April 2013 Issue 156

The Official Newspaper of The RFU

FANTASTIC SEASON FOR ’S YOUNG SQUADS Stefan Curtis 28-15 win at Eirias Park. this level of success and new support in the form of the BMW Then England U18 were crowned European champions partnership, which continues for the next three years at least, It has been a great season for England’s young for the second successive year, winning the Justin Bridou has allowed for some excellent development work. representative squads. Both the England Under 20 Trophy after beating France 27-22 in front of 15,000 fans at “The management teams under U20 Head Coach Rob and U18 teams put in determined and disciplined the Stade de Alpes in Grenoble. Hunter and U18 Head Coach John Fletcher have done a performances against strong opposition to carry off Said England Head Coach, Stuart Lancaster, “This has great job and we all wish Rob every success as he leaves well-deserved trophies. been a fantastic season for England’s young squads. The us to become forwards coach for Exeter Chiefs. We have First England U20 took on the Welsh on their home players have worked hard and deserve our congratulations. appointed Nick Walshe as England U20 Interim Head turf, winning the for an “Partnerships between educational establishments, club Coach for the Junior World Championships, with Ian Peel unprecedented third time in a row after an impressive academies and the RFU have been fundamental in achieving assisting as Interim Forwards Coach.”

RBS 6 NATIONS ENGLAND TO FACE FRANCE IN 2014 PARIS OPENER

England kick off their 2014 RBS 6 Nations schedule against France in Paris, having beaten Les Bleus at Twickenham this season 23-13. Stuart Lancaster’s squad are first up playing Italy in Rome when the final round matches again take place on the same ‘Super Saturday’. With a return to Friday night matches for the next two seasons, England will meet Wales in Cardiff in an evening opening round of the 2015 Six Nations. Bill Beaumont, the Six Nations and RFU Chairman, says, “The Six Nations Championship is the focus of rugby and sports supporters across the world, particularly over those seven weekends PLAYERS’ DESCENT SEES CHARITY SOAR in February and March. This year we saw over one million people attend the 15 matches, making it still the best attended The RBS 6 Nations England v Italy match brought the RFU Injured Players international rugby tournament in the world on a per match basis.” Foundation (IPF) their highest profile ever. As the official match charity, The schedule: they had dancers in the streets, face painters, their own GB Wheelchair 2014 Saturday 1 February – France v England (5pm) Rugby pitch-side pundit and abseiling injured players, earning them Saturday 8 February – Scotland v England (5pm) BBC coverage. Saturday 22 February – England v Ireland (4pm) It also saw them contacted by two injured players who didn’t know the IPF existed, Sunday 9 March – England v Wales (3pm) their daily website hits increase from 20 to 200, an extra 900 follow them on Twitter Saturday 15 March – Italy v England (12.30pm) and they recruited eight fundraisers the following Monday. 2015 Friday 6 February – Wales v England (8.05pm) The Royal Marine Commando Display Team helped 30-year-old Captain Tom Saturday 14 February – England v Italy (2.30pm) Hughes (pictured) and Tom Horey (20) onto the stadium roof to abseil down beside the Sunday 1 March – Ireland v England (3pm) pitch. Tom, seriously injured in a match to get fit for the Army v Navy game just after Saturday 14 March – England v Scotland (5pm) returning from serving in Afghanistan, then delivered the match ball. Saturday 21 March – England v France (5pm) Discover more about the work of the IPF in helping to support 141 families and players whose injuries stretch back to the 60s at www.rfuipf.org.uk

1 ALL SCHOOLS ON PITCH AND IN PARLIAMENT Nicola Marshall

Following the news in last month’s Touchline that Prince Harry is to become Patron and Canterbury the Official Partner for All Schools, the RFU’s programme to get more state secondary schools playing , the initiative has enjoyed some great highlights on the pitch at Twickenham and in Parliament. All Schools was officially launched to an audience of Ministers, MPs, Lords, sport and education experts at Parliament. Invited dignitaries joined Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne, RFU colleagues and England players and Michaela Staniford to hear about All Schools in the State Rooms of the Speaker of the House of Common’s residence. Students from four of the schools on the programme also joined the event to talk about their experiences and why they are enthusiastic converts to rugby. Parliamentarians were extremely positive about the initiative and the Speaker of the House of Commons said: “I was delighted to host the Parliamentary launch of All Schools because it is a really important initiative, and I strongly believe in giving all children the opportunity to enjoy sport.” Some 100 All Schools students had a special day at Twickenham the whole squad. By teaching these students who are new to the flanking the military bringing out the giant England shirt into the on 10 March when they each got to reveal the shirt they designed game the core values of rugby union and the history of the shirt, pitch before kick-off, and then during a half time parade. for their school team in front of a crowd of 82,000 at the England V I’m sure that these school teams will share the same passion for CEO of Canterbury, Chris Stephenson said: “All Schools is Italy game. The students, aged between 12 and 15 years old, were their own design.” a fantastic programme which we are fully behind. It was an representing schools from across England that had taken part in The students’ drawings were turned into bespoke final designs amazing spectacle seeing all the children on the pitch wearing the Canterbury kit design workshops last year. by the team at Canterbury and the shirts were presented for the their unique shirts; there were some great designs. I imagine it was Stuart Lancaster, England Head Coach said: “The match shirt is a first time to a representative from each school by England prop a very proud day for all involved, getting to wear the shirt you had source of huge pride for the players. When they are presented with and England women’s hooker Amy Turner before a hand in designing on the pitch at Twickenham in front of a sell- it before an international it is a very special moment for them and the match. The students took great pride in wearing their new kit, out crowd.” HISTORIC TRIPLE FOR U20s COBHAM Stefan Curtis CELEBRATION

England Under 20s won the Six Nations Champions title for an In the last 18 months Cobham Sports Association, unprecedented third time in a row after an impressive 28-15 win which includes Cobham RFC, has doubled the size away in Wales at Eirias Park. ADDITIONAL of its grounds and to mark this success there will be The match was on a knife edge for large parts of the game with an open Celebration Sports Day on Sunday May 12th Wales fly half Sam Davies a constant threat with the boot, but two OPPORTUNITIES when England World Cup legend tries from flanker Harry Wells and one from wing Jack Nowell gave will formally open their new Premier Rugby Pitch. England the win, fly half Henry Slade adding 13 points with the boot. FOR WOMEN The England Touch Rugby and England Lacrosse Wales secured the first points, a Davies penalty putting the hosts teams will be putting on displays and encouraging 3-0 up. But England hit straight back and a nice break from scrum Julia Hutton volunteers to have a go. half Callum Braley freed up LV= Breakthrough Player of the Year President of Cobham RFC Lionel Frewin said “The day winner Nowell to touch down in the corner. Wales regained the lead Women’s and girls’ rugby in England has been given a major boost will showcase our sports sections and encourage more active when Davies’ second penalty made it 6-5, before Slade put England with the announcement of five new Advanced Apprenticeships in sports participation within the local community.” in front with 25 minutes gone to make it 9-5. Sporting Excellence (AASE) Rugby Union centres. The doubling of the grounds comes just three years after Slade brought England to within a point after 34 minutes with a The new AASE centres are in addition to the existing Cobham Sports Association developed a new clubhouse long range penalty and, as the half drew to a close, England opted to programmes currently running at Hartpury and Moulton thanks to a member’s legacy, sports matching and an kick for touch instead of the posts and back row Wells touched down colleges which have proved to be a resounding success. 22 ambitious fundraising campaign across the membership. for his first England try, converted by Slade. Wales were reduced to players, including the likes of Alexandra Matthews and Ceri 14 men with their No 8 Ieuan Jones in the sin bin. Frewin said, “Having created a wide ranging level of Large, have been capped at England, England U20s or England sponsorship support Cobham Sports Association is now looking The hosts started the second period putting England under Sevens level since the first cohort of graduates in 2010. to develop links with a number of organisations in the local area pressure, eventually rewarded as Davies stroked over his fourth Following a thorough assessment, Myerscough College to ensure the investment benefits the whole community.” penalty but Slade hit straight back to make the score 18-12. A Slade (Lancashire), Bishops Burton College (North Yorkshire), drop goal increased the gap to nine but Davies returned fire with his Oaklands College (Hertfordshire), Brockenhurst College fifth penalty of the night making it 21-15. England had the final say, (Hampshire) and Worthing College (Sussex) have been named Slade again opting to go for touch and a strong driving maul touched as the additional centres. down by Wells for his second to give England the 28-15 win. The AASE programme is designed to meet the needs of young Departing Head Coach Rob Hunter said: “It’s a massive achievement people, aged between 16 and 18 who have the potential to and the guys deserve all the credit – they’re a hard working group achieve excellence in rugby whilst also pursuing an education at and this trophy is their reward. Wales gave it a real go and all credit to the same time through A Levels or BTEC courses. them, we never felt comfortable.” As well as serving more young people, with the centres now Captain Jack Clifford added: “I’m so happy for all of the boys and based across the country identified students will benefit from all of the management, everyone works so hard and to end up with reduced travelling time and it’s hoped local rugby clubs will this trophy as captain is a dream come true.” also have more players, and better players, available to them. The new programmes will commence at the start of the next academic year in September 2013 and it is expected there will be approximately 70 new starters this year. Andy Paton, the RFU Player Development Manager (Women), said: “This is fantastic news for the women’s and girls’ game. It will continue to develop players in our already well-established Player Pathway at this age group, whilst the programme is also designed so that each athlete is given the opportunity to develop their rugby skills alongside their studies. The programmes at Hartpury and Moulton have been educationally very successful with over 90% of all athletes going on to higher education following the completion of the two-year course. “Having a good geographical spread of AASE centres will allow both players and parents the opportunity to select a programme closer to where they live whilst helping to support the players’ local clubs and Constituency Bodies. “The RFU is really excited about the next few years with the 2014 Rugby World Cup in France and the 2016 Olympics Games, which will feature sevens, in our sights. We are confident that the expanded AASE programme will support our international ambitions in both the XVs and sevens game.”

2 Touchline – APRIL 2013 Warwick School celebrate 12–6 win Zach Kibirige, Yarm School and England U18 DOUBLE HEARTACHE CUP FINALS SEE A FOR BRAVE FELSTED IN THE VASE DULWICH DOUBLE FELSTED SCHOOL 15–17 YARM SCHOOL

Felsted School having won through to not one but two Daily Mail RBS Vase Finals suffered double Twickenham AND WARWICK WIN heartache, battling all the way and losing by narrow margins. Will Guthrie’s late try and conversion snatched a two-point DULWICH COLLEGE 27–17 NORTHAMPTON SCHOOL FOR BOYS victory for Yarm School in the U18 Vase. Felsted were 10-0 Dulwich College, having secured a 15-8 victory over 10-point advantage on the stroke of half time when he ahead as Charlie Kingham and Josh Hunter-Jordan crossed Old Swinford Hospital last year to lift the Daily Mail improved Ajisebutu’s try in the corner, the winger showing for tries. But scores from the talismanic Zach Kibirige and RBS U18 Cup, retained the silverware with a hard- great pace to reach Ed Parsons’ pinpoint kick. Conor Hartigan to add to Guthrie’s effort were enough to fought 27-17 victory over Northampton School for Northampton reduced the deficit shortly after the restart complete a Yarm revival. Boys at Twickenham last month. as Bullivant slotted a penalty. But McKimm completed It was all Felsted early on, however, and their early pressure Hector McKimm and Baba Ajisebutu bagged tries for his brace squeezing over from another catch-and-drive, brought a try for powerful number eight Kingham. Will Dulwich either side of an Ollie Hartfield effort as the improved by Fraser once again. Malins failed to extend his side’s lead when he scuffed a Londoners turned around at the break 17-7 ahead. And Northampton held genuine hope for the final 15 minutes penalty attempt, but three minutes later Felsted doubled the reigning champions’ experience saw them home in the after Hartfield tapped a penalty and darted over for his their tally. Once again, Kingham was at the heart of the second half despite a spirited fight from Northampton. second try, converted by Bullivant. However, Fraser was score, showing fine hands to release wing Hunter-Jordan in Dulwich put the first points on the board through the boot on-target with a penalty to restore his team’s lead and, the corner. Yarm needed a quick response and they found it of centre Dom Fraser, who kicked all of his side’s points despite a late yellow card for Parsons, it proved enough to through England U18 international centre Kibirige when he in the 2012 final. They extended their advantage when a see his team home. gathered Guthrie’s chip over the defence to touch down at mammoth driving maul allowed second row McKimm to A nailbiting encounter in the Daily Mail RBS U15 Cup full stretch. touch down for a try, converted by Fraser. Final saw Warwick School beat QEGS, Wakefield, 12-6, Yarm drew level on 46 minutes when scrum half Josh Jones Northampton flanker Hartfield then pounced on a flanker Jordan Ainslie’s late try sealing the Midlands dashed up the right touchline before feeding the ball inside loose ball 15 metres out to force his way over, with Conor school’s first Cup final triumph. to replacement Hartigan. Felsted, who had watched their Bullivant adding the extras. Fraser re-established Dulwich’s QEGS had built a 6-0 lead at the interval through a Tom U15s beaten in the Vase final, were in determined mood Allott penalty and drop goal before Warwick edged ahead and regained the lead 10 minutes later when Malins hacked in the final quarter through William Stride’s converted try, through a loose ball and won the footrace for five points. But with Ainslie making victory certain three minutes from time. Yarm, after opting for a scrum from a penalty inside the 22, QEGS enjoyed early dominance, their larger pack’s shifted the ball right for Guthrie to snipe over and duly kick pressure yielding three points for Allott in the fifth minute, the winning extras. with Allott’s left-footed drop goal two minutes before the interval the only further score of the period. FELSTED SCHOOL 13–19 ROYAL LATIN SCHOOL Warwick emerged with intent after the restart and were the stronger side for long periods. But they had to wait until Joe Robey’s try 11 minutes from time ensured that Royal the 47th minute to break down a resolute QEGS, caught Latin School saw off the challenge of a spirited Felsted by surprise when Stride weaved his way through for a try School in the Daily Mail RBS U15 Vase final. Felsted went from a tapped penalty. Stride added the conversion to into the break 13-7 in front thanks to tries from Matthew hand his side the slenderest of advantages at 7-6, before Lumb and Stefan Warner in addition to a James Lennon Ainslie, who grabbed Warwick’s winner in their semi-final penalty, with James Bassford replying for Royal Latin. But against Bromsgrove, splashed over after a sublime break Buckinghamshire outfit Royal Latin recovered in the second and dummy on the right. half as tries from Robey and Elliot Pittwood sealed victory on their first visit to Twickenham. Felsted opened the scoring through the boot of Lennon, who slotted a simple penalty from the 22. Royal Latin struck back straight away, however, as they spread the ball to right wing Bassford for a fine try in the corner, Will Hughes striking an excellent conversion. Felsted’s Lumb had looked a threat throughout the opening quarter, and the full back grabbed his team’s second try as he raced home from deep inside his own half for five points. The Essex school extended their lead further before the interval when Warner dived on Lennon’s well weighted chip, with the latter’s conversion attempt hitting the post. Following a series of pick-and-drives early in the second half, Royal Latin’s second row Pittwood burrowed over to bring his side to within a point. And Robey completed the Old Technicians RFC from Plymouth decided to enjoy the RBS 6 Nations England v Italy match in style. They were all a-jingle as 16 members comeback, the prop barging over after Ollie Toone had been dressed as Morris men and women arrived at Twickenham to watch England’s 18-11 win and make it onto the BBC News. dragged down just short. Hughes added the extras.

APRIL 2013 – Touchline 3 COME ON DOWN! Heaton Moor’s Under 10s ran straight off the pitches to join coaches Mike Ireland and Brent Prior and Pete Fielding the club’s Chair of Marketing & Publicity in pointing out that they recently received the RFU’s Club Accreditation Award for providing all that’s best in rugby union. Now they are on a recruitment drive to share the enjoyment of their excellent facilities with new players of all ages and abilities.

For further info visit www.heatonmoorrugby.co.uk COACHING MADE BAXTER & GUSTARD FOR EASIER BY RFU ENGLAND ARGENTINA TOUR The RFU has introduced a new online coaching device which covers every coaching level and environment. Dave Barton Saracens, Exeter and for supporting With quality coaching fundamental for enjoyable and safe play, England in this way. a great deal of work has gone into ensuring that the necessary EXETER CHIEFS Director of Rugby Rob Baxter “It was important that we found two coaches who could knowledge, skills and attributes are developed for each environment at every level of expertise. Whether new to coaching or an expert, and Saracens Defence and Forwards Coach Paul mirror the skill set of Graham (Rowntree) and Andy this new online device means coaches can benchmark their skills Gustard will join the England coaching team for the (Farrell) while they are away (with the British & Irish Lions) against the ideal and plan their route to coaching excellence. tour to Argentina in June. and come in and keep developing the players within our Said Stuart Lancaster, “As someone who has progressed through Subject to Aviva Premiership placings, Baxter will link up system. the RFU’s coaching qualifications to become England Head Coach, with England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster and Attacking “Paul, having worked together with Andy at Saracens, I can thoroughly recommend this new initiative. Bringing essential Skills Coach to prepare for the match against the already has a good understanding of how we operate information to coaches operating at every level through modern Barbarians at Twickenham on May 26 while Gustard will and Rob, who has done a great job in developing a very technology will make their progress faster and easier.” be available once Saracens’ Premiership and Heineken Cup competitive Exeter pack, will pick up the set piece and Grassroots coach, Paul Caldwell, from Newark U15s, said, “Having involvement has ended. breakdown. seen this new online service, I would say that life will be a lot England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We are “Both will work alongside Mike Catt as part of our simpler for anyone who wants to coach at whatever level and to delighted to have two quality coaches who have come integrated coaching team and we are looking forward to progress as far as they want. I know that I will use it and it will help through the English system for what will be a hugely them joining us after their club commitments finish on what me to develop alongside my young team.” significant tour for us and a big thank-you should go to is an important tour in our development as a team.” This new Coach Development Model is available for all to use at www.rfu.com

RUGBY VOLUNTEERS GIVEN ENGLAND TREAT ENGLAND WOMEN Hugh Godwin The idea was the brainchild of Steve Grainger, the RFU Rugby Development Director and Tom Stokes, England Team Operations THIRD IN THE Stuart Lancaster and the England players paid tribute to the Manager. Lancaster has made connecting with the country’s army of volunteers who underpin rugby in this country when volunteers and the clubs key to his off-field strategy. SIX NATIONS nine volunteers from southern clubs were invited to watch the The volunteers invited to Pennyhill Park were: Jess Veacock England squad train at the Pennyhill Park team base during the who has successfully run the vRugby programme for young Julia Hutton RBS 6 Nations. volunteers in Devon and developed girls’ rugby on the area. The group enjoyed a three-course lunch, watched the England Claire Legg, Supermarine RFC senior women’s captain and With England Women prioritising their international sevens squad in training for the match against Italy, and met Head Coach manager and captain and manager of the county senior squad. programme, the defending Six Nations champions had to settle Lancaster and a number of players including , Michele Amos part of the Hampshire Safeguarding team and a for a third place finish in this year’s tournament. Freddie Burns, , , , very active volunteer at Basingstoke RFC. Steve Trenchard, Club Without 17 players who were transferred to a Rugby World and for some highly prized photos and autographs. Coaching Coordinator at Chinnor RFC and within Oxfordshire. Cup Sevens training squad, England put on some impressive Lancaster said, “The England team never forget that the game of Paul McGoohan of Verulamians RFC, a small Hertfordshire club performances against Scotland, Italy and Wales but didn’t have rugby union in this country is underpinned by an army of more competing with some of the big clubs. Maggie Watts who has the firepower to overcome France at Twickenham or eventual than 50,000 volunteers, who give up their time and effort every played a huge part in the development of Kent club Thanet Grand Slam winners Ireland, losing 20-30 and 25-0 respectively. week of the year to ensure our rugby clubs continue to flourish - RFC’s youth and girls sections for many years. Stacia Long who England Head Coach said: “We are never happy whether it is coaching or refereeing on the pitch, or running the works to encourage non-rugby players into rugby at Wandsworth about not winning the Six Nations but at the same time our plan bar and club finances off it. School and from there into clubs. David Scott, whose significant this season was always to prioritise the sevens programme as “It was great to invite some of those volunteers from across the development of the mini/youth section of Maldon RFC in Essex we build towards the Rugby World Cup in June. south of England to our training session as a thank you, both includes five years of school outreach work. “This young squad has learned a lot from this campaign to to them individually and to everyone who volunteers in English Andy Addis, a driving force of the Newent rugby club in stand us in really good stead as we head to New Zealand and rugby and keeps it thriving. They are a reminder to all of us that Gloucstershire said: “The RFU worked hard for us to feel very America this summer. The younger players have also been every player who has the honour of representing England has welcome and valued, and everybody in the squad made time for exposed to top international rugby 18 months out from next achieved that with the support of club or school volunteers.” us. All in all it was a great experience.” year’s XVs Rugby World Cup in France.”

4 Touchline – APRIL 2013 UNITED COLOURS RFU YEARBOOK - OF NORTH DEVON Paula Rowe RUGBY CONNECTED Devon County RFU have presented the North Devon Barbarians with a new set of shirts featuring the colours of the five clubs from which players 2013-14 are drawn – Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, The RFU Yearbook annual clubs publication is often confused with the England Rugby Tiverton and Torrington. Yearbook official RFU magazine. Given the Yearbook’s main purpose of connecting A team of Colts from local clubs with insufficient everyone in the game with clubs at every level, the title is being changed to Rugby players to field their own Colts teams, the Barbarians Connected. The publication is now created in house, with Jon Newcombe editing, and is are the brainchild of North Devon Community Rugby improving and adapting to suit clubs’ needs. Coach, Wayne Reed, who says, “The team runs itself by In order to ensure that your club is properly represented please ensure that information using social networks and there are over 80 players or held on RugbyFirst is updated by Wednesday 26th June 2013. The amount of information coaches in our Facebook group. The aim is to keep the will vary according to your club’s level. However, all will have club name, address, club players playing until they are seniors and, hopefully, contact phone number, web and email address, and contact details for the honorary and recruit enough new and former players for some of the fixtures secretaries. clubs to field their own teams again. All information can now be checked, added to and amended via a single page within your club’s RugbyFirst “The reasons for a drop off of players at this age group site. To update roles go directly to your club or via the search function at http://clubs.rfu.com/clubs/ and select the tab called include player migration, work or college commitments and ‘Yearbook – Handbook Details’ on the left hand menu of your club site. On this one page you can update all the relevant information competing activities. But one of the main reasons was the for Rugby Connected 2013-14. shortage of volunteers to coach and run these teams and that For technical assistance, please contact the RugbyFirst helpdesk on [email protected] or 020 8831 6651. The Helpdesk the qualifications of those coaching could be improved.” is open Monday to Friday from 0900-1300 and 1400-1700. For full RugbyFirst guidelines and step by step information, click on the link http://clubs.rfu.com/Clubs/portals/webmasters/ Reed organised local coaching courses and is looking to get 18 coaches from nine clubs up to level 2 during the summer. Gary Bucknell, senior coach at South Molton RFC said, “If it wasn’t for the Barbarians we would potentially lose five senior players next season.” The Barbarians first match in their new shirts saw an entertaining game against Tavistock RFC. The new shirts were presented by Dave Butt, Chairman of the County Community Rugby Committee, who said, “North Devon Barbarians are a great example of how a CRC can help small clubs and maintain their youth playing base for everyone’s benefit. This could well be a template for others.” The games are rotated between the clubs, with this latest match hosted by Ilfracombe Rugby Club, celebrating their 135th anniversary this year. The Barbarians have played five fixtures, with three more planned this season, which means that 18 to 25 young players will have meaningful and enjoyable fixtures. Said Reed, “I don’t intend for this to be a permanent team and hope at least two of the five clubs will have their own sides again next season.”

SIX OF THE BEST Six members of the Warwickshire Society of Referees’ Junior Whistlers, who officiated at the Rosslyn Park Sevens, stood out not just because of Dave Butt presenting the shirts to Wayne Reed their cerise shirts but more for their excellent refereeing skills. The six young Warwickshire officials were Toby Holroyd, aged 17 a pupil at Arden and the North Devon Barbarians Players. High School, Knowle; Kieran Bowerbank, 16 of Landau Forte Academy, Tamworth; Josh Jelley, 15 (King Henry VIII Coventry), Morgan Hickman, 15 (Laurence Sheriff School, Rugby) Alex MacDonald 15 (John Cleveland, ) and Jason Kenney 16 (Nicholas Chamberlain, Bedworth).

CATHERINE BLAZES A TRAIL AT WHITNEY

Catherine Forteath has become Witney Ruby Club’s first ever female Life Member, the club’s highest honour. She has played for Witney 159 times, mostly in the second row or as a flanker, a record all the more impressive as there are fewer games in women’s leagues than men’s. GUARDS ALL HEART IN FINAL Catherine has been virtually ever-present for the club for 15 years, serving on the Ladies Section Committee, as Fixture Secretary and The Welsh Guards won the Army Premiership Cup 11–3, although the 39 Engineers Regiment had ample opportunity Kit Manager, among other roles. She also regularly fund raises for to grab the silverware. The Guards stood their ground and kicked the points on offer in a tough encounter. Said Skipper good causes on behalf of the rugby club. She played for Oxford’s Steve George, “We landed from Afghanistan, had a week’s leave and everyone turned out for the first round match. With ladies’ rugby team before joining Witney and also plays hockey for that sort of spirit the team gelled. We stuck to a limited game plan of not surrendering points and kicking our goals. It Wychwood Ladies, often travelling direct from her hockey games on worked against the Royal Welsh in the semis and again in the final. The boys were all heart”. a Saturday to support the men’s rugby teams at Witney.

APRIL 2013 – Touchline 5 PRESIDENT’S XV AWARDS Tony Simpson were conceived to highlight examples year’s awards was to showcase some of of best-practice among grass-roots clubs the best work and most productive ideas FIRE-WALKING and fireworks and to showcase both ingenuity and that are bringing rich rewards to some in Nottingham, Guinness record industry in equal measure. of our clubs and I would commend goal-kicking and sheep sales in Once again the list of winners and every club to have a careful look at the Alnwick, karaoke and canoeing their citations underline how the army bright ideas and the successful projects in Gloucestershire and woolly of volunteers that sustain the game at which are driving our great game hats in Sheffield are all part of grass-roots level is packed with people forward.” the rich tapestry which makes the of great resource and even greater The Panel of Judges comprised: Paul seventh annual RFU President’s energy and dedication. Murphy (RFU President), Bob Reeves XV Awards list such a colourful “The quality and variety of the entries (RFU Senior Vice President), Jon WIN A SET OF KIT collection. never ceases to amaze me,” says RFU Dance (RFU Junior Vice President), Not every winning entry is either a President Paul Murphy. “Picking Willie Wildash (RFU Immediate Past FROM SSE RUGBY! piece of theatre or out of left field – a winner from so many excellent President), Jason Leonard OBE, Gill many clubs have earned their place in submissions is a very difficult and Burns MBE (former RFUW President), Nicol McLelland the spotlight and their £500 first prize by challenging task for the panel. Finding Joe Stanniford (RFU National Youth sheer hard work and delivery of a simple the 15 deserving winners and the 30 Council), Owain Jones (Rugby World) As a National Community Partner of the , plan which has addressed a particular Runners-up from such a list was not easy. and Carole Thelwall-Jones (RFU SSE is determined to help support local rugby communities up need. But the President’s XV Awards “One intended spin-off from each Volunteer Engagement Manager). and down the country and is offering £10,000 worth of free rugby kit for your club to win. Over the last two years SSE has Results rewarded clubs in England with many different giveaways 1 Player Safety & Welfare Winner - Eastern Counties RFU; Runners Up – Maidstone, Kent, Eccleshall, Staffordshire including training kits, training sessions with England legends and , and last year Liverpool St 2 This is Rugby Winner – Wortley, Yorkshire; Runners Up – Leek, Staffordshire, Kesteven, Notts, Lincs & Derby Helen’s won £10,000 worth of free energy credits for their club. 3 Player Recruitment Winner – Broadland - Great Yarmouth, Eastern Counties; Runners Up – Wymondham, Eastern Counties, Penrith, Cumbria SSE Rugby.com is a site dedicated to grassroots clubs in 4 Player Retention Winner – Sheffield, Yorkshire; Runners Up - Canterbury Christ Church University, Kew Occasionals, Surrey England and features regular blogs from SSE Ambassador and England flanker Tom Croft highlights from community clubs, as 5 Girl Power Winner – Drybrook, Gloucestershire; Runners Up – Jersey, Hampshire, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire well as offering support and advice on clubs energy needs. 6 Valuing Volunteers Winner - Rushden & Highham, East Midlands; Runners Up - Crewe and Nantwich, Cheshire, Kent RFU Continuing to help support clubs at a community level, SSE is 7 vRugby (Young Volunteers) Winner - Tunbridge Wells, Kent; Runners Up - Yeovil College, Somerset once again giving away more rewards to clubs who sign up to 8 Quality Coaching Winner – Sheffield, Yorkshire; Runners Up - Bury St Edmunds, Eastern Counties, Westcombe Park, Kent SSE Rugby.com, with £10,000 worth of rugby kit up for grabs. In total, SSE has 45 match kits to giveaway, which includes balls, 9 Better Referees Winner – Chelmsford, Essex; Runners Up - Eastern Counties Referees’ Federation. water bottles, kicking tees, cones, hurdles, post protectors and 10 Better Facilities Winner – Farnham, Surrey; Runners Up – Guildford, Surrey, Maidenhead, Berkshire much more. 11 Community Engagement Winner - Nottingham Moderns, Notts, Lincs & Derby; Runners Up - Birmingham Exiles, North Midlands, Leigh, Lancashire To be in with a chance of winning one of these rugby kits, 12 School Rugby Winner – Westoe, Durham; Runners Up – Chineham, Hampshire, Felixtowe, Eastern Counties simply register on www.sserugby.com by April 28th. The winners will be contacted by Wednesday May 1st. For full terms 13 College Rugby Winner - The College of West of Anglia; Runners Up - Birmingham Metropolitan College, Easton College and conditions, visit www.sserugby.com 14 University Rugby Winner - Nottingham University; Runners Up - University of Huddersfield, Nottingham Trent University SSE is also the Official Energy Supplier to English Rugby, and 15 Fundraising Winner – Alnwick, Northumberland; Runners Up – Farnham, Surrey, Southport, Lancashire is fully committed to making clubs more sustainable in the long-term. To deliver on this commitment, SSE and the RFU has developed SSE Rugby Energy to help clubs save money on their energy bills. To find out more information about how your club could benefit, visit www.sserugby.com ALL AT SEAFORD Seaford RFC’s annual President’s Wine and Buffet Evening at The Salts last month (March) saw: RFU President, Paul Murphy; the Sussex County RFU President, Ken Gordon and the SSE Rugby Kit Giveaways includes: Seaford RFC President, Graham Thompson share an enjoyable evening with members of • Match Kit: match Balls, Water Bottles, Kicking Tees, First Aid Kit the Sussex RFU Committee; Seaford Mayoress, Linda Wallraven; the Seaford Lifeguards • Fitness Kit: Cones, Hurdles, Training Balls Chairman, Peter Gwilliam and a number of Seaford RFC Vice Presidents and sponsors. Paul • Kids Kit: Kids Match Balls, Water Bottles, Kicking Tees Ungoed handed over a £1,150 cheque to the Matt Hampson Foundation from the Seaford • Pitch Kit: Post Protectors, Flags Rugby Club Players, part of the proceeds from their Christmas pantomime.

rugby in Thailand, draws players from far and wide Such an array of countries and talented players experience. There were also referees from Canada, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, were delighted that our regular North Mids tourist Singapore and Thailand, all expertly managed by REFS BACK the Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka and United John Kelly, joined by Michael Patz and the RFU’s ex-pat David Viccars. Arab Emirates, and international stars who have Alan Biggs, flew out to officiate. Now in its eighth year, the tournament focused IN BANGKOK played at the highest level of the sport. Asked about the heat (36C), dehydration on fund raising for Changing Lives Forever, a junior The Oakwood Bangkok International Rugby This year the star list included Bobby Skinstad, (humidity of 90%) and intensity of the fixtures, rugby initiative for children from disadvantaged Tens 2013 at Bangkok Patana School in Soi La former Springbok captain turned television Michael said that was less important than the communities. This season the men’s open final Salle featured 36 teams in the main men’s open commentator; Willie Lose, sport broadcaster and language barrier when being refereed by Kelly went to the wire, with local favourites The Jam division, 60 youth and student teams, and six former Auckland, Tonga and North Harbour player; from Birmingham or Biggs from the West Country. Boys, from South Africa v The New Zealand women’s touch rugby teams. Breyton Paulse, former Springbok winger; and Kelly was officiating at the event for his fifth time, Legends. Patz officiated, the match won in extra The tournament, the most popular celebration of Solomon King of the New Zealand Sevens team. Patz for his third but for Biggs this was a new time by a golden try from The NZ legends.

6 Touchline – APRIL 2013 ENGLAND WOMEN LOSE OUT TO NEW ZEALAND IN ROUND THREE FINAL

Julia Hutton

TALENT England Women missed out 19-5 to New Zealand in the Sevens World Series round three final in Guangzhou, China. TRUTHS & TALL TALES Crowned round two champions in Houston in February, they were missing several big name players for this tournament with Head Coach Barry Maddocks choosing to rest the likes of Joanne Watmore and Ruth Laybourn. England, however, still put on an impressive show cruising into the knock out stages, YOUR CHANCE TO ASK conceding just 15 points to China, Fiji and the USA. In the quarter-finals against the Netherlands, the clash didn’t go all England’s way with England only sealing the win in QUESTIONS THAT MATTER. the last play of the game thanks to a late try. Canada awaited England in the semi-finals and England really stepped up a gear to nil the Canucks 19-0 with Alex Talking politics and religion might start a row in the club bar, almost as Matthews and (2) scoring. emotive is the topic of how we spot and develop talent. In the final, England started well with Merchant scoring early on but New Zealand soon matched that with a converted try. Kelly Brazier added a second try for New Zealand on Everyone has an opinion, some believe 10,000 hours of practice will bring excellence, the half time whistle before adding her second and a conversion after the restart. others take the stance that it’s all about genetics: winners are born not made. The loss still saw England move up the World Series rankings into second behind New The U14s coach insists his scrum half is the best he’s ever seen and is bound to play for Zealand, just eight points adrift which sets up a tasty title chase in the final round in England by the time he’s 20. But he’s also playing a lot of football and judo - will that Amsterdam next month (May 18/19). England Women are then in action at the Marriott hold him back? Or does the fact that he’s the oldest in his age group matter? London Sevens on May 11-12 at . The RFU’s Talent Symposium 17–19 May is relying on you to pose the crucial questions. For the first time ever in sport, National Institute for Health Consensus Guidelines, the WEST MIDS POLICE DIG DEEP most powerful and scientifically validated consensus tool, will come into play. SOUTH WALES POLICE 25–27 WEST MIDLANDS POLICE Sixteen experts, including world renowned Professors Bruce Abernathy, Lew Hardy and Joe Baker, will look to provide the answers to your questions. Reigning champions West Midlands Police travelled to South Wales last month (March) for the A ten-strong eminent panel from across the world, chaired by Professor Sir Leszek quarter final of the Police Service U.K 2012/13 Trophy and took an early lead with a Chris Scott Borysiewicz, Vice Chancellor Cambridge University, will bring intellect and impartiality penalty. South Wales responded with a converted try to make it 7-3 but ten minutes later it was in considering the answers and shaping them into a consensus for the game 7-10 after West Mids scored though wing Dave Sproson and Scott converted. An exciting game saw the lead changing hands three times, until South Wales took advantage of The RFU is determined to create a unified talent pathway unusually poor West Mids defending, to score three unconverted tries, to make it 22-10 at the break. The first step is to decide what talent actually is from the widely differing views. West Mids bounced back with centre Gareth Johnson Nobody will be more interested than England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster who is scoring under the posts, converted by Chis Scott. South kicking off proceedings Wales answered five minutes later with a penalty but then had a player sent to the bin. The score remained 25-17 for But everyone who has a stake in rugby talent should get involved. You might be a teacher, a nail-biting 15 minutes, until, with time running out and coach, selector, parent or player. West Mids eight points behind, centre Gareth Johnson broke through three missed tackles and scored near the This is your chance to put questions to the experts whose answers will be amalgamated by posts for Chris Scott to convert, making it 25-24. Chris the eminent panellists into a consensus statement. Scott scored a drop goal to take the lead by two points There will be informative Open Seminars throughout Saturday May 18th, with price and the West Mids held on until the final whistle. reductions for RFU qualified coaches and students. Congratulations to Chris Scott and club Captain Francis Nock, selected to represent British Police against We are asking for questions online for a panel of experts to consider and discuss. Submit Australia Police in Hong Kong, the day before the Lions yours now by visiting www.rfu.com/talent and clicking on the Submit Questions page. play Australia.

CENTENARY RUGBY AT RAF HALTON Some 300 children gathered at RAF Halton to celebrate public. We are also very grateful that Saracens and London Wasps 100 years of flying from the Buckinghamshire RAF Station have provided us with activities and players.” by playing rugby and trying military skills, including the David Bliss (13) Team Captain for Marlow Under 14s said: “There chance to fly. was plenty to do not just rugby. Having team building events, the Flying at the Station dates back to 1913 when on the 18th shooting and the opportunity to go gliding was great. The aspects September a Henry Farman aircraft from No.3 Squadron Royal of rugby I enjoy the most are teamwork, the physical side and team Flying Corps (the predecessor to the RAF) landed on what today is spirit. It provides us with things we’ll probably need later in life. I known as the Maitland Parade Square and flying has continued at hadn’t thought about joining the RAF, but I might look into it now.” Halton ever since. Supported by London Wasps winger and Saracens Wing Commander Daren Moss, Officer Commanding Training flanker Matt Hankin, the tournament was a resounding success. In Wing and the driving force behind the rugby tournament said: “The the Under 14s category Bracknell won the Cup and Marlow won the rugby festival marks the start of our Centenary of Flight celebration Plate. Man of the Tournament went to Tavis Hunter from Marlow. year. Not only does it allow us to showcase the fact that RAF Halton In the Under 13s tournament Witney beat Newport in the Cup is also the RAF Home for Sport for rugby union but it is also a Final, whilst Biggleswade narrowly edged Chipstead to win the Bowl fantastic opportunity for the players and coaches to experience some Final. A total of 14 teams from around the UK took part in of the supporting activities at RAF Halton not normally seen by the the Festival.

APRIL 2013 – Touchline 7 CANADA COMES TO DRYBROOK

Last month in a first for the girls’ section, Drybrook RFC hosted an international touring team, Canada’s Mississauga Blues RFC U18s Girls. The squad and coaching staff were ENGLAND WOMEN U20s hosted by Drybrook families and theU18s Girls played the Canadians, who had spent a number of weekends in training for their UK fixtures. Their training paid off, as DISAPPOINTED the match ended 54-5 to the Canadians but was enjoyed by girls and spectators alike. Drybrook U13s and U15s girls played Tewkesbury RFC girls, the hosts winning both Julia Hutton games in front of invited local community and primary and secondary schools, a GRFU representative, the Gloucestershire RDO and local RFU Community Rugby Coach. England Women Under 20s experienced their second defeat of the season against France last month Said Mandy Meredith, manager of Drybrook RFC Girls section, “It was brilliant to have (March) with Amanda Bennett’s young side succumbing to a 15-3 defeat in Dijon. After a 17-5 loss so much support on this great morning for girls’ rugby. The Canadians were impressed to Les Bleus a month earlier at Esher RFC, the squad were left ruing errors and missed opportunities. with our set up, rugby and hospitality and we are now planning a tour to Canada, another Bennett said: “We’ve learnt a lot from these two games to help us prepare for the Nations Cup this first for the girls’ section!” summer. That will be a very exciting competition where we will face some very different opposition in the form of Canada, the USA and South Africa.”

RFU NATIONAL HEADS DOWN UNDER 17 FINALS & DRIVE AT The National U17 Finals take place on Sunday 5 May at BURNLEY Stourton Park, Stourbridge, the finalists having made it through the 21st April Semi-Finals played at Doncaster (North The appointment of Burnley club coach Simon representatives v Midlands representatives) and Henley (London Finnan as Community Rugby Coach is already & South East representatives v South West representatives). The yielding excellent results as many local schools National U17 competition consists of four levels: Shield, Bowl, make use of his services. The post was funded Plate and Cup, and is organised in three stages: Local leagues, by the club, the RFU Innovative Fund, Burnley Divisional knockout stages and National Semi-Finals and Finals Schools Sport Partnership and the Lancashire This competition is growing in status year on year and the County RFU’s Youth Trust. Burnley also emphasis remains on competitive rugby for club players, rather celebrated gaining RFU Club Accreditation with than Academy players who have ample opportunity to play in Mayor Charles Bullas, one of their former players, competitive games and structures. and his wife Irene; Malcolm Worsley, President Lancashire County RFU.; Bob Grant, one of For more information please contact your Divisional Organiser Lancashire’s two RFU Council representatives; or Benji Crossley in the RFU’s Tournaments & Competitions Department on 020 8831 6501 or [email protected] Helen Tyson from Burnley Schools Sport Partnership and Keith Ormrod, President of Bury The National U17 Finals will be held on Sunday 5 May at RUFC. The day’s celebrations were appropriately Stourton Park as follows: Shield KO - 11:00; Bowl KO - 12:45; complemented by the home team winning their Plate KO - 14:30 and Cup KO - 16:15. North Lancashire League match 34-0. VERWOOD PULLING THEM IN Verwood RFC’s Great Van Pull around the local area on Easter Saturday in aid of Sport Relief and Somerset & Dorset Air Ambulance saw businesses and members of the public contributing at least £400 when club volunteers took the strain all around town and covered more than five miles. The charity event was also part of the club’s Drive-4-Recruitment campaign which is set to continue throughout the off-season.

8 Touchline – APRIL 2013 NAILBITING U19s’ WIN U18s CHAMPIONS OF Stefan Curtis A strong England Under 19 team, coached by John Fletcher, Peter Walton and Ian Peel, beat their Irish rivals 16-15 at Donnybrook RFC in Dublin in EUROPE AGAIN a topsy-turvy encounter. Scrum half Jordan Burns’ opening score and a penalty from fly half Sam Olver made it 8-0 to England after 22 Stefan Curtis minutes. Flanker Ross Moriartyscored England’s second try and the visitors were 13-0 up at half time. England Under 18 were crowned European champions for the second successive season, winning the Justin A reinvigorated Ireland came out after the break and Bridou Trophy after beating France 27-22 in front of 15,000 fans at the Stade de Alpes in Grenoble. Tries from soon shot into a 15-13 lead courtesy of two tries within flanker Matt Bolwell, centre Nick Tompkins and prop Paul Hill secured the win, while fly half Josh Sharp 10 minutes and a well-executed drop goal from No. 10 kicked 12 crucial points. Conor McKeon. But England regained their composure France secured the first points with a well taken penalty out wide, but England silenced the partisan crowd when Bolwell and player Olver slotted a drop goal touched down a driving maul from a lineout to make it 7-3 after Sharp’s conversion. As the half came to a close England of his own to put England 16-15 ahead. Ireland saw two hooker Jack Walker offloaded to Saracens’ Tompkins who held off two defenders before touching down. further drop goal attempts sail wide and England held out After the break Hill picked up the ball in his own half, beat three French defenders and dived over to make it 21-3. This for the win. wakeup call to France saw them score two quick-fire tries to make it 21-15. A Sharp penalty after 57 minutes made it 24-15, Said Head Coach Fletcher: “We should have been out a third French try reducing the deficit to just two points at 24-22. Sharp’s second penalty with ten minutes to play gave Head of sight by half time, we scored two tries but it should Coach John Fletcher’s side a five-point cushion at 27-22 and that’s how it stayed until the final whistle. have been more. In the second half Ireland came back Captain James Chisholm said: “We really had to work for that and full credit to France, at 21-3 up we let them back into it, fighting and we seemed to lose some of our composure, but there’s a real determination in this group and there was no way we were going to let that lead slip through our fingers once two guys went to the sin bin and we were staring a defeat we had it.” in the face at 15-13 down. Full credit to guys for battling Head Coach Fletcher added: “I’m delighted for all of the guys, it was a great game and both sides played their part. We back and putting Sam in a position to get his drop goal. played well for large periods and deserved to get the win.” Overall it’s been a good experience, a good exercise, and The next challenge for England U18 will come in August when they tour to South Africa, where they expect to meet some a good test for our players.” strong opposition. HELP HOW DO YOU VALUE PAINT YOUR RUGBY CLUB?

Every year we deal with claims arising from serious incidents, such as fire or flood, significant enough to disrupt or even halt the normal operation of a sports club. Thankfully, the majority affected by these incidents make a full recovery – but that may only be THE BIG possible if the correct level of insurance is in place. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In fact, a number of rugby clubs that come to Marsh for insurance for the first time are found to be underinsured. That is, the level of insurance cover is not sufficient to cover the cost of reinstating any property damaged by a PICTURE serious incident. The implications of underinsurance are potentially very serious. If a rugby club’s property is insured according to an incorrect or out- This year once again sees the return of the Sport and of-date valuation, the club may be left with insufficient funds to complete a rebuild. For instance, if a club’s insurance reflects a rebuild Recreation Alliance’s Sports Club Survey which launched estimate of £1 million, but the actual cost runs to £1.5 million, then the insurer may not pay the difference – potentially leaving the club on April 2nd. The Sport and Recreation Alliance, is the with a bill for £500,000. independent umbrella body for the national governing bodies of sport including the RFU. Unfortunately, the impact of underinsurance does not stop there – its effect will very often be felt even if the damage to property does The survey is a key research tool to give us the low-down on not amount to a “total loss”. If a club is underinsured, then all claims relating to property damage can be adjusted downwards and what life is like for rugby clubs and help paint a picture of what any settlement reduced through the application of the “average clause”. So, if a club were underinsured by 20%, a claim amounting to is really going on in grassroots rugby clubs. The survey covers £10,000 could possibly pay out only £8,000 – again leaving the club out of pocket. all sports clubs including rugby union across the country and It is vital that the insurance cover is based on an accurate valuation. That sounds simple, but valuation must take into account a range aims to set out in detail how clubs are functioning in the current of issues – inflation, regulations, and local planning issues can all affect the cost of rebuilding after a total loss. To be clear, that must economic climate. always be an accurate evaluation of the likely costs associated with a total rebuild, not market value. The value community rugby clubs provide is tremendous – which is why it’s so important that we get accurate data to help It is important that valuations are regularly updated – at least every five years for larger rugby and multi-sports clubs, and every seven shape future decisions and campaigns with Government for years for smaller rugby clubs. This is quite simply because the cost of rebuilding may change over time – material and labour cost the best deal for sport. In order to gain an up-to-date picture inflation is an obvious factor, but legislation, statutory and non-statutory building specifications, and planning rules can all come into of rugby clubs in 2013 the survey will look at a range of topics, the equation. including clubs’ finances, access to facilities, the costs of hiring The risks associated with underinsurance are significant and wide ranging, but they are relatively easy to manage – provided the club and owning facilities and the issues clubs feel they face, as well gets advice and support from experts prepared to carry our accurate valuations, and from a specialist insurance broker like Marsh. as any opportunities identified for the future. Marsh is the official insurance broker to the RFU. To find out more please call Marsh on 01444 335392. The 2013 Sports Club Survey will be available for clubs to complete between April and June 2013. The results will be published in September 2013. The RFU is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Marsh Ltd. For further details visit: Marsh Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority http://www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/policy/SSC for insurance mediation activities only. More Information: [email protected] © Copyright 2013 Marsh Ltd. All rights reserved.

APRIL 2013 – Touchline 9 RUGBY IN OXFORD CITY CENTRE DYNAMIC DUO GET Damian Dolan GIRLS ON THE PITCH Oxford City centre shoppers had a Friday afternoon treat when London Welsh took the sport into the heart of the city. Under the watchful eye of London Welsh Community Development Coach Andy and Sarah Pratt decided to set up a girls’ rugby section at Ellesmere Port RUFC as they had Matt Walsh, and with the help of Oxford City Council, passers-by tested their rugby skills in the two U12s who needed a team to play in. The couple had posters designed, contacted local schools, Speed and the Accuracy Passing Cages. attended School Sports Fairs and arranged a Girls Rugby Development Day at the club which recruited The Speed Cage competition was won by Shane Fixter from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, 20 girls. They have since arranged for a Rugby Ready course to train volunteer coaches, secured Australia, who recorded a pass of 40.9mph. The world record of 48mph was set by Wasps scrum sponsorship for T-shirts and a playing kit for the girls, who played their first game as a curtain raiser half Joe Simpson in 2011. to Birkenhead Park’s league game this month. And added to all this Andy and Sarah have already “The work we do in the schools of Oxfordshire is great and we’ve had a lot of really positive recruited 32 i females for their touch rugby programme in summer to encourage members and the feedback, but it was great to come into the city centre and get the name of London Welsh known,” local community to come together for a weekend of DIY. said Walsh. “There’s been a huge amount of interest in the event. People have been really getting Clubs can continue to sign up for Natwest RugbyForce and can access online resources to help them into it.” make the most out of their weekend by visiting www.rfu.com/natwestrugbyforce

SIGN UP FOR SOME FUN IN SUSSEX

Barns Green’s annual charity Tag-7s Tournament takes place on Sunday 19th May, with registration/start times 11.00am/12.00am. So sign up or go along to the village green, Barns Green, West Sussex Teams of all agess, mixed ages, mixed sexes are welcome Cost: £60.00/team (of 7), extra players £5/person. Contact: Phil Kemp on 07595 304303 or e-mail [email protected] RFU SENIOR LEVEL WOMEN’S PLAYER PATHWAY

Paula Rowe develop relationships between the women’s game and their CBs the opportunity to develop women’s rugby in the way CBs, improve the quality of coaching and the experience, as that is best suited to their area. Each CB is different so by For the 2013/2014 season the RFU is implementing well as to ensure consistency. giving autonomy back to the CBs this will ensure that these changes to the Senior Women’s Player Pathway The RFU will also introduce a new Academy Programme differences can be taken into account. (18+) to enhance opportunities for players, clubs and for the Senior players, who are nominated directly by their “The RFU will continue to work with the CBs going Constituent Bodies at this level. CB, Club or University in the 2013/14 season. There will forward and will look to strengthen links between CBs Following a review of the Senior Player Pathway, the CB be four academies nationwide and the programme will run and their clubs. The introduction of the new Academy Programme will be removed as a mandatory element of the over a 12 month period. At the end of the season players Programme will allow the RFU Performance Department pathway. CBs will, however, continue to play a major and could be nominated to attend England trials. Through the (Women) to work with players who are fully committed to important role in the Player Pathway by owning and leading new academies the RFU Women’s Performance Department being part of the RFU Player Pathway and who have a sole their own programme. CBs can still participate in the CB will deliver an improved quality of experience for players goal of representing England at the highest possible level. Programme (now to be played in April/May), and they including coaching, strength and conditioning programmes, More details on the nomination process to the new structure may play inter-Division rugby and run development days. nutritional, lifestyle and analyst support. will be sent out in June.” They will also be responsible for nominating their players Nicola Ponsford, the RFU’s Head of Performance The current RFU Player Pathway for Girls (U18s and for further development. It is hoped this will help to further (Women), said: “The change in the CB programme will give U15s) will remain unchanged for the coming season.

10 Touchline – APRIL 2013 GREAT SEND OFF FOR STANLAKE Paul Bolton

ENGLAND Under 16s gave their head coach Phil Stanlake the perfect retirement present with a stunning second half fightback which clinched a thrilling 32-26 win over Wales at Oxford University’s Iffley Road ground this afternoon. England trailed 15-0 at one stage but a penalty from fly-half Owain James on the stroke of half time lifted their spirits and they were a transformed side after the break. England ran in four tries in the second half but it was not until replacement scrum half Alex Mitchell crossed seven minutes from time that England led for the first time. Replacement centre Conor Dolan, called up from the England South squad at the BMW Wellington International Festival, capped an industrious display with England’s fourth try three minutes from finals,” he said. “We knew we had a good team and we’ve worked time. The win helped England avenge a 24-20 defeat by Italy really hard for each other and it showed out there today. We’ve Under 17s at Lichfield and marked the end of Stanlake’s four PURPLE PATCH gone the season undefeated and are BUCS champions again” year reign. Durham secured the first score of the game, full back Simon The former Cheltenham and Gloucestershire fly half was Hammersley, starting outside the 22, weaved tfrom outside the 22 previously assistant coach for nine years and the match marked FOR DURHAM hrough the Cardiff Met back line dodging and bouncing off tackles the end of an era with team manager David Maughan and before diving over the line, Dave Treglown adding the extras. chairman of selectors Ian Sharp also stepping down after their DURHAM 26–17 CARDIFF MET Cardiff Met registered their first points through Guy Wood long involvement. who outpaced the Durham backs to make the score 7-5. before a “It was a fantastic game of schoolboy rugby. Wales did dominate Durham University took on Cardiff Metropolitan University in a penalty from Treglown made the score 10-5 at half time. the first half there’s no doubt about that, we made some slight rematch of the dramatic 2011 BUCS final when Durham broke The second half began with both teams exchanging penalties adjustments at half time and talked about what we needed to do Cardiff Met hearts with a last minute penalty. Two years on and before Jack Pattinson crashed over for Durham’s second try, the and we stuck to it,” Stanlake said. “The team’s character shone it was more disappointment for the men from Wales as Josh successful conversion opening up a 12 point gap. Cardiff Met through, they managed the game very well and everyone stepped Beaumont, son of Bill, led his team to their second trophy in responded by adding six points from the boot of Matt O’Brien, to up to the plate. You can’t ask any more than that. three years. make the score to 23-14. Another Cardiff penalty from in front An England win appeared unlikely when Wales centre “Winning two BUCS championships in three years is of the posts reduced the difference to just six points but within Matthew Pearce powered over after just six minutes and full unbelievable, especially for the lads that have been in all three moments Treglown put the game beyond doubt with a penalty. back Jack Evans added the conversion which was followed by a penalty after 26 minutes. Wales also capitalised when England lost centre Rotimi Segun to the sin-bin for killing the ball in a ruck as they worked an overlap for right wing Rhys Gealy to score an unconverted try. AMBER’S EXETER LIGHT UP TWICKENHAM But James’s penalty gave England a glimmer of hope and lock Alex Munday continued England’s fightback when Wales EXETER 17–15 CARDIFF MET tries from Nia Davies, followed by Cardiff Met gained three penalty fumbled in defence and England countered. James reduced the another scored and converted by full points from the boot of Delyth Davies deficit to four points when Wales were penalised for holding The University of Exeter’s back Mary Ann Gittings. to take them to 12-15 but it was Exeter on in a ruck but Evans quickly cancelled out that score with his women win the BUCS women’s Cardiff Met then lost Gittings and dominating in the latter stages, captain second penalty. England equalised with an opportunist try from Rugby Championship final scrum half, Ireland international, and fly half, England’s flanker Joe Mullis who picked out a stray throw from Wales against favourites and reigning Larissa Muldoon to injuries and within leading the team attack. With less than replacement hooker Aldi Coverdale at a five metres line-out and champions, Cardiff Met, minutes Exeter were awarded a penalty ten minutes remaining, Carys Phillips nipped over for a try that James expertly improved. undefeated in almost two years and and kicked for touch five metres out, was sin binned and Exeter threw A third penalty from Evans temporarily restored Wales’ who had amassed 94 points against driging over the from the resulting everything at the opposition, earning a lead before the alert Mitchell tapped and ran a penalty in Exeter already this season without lineout and back row Ellis Collins penalty in front of the posts. the visitors’ 22 and darted over for a solo try that James also converted. Dolan rounded off an excellent display when he cut conceding any in reply. grounding the ball and make the score Reed kicked to the corner for five through and James again added the extras to put the game After 30 minutes Exeter found 5-12, the conversion reducing the gap minutes of heart in mouth rugby as beyond Wales. A second try from Gealy in injury-time could not themselves 12-0 down following two to five points going into the break. time after time Exeter were rewarded deny England their celebrations at the final whistle. for their forward pressure with penalties Stanlake presented each England player with his shirt before which could have taken the game the match and was mobbed by his young charges after he had to extra time. Each time, however, delivered his final post-match address. Exeter went for the victory, eventually Earlier England Under 16s were edged out by a resilient and recycling the ball through several lively Italian side in the first of their two Easter internationals at phases of play, to winger Poppy Davis, Lichfield’s Cooke Fields ground. England eased into a 10-0 lead who dived over for the try. but visiting fly half Leonardo Mantelli took control of the game Moments later the final whistle and an opportunist try from right wing Luca Sperandio on the signalled a fantastic comeback stroke of half-time knocked England off their stride. England by Exeter, crowned 2013 BUCS regained the lead when scrum half Jack Maunder burrowed Champions. Said Amber Reed, “It was over early in the second half but a try from hooker Edoardo the perfect way to end my university Ferraro and two penalties from Mantelli clinched victory for the playing career and I’m so proud of the jubilant Italians. girls. We knew that everyone viewed “We played some fantastic rugby but didn’t quite manage our Cardiff Met as the favourites but we game in the right parts of the field,” said Stanlake. “We created knew if we did the simple things well bit of pressure for ourselves at kicks offs and the decisions made and put pressure on them there was no after them. But we need to take the lessons from today of how well we played and certain things we can do with the ball but reason we couldn’t come away with also areas where we can improve.” the win.”

APRIL 2013 – Touchline 11 MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR AARON Does your club want to gain £1,000 by winning a 10s tournament, which also celebrates the life of a very special young player and Army officer? The Aaron Lewis Rugby 10s Tournament at Westcliff Rugby Club, Essex, on June 22, is a fabulous chance to get involved and enjoy some summer rugby. This fifth annual event also comes with a significant prize for the winning team. So why not sign up now? Founded in 2009 by Aaron’s friends and family, the event commemorates the 26-year- old Westcliff player and Royal Artillery Lieutenant, who died in December 2008 while serving in the Gereshk area of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Aaron played wing and full back for the club and was earlier a member of the Wasps Academy. He was a pupil at Westcliff High School for Boys and Campion Sixth Form, before graduating from Loughborough University and going to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Aaron Lewis Foundation supports charities which were close to Aaron’s heart, including Whizz Kids, a disabled children’s charity, which benefits from this summer’s tournament. It is also seeking to set up bursaries for young people travelling abroad to ENGLAND POWER THROUGH do charity work. Old boys’, university, club, pub and social sides are welcome at the 10s event. This is a BMW WELLINGTON FESTIVAL great way to get on board with the fantastic work done in Aaron’s name. If you would like to Paul Bolton of tournament dinner, which featured a singing contest won by sign a team up or your business or organisation the United States, players sat with their counterparts from other would like to become sponsors or give prizes Fun, friendship and fantastic rugby were on display at a countries rather in teams. please contact Patric Redding on 07939 360818 or email [email protected] successful BMW Wellington International Festival staged in “The festival is a great opportunity not just for players but for Berkshire over the Easter holidays. Nine teams – all Under coaches,” Coke said. “I have been very lucky to watch and learn 16s or Under 17 – from across Europe and North America from some fantastic schoolmaster coaches. There are some pretty took part in the tournament at Wellington College from good coaches on the schoolboy circuit these days and to be around which the two England Under 16s teams emerged unbeaten. those people makes a massive difference. Our learning curve both as England North won all three of their matches by beating France players and coaches is huge here and the camaraderie you get on the Under 16 B (27-26), Netherlands Under 17s (18-8) and Belgium sidelines is very special.” Under 17s (46-12). England South drew a thrilling opener with Wareham described coaching England South as “a privilege” and France Under 16s A 22-22, thanks to touchline conversion from fly- enjoyed watching the development of his young charges during a half Owen Waters that bounced in off the crossbar, and they then week of outstanding schoolboy rugby. beat Scotland Under 16s 26-20 and United States Under 17s 32-25 “Their path has been upward. They have had to learn to live in the tournament finale. with and accept each other,” Wareham said. “That will stand them While the results were highly satisfying for Richard Wareham, in good stead for the future for World Cups and tours. Rugby is a the England South head coach, and Peter Coke, his England very small world and hopefully these guys will stay involved in the North counterpart, the tournament also gave the players to make game for 40-50 years and they will have made friendships that last lasting friendships with team-mates and opponents. For the end a lifetime.” Aaron Lewis

The RFU wants to remind member clubs at Level 3 and below that they have If your club has queries concerning insurance cover provided as an RFU insurance cover automatically provided by the RFU through Marsh for: affiliate member, please contact Marsh, the RFU’s official insurance brokers, · Personal Accident Insurance while playing rugby union via the following: · Public/Products Liability Insurance · Employers’ Liability Insurance RFU hotline Tel: 01732 877647 · Referees’ and Coaches’ Liability Insurance · Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance Email: [email protected] Marsh have also developed specific policies that provide a range of insurance covers including property, business interruption, and legal expenses; meeting the needs of your rugby club and providing peace of mind for you and your members. Marsh will work with you to put the most appropriate insurance in place so that it dovetails correctly with the cover purchased by the RFU on behalf of its affiliated clubs, avoiding gaps or overlaps in your protection.

The Rugby Football Union wishes to express its gratitude to the following who generously support the game in England

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

12 Touchline – APRIL 2013