August 2012 Issue 148

The Official Newspaper of The RFU and RFUW BEAUMONT MBE FOR MAGGIE Julia Hutton BECOMES Women’s flanker Margaret Alphonsi was recently honoured with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. One of the most well-known names in women’s rugby, with RFU her barnstorming performances during the 2010 Rugby World Cup earning her fans all around the world, the 28 year old was honoured for her services to rugby. CHAIRMAN Making her debut as a 19 year old against the USA in 2003, Alphonsi now has an impressive 63 caps and has played in two XVs Rugby World Cups (2006 & 2010) where England finished second to New Zealand on both occasions. She also featured in the inaugural 2009 , where England lifted the Plate. Most recently, Alphonsi was part of the England team that defeated the world champions New Zealand in an historic three-Test series last autumn, as well as helping England to a record-breaking seventh consecutive Six Nations title, and a sixth Grand Slam in seven years. England also became the first team in Six Nations history not to concede a try in that tournament. “I’m so pleased to have been given this great honour by HRH, the Queen,” said Alphonsi. “What makes it so special is that it doesn’t just recognise my own personal achievements but that of the England team – I wouldn’t have received this had it not been for the hard work and dedication of the RFU and my England teammates. The remarkable work and achievements of the England Women’s squad over the past six years have been fantastic, and to have been a part of that has been incredible. I certainly have to thank all the people who have supported me along the way.” Alphonsi, who works as Divisional Talent Development Officer for the RFU in the & South East region, mentoring and inspiring potential England Rugby talent of the future, is also an Ambassador for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, alongside , and Will Greenwood. She is also ambassador for the RFU’s Injured Players Foundation, a Patron of Sporting Equals and does charity work for SKRUM in Swaziland. See other rugby honours and how to nominate – Page 2

Bill Beaumont became Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ACTIVE RFU following the Union’s Annual General Meeting. The former England captain took over from Paul Murphy, who became RFU President at then end of Willie Wildash’s term of office. Beaumont said: “I’m very honoured to be appointed RUGBY Chairman of the RFU. I was fortunate enough to captain my country and everything since then has been about putting something back into a game that is important to so many people. We all want to make the game as attractive as possible for all the men, women, boys and girls, who want to play and watch at every level. “The RFU staff and thousands of volunteers face three years of hard work ahead but the legacy of England hosting Rugby World Cup in 2015 will be enormous and it is our chance to showcase our game throughout the whole country.” Murphy added: “I wish all the best as my successor as Chairman. He has my total support and I am sure he will bring his great experience to bear and lead the Board as effectively as he did the England team. We’ve made enormous strides on and off the pitch in the last six months and I’m sure Bill will lead us forward to realise our full potential over the next few years.” Murphy, 61, took office having served for six years on the Board of Directors where he chaired both the Governance and received a big boost recently with the news from we’ve put on supporting our clubs and growing the game around the Finance Committees. He represented Oxfordshire on the Sport England that participation has grown by 26,000 in the year to them over the last 12 months is paying dividends. RFU Council for 16 years. April 2012. “I’m delighted to see the growth in numbers is attributed in no small Beaumont, 60, is a former England and British & Irish Lions The findings come from Sport England’s annual Active People Survey, part to the 15-a-side game and the future looks bright because we’re captain who has played a major role in the leadership of the which identifies how participation varies from place to place and between also looking to develop sevens and touch rugby. domestic and global game since the end of his playing career. different groups in the population. The independent survey, undertaken by I have to inject a note of caution, as we’re measuring against a He played for Fylde and and won 34 caps between Ipsos Mori, shows numbers increasing in each of the last four quarters from previous year’s figures that included a severe winter in 2010-11. But 1975 and 1982, captaining England to a first Grand Slam in 33 170,300 to 196,300 and demonstrates that we are on track to meet our we have had a good last 12 months and now our goal is to sustain years in 1980, when he also led the Lions in South Africa. growth targets. that effort in the summer months with our big focus on touch rugby, He has represented his county on the RFU Council and the Said RFU Rugby Development Director, Steve Grainger (pictured), then to keep on growing in the next three seasons up to the 2015 RFU on the IRB Council, including a four-year term as vice “This is a great result for us. The figures show that the focused effort Rugby World Cup.” chairman, and has been a director of the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup. He is currently captain of the RFU Injured Players Foundation Ambassadors XV, Honorary President of the Wooden Spoon charity and was awarded a CBE for services to rugby union in 2008. A team captain on BBC’s Question of Sport for 14 years, he is the chairman of his family firm Bill Beaumont Textiles in Chorley.

1 LANCASHIRE, HAMPSHIRE & LEICESTERSHIRE RECOGNITION Former international referee Peter Hughes, a stalwart of Burnley and was president in 1996-1997. A tireless worker for schools rugby, Executive Committee from 1986 through to 1993 and also a RFC and Lancashire for 50 years, was awarded a British Empire on leaving the RFU Committee he was made a Privileged Member and member of the Competitions Committee from 1987 – the first year Medal in the Queen’s Birthday honours for his services to rugby served on the England Schools’ Union Committee for 18 years and was of league rugby in England. union in Lancashire. He served Lancashire on the RFU General awarded Life Membership. He is also a Life Member of the Lancashire Andrew Reed received an OBE for services to the community Committee for a decade and has devoted his life to the sport County Union Schools’ Section. and to sport in Leicestershire. The Labour Co-operative MP for at county and club level after his days as an international panel Havant RFC’s Michael Chalk who is also Hampshire’s Disciplinary Loughborough from 1997 to 2010, Andy is a keen sports enthusiast referee came to an end. Chairman, was also honoured with a British Empire Medal for and former President of Birstall RFC, where he organised an annual A member of the Manchester and District Rugby Union Referees services to rugby in Hampshire. Mick has been with Havant Rugby fund-raising President’s Day. During his time as an MP Reed was an Society for 49 years and their President from 2003 to 2005, he was on Club since 1966 as a player, committee member and chairman. active member of the Commons and Lords rugby team. He chaired the RFU County Panel for 15 years, becoming an international referee In his playing career he was a hooker and a member of the side East Midlands Sport in 2000–3, has been Chair of the Board of the in 1977, when he refereed four full internationals. He is still involved that reached the last 16 of the John Player Cup. He also played for County Sports Partnership for Leicestershire since 2004 and also with the Manchester Society and has been on the Calder Vale RFC the county. He has also been a loyal and hard-working servant for chairs the National Strategic Partnership for Volunteers in Sport. and more recently Burnley RFC committee. He was fixture secretary Hampshire Rugby and Chairman of their Disciplinary Committee Huge congratulations to those recognised in the Queen’s for nine years and President for two seasons. He became the club’s for the past 18 years. He was a selector for the Under 21 team Birthday Honours list who have made such an important representative on the Lancashire County in 1964 and was one of the Civilian Club Representatives on the HRFU contribution to the game. NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR UK HONOURS The rugby community is well represented in the UK honours list. What? How many? The RFU would, however, like to see more nominations from If you have someone in mind to nominate, please email Nicola There is no limit on numbers so we’d welcome as many the game, and particularly from the grassroots. The UK Honours Sheldon on [email protected] with details of the nominee suggestions as possible! system recognises the achievements of ordinary people who do and their contribution. This does not have to be lengthy and extraordinary things which benefit the lives of others. Sport is one bullet points with the key details will suffice. The RFU public Why? area of life which is hugely reliant on volunteers, and indeed rugby is affairs team will draft the submission for you. An honour is a great way of rewarding those who have given up no exception to this, so we should thank those who make a thriving their time to benefit others. It also generates positive coverage rugby scene possible. There are so many unsung heroes who deserve When? which encourages more people to get involved and enjoy rugby. to be honoured – but they need someone to nominate them! If you Honours lists are announced twice every year (at New Year know someone who has made a difference in their field of work or in and in June, on The Queen’s official birthday). Submissions can, their community, then please get in touch with us. however, be made at any time throughout the year. CONTACTS Nicola Sheldon, RFU Public Affairs Manager Pat Le Bruin, Honours Secretary Rugby House, , 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7BA Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5DH [email protected] [email protected] 020 8831 6736 020 7211 2313 ONLY THE BEST FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 Laura Brown Twickenham Stadium is set to play a starring role in showcasing rugby to the world in just over three years time, due to host the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2015 on 18th September, a selection of fixtures in the pool and knock-out stages and the Final on the 31st October. The country’s best sporting facilities are also currently being assessed by Tournament Organisers England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015) and Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL), with a formal announcement due in early 2013 on which venues will host rugby’s premier tournament. Simon Jelowitz, ER 2015 General Manager for Rugby Services and Venue Operations, is currently travelling the length and breadth of the country to identify the preferred venues. “We have so many high quality, iconic stadiums in England with a real enthusiasm and excitement to be part of Rugby World Cup 2015. It’s a great position to be in as it allows us to ensure that we deliver the very best facilities to players, fans, media and all of Rugby World Cup’s partners,” he says. “The venues must fulfil some very stringent criteria, all of which are really important, not only to enable us to deliver the best possible event, but also to ensure that everyone in England can feel truly proud to host this global Tournament. “Our aim to is to secure top-flight venues countrywide and to get as many people as possible engaged in watching the sport at its very best. With so many passionate rugby fans in the UK and a travelling fan base of over 400,000 expected in 2015, utilising a mix of larger rugby and football venues will allow us to increase capacity and offer the kind of prices that are affordable and appealing to everyone.” For more on the venue selection process and to get all the latest on Rugby World Cup 2015 sent straight to your inbox register for updates at www.rugbyworldcup.com/register

w Calling All Clubs …

GET CONNECTED WITH REFS READY FOR THE COACHING SUPPORT BE INSPIRED SEASON? Rugby clubs are really benefitting from The Inspired IN YOUR COUNTY Facilities fund, part of the £135 million Places People Preparing for the season ahead Play Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy for you will want your officials to get Did you know that your County Sport Partnership provides support communities countrywide. to grips with the Law changes for coaches and coaching? On Page 6 of this issue you can see how motivated our and ready to referee games in This includes regular news and information on coaching issues, North of England clubs have been. If your club is looking the best possible way. Why not details of funding available and dates of coach education and to improve facilities there’s another £10 million becoming refresh their skills and update qualifications course running in the county. available, with bids invited NOW until September 17th. their knowledge by booking them The best way to keep up to date with latest news and information Discover more at www.sportengland.org/ on a referees course? The Entry about coaching and details of upcoming courses is to register with your inspiredfacilities. Or seek advice from funding and Level Referees Award is perfect County Sport Partnership’s coaching website. facilities managers. for beginners and those needing a As well as signing up to receive information, you can enter details manageable refresher. of your qualifications, experience etc to help tailor the information NORTH REGION Ted Mitchell Or get your younger members 07738 029 212 [email protected] you receive as well as help shape the support available to coaches on board with the Young Officials in the future – the more information you provide the more relevant MIDLANDS REGION Ross Baxter Award, tailor made for a younger (including EASTERN COUNTIES) the information you receive will be to you! 07764 960 405 [email protected] audience and focusing on the skills Go to www.coachingengland.org and click through to the SOUTH & SOUTH WEST REGION Dave Stubley needed to be an effective, safe official for junior matches. relevant website. 07736 722 387 [email protected] For more information please visit www.rfu.com/referee or contact If you are a coach who works across more than one county, simply LONDON REGION Rick Bruin the referee department on 0208 831 6753. register with your local county, then link to the other counties you 07738 029 211 [email protected] coach in and receive information from them too.

2 Touchline – AUGUST 2012 RFU REGULATIONS 2012-13 KEY CHANGES

The annual review of the RFU Regulations has resulted in some key changes in addition to a number of o Rolling Substitutions 13.5.13 to 13.5.21: Divisional Organising Committees now have the minor amendments. discretion to introduce rolling substitutions in League and RFU Cup matches at Level 5 and below. It is understood that all DOCs have agreed to introduce rolling substitutions at Level 5 • REGULATION 1: downwards. The number of player interchanges permitted by each team will depend on the number of replacements that form part of the team, as set out below: o “Loan Player”: The definition has been amended to clarify that there must be written terms in place in respect of any loan arrangements. Applications for registration will not be able to be • Up to 3 replacements = 8 player interchanges processed without written evidence of the loan arrangement. • 4 replacements = 9 player interchanges o “Permitted Player”: The definition has been amended to include a player returning to a club • 5 replacements = 10 player interchanges at which the player was previously Effectively Registered provided the player has not been • 6 or 7 replacements = 12 player interchanges. Effectively Registered with another club in the same season (and provided the player is also not • REGULATION 14 (Registration of Adult Players): a Contracted Player, Contracted Overseas Player, Foreign Player or an Overseas Player). o Clarification that youth registration does not automatically mean a player becomes Effectively o “Transfer Deadline”: The deadline for all clubs (including Championship Clubs) is Friday 1st Registered as an adult to play in a RFU Competition (14.2.3). March 2013. o The deadline for an expedited registration has now been moved to 12 noon on Friday and • REGULATION 5 (Financial): The deadline for submission of financial statements for all clubs and original documentation and a non-refundable cheque must follow within 7 days (14.5.8). Constituent Bodies will be 31 December, rather than 1 November (5.1.1 and 5.1.3). o Where a player is under contract with one club and transferring to another club, the registrar • REGULATION 8 (Agents): All agents involved in a player contract/transfer must sign the agent must be provided with written confirmation from the former club that it consents to the player statement in the contract or a separate agent declaration form. Failure to comply will constitute a being released (14.5.8 and 14.6.1). BREACH OF THE REGULATIONS (8.3.8). • REGULATION 15 (Age Grade Rugby): As mentioned in the previous edition of Touchline, there has • REGULATION 10 (Match Authorisation): In respect of certain professional and elite matches, the been a complete re-write of RFU Regulation 15. Please note that these changes came into effect approval requirements have been changed so that for fixtures during the season, an approval from 1st August 2012 (not 1st August 2013 as wrongly stated previously) and a summary of the key request must be submitted to the RFU at least 2 months in advance or for fixtures outside the changes is set out below. season, at least 3 weeks in advance (10.1). • REGULATION 19 (Discipline): RFU Regulations 19.11.8 to 19.11.17, the sanctions table in Appendix • REGULATION 13 (Adult Competitions): 2 and other minor drafting changes have been made to reflect changes to IRB Regulation 17 that o Regulation 13.6.7(b): Amended to say that if a match is abandoned for reasons other than came into effect on 1 June 2012. weather, the match should be reconvened on the same date on another IRB compliant pitch at the host venue unless the referee deems otherwise. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS IS A SUMMARY OF KEY CHANGES FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND CANNOT BE RELIED UPON IN ANY INTERPRETATION OF THE REGULATIONS OR IN ANY DISPUTE OR APPEAL. REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO REGULATIONS, WHICH TOOK EFFECT ON 1ST AUGUST 2012 PRINTED IN FULL IN THE RFU HANDBOOK AND WHICH APPEAR ON THE RFU WEBSITE AT WWW.RFU.COM/REGULATIONS. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON RFU REGULATIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ALYS LEWIS ON [email protected].

AGE GRADE & GIRLS RUGBY Changes to Regulation 15 on Age Grade Rugby came into operation at the start of this month (August). Rugby First in the 2011-12 Season can apply for dispensation to play within the U15s age-band by They allow greater flexibility to play between age groups and make individual young players the focal contacting the Competitions Executive responsible for Women’s Rugby point of any decision and risk assessment. They also bring more consistency between the school and • The National Competition for Schools will be the U13s Girls game of rugby club game. • The Girls Regulations are now incorporated into Regulation 15 of the handbook · Clubs and schools with a small number of players permitted to play in dual age grades between U7- U12s in competitive fixtures and festivals, subject to approval from head teachers and Constituent Bodies Queries on Regulation 15 please contact · U12s to U18s permitted to play up one grade with relevant consents Hayley Mintern (HayleyMintern@rfu. · More flexibility in relation to playing down across all ages, subject to relevant consents com /0208 831 6756) or Alys Lewis · More autonomy regarding local dispensations for Constituent Bodies, County Schools Unions, head ([email protected] /0208 831 7696) if teachers and parents/guardians you have any questions/feedback. · U13 – U18s can undertake pre-season contact training two weeks before the start of the season · U16s, not in England Academy system or England Age Grade teams, not permitted in the front row Keeley Fathers remains the contact if playing up two age grades for information on girls’ rugby · Girls’ age grade regulations integrated into Regulation 15 [email protected] and 07779 231970. For the girls’ game, following the introduction of a new age band at Under 13s level in 2011 and its further review the changes approved for the 2012/13 season are summarised below: This is a summary only, for full • The U13s game will no longer be called Transitional Contact. It will be known as U13s Girls Rugby. information on all Rules and Regulations, • The U11s age-band has been added as an option for girls to join an U13s girls team. visit www.rfu.com/regulations • For the 2012-13 season any female players aged under 13 and registered as an under 12 player on

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DOES YOUR GROUNDSMAN DESERVE AN AWARD? Rugby club groundsmanship has gone from strength to strength helped by the efforts of Keith Kent and the RFU Funding and Facilities team. You may wish to highlight the work of someone whose efforts have really made a difference to your pitches. The IOG Industry Awards honour UK grounds expertise and a packed Oscar-style ceremony at York Racecourse will recognise leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement across every aspect of groundscare – from grassroots pitches to professional stadia, including all types of public and private sports venues. Among the titles up for grabs are: IOG Volunteer Sports Groundsman of the Year and IOG Grass Roots Sports BACK TO SCHOOL Ground of the Year. There’s also IOG School, College, University As the season kicks off and schools are poised for a new Sports Club Team of the Year and IOG School, College, University, academic year, remember that your future coaches, referees, Sports Club Groundsman of the Year. organisers and administrators are currently in schools, colleges The IOG Awards will follow a day-long series of IOG Conference and universities near you. The RFU’s dedicated Education Team presentations by some of the biggest names in the industry, as can help direct the next generation to your club. well as keynote speeches by industry experts. Get engaged with your local education community and tap into This is your opportunity to recognise people who look after a rich set of resources to help sustain a healthy future for your your pitches and keep your teams playing. Click here to nominate club. Talk to your local RDO or ask for the RFU Education Team on http://www.iogawards.com/nominate.php. 08710 2222120.

AUGUST 2012 – Touchline 3 PITCH IN TIME GB RISES TO The ghost of Billy Williams, who persuaded the RFU to buy the Twickenham cabbage patch for five and a half thousand pounds UNIVERSITY in 1907, must have watched in wonder recently. The original pitch foundation and drainage system installed back then because of the River Crane’s proximity was finally removed. CHALLENGE A mountain of soil appeared in the North Car Park and contractors There was much celebrating at the World University Championships spent more than two months creating the most effective hallowed in Brive as Great Britain completed a sevens double by taking both turf befitting the world’s largest rugby stadium and the host of the major titles. The GB men’s side – coached by England’s Russell next Rugby World Cup. Earnshaw – beat South Africa 35-17 and the women’s team – under Rugby World Cup 2015 will see games played at Twickenham England’s Susie Appleby – saw off hosts France 24-7. over six weeks and now the pitch is likely to play as well for the The men’s side had beaten South Africa 26-14 in the pool final as for the opener. stages and duly turned on the style in the final. Dan Bibby (Cardiff The old pitch consisted of four inches of fibre sand with five Metropolitan) touched down twice and kicked five conversions with metre drains laid on the original cabbage patch. It served the Dante Mama, Joe Atkinson (both Loughborough) and Sam Edgerley game remarkably well but was ageing and the drainage slowing, (UCL) adding the other tries to allow captain Tom Mitchell (Oxford) sometimes leaving standing rainwater. Now, whereas the old soil mix before 300kg of five varieties of rye grass, the strongest, to lift the trophy. drainage allowed 20/25mm of water to drain away in an hour, the hardest wearing grass grown in England, was sown with a spiked Earnshaw said, “We talked at the start of the week about creating new one copes with between 150mm and 250mm. multi-seeder and given six weeks to grow while being watered, memories, having a great time and they’ve enjoyed every second. The Desso Grassmaster system used in the new pitch was lightly rolled and cut. You don’t get the chance to be a world champion very often and I invented by the Dutch but the actual design and implementation Finally, the Desso Grassmaster piece de resistance was sewn into think a few of this team could even go all the way to Rio in 2016. owed its success to Lancashire, with a bit of and the pitch. No less than 30,000 miles, or 48,000 km, of artificial grass They did a fantastic job and Tom Mitchell led by example. His ability Middlesex literally thrown in. strands, enough to encircle the world and tie a large bow, was to get the best out of people was very positive.” The RFU used Professional Sports Design Ltd, a specialist inserted for the rye grass to grow around and give stability. England senior international (Leeds Metropolitan) company based in Preston, Lancashire, to design the new pitch. The pitch will be resplendent and complete by August 30th, for lifted the women’s title after scoring one of their four tries against They have revolutionised pitches for the likes of Manchester preparation the next day and its first game – the London Double France with the others from Sarah McKenna (Bedfordshire Univ), Sally City, West Bromwich Albion, Everton and Wembley. The actual Header on September 1st. Tuson (Cardiff Univ) and Scotland’s Steph Johnston (Glasgow Univ). installation was the work of John Mallinson from Ormskirk, Said RFU Head Groundsman Keith Kent, “The new pitch will play “In the final we built up a lot of pressure, were patient when we Lancashire, whose major stadium pitches include Villa Park better and look better after a series of matches. The under soil didn’t have the ball, then started to play to our potential,” Appleby and Wembley. heating will keep frost out of the ground, although melting any said. “It’s tricky coming together as a squad with limited preparation Over 14 weeks of work the pitch was lifted and shifted, all 9,000 snowfall takes time so there may need to be covers on if a game is time but we grew together very quickly and I was so proud of the tonnes of it. Irrigation was installed and drainage laid before a fast approaching.” way they played.” stone layer from a local quarry was put on top. Then sand was And not all the soil piled in the car park was carted off to other The Great Britain team is the product of an exciting collaboration spread before 20 miles, or 32 km, of under soil heating pipes were sports usage miles away. At least 2,000 tonnes went to level a pitch between British Universities & Colleges Sport, the RFU, WRU and SRU. laid on top. Next came six tonnes of nutrients and a sand and at the stadium’s neighbouring Cardinal Vaughan School. FACTS & FIGURES • Lower Root – Sand spread at 22mm (8”) into pitch with multi-seeder RESULTS: GB Men: Pool • Old Pitch Removed June 11th – New to drain at 900mm (36’) per hour • Grass given six weeks growth, watered, matches: bt Malaysia 40-0, Pitch Complete August 30th • Under Soil Heating – 20 miles of pipe lightly rolled and cut at 40mm height South Africa 26-14, Mexico • Pitch Removal – requiring 450mm (18”) laid on top of stone layer (12” below • Desso Grassmaster artificial grass 64-0, Italy 29-14; QF bt 9,000 tonnes to be shifted the turf) strands sewn into pitch at 8” deep roots Romania 31-0; SF bt France • Irrigation – put in at 700mm (28”) below • Nutrients – 6 tons Zeolite for slow grow round giving stability 14-5; Final bt SA 35-17. GB the surface release as plants require • 20mm apart and 20million strands Women: Pool matches: bt • Drainage – laid at 600mm (24”) and 6m • Top Root – 90% sand/10% soil mix (48,000 km – would encircle the earth) Romania 27-0, Japan 31-5, apart 100mm (4”) under seeding • Completion August 30th – Pitch Spain 24-0; QF bt Belgium • Stone Layer – laid at 150mm (6’), spread • Seed Sown – at 200mm in the lower root preparation August 31st – London 26-5; SF bt Italy 38-5; Final to drain at 10,000mm (33”) per hour sand with 300kg rye grass seed spiked Double Header September 1st. bt France 24-7. COUNTIES TOUR’S EAST EASTERN

AFRICAN LEGACY Emma Kennedy COUNTIES England Counties have planted the seeds for an oak tree of East Kasasira added: “However much of a privilege the Counties think African rugby. That’s the verdict from Uganda Rugby Union’s it has been to tour here, multiply that over and over to understand OUT TO Martin Kasasira after the Counties’ three-match tour of his how we feel. It has made us realise that we can host a professional country and neighbouring Kenya opened a new chapter for rugby tour and hopefully other Unions will look to follow in England’s in the region. footsteps.” AFRICA In partnership with the Tag Rugby Trust the squad coached at For the players involved the tour will remain a career highlight. schools for the deaf, orphanages and primary schools – a humbling Craig Voisey from Moseley and North Midlands said: “The Elgon Andrew Sarek, RFU Council member for Eastern Counties, and life-changing experience for the players. Warriors played hard and over the two matches friendships and Clacton RFC Chairman Brian White, travelled to Uganda They also worked with senior teams, the Ugandan women’s developed. The players were keen to learn, perhaps we told them supporting the England Counties XV tour, then went on to sevens squad and the Counties’ doctor Andy Smith and too much, they certainly came back stronger in the second leg! Nigeria, where Colchester-based Sarek was born, to help them physiotherapist Rachel Galley carried out training for the Union’s “The daily outreach has been incredible. During one of the with rugby development. medical staff. Kasasira said: “It has taken our perception, our coaching session we visited a slum school. The children were living In Uganda Sarek refereed a couple of tag matches at a community thoughts of where we can take the game to a whole new level. and learning in squalor and yet they were so happy and simply outreach session in Jinja where the England Counties players were “The tour has been a huge success already but it’s exciting to asked that we remember them. There were seven hardened rugby coaching primary school children. .Flying on to Lagos, the pair met think that the fruits of that success which will be enjoyed by our players standing at the front of the classroom welling up. We have rugby stakeholders including officials from the Nigerian Rugby children and our children’s children are yet to happen. really been humbled by the whole experience.” Football Federation and the Nigerian Sports Commission, talking “One day we will be able to look back and say that during that to members of the Sports Writers Association and to the Lagos tour we planted the seeds which created the big oak tree standing Referees Society, who received law books donated by Referees in Uganda Rugby. Societies in Norfolk and Suffolk and North Essex, and to players and “What it has been able to achieve for the youth, for the up and administrators about the expansion of the game. coming rugby players, the work that the England players have “The potential for rugby in Nigeria is huge,” Sarek said. “It is the done off the rugby pitch, the outreach programme that they have most populous country in Africa with 170 million people, and their been involved in, the peoples’ lives that they have changed and physique is ideally suited to the game as they have both strength touched – you can’t overestimate the extent of the positives. They and speed. Nigeria could make a big impact in sevens in particular.” are limitless.” Eastern Counties clubs sent 200 shirts to Lagos together with The Counties took on the Ugandan Barbarians (66-13) before rugby balls and law books. Boswells School in Chelmsford was playing the Elgon Warriors in Kampala (39-5) and Nairobi (34-14). The particularly generous and their shirts went to local schools in host side was formed of the best players from Kenya and Uganda, the Lagos. Rugby clubs that contributed included: Woodbridge, two countries which border Mount Elgon, while the term Warriors Thurston, Clacton, Ipswich YM, Harwich & Dovercourt, Southwold, implied what they thought it would take to beat the English. and Eastern Counties Rugby Union also donated a set of shirts. When the two teams ran out at the Kenyan Rugby Football Kit was also donated by England Counties full back Chris Briers Union Grounds, Nairobi, parallels were drawn with a fixture which who took surplus playing shirts from the school where he teaches, was played at the same venue 50 years ago between an East Arnold School in . Some were given to a school for the African select and the British and Irish Lions who were returning deaf where the squad coached tag rugby and the children were from a tour to South Africa. later seen in the stands wearing their new shirts and supporting The Counties’ matches were televised and the tour has raised the Counties when they took on the Elgon Warriors in Kampala the profile of the sport in both countries. The crowds created an “Good quality rugby shirts are difficult to get hold of in Nigeria,” unforgettable atmosphere and demonstrated the growing passion said Brian White, “so for teams to receive kit to play and train in is for rugby. a real benefit. A big thank you to all who helped.”

4 Touchline – AUGUST 2012 FIRST EUROPEAN SEVENS TROPHY FOR ENGLAND Simon Mills England wrapped up a first-ever victory in this European games Ryan was satisfied with the outcome. summer’s FIRA-AER European Sevens GP Series in “The final leg was more dramatic than we’d have liked and Odense. Head coach Ben Ryan’s mix of full-timers, we wanted to win all three European tournaments but we new signings and triallists had carried all before them achieved the goals we set ourselves in this competition,” in winning tournaments in Lyon and Moscow already said Ryan. this summer. “We wanted to win the European title and we wanted to They exited the cup competition in the third leg in Denmark blood new players, and only two of the squad featured in after a 14-7 defeat against France but a 28-21 victory against all three tournaments, so it was pleasing to be able to mix Russia in the Plate semi final assured them of overall victory so things up.We had three who were 19 or younger in Odense that captain John Brake could lift the trophy. in James Lightfoot-Brown, Joel Hodgson () Former IRB Sevens Player of the Year Ollie Phillips and Marcus Webber (Manchester GS & Leeds Carnegie), so dominated the win over Russia with a hat-trick of tries, the future’s looking very bright.” converting all three and then adding the extra points to a England are back in action in the autumn, when the 2012- score from Dan Norton. 13 HSBC Sevens World Series kicks off with the opening two Once the title was won, England dipped out 21-14 against legs on the Gold Coast in Australia (October 13-14) and La Georgia in the Plate final, but after winning 17 out of 20 Plata in Argentina (October 20-21).

WIN PUTS ENGLAND WOMEN IN SEVENS WORLD CUP

DUBLIN WITH UTTLEY & TEAGUE

England fans can expect a very special RBS 6 Nations Championship weekend when England take on Ireland in Dublin on Sunday 10th February. This clash at the Aviva Stadium has been given added spice for fans now that England legends Roger Uttley and Mike Teague will join England Rugby Travel clients on an exclusive weekend break. Both are synonymous with the white shirt of England and will give fans a unique insight on this international rugby weekend. Julia Hutton also adding a conversion England took a 27-7 England Women celebrated a double victory this summer securing victory and their third tournament win of the season after wins in Roger made his England debut against Ireland in 1973 and went the European Sevens Series title in Moscow by beating Spain 27-7 the IRB Challenge Cups in Hong Kong and London. on to coach England to the Rugby World Cup Final of 1991 in the final and in doing so qualifying for next year’s Rugby World Head Coach Barry Maddocks said: “Our primary aim for this against Australia. He was also coach to Mike, the legendary Cup Sevens. tournament was to qualify for the Rugby World Cup so to win the Gloucester number eight, on the 1989 Lions tour to Australia England Women, were on top form through the pool stages, nilling title as well is a massive bonus.This has been a good season and when Mike was named man of the series. Portugal, Croatia and Germany before dominating the knock out I am delighted for the players. We have come a long way since Join these greats on your charter flight to Dublin, arrive in your stages. They faced Spain in the final, in a re-run of round one of the coming together as a squad 14 months ago, and the hard work from hotel where both Roger and Mike will also be staying, and soak, European Seven Series. Spain once again threatened and put a try everyone involved has really paid off. The challenge now is to keep up the pre and post match atmosphere in this vibrant city. on England but in dominant form England ran in five tries thanks to going forward and getting better and we certainly plan to do that as “I won my first cap against Ireland and it has always been my Jo Watmore (2), Michaela Staniford (2) and . With we look towards the Rugby World Cup next season.” favourite Six Nations venue and would be my first choice to visit,” Roger said. “It’s always a great craic and that is what it’s all about – I am looking forward to making some new friends.” “I want to see the new stadium, because I haven’t been over GRAND DRAW TOTAL PASSES £3 MILLION since that was finished. Irish rugby is fierce but it’s all about the spirit when you go there and that is what I am looking forward Another bumper year for the Grand Draw saw the total raised since it started pass £3 million. Proceeds from the 2011/12 Draw, to – it’s not just about the game but what goes on around it.” which ended in March, reached £456,000, the second highest amount in the Draw’s history. Fans who book a two night weekend break that includes Of the clubs raising the most money Richmond FC took over top spot from long-time holders of that coveted position, Bishops charter flights and official match tickets to Ireland have the Stortford, who dropped to sixth. In fact, Surrey and Hertfordshire clubs filled six of the top seven spots, with Battersea Ironsides and opportunity to relive great England moments of the past, share Camberley completing the Surrey trio and Hertford and Harpenden again performing well for Herts. a beer, chat through the game and soak up the atmosphere with The winner of this year’s top prize of £10,000, donated by RugbyForce, was George Bethell, who bought the ticket from Kent County two legends of the game. RFU, one of only four Constituent Bodies which participated. He was suitably “blown away” by his good fortune saying “This is a big Be part of something special. Call +(0)844 788 5000, email shock, although a very nice one!” [email protected] or for more information visit Perhaps the most unusual prize this year was a Salmanazar of champagne, donated by long time supporters Mentzendorff. This http://www.englandrugbytravel.com/ magnificent bottle, equivalent to 12 normal bottles, needs a cradle to pour it. Winner Phil Burrows of Heaton Moor RFC said, “I have suddenly gained many friends at the club who wish to share my champagne moment!” Dinnington RFC were the winners in the Clubs’ Draw, receiving a full set of pitch furniture courtesy of SSE. While Hereford 6th Form College picked up 4 tickets to the AVIVA Premiership final as winners of the Schools’ Draw. Manchester Ladies again out-performed all other women’s clubs to scoop a signed ball and shirt from the England Ladies Squad. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the Draw and the RFU Draw Society is hoping to reach the magic, but so far elusive, target of £500,000. The 2012/13 Draw will be launched in August 2013, with tickets issued in early October. Full details can be obtained by contacting the Draw Organisers on [email protected] RFU APPOINTS HEAD OF DISCIPLINE The RFU has appointed Gerard McEvilly as Head of Discipline, taking over in September from Bruce Reece-Russel, the RFU Disciplinary Manager, who is retiring after 13 years in the role. McEvilly will lead and manage the Union’s on and off-field disciplinary policies and processes , reporting to Legal and Governance Director Karena Vleck and working in conjunction with the RFU Disciplinary Officer, His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett. A barrister with significant regulatory and disciplinary experience who has worked in a number of sectors, the 42 year-old is currently the Head of Legal Advice and Hearings Management at the General Pharmaceutical Council. In 2008 he joined the Hertfordshire RFU Disciplinary Committee and in the same year started presenting cases for the RFU in rugby disciplinary and competition matters. In 2011 he was appointed to sit on the RFU Disciplinary Panel. He has played rugby for 30 years and is a volunteer for the Tag Rugby Trust, a charity working with orphanages and government schools in some of the poorest regions of the world using the game of tag as its vehicle to promote rugby and improve the lives of children.

AUGUST 2012 – Touchline 5 NORTH GETS INSPIRED COULD YOUR CLUB BENEFIT TOO?

Tony Simpson

STANLEY HAT TRICK AT 10TH TAG 2 TWICKENHAM Stanley Primary School from Teddington in London lifted the CVOC Patron, former England player and captain winners’ cup for the third time at the RFU YAZOO National Tag added: “CVOC started Tag 2 Twickenham 10 years ago 2 Twickenham final, after 240 children from 20 primary school and it is now the largest school tag rugby scheme in teams across England battled it out at Rugby School, watched by England. Programmes like this encourage kids to lead active supporters and England rugby stars Chris Ashton and . and healthy lives. On top of that, the CVOC ensure that the This is the 10th anniversary of the programme and the finalists scheme continues to develop community relationships, which will again stage a rerun curtain raiser at Twickenham Stadium, this benefit everyone.” time before the QBE International v Australia at in November. The RFU and YAZOO Primary School Programme encourages England and Saracens wing Ashton said: “ It’s been an honour to children to participate in rugby. They work in partnership with be part of the Tag 2 Twickenham finals and see all these kids who the national police children’s charity, Child Victims of Crime travelled from across England to get involved. The commitment (CVOC), an initiative to keep children safe which started Tag 2 from teams and teachers is fantastic, there’s some real rugby Twickenham back in 2002. The charity funds the training of over talent and future England stars out there playing.” 600 police staff a year to coach tag rugby in primary schools. Rugby union clubs across the North are to share in a massive Croker, who plays hooker for England and most recently returned to To support the festivals a police officer from each area will nationwide boost of over £2,103,148 from the latest round of international action at the triumphant European Cup just four months be on hand to support the young talent and continue to build Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities after having her first child, Lucy, added: “As a teacher, and a new relationships within the community. In the last three years alone, fund, with £809,898 heading to 16 Northern clubs. mum, it is fantastic to see so many boys and girls enjoying this great RFU, CVOC and YAZOO have brought the programme to nearly The regional boost comes via a series of well-presented game and having fun. I have been really impressed with the standard two million children as well as donating balls, tag belts and other applications which has ensured the region is obtaining half of the and I hope they all continue to stay involved in the sport.” equipment to thousands of schools across the country. funding awarded nationally to rugby union clubs. The demand for additional training facilities is reflected in the fact that six of the grants are awarded for the provision or improvement of floodlighting systems, while the same number will be used to improve clubhouse provision. For Baildon RFC in West Yorkshire a grant of £45,000 to install a modern floodlighting system is an ideal boost at the end of a record- breaking season in which they cemented their best campaign ever by beating Harrow to win the RFU Junior Vase at Twickenham and followed that up with victory in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy final against Thornensians. Now the club is looking to the launch of its Centenary season and the improved training lights will give coach David Duxbury and his team a massive boost after years of struggling along with minimum illumination from lighting that was barely fit for purpose. “We’ve had the same very basic lighting system for 25 years,” says club Chairman Harry Ormerod. “The lighting only just covers half the width of the pitch and is quite inadequate for training really, so the coaching staff is very limited in what they can do. “There is also the issue of pitch wear to consider and the new lights

Photo by The Cumberland News will help on both fronts and enable the coaches and the players to enjoy a much better environment. “Also our thriving junior section will have an extra opportunity to CARLISLE’S SIBLING SKIPPERS Tony Simpson train. They currently train mid-week on light nights, but this will offer an Carlisle RFC are wondering if they have scored a first in England with the appointment of flanker Bobby Sherlock as club and first XV additional chance for them to work on their game.” skipper and his sister Hannah captain of their women’s Cougars XV. Also lighting up their facilities thanks to Sport England support The pair have been playing rugby at Carlisle, sponsored by Lloyd Motor Group, since they were in the mini rugby set up and have are Carlisle (£49,950), Keighley (£43,440), Sefton (£33,000), Silloth progressed to become accomplished senior players. And nobody is more pleased than their dad Stan, a former prop at Carlisle and (£49,999) and Yarnbury (£50,000), while Bramley Phoenix (£50,000), Preston Grasshoppers. Carlisle look forward to them both leading their respective teams to success, Bobby’s squad playing in North 1 Colne & Nelson (£50,000), Ormskirk (£50,000), Roundhegians West and the Hannah’s Cougars in the Women’s Championship North 1. (£50,000), Wheatley Hills (£31,800) have all received grants to Bobby, aged 29 and a mortgage adviser, has played for Carlisle since the Under 9s winning a place in the first team as a teenager. develop their clubhouse facilities. Hannah, 25 and a fitness instructor, plays inside centre for the Cougars and also plays hockey for Wigton. Stockport (£50,000), Burnage (£50,000) and Guisborough (£50,000) will be spending the funding on their changing room provision, while for Heath RFC from Halifax there’s a grant of £50,000 to finance a TOUCH LONDON SUMMER FESTIVALS new roof. St Bedes College will invest £106,709 acquiring an artificial grass pitch. Touch London swung into summer with festivals across the capital players to the fun sport of touch rugby.” The Inspired Facilities fund is part of the £135 million Places delivering touch rugby to new participants from public and private A two-day event trained 37 young volunteers from London People Play legacy that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and sector workplaces. universities, colleges and workplaces to deliver touch rugby. All Paralympic Games into communities across the country. Every sports Star players from England men’s and women’s sevens squads received branded clothing and a bag of equipment and were facility that receives funding will carry the London 2012 Inspire joined fellow internationals from around the world as guests at the mentored by RFU Community Rugby Coaches to enable them to mark-celebrating the link to the Games. Grasshoppers RFC community touch and sevens festival in Osterley. coach touch in their local areas. Several are actively involved in Sport England’s Chair Richard Lewis said: “This National Lottery A busy day concluded with 35 players from London workplaces organising touch activity, among them Tim Wainwright , involved in investment will create a lasting legacy for the Baildon area. This fund enjoying a game of touch rugby with the national team from Samoa training a number of Government departments working out of the has really hit the mark with sports clubs in Yorkshire. Its shows we’re who then performed their Siva Tau war dance. Palace of Westminster, and Stuart Bessent, who has formed a team offering the legacy that people want for their local community. For The GlaxoSmithKline playing fields in Ealing was the venue for a at BSkyB. hundreds of clubs and tens of thousands of people, 2012 will be the charity touch rugby event in aid of Caravan, the National Grocers’ For more information Contact Phil Duffy, [email protected] or year their local sports facilities get better.” Benevolent Fund and involving teams from a number of well-known call 07736 517 729. businesses including GSK, Heinz, Allied Bakeries and Unilever. SPORT ENGLAND HAS LAUNCHED A FURTHER £10 MILLION Kate Wragg of Allied Bakeries said: “We are indebted to the Mayor FUNDING ROUND TO HELP LOCAL COMMUNITY SPORTS of London’s backing for Touch London and to the team from the RFU, GROUPS TO UPGRADE THEIR FACILITIES. YOU CAN FIND OUT whose aim is to encourage Londoners to become more active.” MORE AT WWW.SPORTENGLAND.ORG/INSPIREDFACILITIES. The spotlight also shone on the heart of the City of London, with a OPEN FOR BIDS NOW, THE DEADLINE IS 5PM ON THE 17TH mini festival at the Honourable Artillery Company RFC near Moorgate. SEPTEMBER 2012 As part of the 475th anniversary celebrations of the HAC, Touch London held a mini festival at Finsbury Barracks for teams from CapCo, Norton Advice is available from RFU Funding & Facilities Managers (see Rose, HAC and Blackheath Ladies. Phil Duffy, RFU lead on Touch London, page 2 of this issue) or via your local RDO. said: “These festivals are another way to introduce newcomers or lapsed

6 Touchline – AUGUST 2012 PERSHORE PUSHES FARRELL ON THE FLOAT OUT Paul Bolton BOARD Dave Barton Andy Farrell joined the England coaching team last month (July). Farrell, who helped England to second place in the RBS 6 Nations, has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract through Rugby World Cup 2015 to January 31, 2016. “I loved every minute of coaching England and working with Stuart (Lancaster) and Graham (Rowntree) and this group of players in the Six Nations and to get the opportunity to do it permanently is a dream,” said Farrell. I watched England in South Africa and I am massively excited about the potential that was clearly evident in the three Tests and midweek matches. “I had seven very special years with Saracens and the club will always have a fond place Pershore’s decision to take part in the Pershore the carnival procession in which Pershore RFC in my heart. I am grateful for the help they Carnival for the first time in more than 20 years had a huge RFU rugby ball on a trailer attracting have given me as a player and a coach and I reaped rewards. The rugby club’s contribution to attention,” said Pershore’s Fizz Bewley. wish everyone involved the best in the future.” the carnival procession was an eye-catching giant “Pershore RFC’s stand comprised an RFU lineup England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “I rugby ball on a trailer and children and parents wall, through which the children delighted in am delighted that we have got Andy on board. were attracted to the club’s stand in the grounds throwing rugby balls, whilst their parents were He is a special coach and an individual and the of Pershore Abbey. canvassed to join the club. A dozen children way this team has developed is a testament to “The event was a big success on all fronts. signed up for the Junior section and several adults the foundations that we laid in the Six Nations. Many children with their parents were drawn are keen to give the seniors a try. All told a very Andy, Graham and I work well together and I to the club’s stand. There to meet the arrival of worthwhile day for the club.” am looking forward to carrying on that close relationship over the next three-and-a-half years as we build towards a home World Cup.” Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive Officer of the RFU, added: “I’d like to thank Saracens for the professional manner in which this has been concluded and am very grateful for their agreement to recognise the national intrerest and to accept Andy’s early release from his notice period. I know how much Andy enjoyed his years with Saracens and it is a great credit to the club that they have helped him develop so quickly into what we are confident will be a fine international coach. This is another positive step forwards for Stuart and the England team as we look to build towards the QBE Internationals and beyond.”

Ellesmere Port RUFC Annual Gala, with a tag rugby tournament for Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6, was given added excitement when Sale PETER GRACE TRIBUTES Paul Bolton Sharks Hendre Fourie and Billy Emerson arrived to wish all the RFU Presidents past and future gathered at a lunch at ’ Sixways Stadium to teams luck and organise the initial mark the retirement of Peter Grace after 16 seasons as RFU Council Member for North Midlands. coin toss. Each team had their Past Presidents Bob Taylor, John Owen, Ian Beer and Willie Wildash and RFU Senior Vice photograph taken with the players, President Bob Reeves joined North Midlands committee and club members from across Greater who also signed fliers, shirts and Birmingham, Shropshire and Worcestershire & Herefordshire. even boots for the youngsters, For 12 of Grace’s 16 years as North Midlands national representative he represented more clubs as well as chatting to them about than anyone else in England. He was, he said, very proud to retire as Father of the RFU Council their rugby. Mark Davies, Junior and to be elected a Privilege Member of the RFU. He was presented with a decanter and glasses Chairman at Ellesmere Port RUFC engraved with the crests of the three domestic unions that make up North Midlands as well as a said, “Through this season, our certificate marking his election as a Life Member of the North Midlands RFU. first in the Sharks Community Around £2,500 was raised for the RFU Injured Players Foundation and a final presentation was Connections scheme, they have made to representatives of Bishops Castle & Onny Valley RFC, previously awarded the 1,000th been a great help to us maintaining Groundsmatch grant of £5000 from the Rugby Football Foundation for improvements to their a thriving mini and youth section playing surface. To mark this milestone Grace, a founder trustee, presented the club with a further and it is great to have our young £1000 from the RFF towards the cost of their project. ELLESMERE PORT rugby players inspired by meeting Greater Birmingham has also created a new Peter Grace Award for Greater Birmingham’s their sporting idols.” Community Club of the Year, the inaugural award presented to Birmingham Exiles. PLAYERS MEET IDOLS GIRLS GAME BUILDS IN BOURNEMOUTH Oakmeadians RFC, in the heart of Bournemouth, has been growing the club’s girls youth section as their U15s and U18s finished third in their respective RFUW National South Leagues. A dozen of the U15s played for Dorset & Wilts county, two going on to be selected for the South West Divisional squad and one featuring in the England Talent Development Group, while ten U18s also played for the county. Girls Section Head Coach, Gordon Horsley said: “It’s wonderful to see the number of girls increasing every year, due in part to the increase in girls’ rugby in our local schools. There’s a warm welcome waiting for any girls interested in playing rugby from school year six upwards.” Visit www.oakmeadians-rfc.com or contact Diane Young, at [email protected]

AUGUST 2012 – Touchline 7 Picture by John Parkes RUGELEY ROCKS! Martin De Ridder

The Third Annual Rugeley 7s was bigger and better than ever with 13 teams and 150 players competing at St Augustine’s field. The event, now the largest of its kind in Staffordshire, was sponsored by local law firm Ansons LLP and saw teams from across Staffordshire competing, including first time entrants from Denstone College, Burntwood, Stafford and Wheaton Ashton. They were joined by title defenders Cannock, Barton Under Needwood and Eccleshall, Stafford College and the Welsh Wizards alongside the hosts Rugeley. The group stages saw some exciting rugby before extremely competitive knockout stages and tense semi finals in which both Barton and Stafford College were unlucky to be defeated. In the final Cannock raced into a lead against league rivals Telford. At half time Cannock looked likely comfortable winners only for Telford to score two quick tries. A brilliant long range conversion saw the match reach the last two minutes with just five points in it. Cannock held on to retain the trophy, Eccleshall narrowly beating Burntwood to lift the second tier trophy and Stafford U32s triumphing over Wheaton Ashton to win the beer cup. Aiden Cheshire and his dad Stuart Cheshire collecting the cup from Ansons partner Sarah Popp SHARKS MAKING CONNECTIONS FUND Sale Sharks Community Connections partnership works with over 100 clubs and schools in the North West and has rewarded five organisations as the season’s Champions. Pictured here are the Champions with James Gaskell and Fraser McKenzie, receiving a RAISER framed, signed shirt for their organisation and a Sharks hip flask to keep as a memento. From left to right they are: James Gaskell, Stuart Crampton (Sale Grammar School), Chris Thomas (Marple RUFC), Paul Watson (Cockermouth RUFC), Fraser McKenzie, Peter GOES Gore (Bolton RUFC) and Noel Speed (Bishop Heber High School). To discover more contact Helen Stuart, on 0161 286 8888 ext 268 or by email to [email protected]. WITH A SIMPLE CHANGES SECURE BIG BANGER! CASH BONUS Emily Roberts Bowdon RUFC moved into their new clubhouse five years ago with around tax relief for CASC Rugby fanatic, PR and marketing the generous support of its members, Sport England, the Rugby clubs. In short, while Gift professional Crispin Slee from Football Foundation and RBS. With new borrowings, came the Aid cannot be claimed Northamptonshire recently repayments which created a need for greater commercial emphasis. on membership fees, launched a successful ‘Sausage and Numbers in the Minis and Juniors section had improved each the legitimacy of setting Cider Festival’ which helped raise year. But with subscriptions mainly collected via standing order,the membership fees at a lower substantial funds for Towcestrians paperwork and reporting lagged behind and in early 2008, Club level and requesting a RFC, where he is chairman of the Treasurer Paul McKibbin recognised a mismatch between playing donation on top was mini and junior section. With activity and subscriptions collected. confirmed acceptable by the festival’s popularity, Crispin Standing Orders were difficult to set up or amend, relying on HMRC. After confirming anticipates it becoming a thriving members’ cooperation. The alternatives, cheques and cash, were the club would extension to Towcester’s annual difficult to bank, record and report. Aware that the RFU’s guidelines pass the Beer Festival – which raised are to “ensure that subscriptions are paid ... regularly throughout financial test over £10,000 this year alone- the season by direct debit” the club looked to their bank to offer required they and is offering to roll it out for a direct debit facility but were declined – not unusual for amateur restructured their surrounding East Midland areas. sports clubs. subscriptions. Working with Through current Chairman, Tom Sloan, an alternative direct debit FCC, they added a Gift Aid opt With the cider, live music, and gourmet sausages all solution was identified in the form of a Bacs approved Bureau – First in/opt out selection on the data input screen (providing the basic provided, his novel enterprise maximises funds while Capital Cashflow Ltd (FCC), which meant the club soon had their own requirement of HMRC). Now, an easy reporting mechanism can providing a fun event for teams and supporters. To get paperless direct debit facility enabling members to sign up for subs provide 12 months’ donation analysis in just 15 minutes. involved, “All a rugby club has to do is provide the venue through an e-mailed link to the web page, the club’s website, with a By making two simple changes, this forward thinking community and some volunteer effort to help run the event itself,” smart phone or even with the more traditional paper mandate. club saw subscriptions revenue grow by 80% in the first year. With says Crispin. “We bring the sausages, the cider, provide Club officials have 24/7 access to a full database of members’ re-structuring as well, revenue growth in first year alone was 103%, the live music and pay for putting on the event so it’s a subscriptions history and the club has grown its subscription generating over £7,000 in Gift Aid in a couple of years. As Chairman fantastic opportunity for clubs.” revenue by thousands of pounds. Full electronic reporting eliminates Tom says “without a doubt, adopting direct debits to collect For more information contact Crispin Slee, hours spent reconciling subs each month and provides a clear subscriptions has been a significant contributor to our success” Head Sausage at The Sausage and Cider Festival picture of who paid how much and when.. For more details: Paul McKibbin – 07971 172593, First Capital Company on 07540059985 or at The club also took advantage of recently published RFU guidelines Cashflow Ltd – 0800 024 1294 [email protected]

Old Leamingtonians RFC celebrated their OLD LEAMINGTONIANS CELEBRATE 80th anniversary recently with a black tie ball for 120 members and guests at The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club .Club President Mike Hemming thanked everyone who gave selflessly of their time and loyalty to ensure the club’s success. The women’s section of the club are also celebrating their 25th anniversatry. Pictured from left are Mike Hemming (President) and Richard Wormell (Chairman) with guests.

8 Touchline – AUGUST 2012 ROYAL VISIT TO GLOUCESTERSHIRE HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union for nearly 24 years, was at the Gloucestershire RFU Awards evening at Hartpury Rugby Football Club to present awards to six rugby stalwarts for exceptional service to rugby in Gloucestershire. The Princess Royal was welcomed by Dame Janet Trotter, the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, before she presented certificates to Malcolm Kedward, a dedicated servant of both Cheltenham North RFC and Cheltenham Combination for over 45 years; Dave Reeves, who has performed many functions, roles and duties for his club, Old Cryptians RFC; Rick Sellars, active in youth rugby for many years, coaching at Clifton RFC Junior Section and Bristol Grammar School; Annie Parker, involved with women’s and girls’ rugby at both Thornbury club and county levels and a qualified coach and referee; Roger Cox, who gave up playing to coach and referee teams of all ages at Bristol Grammar School for nearly 40 years and Phil Ayland, of Westbury-on-Severn RFC who joined the committee at the inaugural meeting as the Fixture Secretary and has subsequently served them in many roles, most recently working to secure funding for the club’s new changing rooms. BROTHERS IN ARMS

The British Army Sevens and the Navy Sharks shared a bond as booked themselves a ticket to Australia in October when the Navy servicemen and rugby players on Armed Forces Day. At the start of seek to defend their Navies Commonwealth Cup title. the 2012 Newquay Surf Sevens the Army were seeking their fourth For the British Army Sevens, under the shrewd coaching of former sevens title of the season and the Navy team was continuing the Fijian international Cpl ‘Alfred’ Vakacokovanua, the stakes are higher rapid progress made during their short time together. with his team invariably being other contestants’ prized scalp. At With the Navy having held their annual, and very successful, sevens Newquay the power and purpose of their attack was a delight for the tournament mid week, the Sharks squad was boosted by some new raucous crowd. Cpl Samesa ‘Roko’ Rokoduguni was scoring tries for fun faces including playmaker Naval Airman Iferemia Kava, who had all day including three in the Army’s victory over Storm 7 in the final. He guided HMS Seahawk to their fourth consecutive Navy Sevens victory. was often the beneficiary of clever work by experienced playmaker LCpl The squad serves to identify talent and accelerate the Alipate ‘Zaq’ Vakasawaq. Time and time again Zaq either created space development of players who may one day take on the Army at on the outside for Roko or dropped the Army’s powerful runners, like Twickenham. A slow start to the season at the Wild Boar Sevens was skipper Cpl Gerhard Wessels, into holes he found in midfield. improved on at the West Country Sevens. At Newquay, Lt Sam Cuff, Victory at Newquay kept the Army unbeaten for the season as they a new sevens coach, combined young talent with more experienced build to the International Defence World Cup 7s where they must be MAKING A sevens players. Sharks made the knockout stages of the main cup, favourites to add the 7s title to their Defence World Cup XVs title. eventually losing to the experienced Apache team. With Apache However, the day was not all about the rugby. With the majority DIFFERENCE having beaten the Sharks during the tournament’s opening group of both the Navy Sharks and British Army squads having recent match 26-0, most expected an easy Apache double. operational tours behind them, and all with memories of colleagues However, with submariner and Sharks Captain, Ian Cooper who returned injured and those who did not return at all, a minute’s IN THE leading from the front the Navy pushed Apache all the way before silence before the final allowed all to reflect on the meaning of succumbing 29 – 17. A couple of the youngsters may well have Armed Forces Day. MIDLANDS “The programme has helped to raise rugby union’s profile across college, making it available to anyone who wants to play,” Paul Bolton LINCOLN said Lincoln College rugby union coach Mick Kemp. “We are also Danny Tolfts, who has worked for Under 20s rugby looking to develop a more regular programme of festivals locally in the Midlands for many years, has been elected next season.” Honorary Life President of Midlands Counties COLLEGE IN A number of the college’s rugby students also helped the RFU Under 20s. Tolfts, of Rugby St Andrews, has been development staff to run the rugby union event at the Lincolnshire chairman of Midlands Under 20s – previously School Games, gaining more voluntary experience in the community. THE LEAD Midlands Under 21s – for 20 years and this new role recognises the outstanding contribution he has made. Eleven Students from Lincoln College, having gained their Rugby Said Malcolm Ross, the RFU Council Member for Leaders Foundation Certificate, delivered a touch rugby festival as Leicestershire and the team manager of England part of the RFU’s O2 Touch programme, involving more than 50 Counties Under 20s,“Danny is passionate about the game students at the college. at this level and his vision and hard work have driven the Their whole touch programme included taster sessions, game forward.” including particularly popular ones with the netball academy. Tolfts was presented with a cut glass decanter by Ross at a Lincoln College then fielded three teams of mixed rugby and recent meeting of the Midlands Under 20s committee netball squads at the inaugural British Colleges Sport Beach at Broadstreet RFC in recognition of his work as Touch Rugby festival at Skegness. divisional chairman.

AUGUST 2012 – Touchline 9 PURE SILVER AND HEADING FOR GOLD!

WAHEY! BEACH rugby returned to Morecambe Bay with the second Vale of Lune’s Last month’s Sussex School Games in Crawley, saw the Year 8 boys’ sevens Beach Tag Rugby event, with the memorial bust of Eric Morecambe keeping refereed by young officials from the West Sussex West School Sport Partnership a close eye on proceedings. A season’s hard work was evident, having begun last November when Kate Smith (PE Sport With two pitches in use, the Untaggables quickly established their credentials as Strategy Manager) organised an RFU Young Officials Course run by RFU Community potential winners with a brace of victories and were in the lead at the half-way stage, Coach Mike Marsh, supported by RFU Young Officials Development Officer Adam White with Vale Fat Lads and Bondy’s Beachtrotters hot on their heels. Throughout the day A variety of refereeing opportunities followed, from local school and club fixtures to the crowds gathered to watch proceedings as the Untaggables maintained their unbeaten women’s U13 National Tournament at Staines RFC. run of six successes. Ryan Fawcett, their captain, lifted the trophy to be crowned Beach The young referees’ passion for the role and superb attitude led to the setting up of the West Tag Rugby Champions 2012. Teams taking part were Untaggables RUFC, Vale Fat Sussex Young Officials Academy, with monthly sessions offering theory and practical sessions Lads, Lydia’s Lads, Bondy’s Beachtrotters, Junior Colts, Arnside Warriors and Trojans. led by RFU Referee Trainers, Les Newcombe and Phil Bowers. Said organiser and Community Rugby Coach Martin Powell. “Everyone who came At the Sussex School Games Jack Hornibrook, Josh Brown, Jake Merrett, Adam Hood, down enjoyed themselves, whether they played rugby every week or, in a lot of cases, Evan Woodworth and Tom Blewitt. were presented with their RFU Silver Volunteer Awards their only rugby event of the year. The main aim was to promote rugby, especially at and the Young Officials Academy is set to grow next year, with many hoping to achieve their Vale of Lune RUFC, and show that there are options beyond the 15-a-side version.” Gold Award.

WALSH JOINS HITCHIN ACADEMY recently launched the Hitchin Rugby Academy for all its 16 to 19 year old players, enlisting the help of the England Under 20 coach, Nick Walshe. Club President and Academy Manager, Tim Jeffries said: “Nick has agreed to become the Academy Performance Director, joining a group of coaches who have demonstrated an ability to produce exciting rugby in a fun environment. Our Lead Coach is ex- player, Jim Panter, who has already developed league winning squads at various youth levels within our club” Pre season work has seen sessions aimed at improving skills and building fitness levels and the STUDENTS HEAD FOR Academy will run squads at all relevant age groups in the Hertfordshire/Middlesex Leagues and also build an Under 20 team. Lead Coach, Jim Panter said, “I believe in winning THE BEACH but not at all costs. We’ll develop players along the RFU Core Values of teamwork, respect, National School Sports Week events in Sussex Refereed by RFU Community Rugby Coaches The whole event was a huge success thanks enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. With saw West Wittering Beach hosting the fourth from Surrey and Sussex, as well as RFU to: David Piper (West Wittering Beach Estate), Nick’s guidance, we aim to deliver quality coaching annual U19 Mixed Beach Rugby Tournament. VRugby volunteers, some tightly contested Mark Bonar (Chichester College), Jamie Fellows with special emphasis on fitness regimes led by Now a national event, supported by British matches led to the final where past winners (Chichester District Council), Kate Smith (PE Simon Miles of ULTM8ONE FITNESS. We also want Colleges Sport, the tournament saw teams Chichester College took on newcomers Sport Strategy Manger) and West Sussex West to provide introductions to adult rugby, pathways from as far afield as Birmingham and Norfolk Birmingham Met College, whose two late tries SSP as well as RFU staff and volunteers. to higher clubs based on ability and deliver taking part. secured a 6-5 victory. coaching and refereeing courses.”

10 Touchline – AUGUST 2012 tricky waters of the River Lune, especially in spate as it was on GETTING TOGETHER JANE SWIMS A some parts, the journey becomes a 50-mile, 17-day marathon. Easing the physical demands and helping to swell the funds TO DEVELOP RUGBY RIVER FOR AIR generated by the swim, Jane had built a number of stops into her time-table, although one unscheduled hold-ups caused a moment IN NORFOLK AMBULANCE of concern when she was attacked by a buzzard. “The worst element was not the swimming, but the Easton College and North Walsham Rugby Club have joined forces hyperthermia which kicked in after each stretch,” said Jane. “I to launch a rugby outreach programme across Norfolk schools. couldn’t stop shaking and instead of helping at some of the stop- Says North Walsham Head Coach, Nick Greenhall., “There is a off places, I was limited to wrapping myself up with lots of layers limited amount of rugby played in high schools and colleges in the of clothing and drinking gallons of hot drinks. county, largely because of the relatively small number of rugby “In the water I was fine and I was determined to keep going, trained PE staff compared to other mainstream sports like football. even at the bitter end when the estuary was a bit choppy and the We want to show PE staff and pupils that rugby can be fun, safe and harbour master was asking whether I wanted to see it through. develop skills that stay with you for life.” “I set my sights on raising £10,000 for the Air Ambulance and The programme, for students in Years 10, 11 and 12, will be reached £7,000 with the Lune swim. Since then I’ve done the managed by the club’s Pat Carter, who has previously been Great North Swim, the Great Manchester Swim and a handful of responsible for outreach work with the RAF. “We have already pool swims and I’m planning to do the Great Scottish Swim and signed up a number of schools and believe rugby can play a major Tony Simpson the Morecambe Bay Swim to get to up to the 100-mile mark and role in pupils’ personal development. We would be happy to hear the £10,000 target.” KIRKBY Lonsdale RFC’s Jane Harrison tested her fitness levels and from any school wanting to develop rugby as part of their sports A founder member of the Kirkby Lonsdale Mini-Junior section curriculum,” said Pat. commitment to the limit on a fund-raising project for the North with her husband John Wilman 27 years ago, Jane is still coaching West Air Ambulance that involved swimming the full length of the An initial two hour taster session led by Nick will be followed by at the club and a Sunday morning regular working with the further coaching sessions provided by Johnny O’Brien of Easton River Lune from Newbiggin near Kirkby Stephen to Sunderland youngest members of the squad and, equally importantly, helping Point near Gasson Dock on the Irish Sea near Lancaster. College and second year students from their Sports Academy, to get their dads involved and suitably qualified to take their supported by coaching staff from North Walsham RFC. There will By road, that journey is over 40 miles, but with the M6 forming children forward. much of the route, the journey time is less than an hour. In the also be an opportunity for staff from the schools involved to take part in an up-skilling programme so that they can continue rugby development in their schools. As the programme develops, Nick and Pat Carter will look to engage with other rugby clubs to help in delivering the initiative in their own local areas. Chairman of Norfolk RFU John Hipperson says, ‘’This is an excellent MAIDENHEAD GAIN ARTIFICIAL PITCH initiative by club and college, which can only promote rugby countywide and benefit all.” Julia Hutton The initial programme will focus on schools in the eastern half of the county, culminating in a festival at Easton College next Maidenhead Rugby Club are the proud owners of a new maximum capacity throughout the year. Spring of 2013. If you or your school would like to take part or would artificial first team pitch at Braywick Sports Ground ready for Dave Stubley, the RFU’s South West Funding and Facilities like further details please contact Pat Carter at the new season. Manager, said: “This is an exciting partnership between the RFU, [email protected] or write to Pat Carter, Ninety Five, The ‘One Turf’ pitch, a new global specification for dual use and the council and Maidenhead RFC and will provide great and Lower Street, Horning, Norfolk NR12 8PF approved by both the International Rugby Board (IRB) and the increased opportunities for rugby development, the club and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), delivers wider community.” the best possible playing surface for both sports. John Wanklyn, Maidenhead RFC’s Club Chairman and Chief The £575,000 scheme – funded by the Rugby Football Union’s Executive, added: “The new pitch will allow the club to continue Capital Investment Programme (CIP) and by the Royal Borough to grow and enable us to improve performance at all levels. The through developer contributions – will mean more and better combination of the new pitch and our recently extended and opportunities for rugby, training and matches as well as a fantastic refurbished clubhouse will provide Maidenhead with some of the facility for the entire community. best facilities in the country, something for all of our members and With teams including youth, juniors, colts, ladies, senior and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.” veterans, Maidenhead RFC has a very high demand for facilities. The RFU’s CIP is the capital funding element of the RFU’s Artificial turf can deliver an excellent durable surface that ensures Whole Sport Plan funding allocation secured from government. training can take place through the wet winter months. This ‘One Responsibility for delivery is in the hands of each national Turf’ dual-purpose versatility ensures the pitch is utilised to its governing body, with targets agreed on a sport-by-sport basis.

BEYOND RUGBY AT MIDLANDS AWARD TWICKENHAM FOR ENGLAND

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) led an exploration of WOMEN’S COACH rugby’s role as a force for positive change at Beyond Rugby, Julia Hutton a groundbreaking event at Twickenham Stadium last month (July). Staged by Beyond Sport, the preeminent global organisation in the field of sport for social change, the event England Women Assistant Coach Graham Smith was also backed by and England’s official kit recently received two awards from the Midlands supplier Canterbury. Rugby Football Union, for Midlands Coach of the Ian Ritchie, RFU Chief Executive was joined by Premiership Year and Services to Coaching, becoming the first to Rugby CEO Mark McCafferty and England’s Rugby World Cup win both awards. COWLEY winner Lawrence Dallaglio on a distinguished speaker list at the Burntwood-based Smith, who helped guide England to a event. They then joined global experts, NGOs and leaders of on- record breaking seventh successive Six Nations campaign, a the-ground projects to debate and drive forward the role rugby Grand Slam and unprecedented back-to-back victories over STUDENTS can play in local communities and in transforming lives. world champions New Zealand this season, was also Head Rugby projects have a rich history of success in the field Coach of the England team that won the European Cup in – from the May..The former Moseley, Stourbridge and Wolverhampton BOOST YOUNG Project Alcatraz prop is also still heavily involved in the game at a grassroots programme level and in Coach Education Evenings. which was one of RFU Coach Development Officer Ian Bletcher said: “Not REFEREES Tony Simpson Beyond Sport’s only has Graham had an outstanding season with England earliest Award but he also continues to be involved at all levels in developing Twelve Year 10 GCSE PE students from Cowley School in St Helens winners to the new methods and coaching ideas especially in relation to HITZ programme successfully completed a 12-week leadership programme led by scrum coaching. Graham is constantly willing to share his backed by both Rugby Development Officer John Foster. The art of refereeing was expertise and enthusiasm for coaching with people at all the focus of the initial tuition which embraced handling small-sided the RFU and Premiership levels of experience and is famous for his excellent delivery game situations and leading small groups of younger students in and inclusive approach. Graham has an ability to bring tag rugby. Rugby and named in this enthusiasm and innovation to his coaching delivery and is The students studied the laws of the game and learned how to constantly updating and trying new approaches. He is a role organise, communicate with and coach younger students, skills year’s Beyond model for all to follow.” which they then put into practice with regular visits to St Julie’s Sport Awards Primary School and Landsbury Bridge Special School, where they Shortlist. Beyond worked with students from Year 2 up to Year 10. Rugby was The group then helped to organise and officiate at the staged as part MLD/SLD Tag Rugby Tournament held on Cowley’s 3G pitch, where of the Beyond they so impressed the Merseyside Rugby Development Officers Sport Summit & that they offered four students – Paul Turner, Jack Davies, Ben Friar Awards, staged and Jonathan Hateley – the opportunity to officiate at the St Helens in London just Primary Schools Tag Rugby Tournament. All four were a real credit days ahead of the to the school and were excellent in their refereeing roles. Olympic Games.

AUGUST 2012 – Touchline 11 FARNHAM POST PROTECTORS

Hugh Godwin rugby club, very well supported by the members so my thanks go to The Rugby Football Union awarded Farnham RUFC a Capital When Farnham Rugby club moved to their established site at all those who took part. We would also like to thank all the people Investment Programme (CIP) grant of £85,000 towards the Wrecclesham 35 years ago, club members carried the goalposts to of Farnham for their support.” installation of four rugby pitches, and an interest-free loan of Westfield Lane from their previous home on the outskirts of the town. Much of the recruitment work for the day was coordinated by £100,000 towards the clubhouse project was made from the Rugby The rugby club has spent nearly 15 years trying to establish a Catherine Jones, who supports the under-8 year group and the Football Foundation. The CIP award was made in December 2010, new site in Farnham and, their ambitions were finally realised event was organised by David Gill and club secretary Mark Weeks. with an RFU-engaged agronomist providing a specification for the with the imminent move to Monkton Lane. The club outgrew the Senior members, club captain Karl Brown and the Minis and Juniors work, as with all RFU-supported pitch projects. Wrecclesham site primarily by virtue of the massive growth of mini chairman, Steve Tomlinson led each of the main posts and many Rick Bruin, RFU Funding & Facilities manager in London & South and junior rugby, with over 600 young players, both boys and girls, of the club’s mini and junior players, and those from the Academy, East, has worked alongside Farnham’s constituent body, Surrey Rugby, now playing regular rugby. carried for much of the journey. since 2004 in support of the club in its planning and appeal process, Almost as tradition, the club decided to carry the goalposts once Arriving at the new Monkton Lane ground, the younger carriers and met with the club, Sport England and Jeremy Hunt (Secretary of again from Wrecclesham to the new site in Monkton Lane. Nearly were given a round of applause. Members then stood around in State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport) regarding the funding. 100 club members took part in the adventure with accompanying disbelief at the fantastic new facilities, some even rolled around on Bruin said: “Farnham has been a prime example of a thriving stewards to ensuring a safe journey. Those taking part ranged from the ground because they couldn’t believe there was immaculate community rugby club whose playing and coaching numbers two year old William Phillips to the club leaders, President Geoff grass for t them to play on for the new season. outstripped their existing facilities.” Bond and Chairman Geoff Robins. The Kamm family representing Steve Tomlinson said: “Despite the size of the club, with over 1000 The club has also been used as an RFU case study, and is featured the main club sponsors, Bourne Homes, were there Andy Kamm members, we have in the past had a reputation for having the worst in a promotional leaflet, as an example of best practice in utilising describing the trek as “a big family event and a memorable day”. rugby club facilities in Surrey. Now we have about the best, it’s the ‘Just Giving’ website initiative for fundraising via its Community Geoff Robins commented: “It was a fantastic occasion for the incredible and a big thanks to all who made it possible.” Amateur Sports Club (CASC) status. PROUD DAY Rugby staff and students at Bishop Burton College held a day of celebration to mark a season of outstanding achievements., the first rugby scholars having graduated from the college’s academy after three years’ hard work. , Bishop Burton’s director of rugby, said: “It was an extremely proud day. The amount of self-discipline and dedication they have needed to keep on top of their academic work while following a full- time professional standard training regime is huge.” Local clubs were invited to join the celebration, which came after the formal degree ceremony. Bishop Burton’s squad won promotion from Northern 1B to Northern 1A, reached the semi-final of the British University and Colleges Sport , two academy players represented England Students in matches against the likes of Portugal, France, Wales and Spain and a further education student played for England under-18 Clubs and Schools. REEVES “We were also celebrating the renewal of our relationships with Hull RUFC and Leicester Tigers,” added Simon, who used to be the assistant to England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster when they were both at Leeds Carnegie. The college’s assistant coach, Richard REWARDED Wareham, is a former Leicester squad member. For further information call 0800 731 82 81 or visit www.bishopburton.ac.uk can feel proud and honoured to be President of Devon RFU. The RFU’s Senior Vice President Bob Reeves was recently given “I hope to visit as many of the county’s clubs as possible and to be the award for the biggest contribution in the West of England DEVON a good ambassador for the county and for rugby in Devon. I hope to towards Olympic and Paralympic legacy, for his work with continue to ensure that clubs within the county are kept informed of Kenya,. This work extended to working with the Olympic and all that is happening in rugby, that clubs know where to go for help Paralympic teams who were in Bristol prior to the Olympic APPOINT MO and who to contact.” Games, but began with when Bob was involved in rugby Outgoing Devon President Maxwell Turner added: “It has been a development with Kenya. Pictured with him at the awards are pleasure working with Mo over the years and I have no fears for the Kris Akabusi (right), Steve Nelson (CEO of WESPORT- second FIRST WOMAN future of Devon Rugby being in her hands. She will take rugby forward left) and the other nominees. PRESIDENT in Devon and I give her my full support in her new office as President.” Former Plymouth Albion secretary Maureen Jackson is Devon RFU’s new President and the first woman in the role in the organisation’s 135-year history. She will hold the post for two years. “Initially I found the thought of taking over the role as Devon President very daunting,” said Jackson. “I did think how could TOUCHLINE a woman who has never played rugby become President of a Editorial input with jpeg pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray Constituent Body but when I look back at my involvement with Email: [email protected] rugby over the years and the roles I’ve held, I realised how much Direct Line: 0208 831 6514 experience I have. I realised that I have given as much of my time to rugby as the many thousands of volunteers throughout England’s Correspondence to: Patricia Mowbray, Touchline Editor, Rugby Football Union, Rugby counties. So I have certainly served my time on the committee and I Mo with RFU President, Paul Murphy House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA. Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates The Rugby Football Union wishes to express its gratitude to the following who generously support the game in England Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 831 6762 Touchline is published by PPL Sport, 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.

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12 Touchline – AUGUST 2012