December 2012 Issue 152 The Official Newspaper of The RFU ENGLAND WOMEN SECURE SERIES AT TWICKENHAM Julia Hutton unbeaten against their arch rivals, said: “Obviously we’re hugely delighted to England Women wrapped up an historic have won at Twickenham and to wrap up autumn international series on December the series in front of a big home crowd. 1st, completing a 3-0 whitewash over The players, as a group, were once again world champions New Zealand at outstanding and they showed tremendous Twickenham Stadium. mental strength to get through this series Tries from Katherine Merchant (2), Emily and win it 3-0. Scarratt, Roz Crowley and Jo Watmore “There is a lot of trust in this group and secured the 32-23 victory while Scarratt that shows every time a squad member added seven points with the boot. pulls on the England shirt. We may not England also defeated the Black Ferns have won a world cup for many years but 16-3 at Esher RFC and 17-8 at Aldershot we are definitely the number one side in Army Rugby Stadium all in the space of the world at the moment.” eight days. England also took on France in A record crowd of 14,000 people watched November, and despite fielding a young the series win, after England men also made side they ran in 23-13 winners. As the New history, whilst the game was also broadcast Year beckons Street’s side will prepare for live on Sky Sports and BBC Radio 5 Live. the Six Nations whilst momentum picks England Women’s Head Coach Gary up for England’s 2013 Rugby World Cup Street, whose side are now six games Sevens bid in Moscow. LANCASTER APPLAUDS SUPPORTERS Dave Barton England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has applauded the support of the nation throughout the QBE Internationals. Almost 325,000 people cheered England at Twickenham as they took on Fiji, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. “We said we want to harness the power of the nation behind us and we felt that support throughout the series – you cannot overestimate what that means to the players,” said Lancaster. “The atmosphere at Twickenham was amazing and we are very happy that in the final game we were able to give them, and the millions watching and listening in England and around the world, something to really shout about.” No sooner had England finished beating the World Champions by a record 38-21 score than they were pooled with Wales, Australia and two qualifiers yet to be confirmed (from Oceania and a Play-Off Qualifier) in the RWC 2015 World Cup in England. “It is a tough pool but in a World Cup to be the best you have to beat the best and we will look forward to those challenges. But our focus now is getting ready for the RBS 6 Nations,” added Lancaster. That starts on February 2 when Scotland come to Twickenham. HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE RFU’S FUTURE The Rugby Football Union is reviewing the way it is governed and are made up, how long individuals can serve, to the leadership of each you can help by putting your views to Chairman, Bill Beaumont, part of the RFU and how the various committees should operate. and Chief Executive, Ian Ritchie, as they take to the road in the A full consultation document is being issued to all clubs and CBs, New Year to gather feedback. both in hard copy and electronically, and this will also be on the RFU As a member organisation, the Union wants to hear members’ website. It represents the outcome of discussions of five Advisory thoughts on how best to update the constitution, present a modern Groups, comprising Council members, club and Constituent Body governing body to the world and one that excels both on and off representatives, on which recommendations from the 2011 the pitch heading towards Rugby World Cup 2015. Slaughter & May Report to put forward for consultation and in The RFU’s brand and reputation and how the Union’s decision what form. making is perceived by members, sponsors, Government and other At each road show there will be a presentation of the main points, sports bodies are matters of fundamental importance. This is why with plenty of opportunity given for you to ask questions and individual members and member clubs and Constituent Bodies are express your views. being invited to be part of preparation for a future which will give Anyone unable to attend can still get involved by emailing the RFU the chance to be the best it can be in all areas. [email protected] with any comments, or by asking to speak to the There will be 12 road shows around the country through January Project Manager for a full discussion. and February. Members are welcome to attend whichever is most Feedback will be reported to the April RFU Council meeting, with a convenient. No tickets are required, just pitch up and take part. full debate to follow at a special meeting of the Council in May 2013. Members views are sought on a variety of matters, from proposals Consultation meetings will have a 7pm for 7:30 start. Ian Ritchie Bill Beaumont aiming to clarify the remit of the Board and the RFU Council, how they Please check rfu.com/consultation for a meeting near you. 1 WONDERFUL TIME FOR GRASSROOTS MASCOTS Verity Williams Josh Henderson of Maidenhead RFC was mascot to James Haskell. Josh was selected by his club as a young player who As the England players ran out onto the Twickenham pitch epitomises the ethos and values of rugby, and who would be before the QBE International against South Africa each was a great ambassador. “It was amazing,” said Josh, who plays for accompanied by a mascot from a formative or nominated Maidenhead Under-12s as a fly half. “Running out onto the pitch grassroots club. The youngsters epitomised the squad as their and then feeling the atmosphere of the crowd was brilliant. I was younger selves and they were all excited to be representing their nervous in the tunnel but I could imagine doing this every week as club and the grassroots of the game. a player!” The players each named their club and the clubs nominated a The young mascots and the clubs that helped to develop mascot to run out at Twickenham in their club kit alongside the the England team certainly got a big cheer from the player if selected as part of the 23-man Twickenham crowd. match day squad. Jack Reid, aged 12, from the Kings Club, Youngsters whose players didn’t feature where Alex Corbisiero started his rugby in the match squad watched the game and career writes, “It was one of the best days enjoyed a memorable day at the Home of of my life. The whole experience started England Rugby. All had already been to an when I went to Pennyhill Park to watch the England rugby training session at Pennyhill England team train and I got to meet some Park, courtesy of O2, long-standing partner of my heroes. Alex Corbisiero started his of the RFU and keen supporters of grass rugby career at my club, the Kings Club in roots rugby. New Malden where Paddy Ralston was his England Captain Chris Robshaw said: first coach. “We all started playing junior rugby and “The whole Twickenham experience was we wouldn’t be where we are today if it amazing. I saw the South Africans lining up wasn’t for these clubs. This is a great way in the tunnel. Eben Etzebeth is a monster! to recognise their contribution and say Then I lined up with the England team and thank you to them all.” walked out onto the pitch for the anthems. Ben Morgan’s mascot Esme Harper-Coles I couldn’t believe how loud the stadium from Dursley RFC had a great time, saying: was and how loudly the players sang the “It was amazing, awesome and totally anthem. We finally got to watch the game unforgettable! I was a bit scared going from great seats just behind the England out onto the pitch in front of so many substitutes. thousands of people, but it was also very “I was sorry England lost but pleased exciting. It was great to meet Ben Morgan that Alex had a great game and gave the again. He was really psyched up and ready Springbok front row a hard time. I am so for the match and I thought he played grateful to the RFU, Kings Old Boys and very well.” especially the England players.” BIG GAME 5 QBE WILL SCORE FOR STANIFORD IRB INTERNATIONALS GREAT ORMOND WOMEN’S PLAYER 2013 STREET Harlequins’ Karl Dickson, Matt Hopper, Nick Evans and Tom Casson OF THE YEAR The Rugby Football Union recently confirmed that next year’s QBE paid a visit to the Great Ormond Street Hospital last month in the Internationals will see England play three consecutive Test matches build-up to the Big Game 5 on December 29th. Julia Hutton in November 2013 at Twickenham Stadium against Australia, The Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSHCC) will Argentina and New Zealand. All of the games will kick off at 2.30pm benefit from Big Game 5 when Harlequins take on London Irish at England’s Michaela Staniford was this month (December) named and will be shown live on Sky Sports. Twickenham Stadium, kick-off 2.15pm. the IRB Women’s Player of the Year, the prestigious Award that It will be the second year as title sponsor for QBE, the business The four squad members visited wards and experienced first-hand recognises excellence on the field of play.