SEPTEMBER 2011 / issue 138 RFU THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE TOUCHLINE RFU AND RFUW RFU DISCUSSION AND DECISIONS

ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2 the RFU Professional Game Board, the held a Board and Council meeting to discuss a Community Game Board and the Performance number of issues, including the recruitment of Director Review Group who supported the a new Chief Executive, the appointment of a Board proposals. Chairman and an independent non-executive The Council approved the release of the Director and the proposed release of the Blackett Report, which has since been sent to Blackett Report. all RFU member clubs and Constituent Bodies, It was decided to accelerate the recruitment accompanied by a letter from Chairman Paul of a new Chief Executive, with recruitment Murphy explaining the progress made to date. consultants appointed expeditiously, followed A vote of no confidence in Martyn Thomas, by interviews and, hopefully, an appointment the RFU’s Acting Chief Executive was before Christmas. Helping in that process will rejected; more than half the voting Council be a fully independent non-executive Director members having voted against it as well as a of the highest calibre and of huge benefit number abstaining. regarding the RFU’s Corporate Governance Said Paul Murphy, “I am most grateful to the responsibilities. The Union has also appointed RFU Council, for their thorough deliberation independent auditors to conduct a full review and considered decisions. We are moving on the RFU’s Corporate Governance and to forward and dealing with all the issues recommend ways to enhance it. identified and will keep the game informed The RFU Council endorsed Paul Murphy’s of progress. appointment as Chairman. The next Chairman “I very much regret that recent events have election will take place at the July 2012 AGM. not cast the RFU in a good light with its The Council also considered and discussed stakeholders and that the reputation of the the Board’s proposal to structure the Rugby game has suffered. I do believe, however, that Department with a Rugby Director, focusing important lessons have been learned and that on the England representative teams and we can have confidence in the future. Together the professional game, and a Development we can help the game to thrive at every level, Director, focusing on the community game. from the grassroots clubs to the England side These positions were also considered by the we are all supporting in the Rugby World Cup.”

ENGLAND YOUNGSTERS CLAIM COMMONWEALTH GOLD Stefan Curtis ENGLAND RUGBY SEVENS produced Jennings a dominant display of attacking rugby at the levelled the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of score minutes Man, winning all six matches and beating later. London southern hemisphere rivals South Africa 41-20 Irish wing in the final to claim gold. Anthony So impressive was their display in the final, Watson coach Ben Ryan said that the team performed grabbed “as well as I’ve seen any England side play.” England’s The Rugby Sevens gold cemented England’s second try, place at the top of the medal table ahead of converted by Australia, as England’s young athletes won club team-mate and captain James Lightfoot- 19 gold medals on the final day to finish with Brown, giving England the lead. And although 37 overall, eight more than Australia who had South Africa reduced the deficit to two points, a topped the table for the first two days. try from Exeter Chiefs’ Jack Arnott on the stroke collecting players’ autographs and wishing them Coached by England Sevens Head Coach Ben of half time increased England’s lead. luck ahead of the Rugby World Cup. FANS WISH Ryan and England Under 18 Head Coach John A brilliant try by Lightfoot-Brown and another James Haskell, Manusamoa Tuilagi and Jonny Fletcher, the English youngsters got off to a by Leeds Carnegie wing Marcus Webber put Wilkinson, England’s point scorers in their 23-19 flying start on Day 1, beating Trinidad & Tobago Ben Ryan’s boys 29-15 ahead, before two ENGLAND victory over Wales, were particularly popular 53-0 before putting 64 unanswered points past further tries from Arnott – completing his hat- with the fans and moved along the line, signing Sri Lanka. In the final game of Day 1, England trick – sealed the victory. Said Arnott, “We LUCK autographs and enjoying the opportunity to chat beat South Africa 7-5 in a tight affair. played South Africa before and knew they with the supporters. Day 2 saw England come up against the hosts would fight back so we really had to keep on “Given everything that is happening in the Emma Kennedy in the quarter-final, but even the support of our toes and make sure we were ruthless. It’s country at the moment,” said one fan. “It is the Isle of Man faithful couldn’t stop England been a great team performance and James reassuring to see how well these players conduct [Lightfoot-Brown] has led us so well.” WITH EXCITEMENT mounting before running riot, eventually winning 52-0. England’s themselves and to know that there are still semi-final was against Scotland who had Coach Ben Ryan added, “I’ve looked after the Rugby World Cup, fans had the chance to fantastic role models out there for our children.” beaten Sri Lanka 47-0 in their quarter final. England sides for five years – at Commonwealth meet their England Rugby heroes at Northampton Saints and England wing, Chris Despite conceding their second try of the Games and World Sevens tournaments – and in Twickenham Stadium. Ashton, speaking for the players said, “It is competition, England still ran out 19-5 winners the last ten minutes they played as well as I’ve More than 3,000 fans arrived for England’s open fantastic to meet so many supporters. It’s to set up a final re-match with the Springboks. seen any England side play.” training session and the chance to meet their always amazing to see how many people come South Africa got off to a flying start under A number of the 7s players were recently rugby heroes. They sat in the stand watching the to every game and events like this. It has been the floodlights, scoring in the first minute of returned from their successful England U18s England squad prepare for their match against great to have them watching training, we really the game, but a try from Sale Sharks’ Mark tour to Australia – see Page 2. Wales at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, before appreciate their support.”

1 HQ NEWS WIN A SIGNED RWC 2003 SHIRT WITH THE JSC

ENGLAND INVESTMENT WILL PAY OFF SAYS FLETCHER The England Rugby Junior Supporters by Nicki Drinkwater Club is running a competition to win a signed shirt from the victorious 2003 JOHN FLETCHER is looking forward to Rugby says, also paying tribute to the work of the schools fact that of the 14 forwards Walton selected to RWC winning team. To enter, all you World Cup 2015 because, “I believe we have the and colleges. “It’s a joined up approach, we are all tour, only four had any experience of international need to do is sign a junior up for only £5 best national junior programme in world rugby,” working together to identify the better players and rugby, having represented England at under 16 and answer the question which can be said the England U18s coach after an unbeaten make sure they become as good as they can be.” level. “Our job is to find players for the future, found in the teaser version of the online tour to Australia. The best evidence that the system is working we’ve been actively out there looking for them, magazine Game On. The JSC is packed full Fletcher and his 26-man squad recorded three will come when England contest – and host – the it’s not just about those who come up through of benefits for a junior rugby fan including victories against their southern hemisphere next Rugby World Cup. “I believe come 2015 we’ll the system. To be without players of the calibre competitions, free ticket offers, discounts, opponents. And whilst the scorelines were see a lot of players come up through the under of Luke Cowan-Dickie (Truro College and Exeter exclusive JSC events and while stocks last, impressive (England defeated Australia Academy 18s. Our job is to provide Martin Johnson and the Chiefs prop) and Jack Clifford (the RGS Guildford new members also receive a free rucksack U19s 19-8 before overcoming Australia A Schools senior England coaches with as many different and Harlequins No. 8) through injury and still and water bottle as a welcoming gift’. 27-0 and Australia Schools 46-19), it is the players as possible who are capable of playing in perform as we did was outstanding.” performances that most satisfied Fletcher who many different ways. Our victories are proof that Another such example is skipper Dominic Sign up now for your chance to win visit: believes that a number will be challenging for we are better than the southern hemisphere teams Barrow. So impressive was the Prince Henry’s rfu.com/juniorsupportersclub honours come the next RWC in four years’ time. of this age when it comes to moving the ball Grammar & Leeds Carnegie lock that the coaches He said of the 46-19 win over Australia Schools. around and a lot of our tries have come because voted him player of the tour. “Dom has a big “The ball moves through lots of phases, there is lots of that.” future in the game,” said Walton. “He’s been of ambition and that causes lots of problems for But perhaps the defining features of the squad’s outstanding in all three games.” oppositions. In that respect, the under 18s, under performances has been the capability up front. Walton believes there is another who deserves 20s and even England Saxons are well aligned. It’s “It’s not just about size,” explained forwards credit. “Two years ago when Australia toured no accident, it’s a definite plan and one that is well coach Peter Walton. “They are all good rugby England, they dominated us in the scrum,” supported by Stuart Lancaster and Rob Andrew.” players, capable of catching, passing and carrying. admits Walton. “But scrum coach Ian Peel has But Fletcher is quick to point out that success is They are becoming more confident in the decisions been on board since then (working with all the also heavily reliant on the work of that goes into they make with ball in hand. They are showing representative teams through to under 20s) and developing the players outside England duty. “Our they are guys who can really play rugby.” things have really improved. And that’s what our 14 regional academies are doing a fantastic job,” he Further indication of the strength in depth is the performances have been built on.”

CLIFF BRITTLE THE WHOLE KIT AND CABOODLE THE RFU’S FORMER CHAIRMAN Bryrob, a Stoke on Trent based plant hire of the Board, Cliff Brittle, died group serving the construction industry peacefully on the Isle of Man on 11 until it was sold in 1987 and he moved to September after a long illness. He was the Isle of Man. He leaves a brother, Robert RFU Chairman from 1996-8, having and sister, Gillian. previously been Staffordshire’s coach Said former England and British Lions and their RFU Committee member prop Fran Cotton, who was Lancashire since 1989. representative on the RFU Council and Benjamin Clifford Brittle, known to all a member of the RFU’s Management as Cliff, played centre for Longton High Board, “Cliff had rugby close to his heart School, Old Longtonians, Stoke on Trent and cared deeply about the game at every and Sale as well as for Staffordshire. level. He was impatient to secure the He coached best for English Staffordshire rugby and all U21/23 team involved in it at before taking the very difficult charge of time when the ENGLAND SEVENS star Chris Cracknell doing cartwheels when she saw the cool box their County game went helped teenage players at Old Albanians as she’s wanted one of those for a few years. Championship professional. I am celebrate winning more than £1,500 worth of We’ve got 25 balls in size four for this year and squad. He also sure many of us playing kit and equipment for the new season. another 25 in size five for when they’re Under served on both will remember The Under 14s at the Hertfordshire club claimed 15s next year. It must be worth well more than a the Staffordshire him as a the prize for selling more tickets than any other thousand pounds and we’d encourage all other Disciplinary visionary and as a team in England to the Emirates Airline London clubs to take part and enter this season. and Selection true friend.” Sevens, filling three coaches with more than 150 “The reaction to Chris coming down has been Committees The funeral at supporters to send to Twickenham in May. great from both the coaches and the boys. He’s and represented 2pm on Friday Old Albanians, who also earned money through brilliant with the boys and to have an England Staffordshire on September the Club Cash Back initiative, were rewarded international to come and coach our Under 14s is the Midlands 23rd at Douglas with a complete set of Nike playing shirts, socks great. How lucky are we!” Division, Borough and shorts, 50 Gilbert size 4 and 5 balls and Tickets to next year’s Emirates Airline London becoming Crematorium, Powerade waterbottles, carriers, a cool box and Sevens are on sale now from £18 for adults Chairman of with donations five cases of Powerade Ion 4. Then they got and £5 for juniors. You can save 50% if you the Midlands for the Isle of Man to train with Cracknell, the former Bath Rugby book in September when category 2 weekend Division from Hospice, will be and Worcester Warriors flanker who is part of tickets are just £15 for adults. The Club Cash 1986 to 1988. followed by a England’s full-time sevens squad preparing for Back scheme over the coming months will also A successful memorial service the start of the HSBC Sevens World Series. create the opportunity to earn money for your businessman, in England at a Said Under 14 coach Peter McCullough,“It club and be in with the chance of winning some with his brother later date to be gives us an away kit which we really need and great prizes. For more information visit rfu.com/ Robert, Cliff ran confirmed. the boys love the quality. Our first-aider was londonsevens

2 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 HQ NEWS O2 TOUCH FINALS Sandbach and Plymouth Albion Oaks, before losing 3-0 to AT TWICKENHAM Chippenham Cheetahs. They also lost their opening match of the Cup competition to the O2 side, before completing the double over Steve Williams Sandbach and then chalking up another win against Wymondham. But they lost their final match to Chippenham Cheetahs finishing NORFOLK-BASED WYMONDHAM RFC’S touch rugby fourth overall. Harwich & Dovercourt topped the Plate competition. squad capped a memorable day out at Twickenham Stadium this “It was fabulous, the three teams from Eastern Counties had a month by finishing runners-up in the O2 Touch Finals Day Cup fantastic day at Twickenham,” said the RFU’s Eastern Counties competition. Ten invited teams competed and while the sponsor’s Rugby Development Officer, Lee Adamson. “When I spoke to the own squad, O2 Touch Me If You Can, actually finished top of the Seckford Warriors the day after they were still buzzing about the Cup competition table they sportingly nominated Wymondham as great time they had. The O2 Touch Rugby initiative has been a big the day’s prize winners of a signed England team shirt. success and all of the hard work these clubs have put in will provide Wymondham won all four of their group matches, ensuring their a great platform to build on for next summer.” place in the final Cup competition. But they drew their opening two The O2 Touch Rugby finals day at Twickenham ended the summer- Cup games against both Chippenham Cheetahs and the O2 side long campaign that’s helped rugby union clubs across the country without either side scoring a try. bolster their membership and proved an enjoyable and fun way for They beat another of their East Anglian opponents, Suffolk’s newcomers to become involved. country have already taken part over the summer, which means Seckford Warriors, before winning their final outing against Sandbach. O2’s Head of Sport Sponsorship, Nic Fletcher, says, “The O2 Touch there is a club near everyone with touch rugby going on. It’s been The Woodbridge RFC based Seckford Warriors also qualified for programme is a nationwide initiative aimed at making touch rugby fantastic to see such a great response to the programme, and we the Cup competition with wins over Salisbury Samurai Subs, accessible to anyone over the age of 16. Over 400 clubs across the hope the enthusiasm will continue.” LONDON BECOMES WORLD SEVENS CLIMAX TWICKENHAM STADIUM will stage Tickets to the 2012 Emirates Airline HSBC Sevens World the climax to this season’s expanded HSBC London Sevens went on sale on Series 2011/12 Sevens World Series. The 2011 Emirates September 1. Visit rfu.com/londonsevens November 25-26: Australia Airline London Sevens attracted a world for more details. record weekend attendance of 100,094 as the England’s HSBC Sevens World Series December 2-3: Dubai penultimate event in the global calendar. campaign kicks off on the Gold Coast in December 9-10: South Africa and was shortlisted in this month’s London Australia (November 25-26), before heading February 3-4: New Zealand Lifestyle Award. for Dubai (December 2-3) and Port Elizabeth February 10-12: USA Next year, London will stage the final leg in South Africa (December 9-10). over the weekend May 12-13 at the end Head coach Ben Ryan, whose side finished March 23-25: Hong Kong of a nine-event series that includes a new third in last season’s series, welcomed the March 31-April 1: Japan tournament in Tokyo and new venues in expansion of the series and the inclusion of May 5-6: Scotland Australia and South Africa. Tokyo, which will stage the seventh leg on May 12-13: England RFU Chief Commercial Officer Sophie March 31 and April 1 next year. Goldschmidt said, “We are delighted to again “Four years ago if you’d have said we’d be part of the HSBC Sevens World Series. be going to the Olympics, we’d have new With London now being the final tournaments in Tokyo and Las Vegas, full- stop this will only further enhance the time sevens players, TV coverage rocketing, excitement around the event. This year we 100,000 fans at Twickenham, you probably saw a record number of fans attend the wouldn’t have believed it,” said Ryan. “But tournament and with the growth of sevens sevens is expanding at such an astonishing at all levels of the game we look forward to a rate and a new tournament in one of the fantastic event in 2012.” world’s greatest cities underlines that.” Sophie Goldschmidt ELITE PLAYER TO ELITE COACH Stefan Curtis next year, so I’m looking forward to working alongside Rob Hunter and developing the guys as best we can.” BEDFORD BLUES ASSISTANT RFU’s Rugby Operations Director Rob Andrew added, “Nick has made the transition from COACH NICK WALSHE, 36, elite player to elite coach in a focused and planned manner, gaining valuable coaching has joined the RFU Elite Rugby experience in the Championship under the expert guidance of Mike Rayer and has worked Department as a National successfully at gaining the highest coaching qualifications. The RFU continues to be Academy Coach to replace Leeds committed to identifying and developing young English coaching talent and we believe that Carnegie bound Diccon Edwards. Nick will add to his coaching experience and development in this role.” He will assist with the England Bedford Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said, “Everyone at the club is delighted for Nick Under 20 squad alongside Head and we wish him well for the future. He will be sorely missed by all of us here at Goldington Coach Rob Hunter. The U20s Road. He has added huge value here on and off the field and developed a lot good players enjoyed a successful 2010/11 over the last three years. Our loss is the RFU’s gain and I’ve no doubt that he will do an season, winning a Six Nations outstanding job nurturing the next generation of England internationals. Grand Slam and finishing second “Nick has developed as a coach extremely well since he joined us and it is a tribute to the at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship that he has been recognised for this role. This competition is proving to be a Championship. springboard not just for players but also for coaches.” Before joining Bedford, Walshe began coaching part time at a local Bath club, Old Sulians, laying the RFU REGULATIONS foundations for their promotion to the Somerset Premier before taking The RFU Regulations for 2011/12 include a number of amendments and, while there are on a player/backs coach role at no policy changes, some clarifications will be of interest to clubs and CBs. Blues in 2008. The former scrum half For the first time, Colts rugby, a term often used but seldom understood, has been appeared several times for the England A Team before winning two full England caps as a defined as age grade U19 rugby forming part of the youth game. replacement on the 2006 tour to Australia. The best playing record regulation relating to clubs at Level 4 and below, sees the Walshe said, “I’m hugely excited about starting my new role with the RFU and making calculation by which the best playing record is determined at the season’s end clarified. the most of a fantastic opportunity. It’s an exciting challenge, and one I can’t wait to start. I This will mean that when two teams are vying for promotion to the league above it will thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bedford working with Mike Rayer, but I’m looking forward to be easier to determine what’s involved. There is also information on Regulation 19 which this new chapter in my career. covers disciplinary procedures, panels, hearings and appeals. “I spent a bit of time working with the England U18 squad last season, and there are some A note went out to the game last month and complete information is available via rfu. extremely talented players coming through the ranks, so being part of that is a privilege. The com/regulations. U20s had a great season last time around, and a lot of those players are still qualified to play

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 3 HQ BE THERE TO HELP HEROES! SOME OF THE WORLD’S greatest rugby players will line up Back in Camp Bastion, Derek was pronounced dead before one of at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 3 December for the Heroes the doctors saw a slight pulse. He was operated on and taken back Rugby Challenge supported by J.P. Morgan, aiming to raise a to the UK in an induced coma. When he eventually woke up, his substantial sum of money for the Help for Heroes charity helping wife, Ana and a doctor were by his bedside. When told he had lost our wounded service men and women. his legs Derek recalls, “I couldn’t believe it because I could feel that England World Cup winners, Lawrence Dallagio and Jason I still had my boots on and my feet were very warm.” Leonard, together with Welsh legend, Ieuan Evans, will manage Derek is involved with Battle Back, funded by H4H, playing sitting the H4H Northern Hemisphere XV against an all-star Southern volleyball as well as javelin and shot put. As one of the first British Hemisphere XV overseen by Australian and All Black World Cup soldiers to benefit from H4H, he is now aiming for Paralympic winners Michael Lynagh and Sean Fitzpatrick. The two teams glory, having already broken two British records in shot put and will be selected from the northern and southern hemisphere attempting to do the same in javelin. He has also been involved in professional game and the best the Armed Forces players. Help for Heroes Band of Brothers enabling him to go to events like Marking the tenth anniversary of Britain’s Armed Forces the Heroes Concert where he was interviewed for the BBC and the Operations in Afghanistan, the event promises to be an even bigger Help for Heroes match at Twickenham in 2008. attraction than the first Help for Heroes match in 2008 when over “Help for Heroes is a fantastic charity. I’m just thankful for what 52,000 spectators helped raise £1.46m. they have done to raise the awareness of wounded soldiers like Will Greenwood, who plans to play for the Northern Hemisphere me,” he says. team, says, “Rugby can help change lives so make sure you are They are there for us, so be there for our service men and women there to do your bit at the Help for Heroes Challenge.” at the: With Will at the recent Twickenham launch was Private Derek Heroes Rugby Challenge, Saturday 3 December at Derenalagi, who on 19th July 2007, was in Helmand Province Twickenham Stadium, kick off 16:30. Tickets start at £30 for clearing a helicopter landing site, when his vehicle hit an IED. Derek adults, £10 for under 16s, available through Ticketmaster says “I remember lying there with my legs shattered and people www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2492 around me screaming. I looked up to the sky and said a prayer.”

RFU PRESIDENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO ENGLAND’S 100-YEAR-OLD SCRUM HALF BRIAN POPE, England’s oldest living international rugby union player, who celebrated his 100th birthday on June 29, died peacefully on Friday 19th August. The Rugby Football Union marked his 100th birthday by presenting him with an engraved silver salver and the England Rugby Internationals Club gave him a framed picture and match report from his England playing days. Brian’s daughter, Victoria Costain, said, “My father made his 100, NO NEWS IS BAD NEWS enjoyed all the celebrations and all the accolades particularly from the RFU. His family will treasure with pride all the happy memories” DID YOU KNOW that in every RFU President, Willie Wildash, said, “Everyone at the RFU is area of England there is an RFU thinking of Brian’s family and friends at this time and we are glad Regional Press Officer to help clubs to have been able to mark his 100th birthday. He epitomised a and CBs to promote themselves generation who gave a great deal in sport, in the armed forces and by getting great stories out to the in their working lives. We were proud that Brian remained a great media or helping them to put a supporter of England Rugby.” good story together? Brian was fit enough to play golf into his 90s, achieving a hole in If your club is holding a pyjama one on the famous Maiden hole at Royal St George’s in Sandwich party before an England RWC aged 92. It was here that he used to swap sporting stories with EW match, or has any newsworthy Swanton, the late rugby and cricket writer and commentator, and information which would give you fellow resident of Sandwich. good publicity why not drop them Edward Brian Pope was born in Barnet in Hertfordshire in 1911 an email or give them a call? Don’t and attended Uppingham School captaining the rugby team know if it’s newsworthy or not? in winter and the hockey team in the Easter term. Going up to They will advise. Cambridge, at Clare College, he won his rugby blue in 1932, playing in the 8-3 defeat by Oxford at Twickenham. In the North your Regional Press Tony Simpson Paul Bolton But Brian was already an England international by then, having Officer is TONY SIMPSON, played at scrum half in 1931 against Wales, Scotland and France at [email protected] 07764 Twickenham, Murrayfield and Stade Colombes respectively. After 336708 an extraordinary 10-try affair in Edinburgh, England went to Paris For the Midlands it’s PAUL on Easter Monday, 1931, for what would turn out to be France’s BOLTON, [email protected] last Championship match before 1947, due to arguments over 07966 102495 professionalism. England led three times and scored three tries to Covering London & South East is two in the 14-13 defeat (under modern scoring values they would HUGH GODWIN, hughgodwin@ have been 19-16 winners). rfu.com 07968 392688 Brian, whose club was Blackheath FC, later served in the RAF in • Please note Hugh will be World War II, and was an underwriting company director, working covering the Rugby World Cup in on the Lloyds Insurance market. New Zealand during which time Brian Pope for England: the contact is Steve Williams, v Wales, Twickenham, drew 11-11, 17 January 1931; v Scotland, [email protected] 07710 Murrayfield, lost 28-19, 21 March 1931; v France, Stade Colombes, 281640 Paris, lost 14-13, 6 April 1931 In the South West you should The family would be happy to welcome anyone who wishes contact JULIA HUTTON, to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for Brian on Tuesday 18th [email protected] 07971 474557 High Godwin Julia Hutton October at 2.30pm in St. Clements Church, Sandwich.

4 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 COMMUNITY RUGBY

previous Draws, thanks to the generosity of the GET INVOLVED IN Union’s sponsors and business partners. GRAND DRAW! Last year the Draw raised £455,000, the second PETER GRACE, Council Member for North highest total ever – despite almost two months Midlands, is all smiles as he hands over the top of the season being wiped out by bitter winter prize in the RFU Grand Draw 2010/11 to winner weather. So the organisers are confident that the Pete Thomas at his club, Newport (Salop) RFC. magic £500,000 can be achieved this time. The £10,000, donated by RugbyForce, was a very Pre-registration began from mid August via the welcome additional 21st birthday present for the form on the RFU website. If you are going to be player, who thought it was a joke when the call the main Draw contact for the coming season fill arrived. Like all big, tough rugby players he got it in and return it to the organisers to make sure his mum to check it out! the Starter Kit comes to you. Currently the launch Preparations for the next Grand Draw in season date is scheduled to take in the later stages of the 2011/12 are already well advanced and the prizelist Rugby World Cup. For more information or advice is shaping up to be every bit as spectacular as contact: [email protected]

AND VOLLEY CAME TOO!

AMONG THE GUESTS at Twickenham’s Send-Off Dinner when Martin Johnson revealed the England squad for the Rugby World Cup were 11 volunteers recognised their work at grass roots level, Said RFU President Willie Wildash, who led the panel which selected the group from nationwide nominations, “Thanks to their inspirational leadership, others have been given quality rugby experiences ISLE OF MAN – especially young people, people with disabilities and people from disadvantaged backgrounds. These volunteers were selected because SUMMER they have shown innovation and creativity and used their energy, commitment and enthusiasm to raise awareness and resources.” LEISURE RUGBY enjoys the perfect home Castletown Rugby club’s Isle of Man Beach There with the VIP volunteers was a VIP labrador. Volley was on the Isle of Man where the summer saw a Rugby festival catering for players of all abilities the only pooch present and was there because as a guide dog he series of sevens and beach rugby events. on the lovely sandy shore at Port Erin. The event helps David Morton with the many roles he plays at Carlisle RUFC, Eight teams played in the Summer Sevens brought a great social rugby environment for among them club Secretary. The other volunteers present at a League on the new 3G all weather rugby pitch the Bank Holiday Weekend. table hosted by CB Volunteer Manager Rachel Brown were: John before the Commonwealth Youth Games Rugby Highlight of the summer programme was Sheppard, Yorkshire RFU; Kay Weeks, Stockport RFC; David Herriman, 7s on the island. the Commonwealth Youth Games on the Lancashire RFU; Richard Brock, Horsham Rugby Club; Ruth Todd, The teams from the clubs, schools and old island, with sevens included. The Isle of Man University of Bradford; Mark Lowe, England Rugby Football Schools boys on the island, with Douglas, Vagabonds, team faced teams from England, Australia, Union; Terry Cracknell, Diss RFC; Sandra Rogers, Marple RFC; Ramsey and Nomads providing the club entry South Africa, Scotland, Canada, Sri Lanka and Chris Davis, Weymouth RFC and Mike Burdett, Hertfordshire and King Williams College leading the school Trinidad & Tobago, the most challenging level Referees Society challenge had 90 players involved. of competition the island youngsters had ever Said David, “The event was first class and it was great to meet so The Douglas Rugby Club Sevens Tournament encountered. A tremendous finale to a hectic many people, some from the past and new faces too. I really enjoyed attracted a host of club teams. season for rugby fans on the island. the dinner and I would like to thank everyone very much for the The action switched to the beach with kindness shown to me and Volley for the entire evening.”

introductory touch rugby coaching sessions open GETTING FIT BY WORKING TOGETHER TOUCH LONDON to all their 5500 staff. AT THE ROYAL Phil Duffy, leading delivery of Touch London Hugh Godwin Jan Bloomfield said, “The hospital was buzzing in for the RFU, said, “We enjoyed our visit to the GETTING FIT and active was just what the the week after the event – so much so that we’re FREE Hugh Godwin Royal Free hospital and taking the opportunity doctor ordered at a new tag rugby competition going to get feedback from all the team captains to explain the healthy benefits of touch rugby staged at Bury RFC in Suffolk by the West Suffolk in the expectation and hope of repeating this next and how easy it would be for hospitals around Hospital NHS Trust with support from the RFU. year. I have worked here for 20 years and rarely London to initiate and sustain regular touch The competition had a World Cup theme and had such a tremendous feedback from staff and rugby sessions for their staff. more than 200 doctors, nurses, porters, healthcare colleagues. Tag rugby is so easy for everyone to “We have plenty of ideas to share with the assistants, administrators and managers from play. The age range was 16 to 60 and though I am NHS on different ways to play touch, and the different hospital departments and Healthcare a football fan I think I’ve been converted! resources we can offer include a series of one- partners of the Trust made up teams representing “We’ve seen staff talking to each other and hour Touch Rugby sessions, free equipment such all 20 World Cup nations in New Zealand. recruiting for their teams across departments. as balls, bibs and cones, and key contacts for Many were playing rugby for the first time and There was plenty of banter on the public address future advice.” were joined by student coaches and players from run by RWS FM, who sponsored the cup. Touch London aims to increase regular West Suffolk College’s rugby academy who had Overall it was about the agenda of health and sporting participation by 8250 people across led the event organisation and provided training well being. My secretary hasn’t exercised regularly London by June 2013. It is running alongside O2 sessions over recent months. for years but has been inspired to do so now and THE RFU visited the Royal Free hospital in In addition to strengthening the hospital’s links has made a commitment. Hampstead, north London, to introduce NHS Touch, the RFU’s nationwide initiative currently making this fun-filled, socially driven game with the community, tag was a perfect way for “I would encourage other hospitals or staff from around the capital to the Touch NHS staff and colleagues to get active and improve companies to give an event like this a try but also London programme. available in more than 400 clubs as part of the Choose Rugby campaign. their health and wellbeing. Among the many point out that what we achieved was through a Aimed at giving corporate and public sector benefits was Bury RFC’s women’s section recruiting strong partnership between the Trust, the rugby workers across London the chance to play touch Adrian Tookman, public health director at the Royal Free said, “We are delighted to have 50 new players. club, the college academy and the RFU. Working rugby, the programme is being delivered by the Each competing team wore their appropriate separately we would never have got it done.” RFU with funding from the Mayor of London’s hosted the launch and fully support the scheme. Championing the health and fitness of our staff national colours and in a result that would be a 2012 Sports Legacy Fund through the Rugby major shock if repeated Down Under, the final Football Foundation. has a direct impact on our patient care.” Lily Makurah, NHS head of 2012 games health was won by Romania – drawn from community NHS staff members – some of whom were healthcare workers – who defeated New Zealand! throwing a rugby ball around for the first time improvement legacy said, “The NHS challenge is encouraging staff to be inspired by the 2012 Lee Adamson, RFU development officer – showed how easy it is to pick up and enjoy for Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, praised the touch rugby when they joined RFU coaches Games by participating in activities and sports after work or at lunchtime. By having fitter, commitment and enthusiasm of the college for a fun game in the summer sunshine on young leaders and the hospital staff led by Jan Hampstead Heath. And the Royal Free is set to healthier staff, we can reduce preventable sickness absences and increase staff morale.” Bloomfield, Director of Workforce at West Suffolk roll out the campaign this month with a series of NHS Trust.

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 5 COMMUNITY SOUND OF O2 TOUCH MUSIC WEEKEND AWAY FOR YOUNG VOLUNTEERS entered a touch NABARRO COMMERCIAL LAW FIRM TWENTY-THREE YOUNG men and CB Volunteers and to pull together the safeguarding and mentoring skills. team of complete novices in the recent UK Corporate Games O2 women aged between 17 and 24 from Youth Volunteering scheme countrywide, The volunteers certainly impressed the Touch at Loughborough. Sporting fancy dress said one of the team, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, helping out with such things as coaching, organisers and said Brown, “It really showed “We started really badly but blossomed into something beautiful.” Surrey, Sussex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Kent, refereeing, funding, writing web-sites or what potential we have in our game, Some The O2 Touch and Rugby 7s events were run by the RFU’s descended on Bassingbourn Barracks, near being on club committees.” of their proposals provided real forward Midlands East team, with Leicestershire’s Community Rugby Royston, Cambridgeshire for a weekend The young people were put through thinking and they were able to share their Coaches, Luke Green, taking charge. Other community earlier this month (September) as part of their paces with a team building session thoughts and ideas. Based on the feedback, coaches from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and the RFU’s vRugby programme. by the Army together with timed exercises they all got a lot out of it. They can now, Northamptonshire were there to help, together with referees from The vRugby programme – v standing for involving their own proposals on how with RFU and Constituent Body support, Market Harborough. volunteers – has been running as a joint to run a touch rugby festival, including organise their volunteer days and other Nabarro’s team were placed fifth overall. The winning O2 Touch venture but is now totally integrated into such things as project management, youth activities within their counties.” team was Accenture, with Freeth Cartwright LLP runners-up. the RFU mainstream framework. It aims to provide quality experiences for 14 to 24 year olds and to give them the opportunity to get involved in events, projects, placements and roles at local, county and national level within the sport. Volunteer Executive and National lead for vRugby and its Youth Volunteering programme Rachel Brown says, “The 23 who came – and there’s 41 in all across the country – were trained to be Youth Activators and to work with the various Regional Development Staff and

CLUBS ROTHERHAM CLIFTON THE HEAT IS ON AT TALKIN BOUT A REVOLUTION MORLEY MORLEY RFC’S two year sponsorship ROTHERHAM CLIFTON RUFC should deal with award-winning boiler have started the season in great shape after manufacturer Ravenheat will make ‘a teaming up with local business, Revolution Gym massive difference to the club, says and Fitness. Chairman Wayne Dickinson. The new partnership allows club players At 35, Mr Dickinson is the youngest to work with Revolution staff, with personal chairman in Morley’s 133-year history and training and strength and conditioning he has big ambitions for the National League programmes and nutritional plans catering for 3 North side. He has appointed former individuals’ needs. The club will also use the England international Scott Benton as head gym’s facilities for training evenings. coach and former Saracens lock-forward Said Rotherham Clifton Head Coach Olly Mark Burrow heads up the Junior section. Dixon, “This is an exciting partnership which will Morley-based Ravenheat has been the help us push forward. We were looking to create club’s main sponsor since 2004. The partnerships with local businesses, to improve company, which manufactures a range of our membership offer to players. Now the domestic gas boilers, is owned by Louis players will be able to train at a discounted rate, Pickersgill, who was born and bred in the but more importantly for me, the Revolution town, and is proud to be associated with team will be working with them, to offer advice Morley and the club. and push them in the right direction in terms of “I’ve been a supporter of Morley Rugby their training and nutritional programmes.” Club and its value to the community for Revolution owner Jon Clark said, ‘It is great many years; I think it’s a club with a great to join with Rotherham Clifton at this stage of future and I hope this deal will help that the season. I see working with them as a long- development,” said Mr Pickersgill. term partnership and I’m sure we’ll enhance an Morley RFC is very keen to develop the already motivated team and see its rise through stars of the future and has contacted local “We want to get the kids off the streets. Mr Dickinson. Ravenheat is an international the league system.” schools to nurture talent. The sons of the We will preserve the old values but with an company but it is also community-minded. For further information about Rotherham chairman, the head coach, the chairman of injection of youth to take the club forward. Louis understands the core values of a Clifton: www.rotherhamcliftonrufc.co.uk Junior Rugby and the Treasurer all play at There is quite a buzz around the club at the community organisation. He shares the new the club. moment – we are moving with the times,” said committee’s vision for the future.”

FYLDE PITCHES GET THUMBS UP

THE PLAYING SURFACE at Fylde RFC’s clearly visible, as Keith Kent was able to testify. he said, “Between them they have formulated Woodlands Memorial Ground at Ansdell has long “Rucking, mauling and set pieces cause a great a successful plan for the upkeep of the pitches been regarded as one of the best in northern deal of compaction as well as normal wear and and that of the entire playing field, including the rugby, endorsed recently by the RFU’s grassroots tear and the intensity of use of the Woodlands artificial pitch. guru, Twickenham Head Groundsman Keith Kent. pitches raises additional issues.” Said Andrews, “The pitches are the club’s greatest asset and With the loss of a pitch for development in “Having the opportunity of an external view of should be maintained as such. With investment 2003, substantial funds have been invested the pitches by an expert was too good to miss.” now in some additional equipment, the pitch in pitch improvement in the past two years to The RFU supports the development of facilities, will continue to prosper for many years to come. combat the greater pressure on the remaining including advising clubs on the best standards Resourcing pitch maintenance is a constant three pitches. Thanks to the efforts of grounds of pitch care and improvement, hence a recent requirement for all clubs; it can’t be turned on and maintenance industry professional and playing visit from Keith to assess the quality of the off depending on financial priorities elsewhere, member, Gary Andrews, and Chairman of pitches.“The first team pitch is a credit to the especially for a National League club with such a Grounds, Patrick Townsend, the results are now whole club, but especially Patrick and Gary,” good reputation.”

6 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 CLUBS FORTY YEARS GRASS CUTTERS WIN SUPPORT TROPHY & 7S TICKETS Don Reekie, SRUFC Press Officer THERE IS AN ARMY of volunteers helping to Tony Simpson run rugby in England and one of the staunchest supporters has been Lynda Underwood of Sudbury GRASS CUTTERS, predominantly and trophy competition and points were then Rugby Club recently honoured with an Honorary comprising players from Beveley RUFC, but also awarded based on final standings. At the end Life membership at the retirement of her husband, featuring players from Driffield, Hull Ionians and of the series the Grass Cutters were triumphant, club President Gregory Underwood. Hullensians, finished champions in the inaugural having won the Cup competition at every For 40 years Lynda has acted as his unpaid East Yorkshire Sevens circuit after four rounds event. Junior Tupai from Beverley captained the secretary and answer phone for the while Gregory of competition. winners, who were managed by Tevita Vaikona, was Match Secretary, ran a fixture exchange, The competition was introduced this year, with the former Saracens & Bradford Bulls player. was on the club and county committees, Eastern the Bridlington, Driffield, Hull and Scarborough With some excellent rugby, music, BBQs and, Counties Volunteer Co-ordinator and club and clubs hosting the 14 teams battling it out to for the most part, good weather, clubs are Suffolk President. For this, he was awarded the become 2011 Circuit Champions and claim the taking ownership of these events and looking to Torch Award last year, but the club committee trophy and tickets to next year’s Emirates Airline grow them into great spectator events in felt it was only fitting to reward Lynda for all the London 7s. Each tournament had a cup, shield the future. unseen work for the benefit of rugby. OLDHAM CELEBRATE WITH SAM RUGBY UNION has always prided itself on being a game for life and 84-year-old Oldham member Sam Molineux is the living proof of that adage. For Sam has been at the club since he joined as a 14 year-old and he is now into his 71st successive season. The completion of 70 unbroken years at the club was celebrated this summer with a party at Manor Park, where a strong contingent turned up to toast their friend from Failsworth. “He came down as a 14 year-old and has been with the club ever since,” said club President Paul H Walsh as he hailed Sam’s sterling service over the decades. “He was in the RAF, but got back to the club as often as he could. I think it’s admirable that someone can stay involved in the club like that. All clubs have difficulty holding on to members because there are other things, such as family, changes in circumstances, moving house etc. that lead to contact being lost. To have someone like Sam around for so long is great. “There are still a number of people of his generation associated with the club, but for him to still be coming down every week is brilliant. Everyone knows Sam and every club should have someone like him.” Sam played during the Second World War and, after signing up to the RAF in 1944, he returned to the club when the war was over. He played in the lower sides, taking the captain’s role for the ‘A’ team from 1955 until 1959 after which he looked after the Colts until 1984. He was also Social Secretary in 1958, the local sports council representative, had a term as Bar Secretary and was responsible for the early coaching of many of the club’s successful first teams. RHINO BACKS TOURNAMENT IN POLAND He served as Chairman for three years before becoming President in 1992 for two years. Even after he stopped playing, NOT MANY ENGLISH rugby clubs Rule Financial, launched an annual rugby of the festival, and the Warsaw Frogs, he refereed the lower sides and was always available to assist. have a Polish-based President but the Kew festival in the grounds of his estate on the Vienna Celtics, Prague Barbarians and Kew Occasionals, top man Jim Parton sold up in first weekend in September. Occasionals contested the inaugural men’s Camberwell six years ago to buy a former With most of the participants camping XV a side tournament. summer palace of the Prince-Bishops of on site the tournament aims to become the The Piotrowice Nyskie International Breslau in what is now Silesia – one of the ‘Glastonbury of Rugby’. Earlier this month Rugby Festival looks set to become one more interesting property switches. Jim national sides from Austria, Hungary, of the more unusual fixtures on the social has now, with the support of Rhino Rugby Poland and the Czech Republic amongst rugby circuit! and co-sponsors Jones Lang Lassalle and others entered the women’s sevens section

YARDLEY & DISTRICT SEEK YOUR SUPPORT

BIRMINGHAM CLUB YARDLEY & DISTRICT are seeking support to help raise funds for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. Their former club youth player, Joe Murphy, was killed aged 18 on active service in Helmand Province in Afghanistan in July 2009. With an impressive record of fund-raising for services charities, four of the club’s members will be cycling from the club’s Cole Hall Lane headquarters to the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre at Lympstone in Devon departing on September 30th. They will take in the Aviva Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Sandy Park on October 1 and arrive at Lympstone later that evening. Proceeds go to the RMCTF and Yardley & District aim to raise £30,000. “My son is currently on operations in Afghanistan with 45 Commando in South Nad E Ali and as the corps are trying to raise £6m by their 350th birthday we thought we would do our bit and give them a hand,” said organiser Ailsa Barnett.

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 7 CLUBS

BECCLES LADIES LOOKING FOR PLAYERS

BECCLES LADIES rugby team, currently on a recruitment campaign, have a new Captain and Vice Captain in Georgina Carpenter (pictured left) and Heather Mason. Georgina plays hooker, having represented Eastern Counties at U15s and U18s and will be steering the team towards league status. Heather, a utility back with the club for a number of years, will be a big help. They would love to hear from anyone who either plays or would like to try the game, there is no upper or lower age limit, as Beccles Rugby Club have fully integrated women into the club with a player pathway from six years old through to senior level. Contact Georgina on 01379 668402

BRIDGNORTH COMES TO TWICKENHAM Bridnorth’s Doug McGill fancied a trip to Twickenham to watch England play Wales in the Investec International and decided to take about 100 people from the club along with him. A great way to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary year. COALVILLE RUGBY CLUB IN TANZANIA

set-up a thrilling final against Croydon’s Whitgift rounds of the Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield RUGBY BALLS and tag belts donated by NEW BOYS School who had not conceded a point in their competitions and all won by schools that had Coalville Rugby Club have helped a primary school WIN OLD BOYS previous matches. Whitgift had also knocked out never been outright winners before in the in Tanzania add tag rugby to their games lessons. the defending champions and winners for the competition’s 15 year history. The equipment was taken over by pupils and staff TOURNAMENT past two years St. Benedicts, 5-0, in the quarter- The Plate Trophy went to Norwich School from Dixie Grammar School as part of a World Steve Williams finals but, while pushing Peter Symonds College beating Brighton College 19-5, while Wimbledon Challenge project. WINCHESTER’S Peter Symonds College all the way in the final, they eventually lost, College overwhelmed Clayesmore 36-3, to lift the During the stay they spent a week working walked off with the National Under 21 Conk- 15-10, to the newcomers. Bowl and in a tight Shield Final Dulwich College at Mramba Primary School, in Mwanga, which Cunis Rugby Festival Cup at their first attempt The Cronk-Cunis trophy was presented to Peter just edged out Berkhamsted, 7-5. is an integrated school catering for those with during last August Bank Holiday’s event at the Symonds captain Zach Kinnaird by RFU President full hearing and pupils with a range of hearing Richmond Athletic Ground. Willie Wildash who said, “This is the very age difficulties. The school is situated in the north of Chalking up the day’s biggest joint wining group that is so easily lost to the game and it is the country at the foot of the Pares mountains, margin in their opening 33-0 defeat of Abingdon wonderful to see so many young rugby players about an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro. they then saw off St. John’s Leatherhead, enjoying the game, renewing old friendships and The group had the chance to organise games 10-0, before overwhelming former champions making new ones.“ activities with the pupils. Said school leader and Wellington College, 25-5, in the quarter-finals. The 32 competing teams came from as far Coalville RFC junior coordinator, Paul Macmillan, Perhaps their toughest match came in the semi- afield as Somerset, Dorset, Wales and Norfolk “It wasn’t easy introducing the rules of tag rugby finals when they squeezed past Millfield, 5-3, to with almost 600 players involved in the various due to language difficulties and the fact that many of the pupils could only use sign language. However, we persevered and by the end of the week we had some great games of tag rugby LEICESTER LIONS’ RUGBY WITH JOB going on, sometimes with over a hundred children taking part. The pupils at the school were very quick to learn and their fitness levels OPPORTUNITIES and speed of turn were very impressive. We received lots of thanks and left the school with Paul Bolton many fond memories.” Coalville Rugby Club intends to maintain links LEICESTER LIONS have secured a novel sponsorship deal with local training provider Qdos which offers school leavers at the National Two North club to with the school and is already planning to send be placed on apprenticeship schemes. two coaches out next summer. Club President Qdos, who specialise in IT training, will have their company Tom Siddon added, “Community involvement and name prominently displayed on the Lions’ 4th XV shirts this spreading the sport of rugby are very important to season but they will also use their training expertise to place us at Coalville so this opportunity was too good to players in the 16-18 age band in apprenticeship schemes and miss. We are proud of our efforts to involve more any Leicester Lions play on NVQ courses. people in rugby and intend to carry this on into “It’s a cracking opportunity for lads to play rugby and the future.” get qualifications and even a job,” said Stu Watson, the chairman of Leicester Lions’ youth section. “It’s a novel approach to sponsorship and we don’t believe that there are many other clubs in the country who can offer this sort of opportunity. “Qdos are a local training provider with access to government-funded training courses and they have promised to help place Leicester Lions players at the top end of our junior section on apprenticeship schemes and anyone within the club on NVQ courses.”

8 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 REFEREES

The Warwickshire Junior Whistlers will be co-ordinated by EAST MIDS BEST IN BELGIUM GROWING YOUNG Warwickshire Society member, Steve Davies, a former member FOR THE 13TH YEAR, East Paul Dickens said, “Our Belgium REFEREES IN of the RFU’s National Panel of Assistant Referees, with the Midlands Society referees with colleagues were very responsive to training courses delivered by Peter Tolan (Entry Level Award) invited officials from other English everything that was put to them and WARWICKSHIRE Paul Bolton and Phil Everitt (Mini-Midi Certificate), both RFU Regional Societies were at the Flanders the progress they made during the Referee Trainers. Open Rugby tournament in games they refereed was notable.” A NEW PROJECT, designed to recruit and develop a team Said Peter Tolan, “There is always a shortage of match Dendermonde, Belgium. Said Johan Meersman, an ex FIRA of youngsters to officiate at school and junior club rugby officials to cover all the games played by young people in This tens event draws teams from Referee, now in-charge of referee matches in Coventry and Warwickshire, has been launched by Coventry and Warwickshire each week. It is vitally important all over the world and this year was development for the Belgium RFU, the Warwickshire Society of Referees. for a contact sport such as rugby to have referees who are fully no exception with men’s, women’s “We are grateful for the time The Warwickshire Junior Whistlers scheme is targeted at trained in how to officiate, not just within the laws but, more and veterans teams from afar away and effort shown by our English both boys and girls aged between importantly, with safety. as California, Moscow and Cape colleagues and hopefully we can 14 and 18, who would like to “Schoolchildren are fully Town, competing with teams from repeat this again in the future.” gain a qualification to referee capable of refereeing, both at all over Europe. Exchanges between Referees from the UK who junior games and possibly then clubs and at their schools, which the East Mids. and Belgium attended were Ashley Rowden, go forward on a career path will relieve untrained volunteers Referees have taken place regularly John Hill, Mark Elliott, Wayne Falla, to senior rugby. The scheme or coaches of the responsibility, and experienced English referees Andy Watson, Murray Felstead, was being launched this month enabling them to concentrate were paired up with Belgium Nick Ashton, Billy Fishwick, Jeff (September) at a meeting at the on their specialist role during referees at the tournament to act as Highcock, Paul Dickens, Nicola Old Coventrians Rugby Club and games. These young officials will their coach-mentors Reynolds, Ed Gardner, George applications are invited from any be supervised and given on-going East Mids. Training Officer, Shield, and Nick Richards. youngster who wishes to join the training and development by fully scheme. qualified match officials during Under the auspices of the the season.” Rugby Football Union, the Tolan added that rugby scheme will be largely funded for refereeing equipped young the 20 candidates lucky enough people with many interpersonal to be chosen and the training skills for life. Training was also courses will be held during the the route to refereeing the school half-term break at the end of October. To give young senior game and for those with the ability and commitment, to people the widest possible opportunity to get involved the promotion to the RFU’s match officials’ list and possibly a full- Junior Whistlers scheme will train those wishing to concentrate time career. Youngsters interested in joining the Warwickshire initially on the mini/midi game – covering the 8 to 12s – as Junior Whistlers should contact Steve Davies on 024 7641 6709 well as the full 15-a-side game played in schools and at or by e-mail on [email protected]. community clubs on a Sunday morning. RFUW THREE-YEAR WOMEN’S GARNETT REWRITES INTERNATIONAL TEST ENGLAND RUGBY AGREEMENT Julia Hutton RECORD BOOKS Julia Hutton ENGLAND WOMEN will play the reigning world champions, New Zealand, in three back-to-back Tests in 2011, ENGLAND AND SARACENS player Amy Garnett (below) 2012 and 2013, bringing a tantalising nine games between the rewrote the England Rugby record books on August 13th when world’s top two ranked teams. she became the first ever female player to be capped 100 times England will host three Tests in both the autumn of 2011 and for her country. 2012 before heading to New Zealand for three further Tests in Garnett reached the century mark when she helped England June 2013, just a year before the 2014 Women’s Rugby World to a 41-19 victory over Canada in the Nations Cup and in Cup in France. The agreement is a major step forward for the doing so England also secured a fourth successive Nations Cup women’s game with limited regular competition previously tournament victory. between the world’s top two teams. Garnett, who is 35 years old and works as a Metropolitan England last played the four times world champions in the Police Officer in London, became England’s most capped player record breaking 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final in of all time last year in the Rugby World Cup surpassing her London which the hosts narrowly lost 10-13. Before that they former club and international team-mate Helen Clayton’s record had played New Zealand in just two Tests in four years. of 88 caps. Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the Rugby Football “It’s been a privilege and honour to play for England 100 Union for Women, said, “We are really excited about this times,” said Garnett, who is the only player in the current announcement. It is the first time that we have had a three England squad to have competed in three Rugby World Cups. “I year commitment to play New Zealand and this will do have played with so many spectacular players over the years, far wonders from both a playing and profile perspective. too many to mention, and I have some very special memories. “This agreement is the icing on the cake for us. We now “I couldn’t have done this without the continued support that have regular Tests against the current World Champions, as ENGLAND has come from my family and friends. As ‘amateur’ players fitting well against the USA and Canada in the Nations Cup, and of in my career, training and playing is a lot to juggle and to have course Europe’s best in the Women’s RBS 6 Nations. done this over ten years would have been very hard if it had not WOMEN’S been for those closest to me.” “We could not have delivered this significant improvement to our competition programme without the support of our Garnett first made her international debut back in 2001 and colleagues at the RFU. This agreement is a testament to how NATIONS CUP with a busy autumn and winter international schedule ahead she serious women’s rugby is now being taken in England.” could soon be nearing the all-time cap record, held by Scotland’s England and New Zealand will play their first Test on Donna Kennedy, of 113 caps. November 26th with the second and third Tests on November VICTORY “Winning so many England caps has been a dream come true 29th and December 3rd. All venues and kick-off times will be and I hope there are many confirmed in due course and will be available on rfu.com. ENGLAND WOMEN were crowned Nations Cup champions in youngsters out there who August after a 41-19 victory over Canada in Ontario, handing the Red can strive to do the same Roses a second title this season after their RBS 6 Nations championship thing as me,” added win in March. Garnett. “It’s a privilege to Gary Street’s side, who have remained unbeaten this season, powered be the first English player to the victory thanks to a brace of tries from vice-captain Margaret to do this but I know I Alphonsi and touch downs from Sarah Hunter, Alice Richardson, Claire won’t be the last. By the Allan and Katherine Merchant. Katy McLean and Emily Scarratt also time the 2014 Rugby World added 11 points from the boot to secure the win. Cup comes around there Head Coach Street said, “This tournament victory sums up exactly could be several players why we come to play in tournaments like the Nations Cup. The standard nearing the 100-cap and intensity of the rugby this year has meant we have had to perform marker and that means to world class level and that is vital as we build towards our autumn that England will have a international programme.” squad with a lot of game England booked their place in the final after a 15-11 victory over the time and experience.” USA, a 46-8 defeat of South Africa and a 22-10 win over Canada in the round-robin stages of the tournament.

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 9 CBS MP IMPRESSED BY 10S TOURNAMENT FUNDS CORNISH YOUTH PROGRAMME

DISABILITY SPORT AS PART of his Parliamentary Fellowship scheme, Andrew George MP recently spent a day at Truro College learning about the Cornish RFU’s player development programme for 11 to 16 year olds. Run in conjunction with the Exeter Chief’s Academy, the training sessions for players selected on their potential to develop their skills and all-round game to a higher level, take place at Truro College during the holidays and on the last Monday of each month. Andrew George was impressed by both the excellent arrangements and well organised activities. The day emphasised the need for a commitment to rugby development for players to progress on an individual basis and then into Cornwall’s grassroots clubs. This particular session focused on the Under 15 age group and over 200 young people took part.

A RECENT RUGBY TOURNAMENT hosted at Stowmarket Rugby Club and organised by Suffolk-based disability charity Optua raised £500 to help the charity provide sports and leisure activities for people with disabilities across the county. NORTH MIDS RLF RECORD IN THEIR SIGHTS The ‘2011 Optua Rugby 10s was supported by Eastern Counties Rugby Union and teams from across the region. The winners WORCESTERSHIRE & HEREFORDSHIRE will be attempting to win the RLF North Midlands Championship for the sixth time in were Lowestoft & Yarmouth and runners-up Shelford Rugby Club. seven years this season. The two counties made it five in six when they held off a spirited challenge from Greater Birmingham to triumph Hosts Stowmarket, joined by players from Colchester to form the 32-19 in last season’s keenly-contested final at Stourbridge. ‘Stowchester Barbarians’, won the wooden spoon after losing to The long-running competition involves the three domestic unions that comprise the North Midlands RFU – Shropshire are the third a nifty North Walsham development side in the plate final, with county – and gives an opportunity for players outside the National Leagues to showcase their talent. Sponsored by property and Norwich Rugby Club finishing in third place. construction specialists RLF, the competition has also proved a successful recruitment vehicle for the North Midlands senior county side Graeme Anderson, the tournament organiser and Optua’s Leisure providing opportunities for players from grassroots clubs to play in England’s senior county competition. Activities Officer, is already talking of raising more money and The Worcestershire & Herefordshire trio of Stef Ellis (Pershore), Stefan Shillingford (Dudley Kingswinford) and Ed Parry (Dudley awareness of the charity by repeating the event next year. Kingswinford) were among those who progressed from the RLF Championship into the North Midlands senior side last season. CHAMPIONSHIP LIFT-0FF FOR 2011/12 RFU CHAMPIONSHIP Nicol McClelland

The 2011-12 RFU Championship was launched at Twickenham last month with all 12 captains there This season RFU Championship funding becomes subject to clubs meeting the English Qualified to kick-off the new season. Players scheme (EQP), as Andrew explained, “We have mirrored some of the funding that we put into Now in its third year, the Championship continues to provide pacy, attractive rugby with an the Premiership and said to the Championship clubs that all of the RFU funding will be conditional on average of five tries a game last season. Joining this season’s league are London Scottish, promoted them producing English Qualified Players. So, as with the Premiership, they have to have a minimum of from SSE National League 1, and Leeds Carnegie, relegated from the Aviva Premiership. Both faced 14 EQP players in the match day squad to receive the RFU funding. RFU funding is now conditional on tough opposition in their debuts, with Leeds taking on semi-finalists London Welsh at Headingly and producing what we need for the development and success of the game at the top level.” Scottish travelling west to play former Premiership side Bristol Rugby. Lewis Calder, London Scottish captain, spoke of his side’s rivalry with next door neighbours London RFU Rugby Operations Director Rob Andrew said, “You just have to look at the quality of the rugby Welsh, who they meet in Round 11, “We share so much tradition and history,” he said. “It’s great to played in the past two years, particularly at the top of the league towards the end of the last season, be in the same league this year, playing against them and hopefully in front of some good crowds. to see the success of this competition. From an RFU perspective, we can gauge that success by the It’s great to be in the second tier of English rugby. Exeter Chiefs are a fantastic example of team ethic quality of young players coming through the Championship on dual registration with the Premiership and determination, so to see a team like that move into the top tier and do very well, it’s hugely and the number of players being signed up by Premiership clubs out of Championship sides. exciting. You can see the gap between the top of the Championship and bottom of the Premiership “There are some very good sides wanting to get to the top of the RFU Championship and this season you getting smaller and that’s very encouraging. Similarly, seeing how Esher did last year is a really good couldn’t pick a winner. One of six teams could win the league and that tells you everything you need to know.” bench mark for us as the promoted side.”

10 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 COACHING MINI RUGBY PILOT MAKES PERSUASIVE CASE FOR CHANGE

SHAPING THE GAME, an RFU pilot project looking at the best More ball-in-play time at Under 9 provides physiological benefits At Pilot Road Shows in Hampshire, Warwickshire and Durham in way of introducing youngsters to rugby and developing their game for children as well as allowing more tactical and motor skill the summer many coaches were involved. Research for Under 7s has taken off in clubs in Durham, Hampshire and Warwickshire and opportunities. The increase of ball-in-play time, together with the and Under 9s was presented by Exeter University’s Gethin Thomas early results make interesting reading. reduced number of players on each side in the pilot game, should together with practical demonstrations. A number of coaches who Part of a PhD being undertaken by Gethin Thomas at Exeter also bring games of higher intensity with fitness benefits for players. had formerly been sceptical expressed support, with the general University and funded by the RFU and the Economic and Social consensus that the pilot was working well despite some initial Research Council, the new child-centred model of rugby union for Although structured contact skills are not emphasised in the pilot resistance to change. children involves opposing teams of four rather than seven at version, contact is still a significant part of the Under 9 game, with Under 7 and seven rather than the usual nine at Under 9. over 16% more tackles completed when compared to the play under Launch Festivals are taking place in each CB on Sunday It is based on a thorough understanding of: Age Grade Regulations, including more tackles to ground. October 30th just after the Rugby World Cup final when At Under 9, the pilot version provides exciting potential for interest in rugby will be at its highest. • The child’s biological, psychological and social development. subsequent changes at Under 8 and especially at Under 10 (year 2) • On and off the ball technical and tactical game skills. and Under 11 (year 3). • The appropriate coaching process.

During its first year in the 2010/11 season the Shaping the Game pilot project initially focuses on the mini rugby game. It involves filming and analysing pilot matches and matches played under current Age Grade Regulations. Preliminary comparisons of filming showed that at U7 there were more involvements per player in the pilot matches than in those operating under current Age Grade Regulations. In the pilot games there were:

• 185% more tries per player • 107% more runs per player • 69% more passes per player • 22% more tags per player

It was also found that while 50% of the children playing under Age Grade Regulations could expect to receive less than two touches during ten minutes’ play, in the pilot game this only happened to 6% of players. This suggests that having fewer numbers playing enables more involvement at this early age when there is little passing prior to a tag. Results show that under the pilot scheme the Under 7 game involves lots of running. There is little passing in either version but preliminary individual analysis suggests that involvements are spread out more evenly when there are fewer players on the pitch. Preliminary comparisons at Under 9 suggest that in pilot matches players are making almost twice as many passes in open play and there were:

• 85% more tries • 37% more runs • 16% more tackles • 126% more passes • 22% longer ball in play

INTERNET COACHING IMPROVING ACADEMY PERFORMANCE THE RFU has launched trials of a new internet-based coaching academy which aims to provide the best rugby coaching information and complements the existing coach development programmes. The academy, operates in partnership with Global Sports Coaching (GSC) and its rugbycoachingdrills.com website. Established in 2010, GSC uses leading coaches like Sir Ian IN LANCASHIRE McGeechan and Dick Best to create on online coaching exercises including interactive drills in 3D, a coaching toolkit and personal development programmes for players of all ages. Tony Simpson As the governing body for rugby in England, the RFU aims to be a role model for coach Lancashire clubs benefitted from a series our players in key areas. The scheme development and excellence and to ensure that the quantity and quality of coaches, from grassroots of pre-season development sessions underpins the work we are doing internally to representative level, is constantly growing and improving. Its coaching development programmes organised by the Lancashire Development at the club, but it’s always good for the and support services enable rugby to be played countrywide in a safe and fun environment. Centre Project, with Clitheroe RUFC the players to hear a different voice.” “This is the first time we have entered into a partnership with an external provider for the delivery venue for the first of the eight coaching Mark Nelson said, “We are offering a of essential coaching services,” said Gary Henderson, Head of Player and Coach Development at the initiatives. The session, delivered by Chris bespoke service to clubs to assist them RFU. “We want to improve our coaches’ expertise by complementing our face-to-face programmes Briers, England Counties and Lancashire in specific areas of the game. We have with value-added internet content and advice. Coaches contribute significantly to the quality of player player, assisted by Mark Nelson, the further sessions at Trafford MV, Bury, experience and, with the help of GSC and its website, we can provide them with resources that will Development Centre Manager, involved Crosby St Marys, Pendle, Hutton, Bolton greatly improve their performance. 35 players for a programme that focused and Waterloo. The players at Clitheroe “We started with a pilot scheme before moving on to regional trials this month (September) and, on reorganising defence and counter responded very well to Chris, who has depending on the outcome of the trials, we plan to launch the academy nationally next January.” attacking. experience at Championship Level, as well Sir Ian McGeechan, Director of GSC, said, “The rapid development of the interactive web technology Said Head Coach Andy Clifford, “it was as being a long-serving county player.” and related communications infrastructures provide an appropriate resource with which to manage great to have expert input from Lancashire and develop coaching expertise in this country. We’ve invested heavily in the development of our to help us improve the performance of website and are very excited about the potential of the RFU’s coaching academy.”

TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011 11 SCHOOLS

trained hard and it paid off. Rugby is the STANLEY AND greatest team sport, it gels teams and a day at RUGBY ACADEMY AT ORMISTON WEST LEIGH Twickenham is the icing on the cake!” West Leigh’s coach, Wesley Dunn, added, “The RIVERS YAZOO TOP children have worked together, been gracious in defeat and to play at Twickenham was the By Steve Williams TEAMS! greatest prize – a once in a lifetime opportunity.” England’s Mark Cueto, the YAZOO tag rugby ALONG WITH A CHANGE of name from St. Peter’s High School to the Ormiston TEDDINGTON SCHOOL, Stanley Primary, ambassador and police children’s charity Child Rivers Academy, the Burnham-on-Crouch school now boasts one of the first were back on the Twickenham turf for the second Victims of Crime patron, said, “Tag is a great rugby academies in the county. year in succession after a last-minute win over way to introduce children to the key skills and Initially based on the last year’s successful Year 11 squad that wrapped up the Messa north London rivals, West Leigh Junior School, the values so important to the game of rugby.” Cup, for Mid-Essex Schools, beating St. Martin’s, Brentwood, 21-7, in the final last in the RFU YAZOO Tag 2 Twickenham national The RFU and YAZOO work in partnership March, the academy comes under the school’s Head of PE and RFU Level 2 coach finals at Rugby School. with Child Victims of Crime, which funds more Caswell Becker. Retaining the title in the biggest primary school than 600 police staff to be trained by the RFU Focus will begin with the sixth formers and then roll back to the Year 11 and 10 pupils programme of its kind in England was no mean each year to coach YAZOO tag rugby in primary later. South African Becker played top-class junior rugby for both Northern Transvaal achievement and playing before England’s Investec schools. The programme has taken tag rugby to (Blue Bulls) and Boland Cavaliers U17s and U18s before coming to England in 2001. International against Wales, was their reward. nearly two million children in the last two years. He now coaches at club and county level as well as helping out with Premiership side Said Stanley coach, Paul Burke, “Of the 12 Balls, tag belts and equipment has also been Saracens School of Rugby and is also a qualified referee. He will also be supported by RFU children, 11 were new from last year. They given to thousands of schools. Community Development Coach Scott Murphy and work closely with RFU cluster groups around the Essex area. “The Academy students will be expected to maintain a high standard of studying and encouraged to participate in positive pursuits other than rugby, to lead enjoyable, well- rounded lives,” says Becker. “Academic studies will be complemented by the dedicated rugby academy, focusing on a personal development programme to ensure that each individual’s capabilities as a rugby player and scholar are maximised.” The Academy will also offer students expert advice and guidance on conditioning, nutrition and lifestyle and will give them the opportunity to gain coaching, refereeing and first aid qualifications. They will also be encouraged to use the coaching qualifications gained within the broader community, in particular at local Primary Schools and sports clubs.

For further details cbecker@ ormistonriveracademy. co.uk or Angela Mahoney on amahoney@ ormistonriveracademy. co.uk or call 01621 782377

IPF KILIMANJARO AND BACK

THE AXA WEALTH KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE 2011 TOUCHLINE saw an intrepid team led by David Barnes, Rugby Players Editorial input with jpeg pictures to: Association Chairman; Andy Blyth, seriously injured playing for Sale Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray Sharks in March 2000 and Major Alan Tindale of the Royal Logistics Email: [email protected] Corps, raise some £182,000 to share between Help for Heroes, the Direct Line: 0208 831 6514 RFU’s Injured Players Foundation and the RPA Benevolent Fund. Correspondence to: The ten-day trip covered more than 100km, climbing to an altitude Patricia Mowbray, Touchline Editor, Rugby Football Union, of 5,895 metres, to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit. Pictured in the IPF Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, hospitality box at the England v Wales Investec International in their Twickenham TW2 7BA. blue Kili fleeces are Alan (centre) and David (right), with IPF staff and injured players. They were there to give a cheque to the IPF and Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates meet some of the IPF guests there to support England. Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 831 6762 NickWilson from Effingham & Leatherhead (left) and Steve Halson from Chinnor were both hugely impressed Touchline is published by PPL Sport, on behalf of the Rugby by the new sward of grass at HQ. Football Union, the national governing body of the game in England. Also available on the RFU website: rfu.com PITCHED UP AT Photography courtesy of Getty and Touchline contributors. Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and CBs for contributions. TWICKENHAM No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the RFU. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the RFU or VOLUNTEER GROUNDSMEN across the country ensure that PPL Sport. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions. All pitches are playable for our clubs. Two who have devoted many trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners. hours to providing pitches of the highest quality were recommended for a reward by Dave Stubley RFU Funding & Facilities Manager. © 2009. Rugby Football Union. The England Rose is an official trademark of the Rugby Football Union and is the subject of extensive trade mark They spent a fabulous day helping Twickenham Head Groundsman registration worldwide. Keith Kent at the England v Wales Investec International.

12 TOUCHLINE – SEPTEMBER 2011