt of Radio Manchester and former BBC Radio One sports at London Welsh’s old ground on a cold playing under floodlights, in front of those that were involved might use that as This is where supporters can prove their expertise in selecting their presenter Mark Chapman have also entered teams. afternoon outside of term time. About television cameras and at a big stadium.” motivation this time around. squad and identifying key signings and bargains as with the budget 50 people turned up and there was no Oxford head coach Dan Garbutt will be “We normally go on a tour to France constraints it’s impossible to fill your entire squad with top try Phil Williams, the Super League Marketing Manager said, “We’re corporate event. looking to engineer a Dark Blue victory to but this year we went on a five day warm scorers and Man of Steel winning stars. delighted to see that so many Rugby League supporters have “Now we get a big crowd, play at a great make amends for last year’s 20-4 defeat weather training camp in Portugal, which entered teams into the Super League Dream Team competition. ground and entertain about 300 corporate against their greatest rivals. was a great experience for everyone Players are awarded points for a range of criteria, including tries guests. There’s also an Old Boys Varsity Garbutt said, “We’ve gone fairly well this involved. Our preparations have certainly scored, goals kicked, try assists, metres gained and clean breaks, this “It’s a great opportunity for fans to prove how much they know fixture and, following on from last year, season with a mixed squad including some gone as well as we could have hoped.” means that it is important to have a balanced team as players will about the sport, compete with their friends and colleagues to try and there will also be a Varsity game for the experienced players and some who are new Garbutt, 30, still plays amateur Rugby score for different attributes not just for goals or tries. predict which players will be the top performers in 2010. second teams of Oxford and Cambridge. to the game. League for Gloucestershire Warriors, “Both universities are also hoping to start “I think there are seven or eight players where he is the current chairman, and has Points are also deducted if a player makes an error or is shown a red “As the Super League Dream Team game runs entirely from women’s teams very shortly, so there’s a lot who took part last year and in that group previously represented Ipswich Rhinos. or yellow card which also might be worth taking into account when official Opta stats this is the most realistic fantasy Rugby League going on. The Varsity game now attracts a there are a couple of very experienced guys. This year will be his fourth Varsity match as selecting your team. competition out there and as the teams are administered online it’s lot of publicity and a lot of popularity.” If selected, James Batstone will be playing in Oxford’s head coach. incredibly user friendly.” Cambridge head coach and full time his fourth Varsity match.” The Super League Dream Team competition really comes into its own general manager John Evans has praised However, Garbutt insists that last year’s when you are competing against your friends and work colleagues in the Varsity match’s ability to bring Rugby result will have no bearing on next month’s * Oxford University are sponsored by the easy to organise mini-leagues. These are automatically updated Details of how to enter the official Super League Dream Team League to a new audience. showdown. “It’s a totally different occasion,” insurance firm morethan, while solicitors after each round to show where your team stands in relation to how for free and a full list of the competition’s rules can be seen by Evans said, “We’ve got lads playing he said. Kester Cunningham John sponsor your friends are getting on. visiting www.sldreamteam.co.uk Rugby League from all sorts of diverse “There’s a high turnover of players in Cambridge University.

- 14 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 15 - The 33 professional Rugby League clubs in Britain and their partner Foundations engaged with a record 2,657 schools, 395 clubs and 583,737 people as part of their community work in 2009. TOM HOYLE looks at how the game is working together .... WORKING

Last year saw unprecedented numbers of 203,564 people in playing a Rugby League people become involved with Rugby League activity and Championship clubs reached a after the great community work done by pro further 61,559 individuals, playing anything clubs from all over the country. This hard from TAG rugby through to full contact.” work has just gone to highlight exactly how “Well over a quarter of a million people the game is growing and coupled with the played the game last year thanks to the positive crowd trends is a further example professional game and this should be TOGETHER of a “boom time” for our sport, celebrated! There is a strong school to club “This works underpins many aspects link programme across all the activities of the sports health and is integral to the and work also takes place directly with the long term success of any professional club community clubs.” both on and off the field,” commented RFL “The community work also supports the Community Partnership Manager Chris Thair. business of the club by taking the club out “The community work is increasingly into the community, introducing players, the becoming more sophisticated and diverse in sport and their club to lots of new families. the 21st Century and there has been a huge Engaged through the community work and shift in the last decade in the importance tempted through a ticket offer, these people clubs place on their work in the community.” become tomorrow’s season ticket holder. In “The last decade has seen 21 clubs set 2009 York RFLC achieved a crowd of over up Charitable Foundations to deliver the 3000 in Championship One, Widnes a crowd community work on behalf of the club. At over 5000 in the Championship and nine the turn of the Millennium Eagles Super League clubs reporting crowds over RLFC were the first club of either code to 10,000. A percentage of these crowds are set up such a Trust and many more, such as always due to a direct result of community Harlequins RL Foundation – set up in 2009 work, with families of the school children – have done so since.” involved in the community work being “In 2010 another six Trusts linked to invited to attend the big game and local professional clubs are expected to be community groups asked to perform as part formed. Currently all Super League clubs of the half time entertainment.” and half of the Championship competition “As well as boosting crowds and the gate operate their community work through a receipts for games, the combined marketing partner Foundation”. value of the community work will reach into Hull FC are one of a number of clubs who the millions of pounds, with a tremendous recognise the importance of community amount of goodwill being created between work, placing their Foundation General club and their community, which can benefit Manager Jon Flatman on the Board of the the club, when on the park the team may Super League Club as Community Director. be struggling. New public and private Flatman enthused, “The Foundations sector partners – who otherwise wouldn’t provide a much needed valuable resource be interested in a commercial deal – are to local communities. Run by a board attracted to the club via their community of trustees for charitable purposes, our work and lots of data such as e-mails are organisations truly engage local people in collected on the way which comes in useful positive activities.” when driving further sales.” “Partnerships are the keys to sustainable The benefits of the community work also communities and Rugby League clubs go far beyond the game of Rugby League provide fantastic unity for all local and increasingly so as the community organisations. Our local players and local programmes being delivered by the supporters unite to make a difference to the professional game are becoming more lives of many local people.” diverse. Flatman’s positive thoughts are backed To attract more people into the club up by Thair. there are now numerous programmes “Grassroots Rugby League in the relating to health, social inclusion, education community clubs and schools underpins the and the environment, with clubs and professional game and everyone’s health Foundations attracting over £5million for in this triangle is intrinsically linked to each their community work in 2009. others. Professional clubs recognised this The results of the 2009 RFL survey and have invested heavily in supporting which 33 clubs/foundations completed the community game in recent years,” he showed every club operated with a full time continued. community person and in total 142 full time “A recent RFL survey completed by the and 240 part time staff were employed in Foundations and professional clubs showed relation to their community activities. A that the work of Super League clubs and significant and increasingly important factor their Foundations during 2009 engaged to the ongoing success the game.

- 16 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 17 - THE TEAMS

Bramley Buffaloes Carlisle Centurions Huddersfield Kippax Knights Buccaneers Nottingham Outlaws Warrington Wizards

NRL ENGAGE SUPER LEAGUE TELSTRA PREMIERS CHAMPIONS

Buffaloes charge - who can stop Bramley in 2010 EXCLUSIVE GILLETTE WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE GROUP OFFER BOOK 25 TICKETS* OR MORE TO THE GILLETTE WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE AND YOUR CLUB WILL RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE GILLETTE CHAMPIONS KIT BAG, WITH: NEW LOOK FOR RLC NATIONAL 5 RUGBY BALLS Nine clubs will be gunning for Bramley’s Co-operative Rugby League Conference National title in 2010 in a new look competition on and off the 30 DRINKS BOTTLES field. PHIL CAPLAN explains ....

The Buffaloes defeated Huddersfield the lead role. the triple header Co-operative Grand Finals 20 TRAINING BIBS Underbank Rangers 38-22 in last season’s “It is an exciting opportunity to work on Day on 26th September. decider, staged at the Halliwell Jones the Management Board of the RLC” he said. Kippax official Dave Jessey cannot wait But hurry, this is a limited offer. Stadium, Warrington, their fourth successive “The competition has been a huge success for battle to commence. appearance in the Grand Final. story in the geographical expansion of “We feel it is a great honour to be The elite division at the top of RLC the code, giving it an all-embracing, truly accepted into such a prestigious competition BOOK YOUR SEATS NOW! pyramid will see Kippax Knights join the nationwide appeal.” with such big name clubs” he commented. ranks following their elevation after winning “RLC National looks set for another “It is testament to everyone here how far the Yorkshire Premier title in 2009, with exciting year with the successful application we have come in the short time we’ve been moving to the North East of Kippax Knights to join while the RLC established.” competition and East Lions Premier and Regional competitions will see “There is defiantly a buzz about the 2010 GILLETTE WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE taking a season’s sabbatical to secure a new further, exciting expansion in 2010.” place going right through from officials to 2010 GILLETTE WORLD CLUB CHALLENGE home base. RLC National will be an 18 round the coaching staff and players. Hopefully Sunday 28th February, 2010. Elland Road, Leeds. KO 6.30pm In terms of the management of Rugby competition commencing on Saturday 17 we will be able to build on winning the RLC League’s fastest growing competition, April 2010 with the last of the regular Yorkshire Premier Division last year and which incorporates teams in England, Wales season scheduled for the weekend of the really compete. I don’t see why not given and Scotland, RFL Regional Manager for 21/22 August 2010. A top six Play Off the fact that this is a rugby league town TICKETS: London & the South, Dan Steel, has taken on format will again be in operation, leading to which has a great catchment area.” BOOK 0844 856 1113 Adults from £20 quoting: ‘Community Kit Bag’ (Open Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm) Conc from £10 - 18 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN *Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply, please contact RFL Ticketing for more information. as Thornhill Trojans while, at the same THE START OF SOMETHING BIG? time, ensured higher attendances than would, perhaps, have otherwise been recorded at some of the sport’s high- A record crowd in their first Engage Super League match at Wrexham was no profile events. accident for Crusaders RL, as club executives Paul Retout and Mike Turner Many outfits such as Thornhill have picked up a cool grand or so for filling explain to JULIE STOTT .... coaches to the Engage , and there was a real cash bonanza surrounding the autumn’s Engage Super League’s newly-styled Crusaders carried out a massive publicity “A Rugby League success story was born Crusaders RL took the game by storm with campaign in the run-up to the game, raising in North Wales in our first game. Although Gillette Four Nations Series. a debut in Wrexham that exceeded all awareness of the new venture with the we lost, Rugby League won.” Gafney and Tennant were able to expectations. RFL’s help through local media and by Incentives to keep the fans rolling give supportive grassroots teams free A sell-out crowd of 10,334, with another capturing youngsters’ imaginations by through the turnstiles are only part of the tickets for the opening game at the 300 locked out, caught even the most taking the Engage Super League trophy into picture, however. The club has already set Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster, for the optimistic Crusaders worker by surprise. almost 40 schools. up a mini Rugby League competition in opening Four Nations fixture between Brian Noble’s hastily-assembled side The policy paid off handsomely and most North Wales - surprisingly with the help of England and France, and there were sprung another shock with a stirring of the fans who turned up at the opening union clubs in the region. discounted deals on offer for other performance on the pitch, holding game are now on the club’s data base and Retout said, “We had a meeting with the matches throughout the competition, champions Leeds to 6-6 for over 60 minutes will be offered incentives to come back to local union clubs and the response was very SHOW ME before losing 34-6. future games. promising. We want to bring the two codes which were taken up enthusiastically It was almost the stuff of make-believe Various fun days, coaching sessions, closer together. for, in particular, England’s semi-final and dispelled any early fears that the club’s school visits and other publicity events “Both codes are very exciting and very with New Zealand at Huddersfield and, move north from South Wales might take a are also in the pipeline to make sure the honest and we want to give young people THE MONEY following the home country’s superb while to get off the ground. Crusaders stay at the forefront of people’s the opportunity to play rugby. success in that game, the final itself, And yet, a note of caution. Haven’t we minds. “There is such a heritage of rugby up against Australia at Elland Road on been in similar situations before? Retout added, “A lot of clubs have started here but before the Crusaders, there wasn’t Few regular readers of the Bulletin will be unaware Saturday 14 November. Those with long memories will recall with a big bang in the past and then not a professional outlet. But now the Crusaders There was no joy for the English Cardiff City’s triumphant opening crowd lived up to that and we know it’s important have become a beacon for potential Rugby that it can be a real hand-to-mouth existence at the of 9,247 in the 1981/82 season - and that we keep this momentum going. League players. players on that occasion, but their 775 crowd in the final match of that “I am confident we will win matches this “In two or three years we could see Wales grassroots. PHIL HODGSON looks at the financial celebrations continued for grassroots campaign. season because we have invested in the lads coming through and playing Super burden suffered by many clubs and highlights one clubs and Thornhill Secretary Andrew So can Crusaders avoid the same pitfalls best coaching team in Super League in Brian League which will be phenomenal.” Byram summed up the mood when he and make sure that their opening night bang Noble, Jon Sharp and Iestyn Harris. Turner added, “We will build our junior way that money can be made .... said, “It was a great way to raise money doesn’t fizzle out into a whimper? “But it is not just about winning or losing development like we did when we were in that, otherwise, we wouldn’t have had. You bet we can Is the message from at the weekend. It is more than that, it is South Wales. That was successful and we ! Essential equipment such as tackle Former players were reunited “It wasn’t all plain sailing and we, as both Chief Executive Paul Retout and deeper than that. have got to replicate that in the north.” Commercial Director Mike Turner. “Although it is important to have a Despite the opening night sell-out bags, balls, cones and water-bottles are with coach Johnny Harpin earlier this with other clubs I’m sure, have learned It’s a boast that’s not based on blinkered, competitive squad, it is also important to lay crowd, the at times eerily quiet reaction only a few of the items on a lengthy month when the club celebrated the a few lessons. We got our £1,000 back myopic thinking either. The pair have a the foundations for years to come. made it obvious that many of them didn’t checklist which, added together, can tenth anniversary of the sensational on the Four Nations deal, and ended long-term plan that they are convinced will understand the rules. cost a tidy sum, particularly for those 16-12 victory over up with around £700 as not everyone turn Wrexham and North Wales into a Rugby But Retout has even this covered in his clubs which run a number of youth and in the Challenge Cup – a win recorded forked out, in the end, for the tickets League hotbed. master plan to turn the club into a success. junior sides, often in addition to Open less than two years after the Eagles they’d been given. Retout said, “The game against Leeds He said, “I’m going to publish a set of Age teams. had won the competition with their “But that was our problem and we’ll exceeded all our expectations because our rules and get them out to fans and in the But those items, along with many memorable success over Wigan at certainly be taking advantage of future original plans were that we’d get about local paper. We’ve already captured their 7,000 fans. imagination and hopefully, the more they others, have to be bought, and Wembley. offers. At the very least, that 700 quid “We put Rugby League on the map in understand, the keener they will be. beleaguered treasurers, together with Sadly, Thornhill have slipped helped us through a difficult time when North Wales with that game and we will “North Wales has been starved of any their fellow committeemen, are also somewhat from those heady days, we really were cash-strapped.” make sure we keep that going.” top line sport for years. I know there was faced with the headache of funding with finance presenting a particular Thornhill are now seeking to take Turner added, “We know a lot came criticism that we were too close to the spiralling travel costs, particularly problem and crisis calls emanating from advantage of the latest offer, through because of the novelty value and now we Rugby League heartlands but I think we will for those with teams in such as the Overthorpe Park at regular intervals in Gafney (who knows all there is to know have got to work very hard to make sure attract a lot of fans from the west and south Hatton’s Solicitors National Conference the last 24 months or so. about the trials and tribulations of that they keep coming back. But we believe of Wrexham, as well as Wrexham itself.” League, or the Gillette National Youth The Trojans, however, are now on a grassroots Rugby League from his time we can do that. We are in with a fighting chance.” League for the longer journeys. more even keel, with results gradually at ) and former That’s not even taking into account improving in the First Division of the leading referee Tennant, whereby a league fees, insurance premiums, NCL and, equally importantly, signs of a Gillette Kit Bag containing five balls, referees’ fees, electricity costs and, for healthier bank balance. drinks bottles and 20 training bibs some, fines. One key factor in the more buoyant will be passed on to any club making Many clubs are, in effect, small mood at Overthorpe Park has been a block booking of 25 seats for the businesses, epitomised by Thornhill the opportunity to raise funds through World Club Challenge. And, on the far- Trojans, who run a host of sides various schemes offered by the RFL. but-approaching horizon, the Trojans from their base at Overthorpe Park, Rarely can amateur Rugby League plan to make use of the RFL’s Carnegie Dewsbury. clubs have had such an opportunity Challenge Cup Final offer, through The Trojans, whose National to combine the pleasure of watching which clubs booking 50 people on a Conference League team featured in top class professional action with the weekend package will receive a cheque the Grand Final only four seasons ago, chance to pull in handy cash. for a cool £2,000 in return. have enjoyed an illustrious history Much of the credit for this should Byram said, “That’s a tremendous since emerging from the celebrated go to the intrepid duo of Steve Gafney deal, and one which helps kick-start Gate club, based at the pub of that and Ray Tennant, of the RFL, who have any amateur club’s season at a time name, in the 1970s. helped boost the coffers of clubs such when funds can be low.”

- 20 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 21 - 2009 saw Rugby League coaching reach all corners of the UK. The UKCC Level 1 and Level 2 Coaching qualifications have been up and running for three years and in this time over 2,600 coaches have attended and passed their qualifications in coaching Rugby League. The RFL’s Performance and Coaching Department have delivered courses in England, Scotland and Wales, including coaching courses for Wheelchair users, female coaches, BME coaches as well as coaching courses for professional players. Here are some of the headline stories of 2009 ....

Engage Super League Stars complete coaching course complements the work we speaker, along with top level Rugby League the UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Coaching are currently undertaking with a number coaches, including and Steve Rugby League of clubs based in areas with large BME and McCormack, as well as national coaches faith communities to increase dialogue from Hockey, Table Tennis, Squash and Engage Super League stars from Castleford between the clubs and the communities. Basketball. Tigers, Wakefield Wildcats and Warrington “We are hopeful that this will lead to an The UKCC Level 4 Post Graduate Diploma Wolves all attended a Level 2 Coaching increase in involvement from BME and faith in Elite Coaching Practice which started Course which once completed will allow communities in the game, be that as players, on the weekend of 25- 26 September at the players to coach open age community coaches or spectators.” Bisham Abbey, Buckinghamshire is a new teams. Starr Zaman who undertook his UKCC programme designed to share best practice Gaining this coaching qualification opens Level 1 CCRL said, “ I personally learnt loads and integrate cross sport learning. up a number of long term options within about things I thought I had knowledge John Inverdale said, “I’m delighted to be the sport and involves participants taking about and I believe that everyone should speaking at the UKCC Level 4 Course which part in on-field practical activities as well as go though the process. My future goals are represents a great opportunity for sports to spending time in the classroom learning the hopefully to become a coach educator and share ideas on best coaching practice and theory behind the latest coaching methods. carry on with coaching current groups.” will allow those taking the qualification to Ireland captain is looking become master coaches.” forward to put his new qualification to good RFL launch new website aimed at Former England Rugby League Head use as soon as possible. “I already had a club improving coaching standards Coach Tony Smith was involved throughout coaching badge and it’s something I wanted the programme and is looking to join the to continue and develop further”. Former England Head Coach Tony Smith was programme in 2010. Warrington Wolves prop on hand to launch an interactive website The Level 4 has been organised by said, “It’s quiet demanding and there’s a designed specifically to support coaches the Pentagon Group of Sports which is lot more to it than I thought, although I am in the field with a wide range of expert made up of representatives from the CATCH UP ON enjoying it”. practical resources. National Governing Bodies of five sports “I’ve played Rugby League all my working The site includes a wide range of cutting – Rugby League, Basketball, Table Tennis, life and think I’ve some good knowledge edge resources obtained from a variety of Squash and Hockey in association with the about the game and would like to give some expert sources and include sample session University Central of Lancashire, where of that back. I get a kick out of coaching plans, game footage, core skill information, much of the course will be delivered. people and that’s why I want to do it.” opportunities for coach development and for The Pentagon Group Level 4 is the first coaches to share best practice. to achieve full endorsement through the COACHING Members of the BME Community take One of the first coaches to benefit from UK Coaching Centre of Excellence based Rugby League Coaching Course the website is Martin Crick, Coach of Co- from Leeds Met. The Interim Director of operative Rugby League Conference side the Centre, Graeme Maw said, “This is The RFL ran a Level 1 Rugby League Nottingham Outlaws. an innovative programme that is at the Coaching Course at Rugby Academy He said, “This website proved extremely forefront of coach development in the UK. in Leeds for members of faith, black and useful as it will give me access to training We’re pleased to be able to endorse the ethnic minority communities to become resources in the comfort of my own home Level 4 and look forward to working with qualified Rugby League coaches. rather than having to go through text books the Group to continue to support coaching The scheme is a positive action or attend meetings.” in the UK” initiative and is part of the RFL’s ongoing Tony Smith added, “If we are to win the work alongside local Rugby League clubs World Cup in 2013 it is vitally important that Vinny Webb, Head of Coach Development to develop links with faith forums and we have a wide talent pool of players to wins National Award community organisations. Engaging with choose from, so it’s imperative that we have BME and faith communities is part of the best coaches available to bring them The RFL’s Head of Coach Development, the RFL’s equalities agenda to overcome through the system.” Vinny Webb won the Coach Educator of the barriers to participation and create a “This new website will allow coaches to Year award at the prestigious UK Coaching welcoming environment for everyone in the continue with their personal development Awards dinner in London in December 2009. sport whatever their race, religion, faith or and provide a platform for coaches to share The Coach Educator of the Year is the belief. best practice. individual who has made a significant Sarah Williams, the RFL’s Equality and The website can be found at www. contribution to the development of coaching Diversity Manager, said, “The purpose of rugbyleaguecoaching.co.uk, it can only be of individual coaches in the UK through the Level One Coaching initiative was to accessed by qualified UKCC coaches who delivery of effective education programmes. reach these under-represented groups and will be provided with a unique log in to the “It’s a great honour to win the prestigious encourage them to be involved in our game. site. Coach Educator of the Year award,” said “It was a fantastic event with around 30 Webb. members of the BME and faith communities Level 4 Certificate in Coaching Rugby “Winning this is fantastic recognition for travelling from all over the country to take League Launched the RFL Performance and Coaching team’s part. hard work.” “As part of the RFL’s aim to increase BBC Sports presenter John Inverdale Webb beat off stiff competition from participation we plan to target BME and attended the ground breaking Level 4 Nevil Jeffrey () and Karen King faith communities. This fully funded Coaching Course in September as a guest (Rounders) to clinch the award.

- 22 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 23 - THE WAITING GAME

RFL competitions administrator David Lowe has hailed the “magnificent” attitude of amateur clubs across the country after one of the worst winters in living memory played havoc with fixture lists. NEIL BARRACLOUGH caught up with him ....

“I’ve known winters in the past have a either by working or just drifting away from similar feel to what we’ve experienced the game. Summer rugby then becomes an this year,” said Lowe, “but the sustained agenda item high on some of the leagues. level of wintery weather and the number “However, most clubs feel that this of postponements has just added to is an exceptional circumstance and that the mayhem and general frustrations of we’ll normally revert to the type of winter everyone involved. we’d usually anticipate. Those winters “The clubs have been absolutely are generally wet and cold and games are magnificent in terms of their co-operation reasonably regularly on. and their attempts to reorganise their “But there is still a great urgency for fixtures. They’ve been very patient with the clubs wanting to play because of the rescheduling. narrowness of the finances. We’re all in it “It hasn’t been easy but I haven’t heard together.” one gripe from one club about the direction Lowe continues, “I think the 1999/2000 in which we’re trying to steer things. We’ve season had similar circumstances but also got the backing of the regional league they were not quite as acute as we’re secretaries, without whom we couldn’t do experiencing now. Every season there will anything. Everyone’s working in the same inevitably be a sizeable backlog of games direction and the RFL have also helped, they to reschedule but that can generally be haven’t forced anyone to play in midweek managed throughout March and April. unless it’s by mutual agreement.” effort if a game is called off on Saturday to “This year the number of postponements Lowe, whose primary task is to organise reschedule it for the Sunday. means that clubs are going to be trying to and then rearrange fixtures for the Hattons “Clubs have also tried to play midweek reorganise games at the end of February Solicitors National Conference League, games by mutual arrangement but the but most clubs don’t have floodlighting and Gillette National Youth League and the weather has been so bad that we can’t even the hour doesn’t go back until March, so Co-operative National and Regional get those off the ground at the moment. that’s another complication. Conferences, also become involved in a It’s certainly not an easy time for anybody “Perhaps there needs to be a rethink similar role with the Ace Insurance BARLA involved.” about scheduling cup ties in the worst of National Cup and the Carnegie Challenge This prolonged period of fixture delays the winter weather. There needs to be a Cup as the fixture backlog grew. and cancellations has put clubs under meeting and some thought about how we He explained, “At the moment there is financial pressure. Lowe admits he is can manage these competitions. Maybe the a pecking order of competition priority. concerned about some of the possible first couple of rounds of the BARLA National The Carnegie Challenge Cup is taking repercussions. Cup could be played in November to take first priority, so clubs involved in that “The clubs are struggling financially,” the pressure off? competition are being focussed on. he says, “and the one thing that does “At the moment, getting these games “At present, fixtures are arranged for the concern me is that the longer this cold snap back on is a balancing act - but the key thing usual weekend slots. However, clubs have continues, we may end up with players is the cooperation from everyone across the been informed that they must make every deciding to go ply their trade elsewhere, sport.”

- 24 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk Toulouse - selling out BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS GAME ON

If there’s anyone left out there who hasn’t noticed, times are tough, and not just for investment bankers who face having their bonuses capped at one million pounds (and do you think any of them fancy buying a Rugby League club?) ....

In the semi-professional game, the Co- on their pages – and those commercial operative Championship and Championship partners are getting far more readership 1 clubs have been playing their part in than they ever would in just a one-club ensuring the on-field entertainment is programme. second to none in the sporting sector. “Last year Game On cost the clubs £1 a Thursday night Sky TV coverage has copy and they could sell it for £2 – a 100% brought in record viewing audiences and the profit mark-up. This year the cost has gone competitive nature of both divisions, plus up to £2.50 to fans, but we’ve invested that the excellent Northern Rail Cup, means that in far more news and features, 48 pages with ball in hand, the game is thriving. of packed rugby league reading, with two A pilot scheme in Dewsbury is using Rugby But there is still the day-to-day issue pages dedicated to each game. Buyers have of running a business on often very Thorman: knight told us they really enjoy reading about other League to help break down barriers in the limited resources. Almost every club relies in shining armour clubs”. to a greater or lesser extent on either Mack is back Some clubs like Leigh and Featherstone community. JOHN LEDGER volunteers or part-time staff to make in Cumbria still produce their own full matchday everything behind the scenes happen. And programmes anyway, while some print a Shining Stars:10 finds out how .... for many years, the obligation of producing to watch out for separate club-oriented flyer to accompany a matchday programme for each home the magazine. But one of the biggest Robbie Paul on supporters of Game On, perhaps surprisingly, game has been both an expensive and time life as ‘part-timer’ A four-week trial programme recently Rhinos who is also vice-chairman of consuming duty. has been Toulouse Olympique, who provide

saw 40 students from the voluntary faith Dewsbury Celtic, added, “This pilot scheme So let us introduce Game On. Since the PLUS: NEWS, VIEWS, their matchday notes in both English and start of the 2009 season, every game in STATS, PROFILES French – and sell out their 250 copies for organisation, Islamic Tarbiyah Academy has been brilliant. I am delighted to have OF PLAYERS... receiving an introduction to Rugby League been able to launch this programme in the weekly rounds of matches has been AND REFEREES! every game! from and Clive Senior of Dewsbury but there are communities like featured in one glossy publication, with star “This isn’t a “new” idea,” added Lockwood. Dewsbury Celtic and Ikram Butt and Starr ours all over the region. columnists like Co-operative ambassadors “It’s the way they’ve done things in Zaman from the Leeds Rugby Foundation. “By using Rugby League to reach out to and last year, plus Australia’s NRL, and before that the The project is thought to be the first these kids not only do we strengthen our Northern Rail’s frontman for 2010 Robbie , for years and years. I still have time a mosque has had direct links with own club but we also give them a great Paul in this season’s issues. programmes where my name, playing in a local Rugby League club, and is part of opportunity to try a new sport and enjoy With player (and referee!) profiles, a quiz, the semi-pro leagues, appears in the same the Leeds Rugby Foundation’s Connecting exercise.” news round-ups, a comprehensive guide to pages as and . How Communities programme. The project also enjoyed the full every fixture and result, match greetings not much more than that, weren’t all being good is that?” Hailing the project as a great success, support of Sheikh Mufti Zubair Dudha. the Academy has a duty to help with the from home club coaches and directors, and sold anyway. “The product isn’t perfect yet, but co-ordinator Starr Zaman said, “The The Mufti is a former Westborough High health and wellbeing of my congregation, lots, lots more, Game On has lifted a massive “Some clubs did better than others at we’ve plans to keep improving and we’ll current programme is the fruit of a School student who went on to further his and it achieves this by providing various burden from the shoulders of overstretched raising advertising to help break even, be launching a website for the start of the lot of hard work by Dewsbury Celtic, religious studies in South Africa. sporting opportunities for its users. smaller clubs. but that’s an area of business that is Championship season so fans who don’t go Islamic Tarbiyah Academy, Connecting The Mufti was instrumental in “I am happy to support our local club, Danny Lockwood, the publisher of League really stretched right now – and I’m not to away matches can still see and read the Communities and the Leeds Rugby development of the Rugby League Dewsbury Celtic, with whom I have a very Weekly, and who produces Game On on sure some clubs who thought they were mag. Foundation and highlights how a sessions and has actively encouraged good working relationship. The activities behalf of the RFL, explains how things work. making a “profit” actually costed in the staff Not all the clubs are totally convinced – community club like Dewsbury Celtic can sports participation within the Islamic at the Academy were not just for Muslims “The original idea was not just to ease resources they were committing to it. they like their own programmes, and there’s reach out to the wider community and Tarbiyah Academy. but for the wider community, which is an the work burden on clubs, but actually help “Anyway, most programme advertisers do nothing wrong with that. But I suspect there share learning and experience.” “This is another example of the example of how the Muslim community them make more money,” said Lockwood. show support to the club, so why not shift are more than a few Super League clubs Cummins, the assistant coach at valuable work the Academy is doing for is engaging with the local population and “It simply wasn’t cost effective for most of those revenues into ground advertising who wish they could have something like Engage Super League champions Leeds the local community,” he said. “I believe tackling the community cohesion agenda.” the smaller clubs to produce 300 or 400 or player sponsorship? Each club has its Game On to take a massive weight off their programmes which, with crowds sometimes sponsors’ logos and player sponsors’ details shoulders!”

- 26 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 27 - CUP SHOCKS!

JOHN LEDGER looks back on some of the great giant-killing acts in the Challenge Cup ....

The biggest shock? - Sheffield “They stopped the buses in Hull last night – but they couldn’t stun Wigan in 1998 stop West Hull!” Almost a quarter of a century on, that short, simple sentence from the Hull Daily Mail perfectly captures the magic of Rugby League’s oldest and most prestigious knockout competition, the Carnegie Challenge Cup. The date was January 26, 1996 and West Hull had just defeated York 10-6 in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup in conditions more akin to Antarctica than Anlaby. By the time the final hooter blew, snow lay a foot deep across the whole of pitch, the city of Hull had ground to a halt and the pallor of the faces of the players, officials and supporters of York was as white as the landscape. West Hull were not the first team to spring a major upset The first shock in Challenge Cup history came in the - nor will they be the last – in a competition where giant-killing competition’s inaugural year, 1897 when Eastmoor of Wakefield acts are the stuff of legend. held the highly fancied Stockport to a 3-3 draw at home before All the Co-operative Championships clubs who have drawn losing 28-8 in the replay. amateur opposition in this year’s third round will be acutely The first victories by non-League sides came just two years aware of the history of the Challenge Cup and desperate not to later when three clubs who were expected to progress into become the latest additions to the sport’s Hall of Fame/Hall of the second round fell at first hurdle. In their last season before Shame. gaining senior status beat Yorkshire Senior The biggest Challenge Cup shock of all time is widely seen Competition side Manningham 11-2 while York, who would as Sheffield Eagles famous victory over Wigan at Wembley in achieve senior status in 1901, won 4-0 at Liversedge. The third 1998, when the men in cherry and white shirts started the Challenge Cup victims were Tyldesley of the Lancashire Senior match as 14-1 on favourites to win a trophy they had made Competition, who lost 2-0 at then junior club Dewsbury. their own for much of the previous decade. Other notable amateur successes include Featherstone Instead, the plucky Eagles defied all expectations to Rovers’ 23-2 victory over Widnes in 1905-06, Sharlston Rovers’ complete a stunning 17-8 success in the shadow of the Twin 12-7 win against in 1945-46, Dudley Hill’s Towers as and made sure Sheffield 21-14 win at York in 1997 and, only last year, Wath Brow applied coach John Kear’s game plan to perfection. Hornets’ 14-12 success against . However within two years Sheffield’s Challenge Cup ecstasy With Wembley just six months away, there will no doubt be a turned to agony when the giant-killers were themselves toppled lot of coaches and players losing sleep and hair worrying about in spectacular style with a 16-14 third round defeat at the not becoming the biggest scalp of 2010 to fall into the hands of hands of Dewsbury amateurs Thornhill Trojans. amateur or lower division opposition.

- 28 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 29 - SHOWING A CLEAR COMMITMENT

JOHN LEDGER explains that the RFL has been hailed as an inspiration to other sports employers for its commitment to challenge homophobia and embrace diversity ....

Stonewall, the charity which campaigns for “We are committed to further equality and justice for lesbians, gay men improvements and as such we are proud to and bisexual people, has singled out the announce the launch of an LGBT employees RFL for special praise after Rugby League’s forum; the RFL Rainbow Forum. governing body was ranked 169th out of “This is unique because it is open not the 352 organisations that participated just to RFL staff but to all players, coaches, in the Stonewall Workplace Index, a list of match officials, support staff, club staff and Britain’s top employers for gay staff. volunteers. “The RFL has done well to secure a place “The Rainbow Forum will provide a on Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index this support network for all LGBT people year. Competition was fiercer than ever as involved in our sport as well as helping we received more entries than any previous the RFL to develop a better understanding year,” said David Shields, Stonewall’s of the needs and expectations of LGBT Director of Workplace Programmes. employees. “The RFL has shown a clear commitment “The forum also sends a clear and public to equality for their lesbian, gay and message that Rugby League values and bisexual staff since joining our Diversity supports gay people involved in all aspects Champions programme in 2009 and this is of our sport. reflected in their achievement on the 2010 “We would also like to take this index. opportunity to thank Stonewall, in particular “The RFL’s success in the Index should Dave Small, for all their support and act as an inspiration to other sports guidance over the last year. employers who want their staff to be “We have found the process and themselves at work and perform at their experience of taking part in the index best.” invaluable and look forward to improving Sarah Williams, the RFL’s Equality and further in this year’s Index.” Diversity Manager, said she was delighted To join the Rainbow Forum please email by the news and announced that the [email protected] As an inclusive organisation is reaffirming its commitment group, heterosexual/straight members who to inclusivity by launching a Rainbow Forum wish to support their LGBT colleagues are for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transsexual also welcome to join the Forum. people (LGBT). “All our hard work has really begun to pay off and we are moving closer towards For more information developing a workplace culture, policies please contact Sarah and programmes and sport that is inclusive Williams on 0113 237 of LGBT employees and challenges 5037 or email sarah. homophobia. [email protected]

- 30 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk ENGAGE NRL SUPER LEAGUE TELSTRA PREMIERS CHAMPIONS

20102010 GILLETTEGILLETTE WORLDWORLD CLUBCLUB CHALLENGECHALLENGE Sunday 28th February, 2010. Elland Road, Leeds. KO 6.30pm Adults: £20-£50 FAMILY TICKET 2 Adults and Concessions: From £10 OFFER* 2 Junior tickets £40 BOOK NOW: 0844 8561113 or online at www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk For Hospitality, call 0844 856 1114. Disabled enquiries call 0844 856 1113 or e-mail [email protected] Contact RFL ticketing for further details. *Subject to availability. Advanced purchases only. For full T&Cs visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk