1. sports
2. rugby

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The Official Newspaper of The RFU
January 2015 Issue 175
RUGBY NEW YEAR’S HONOURS
World Cup-winning England pair Sarah Hunter and Rochelle
Clark received MBEs in the New Year’s Honours List for services
to rugby, while former RFU Chairman and President Paul Murphy,
Hertfordshire volunteer John Stuart Atkinson and Winscombe
volunteer Michael Williamson were given British Empire Medals.
Hunter and Clark were part of England’s victorious World Cup
winning team in August. Hunter, England’s vice-captain and No.
8, has amassed 68 caps and 17 tries for her country and works
as an RFU University Rugby Development Officer in the South
West. Clark is England’s most capped current player with 95
appearances for her country and England’s second most capped
player of all time. At 33, she is a veteran of three World Cup
campaigns and combines playing with her role as Head Coach of
the Chesham Stags and Bucks University.
Paul Murphy’s playing career took in Oxford, Abingdon, and
Oxfordshire. He served on the RFU Council as Oxfordshire’s
representative from 1995 to 2011, before becoming Chairman in
2011-12 and President in 2012-13.
He said: “This is a huge and unexpected honour but I would
TURNING POINT
AS ENGLAND
WOMEN BECOME
TEAM OF YEAR
like to underline that I have had tremendous support from
many colleagues during my time in the game, and I feel this is
acknowledgement of their efforts as much as mine. Like me tens
of thousands of rugby union volunteers deliver our sport, its core
values, and enjoyment week in week out, for what to me is the
greatest team sport in the world. As for the RFU, I am proud to
have played a small part in helping it evolve into the modern,
progressive, forward thinking organisation it now is, ready for the
biggest year in its history.”
John Atkinson played for 20 years for Hertford Rugby Club,with
nine years as captain, and had 23 games for Hertfordshire in the
County Championships. He was Hertford RFC President and
President of Herts Rugby Football Union and among his many
roles he refereed, was a club committee member and a fixture
secretary for more than 10 years.
Michael Williamson was honoured for services to Winscombe
Rugby Club and to the community in Winscombe North Somerset.
He is former chair of Winscombe RFC’s Mini & Junior Section and
present Chair of the Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council.
pic © BBC
VERITY WILLIAMS
JULIA HUTTON
England Women were crowned Team of
the Year at the BBC Sports Personality of
the Year Awards.
World champions for the first time in 20 years
after a campaign that saw them beat Canada
21-9, England fended off strong competition
from the European Ryder Cup team,
Mercedes Formula One and the Great Britain
athletics team to scoop the coveted Team of the
Year award.
Captain Katy Mclean, thanked the RFU and
Sport England for making it possible for the
team to do what was needed. She said: “This is
a massive turning point for women’s sport. The
fact that we have been recognised against tough
competition is testament to where women’s
sport is right now.”
“We’ve been so lucky with the people that
have been involved in this team, not just this
year but all the ex-players who have battled over
the past 20 years to win England a World Cup.
This is as much for them as it is for us.”
Head Coach Gary Street was also nominated
for the Coach of the Year award but lost out to
European Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley.
The Sports Personality Team of the Year
accolade has rounded off a phenomenal year
for England’s Women who have scooped
ALL SCHOOLS BENEFIT
FROM ICAP CHARITY DAY
plenty of gongs over recent months. The Sports
Journalist Association and Sunday Times/Sky
Sports also named England Women Team of
the Year, while Street has been named Coach of
the Year by the Daily Mail Pride of Sport awards
and Sport Coach UK.
Rugby Borough Councillors awarded England
Women the Freedom of the Borough. A special
ceremony to honour the team was held at
Rugby Town Hall, followed by a civic reception.
England Women also unveiled a plaque
commemorating their achievement, which will
eventually form part of the town’s Pathway of
Fame, due to be refreshed ready for the men’s
Rugby World Cup. The team visited The Close
at Rugby School, where rugby is said to have
begun in 1823, and met ocal residents.
Cllr Michael Stokes, Leader of Rugby Borough
Council, said: “The England Women’s team had
an outstanding summer and the development
of the women’s game has been incredible to
watch, culminating in winning the world cup
and turning professional earlier this year. This
is an achievement that we want to recognise and
honour, and the highest award that we can give
is the Freedom of the Borough of Rugby. I look
forward to following England’s progress in the
run up to the Rio Olympics in 2016.”
Prince Harry was at the City’s star-studded ICAP Charity Day last month (December),
together with Ian Ritchie, Bill Beaumont, Jason Leonard, Rob Andrew, pop star Will Young
and Masterchef’s Gregg Wallace. All were there in support of the Rugby Football Foundation
(RFF) and the All Schools programme, which aims to have 750 new state secondary schools
playing rugby by Rugby World Cup 2019.
Joining the All Schools activities as the programme earned its place among the few selected
fundraising recipients were Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Launchbury, Alex Goode and Chris Ashton.
Brad Barritt was there too, taking part in a double trade with Prince Harry.
The RFF zone featured O2’s Wear The Rose headsets using Oculus Rift virtual reality
technology and a George Ford cut-out board, both popular with celebrities throughout the day.
ICAP is the world’s largest interdealer broker for over-the-counter trading, with ICAP
Charity Day one of the City’s biggest fundraisers, all revenues, commissions, trades and profits
generated being donated to charity. The 2014 Charity Day raised £8 million globally.
A meticulous application
process is followed by a
presentation to the ICAP
Board for a final decision as to
whether charities will benefit
from the day which sees
decorated ICAP offices across
the world turn their attention
to charity and staff at work in
fancy dress.
All Schools is incredibly
grateful to all who attended
the event on behalf of the
programme and thanks ICAP
for their generous support.
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
1
VOLUNTEER TRY OUTS CONCLUDE IN TWICKENHAM
Minister for Sport, Helen Grant; England Rugby 2015
CEO, Debbie Jevans; Rugby World Cup 2003 winner, Will
Greenwood and Harlequins player, Ollie Lindsay-Hague were
in Twickenham for the final leg of the Rugby World Cup 2015
volunteer selection events, the Try Outs.
The search for the 6,000 volunteers to make up The Pack began
in February 2014 and more than 10,000 applicants have been part
of the Try Outs, with events held in every Rugby World Cup 2015
host city. Prospective volunteers aged from age 18 to 85 enjoyed
visits from RWC 2003 winners Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson,
Josh Lewsey, Jason Robinson and Will Greenwood.
Over 1,700 volunteers passed through Richmond upon
Thames College over the course of the three weeks of Try Outs
there. England Rugby 2015 CEO, Debbie Jevans, said: “The
interest from people across England and Wales to volunteer at
Rugby World Cup 2015 has been fantastic. With over 20,000
applications for just 6,000 roles within The Pack, the enthusiasm
to be part of the event is clear and we thank everyone for taking
the time to apply.
HOW WELL DO YOU
KNOW YOUR RUGBY?
OK then – who delivered the pass from which Jason Robinson
scored England’s try in the 2003 World Cup final?
Let Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio and Will Greenwood
put you to the test with questions like this one in the IPF’s new,
free fundraising quiz pack with questions posed by some of the
2003 RWC winners and great prizes available. Get everyone in
your club in the Rugby World Cup spirit and help the IPF to
raise funds for its work with injured rugby players.
To discover more just email [email protected].
“The passion, knowledge and commitment that we have seen
throughout the Try Outs makes me confident the volunteers for
Rugby World Cup 2015 will become the faces of the Tournament
whilst welcoming the world to every venue, city and match day
and of course to the game of rugby.”
Minister for Sport Helen Grant, added, “The fantastic turnout
for the Try Outs recruitment drive highlights how Rugby World
Cup 2015 has captured the excitement and interest of the nation.
Speaking to the volunteers their enthusiasm is infectious. I know
those selected will play a vital role in making the Tournament a
huge success, helping to grow the game at home and abroad.”
Will Greenwood, said; “Everyone wants to be a part of one of
the world’s biggest sporting events, whether they’ve applied to
volunteer, bought tickets or plan to soak up the buzz across the
country as the countdown begins.”
The majority of The Pack will be recruited from the rugby
community, the remainder from the general public, providing
an opportunity to bring new people into the game. Offers will be
made to join The Pack from early 2015.
2
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
> Click here to view a video on volunteering
OLD BEDIANS WIN STREETY
CHRIS HUDSON
It’s not every day a grassroots rugby player gets
the chance to be coached by a World Cup winning
coach. But that’s what happened for the players of
Manchester club Old Bedians when Gary Street – who
guided England to victory in the Women’s Rugby
World Cup in Paris in August – dropped in for an
extended visit and coaching masterclass.
Old Bedians, based in Didsbury, enjoyed the
prize after entering and winning the RFU’s twitter
competition #winStreety. Clubs were asked to tweet
@EnglandRugby and explain what they had done to
encourage young volunteers – and Old Bedians have
been rewarded for their work in encouraging students
to serve on the club committee, as coaches and in all
aspects of club life.
The club are notable for their young and energetic
committee, and have established strong links with the
local university. They have helped many students gain
coaching qualifications and then utilised those skills
to support their junior section.
#winStreety is part of the RFU’s England Connected
initiative, connecting England players and coaches
with grassroots rugby clubs – and Street was delighted
to call in on Old Bedians to share his knowledge and
experience.
He said: “It’s great to see a club like Old Bedians doing so much
to engage with young volunteers. They’re doing a great job of
creating links with the community. I had a great night with the
lads and they were very enthusiastic. They really improved during
the session – they listened, worked really hard and hopefully will
take it into games coming up.”
RUCK OFF
CANCER
SMASHES TARGET
Three Cirencester Rugby Club players paid
tribute to a former teammate, who died from
cancer, by smashing their target following a
gruelling fundraising event.
Scott Brandreth, Rory McCarthy and Josh
Brierley embarked on a five-day challenge
to help tackle cancer in memory of former
teammate Ashley Scrivens who sadly lost
his battle to the disease, aged 24, during last
summer. Their punishing challenge raised
£18,000, over three-times their original target.
And, the money is still coming in.
The 425 mile cycle ride in four days was
followed by a full 26.2 mile marathon on the
fifth day. The cycle took in ten Premiership
Rugby grounds starting at Exeter’s Sandy
Park and finishing at The Stoop, home to
Harlequins.
The run from Harlequins along the Thames
path returned to finish at Twickenham to
coincide with England’s Investec International
against Samoa with family, friends RFU
officers, Council members and supporters
cheering the runners through the Golden
Lion Gate.
Remaining tickets for Rugby World Cup 2015 are available via
this link.
Official travel and hospitality packages are also available via
this link.
Support from across the game and the
general public inspired by the teammates’
Ruck Off Cancer campaign brought
donations rolling in. Josh was forced to pull
out through injury but this strengthened Rory
and Scott’s resolve.
Scott said: “The toughest part was running
the marathon with all the aches and pains of
the cycling but it was all worth it. The best part
was coming into Twickenham with family and
friends there and seeing how much it meant to
them and knowing that I didn’t have to ride or
run another metre.”
“I know Ashley would have been proud of
us all. With everything he went through, he
would have been thankful knowing that our
efforts will hopefully help people in similar
circumstances. The money and support has
been overwhelming and completely exceeded
our expectations and we’d like to thank every
single person who has donated and supported
us online and along the way.”
To donate, click here.
Ryan Keyes, vice-chairman and coach at Old Bedians, added:
“As coaches, we picked up so much from what Gary did that we
can take forward for the whole season and beyond. The thing that
impressed me the most was the work he did on our vision and
organisation in attack. I’m really keen to build on what he taught
us there.”
Get involved. Click here to find your local club.
> Please click to view the Old Bedonians Video
CONCUSSION EDUCATION
SUCCESS
GARETH MILLS
Professional rugby in England welcomed the news that all
professional players, coaches and referees have completed the
new mandatory online concussion education module within the
required two month window.
A joint initiative between Premiership Rugby, the Rugby
Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Players Association (RPA)
produced a world-first for the game with an on-line education
module to help explain what concussion is, what it feels like and
how to recognise it.
The training described the potential short, medium and longterm consequences of the injury and the management protocols
that need to be followed. The module also highlighted the need
for cultural change among all groups involved in the professional
game. The interactive module took on average 25 minutes
to complete and key knowledge was tested with questions
throughout.
The 1,468 people who completed the module included all male
registered Premiership Rugby and Championship players over
18, contracted England Sevens players (which covers all of the
Elite Performance Senior Squad, Saxons and U20 players) and
all Premiership, Championship and England representative
team coaches. In the women’s game, England representative
players over the age of 18 (which also covered England U20,
Elite Performance Squad and Sevens players) were asked to also
complete the course. All Premiership and Championship referees
also completed the module.
Simon Kemp, Chief Medical Officer, RFU said: “The scope of
this concussion education initiative is unique within professional
rugby to date. Achieving 100% compliance in completing an
online module in a group of this size, spread over two professional
leagues, England representative teams and across three
professional groups is a remarkable achievement and reflects
the seriousness with which the professional game in England
approaches this important issue.”
Corin Palmer, Head of Rugby Operations at Premiership Rugby
said: “When we began devising this ground-breaking programme
we had two priorities – to change culture and to set new worldclass standards in tackling concussion. We have achieved both.
The 100% completion rate and feedback received, is testimony
to the game-wide acknowledgement that concussion is a serious
injury where the education, diagnosis and treatment of it is the
number one player welfare priority.”
Richard Bryan, RPA Rugby Director, added: “From the players’
perspective, this pioneering module had the dual purpose of
furthering education and progressing cultural change on the issue
of concussion throughout professional and elite rugby union in
England, which represents the players’ leading welfare concern.
This module has achieved that and will act as a catalyst for further
education initiatives on the subject, ensuring that player welfare
remains at the top of the agenda amongst all rugby stakeholders.”
IS THAT YOUR
SON REF?
IDRIS MARTIN
Referee Dave Allan from Weymouth took up the whistle when
calling an end to his rugby playing career a few seasons ago.
Since then he has refereed his 21 year old son Lewis who plays
scrum half for Dorchester.
Dave (41) who works for Dorset Fire & Rescue Service, turned
out on the wing for the Seasiders before moving to Sherborne to
play in South West One. He says, “I recently covered the Southern
Counties match between Dorchester and Bradford on Avon and
travelled with Lewis to the game in my car. As soon as we arrived
he very quickly disappeared into the home changing room. The
next time we spoke was about a minute into the game when I
penalised him for not rolling away following a tackle and awarded
a penalty to the visitors.
“In the same game I also yellow carded two Dorchester players
so couldn’t be accused of bias! I refereed him again a few weeks
later against North Dorset and during both games he called me
sir, but that ends the moment I blow the final whistle. Lewis is
also a qualified referee and played his early rugby for Weymouth
Prince Harry taking part in trades in
support of the RFF and All Schools at the
ICAP Charity Day
TAG FOR INDIAN
YOUNGSTERS
PAUL BOLTON
Two members of the Old Saltleians in Birmingham were recently
coaching tag rugby to local youngsters in India.
Gez Mandell and Colin Gardner had made previous visits with
the Tag Rugby Trust but this year made an independent visit to
Bhubeneshwar to help in a local coaching initiative with Year 7
and 8 boys and girls in six local schools. Around 250 youngsters
enjoyed tag sessions with the Birmingham pair over eight days
although though facilities were often basic , the smallest playing
area being 10 metres square. Mandell and Gardner also coached
trainee monks at a local monastery and attended two sessions at
Bangalore Rugby Club.
“Playing areas were dirt and dust with not a blade of grass in
sight,” said Gardner.“But the one key element was enjoyment and
we were always asked when we were coming back. We were able
to leave behind some equipment supplied by Tag Rugby Trust to
ensure continuity.”
before moving to Dorchester to play at a higher level.
“My only regret is not taking up the whistle earlier when I was
in my late 20s, or early 30s then I could have progressed further
up the qualification ladder, but at present I am enjoying where
I am at level six. I don’t think that it is common knowledge that
I am the Dorchester scrum half’s dad and nobody has yet made
any comments, but after this article appears I am expecting a few
words of advice to come from the touchline!”
BECCS SEE THE LIGHT – AT LAST
It was a sight many older Beccehamians thought they would never see but, after a wait of over 20 years, state of the art floodlights were
switched on at Sparrows Den recently.
RFU President Jonathan Dance was on hand to press the switch, the RFU having awarded the Bromley club a substantial amount, half
the total cost of the project. The balance was raised by the generosity of club members and local sponsors to give the playing fields in
West Wickham the brightest and most efficient lights in the borough.
Club Chairman Nick Brooks explained “We have gone for the best lights possible to ensure there is minimal disruption to our
neighbours. There is no doubt these lights will help the club move forward, but most importantly, they will be used by our young players”.
Beccehamian RFC welcomes new players of all ages, men, women, boys and girls to join their family club and enjoy the new lights.
Visit pitchero.com
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
3
WEST BRIDGFORD SCOOP AWARDS
CHAMPION STUFF
FROM ARMY U23
PAUL BOLTON
At this year’s Rushcliffe Borough Council’s annual Sports Awards, West Bridgford won the Club of
the Year Award, with their women’s team winning the Amateur Team of the Year Prize. Over the
past 12 months they have raised £250,000 to improve the clubhouse and facilities at their Memorial
Ground headquarters. Their flourishing women’s section have also enjoyed success on the pitch by
winning the RFU Plate competition.
The Army U23 defeated both the Royal
Navy and Royal Air Force to retain the Inter
Service Championship. The outcome wasn’t
always clear cut as both opposition squads
had stamped their personality on this reenvigorated competition.
Many of these players had not played rugby
before they joined the Services. The quality of
the games played owed much to the coaching
teams and the host of team supporters who
made it happen. These players now have a
bright future.
The Royal Navy was rewarded with second
place in the 2014 Championship, ahead of the
Royal Air Force who they beat narrowly at
Portsmouth.
Next stop Twickenham when the Combined
Services U23 take on Oxbridge U23 on 9 May at
the Army v Navy match.
LEONARD LIGHTS UP
WELLINGBOROUGH
GNOSALL PROSPER
AFTER RELAUNCH
PAUL BOLTON
Rugby is being played in Gnosall more than six
years after the Staffordshire village club disbanded.
A group of enthusiasts, led by former captain
Dale Glover and his wife Amy, have re-launched
the club which is now playing friendly matches
against local opposition. Around 30 players
have been attending training on a regular basis
around two-thirds of whom had played little or
no rugby since they left school.
“We lived outside the village before the club
disbanded in 2008,” said Amy Glover, the club’s
secretary.“But we have since moved into Gnosall
and quite a few people had talked about starting
the rugby club again. It went from there really.
The turnout for the first training session was
very encouraging and the numbers have been
very good since we started playing again.”
Gnosall are back playing at the village sports
club, which still had an intact set of rugby posts,
and have attracted plenty of local support for
their matches so far. They intend to continue
playing social rugby this season but to play
more competitive rugby next season, possibly as
members of the Staffordshire Merit Table, and to
run touch rugby sessions during the summer to
help maintain interest in the club and to attract
new participants to the sport in Rugby World
Cup year.
PAUL BOLTON
Rugby World Cup winner Jason Leonard
officially switched on Wellingborough’s new
match floodlights.
Leonard, who is now the Rugby Football
Union’s Senior Vice President, is England’s
most-capped international with 114 appearances
in a glittering 14-year career which included the
2003 Rugby World Cup final win over Australia
in Sydney.
Leonard performed the official switch-on of
Wellingborough’s lights before the Midlands
Two East (South) match against Market
Harborough at Cut Throat Lane.
The floodlights
have been
installed with
the help of
a £38,500
RFU Lead up
and Legacy
grant after
Wellingborough
were chosen as
a Lead
Up and Legacy
Centre for the 2015 Rugby
World Cup, which is being staged in England
and Wales.
The grant has been used to install match-
standard and new training floodlights at the
club and confirms a partnership between the
RFU and club to be ‘Fit for 2015’. The grant
will enhance the club’s facilities and provide a
resource for use by the local community.
Hosting the Rugby World Cup provides an
opportunity to deliver a huge participation
legacy for rugby union and the RFU has
committed a £10m investment which will create
a network of over 500 Lead Up and Legacy
Centres aimed at providing a platform on which
club rugby participation throughout England
can be built.
Other funding
partners in
addition to the
RFU included
Sport England’s
Inspired
Facilities Fund,
part of Sport
England’s
Olympic and
Paralympic
legacy
programme, Wellingborough Borough
Council and the Northamptonshire County
Councils Empowering Councillors and
Community Scheme.
AGE GRADE COMPETITION REVIEW
LADIES NIGHT A WOW
AT CHOBHAM
Chobham Rugby Club has been part of
the O2 Touch programme since it started
and it’s become a regular fixture in their
calendar, all year round. Now they have a
new initiative – Women Only Wednesdays
which is proving tremendously successful
in a short time.
Girls and women were interested in
getting touch just for them and the club
decided to try setting up a ladies night.
With the U18s girls team training on Wednesday evenings, it was decided to make this Women
Only Wednesday. By word of mouth, a few posters and Facebook posts later it was launched – with
30 turning up for week one.
Said Beth James, Touch Rugby Ambassador, “We would have been delighted with 10. We
quickly had to set up extra drills and get more bibs out as we just hadn’t planned on such great
numbers. By week six we had had over 45 different players attend the sessions, with an average of
25 each week. It’s been great fun coaching as the players are so enthusiastic to learn new skills.
Their new web page sets the scene too… click here to see
4
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
There has been some good progress with the Age Grade Competition Review (AGCR) in recent
weeks, following six months work by the Implementation Group of practitioners from across
the rugby spectrum of the male and female game in clubs, schools, colleges and counties. The
RFU would like to pay tribute to their great effort, commitment and objectivity. The progress
includes reaching an important milestone in November when the Community Game Board
approved the Implementation Plan, recommending it to the RFU Council meeting to take place
in February 2015.
The Implementation Plan includes 12 actions under three headings:
a) Framework – this includes more consistency in age bandings, formats and rules as well as the
progression to 15-a-side rugby across clubs, schools and colleges and a rationalising of the
competition menu to increase access for players of all abilities.
b) E
nablers – these are actions to ensure the Framework can be delivered such as a regulated
playing calendar/season, fixture support tools, integration with the player pathway and rep
rugby, training and CPD, plus communications and support resources to help the rollout.
c) O
pportunities – a set of actions required to enhance its impact such as clarifying priorities for
young players, developing post-18 age graded playing opportunities and a more co-ordinated
RFU structure for Age Grade Rugby.
Mark Saltmarsh, Head of Education Development commented: “In the next couple of months,
engagement with key stakeholder groups will continue. We really want to explore with them how
the plans can be best supported in our clubs, schools and colleges. This will also help to inform
the Council discussions in February when it is hoped the plan will be agreed.
“Our target for implementation of the majority of the Implementation Plan actions is the 201617 season. The aim is for an 18 month period before September 2016 to work right across the Age
Grade game with support tools, resources and sessions throughout the country to help ease the
rollout and transition to a more player-centred youth game.”
The RFU will continue to keep everyone regularly updated on all the progress in the next few
months, particularly the result of the RFU Council deliberations in February.
BOOK
YOUR
COURSES
ONLINE
The best trained coaches and referees
provide the best experience for all playing
the game, as well as having the most
enjoyment themselves. That is why the RFU
has increased provision and subsidies for
coaching and refereeing courses.
This drive, together with the online
booking system, has seen an unprecedented
increase in numbers enrolling.
From June 2013 to July 14 there were
37,500 attendances set against 24,000 in the
same period in 2010/11.
Coaching and refereeing courses are:
• the best way to discover everything about
the game you ever wanted to know
• great for meeting and sharing experiences
with other coaches and referees
• the way to learn new skills and polish
those you already have
• a great confidence boost both on and off
the pitch
• the best way to let players know that you
are at the top of your game
• a great chance to learn from experts and
ask questions you want answered
Booking online ensures that all those
attending have an accurate record of
achievement and an updated coaching or
refereeing CV.
To properly serve all those enrolling and to
have certainty of numbers arriving for each
course, the RFU is asking that all candidates
now book online.
From Monday 12th January 2015 the group
booking facility will be reinstated. A user
guide will be available to anyone wishing to
use this additional functionality
Clubs, schools, colleges and universities
are usually happy to help anyone with
difficulties enrolling online as they benefit
from having well trained coaches and
referees.
From the start of January 2015 all those
booking online will avoid a levy of £5 applied
to those who do not enroll this way.
Closed course bookings will also be subject
to a £5 per person levy.
TANZANIA PUPILS GET TO
GRIPS WITH RUGBY
PAUL BOLTON
Rugby equipment donated by Matt Jefferson,
the RFU Rugby Development Officer for
Derbyshire, has been put to good use helping to
develop the sport in Tanzania.
The equipment was taken to Tanzania by Joe
Cox, a student at Derby Grammar School, on a
school trip to the African country. The Derby
students helped to build a new school in Gedeli
but Cox was also involved in coaching rugby to
local schoolchildren during the trip.
“The equipment was really appreciated by the
school’s sports teacher,” said Cox, who is also a
member of the Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire Referees’
Society. “I spent time coaching, helped the sports
teacher with how to coach rugby and taught him
the laws of the game. By the time that we left Gedeli
School pupils who had never heard of the sport had
been transformed into rugby players. The kids really
enjoyed learning rugby and on behalf of Derby
Grammar I would like to thank Matt Jefferson for
the rugby equipment that made this possible.”
Online course booking
The RFU online course booking system
allows you to search by course type, region,
postcode or date before booking and paying
for your course.
Please click here for your course.
NOW
OR NEVER
VARSITY MATCH INTRODUCTION TO
TO GET
LIVE RUGBY
YOUR STARS
REWARDED!
HANNAH HIRST
A reminder to all in the game that the 2015
President’s Awards application process
closes on February 1st.
You know who your stars are so
make sure they shine and get your
applications in now at englandrugby.com
For some rugby fans the Varsity Match is the first live rugby they’ve seen. Entering Twickenham Stadium the excitement builds and, as they take their
seats, the atmosphere hits. During the game they find themselves getting more and more into it and involved and they often leave thinking “must do
this again!”
This was certainly the case last month (December) when diehard Oxbridge supporters and novices of the game arrived for a good time and weren’t
disappointed. Over 24,000 people watched Oxford beat Cambridge 43 – 6. Cambridge’s only points came from the boot of Donald Stevens. The picture
was largely dark blue as Oxford scored six tries in total, two in the first half and four after the break.
Oxford’s attacking form began with scrum half Samson Egerton’s opening try and he was later named as man of the match, making amends for last year
being the first ever to receive a red card in the Varsity Match. Further tries came from Alexander Macdonald, Thomas Reeson Price, Ian Williams, George
Cullen and Gus Jones. A special mention needs to be made of young Premiership referee Luke Pearce’s calm and effective management of the match.
So why choose this as your first game? The rivalry between the two universities is a force to be reckoned with! Steeped in history, this spans the sports
world and beyond. You don’t have to have links with either Oxford or Cambridge to get caught up in the atmosphere and start yelling for your team.
And it’s is definitely also about location, location, location. There’s nowhere better to watch your first big match than at Twickenham – the Home of
England Rugby!
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
5
East Midlands club St Neots
players took presents to
children at Hinchingbrooke
Hospital and to the residents of
the Hillings retirement home
over the festive period. Most of
the presents were
donated by mini
and junior section
parents and handed
out by members of
the first XV.
MAKE THE
IPF YOUR
NEW YEAR
RESOLUTION!
Looking for a New Year’s challenge? The RFU Injured
Players Foundation has guaranteed places in races across
the country throughout the year including:
•Silverstone half marathon – 15th March 2015
•Virgin London Marathon – 26th April 2015
•Bupa London 10,000 – 25th May 2015
•Pudential RideLondon- Surrey 100- 2nd August 2015
•Cyclothon UK- 10th September 2015
To sign up, or for more information visit rfuipf.org.uk/
getinvolved or contact the team directly on 02088317660 or
by emailing [email protected]
You can also follow them on twitter @TheRugbyCharity or
via Facebook just search – ‘RFUIPF’.
BARBARIANS
AND ARGENTINA
TWICKENHAM
ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION
BRITISH
ASIAN RUGBY
ASSOCIATION
CELEBRATES
FIRST DECADE
The British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) recently celebrated
its tenth anniversary with a reception at the House of Commons.
Established in 2004 by dual code international Ikram Butt, who
played rugby league for England and rugby union for Pakistan,
BARA has promoted community cohesion across the UK through
both codes of the game.
The House of Commons event, made possible through the
sponsorship of Greg Mulholland MP, featured keynote speakers
including Mark Pawsey MP, chair of the Commons and Lords
Rugby Club, and former professional footballer and Football
Association anti-racism champion Paul Elliott CBE.
Seema Malhotra MP, Shadow Minister for Preventing Violence
against women and girls, was also present to talk about the White
Ribbon Campaign, recently adopted as a cause by BARA. National
Sport England board member Hanif Malik of the Leeds-based
Hamara centre and Qari Asim MBE, Imam at Leeds Makkah
Mosque also delivered speeches.
‘’Congratulations to BARA and Ikram Butt who have both played
their part in the development of the game of rugby not only in the
UK but also on the international stage,” Pawsey said.
Ikram Butt said: “We’ve come a very long way in the past decade
with many effective initiatives and projects delivered within
communities that seek to build bridges and cement community
relations through sport. Both codes of rugby represent excellent
vehicles for promoting social progress and I would like to put on
record my heartfelt thanks to every individual and organisation
that has supported us since 2004 especially Greg Mulholland MP
whose has made this event possible.
“Now, more than ever, we need to promote positive messages
about anti-racism, discrimination and domestic violence and
BARA will continue to keep banging the drum for progressive
initiatives such as these.”
The House of Commons event was supported by Stradbrokes
Solicitors, Lincoln Arthur, Malik Halls student accommodation,
the Hamara Centre in Leeds, the British Asian Trust and AIS
accountants.
For more details visit bara-rugby.com
6
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
The Barbarians will celebrate a spectacular year of international
rugby against Argentina at Twickenham Stadium next
November in the annual Killik Cup autumn fixture. The famous
invitation side celebrates its 125th birthday in 2015 and will take
on the Pumas on Saturday, November 21 (2.30pm).
The two sides last met in 1990 when Argentina were beaten
34-22 by a Barbarians side led by Wales scrum half Robert Jones
in Cardiff as part of the Barbarians’ Centenary celebrations.
Since then, many famous Argentine players have represented
the club, including the legendary Agustin Pichot and Felipe
Contepomi. This year Juan Manuel Leguizamon captained the
team against England and Juan Martin Hernandez also featured,
while Joaquin Tuculet, Tomas Cubelli and Matias Alemanno all
appeared in the 11-try thriller against Australia last month.
Barbarians President Micky Steele-Bodger said: “We have
strong links with rugby in Argentina, many of their players have
represented the club with distinction and playing the Pumas
at Twickenham will be a splendid occasion. Argentina have
got a proud record to maintain and I am sure they will make a
significant contribution at next year’s World Cup.”
Argentina, World Cup semi finalists in 2007 and quarter
finalists in 2011, are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of their
first overseas tour. UAR President Carlos Araujo said: “2015 will
be a very important season for us in many ways, one being an
important anniversary of touring and what better way to celebrate
this against the most famous of touring sides – the Barbarians. To
finish such a year at Twickenham Stadium with a game against
the Barbarians will be huge honour and a prestigious occasion
for Argentine rugby. This will only be the second time our
national team has played against the Baa-Baas, giving us a great
opportunity to showcase our spirit in what promises to be a great
game of rugby.”
Argentina Head Coach Daniel Hourcade said: “It will be a
Daniel Hourcade
pleasure and a great challenge for us to play this game against
the Barbarians at Twickenham, which will also be hosting the 2015
RWC finals a few weeks earlier. It will certainly be a fitting end to
the year.”
Special discounted 2 for 1 early bird adult tickets are available,
for a limited period only, from £30 for adults (for two tickets) and
£15 for juniors (U16) at ticketmaster.co.uk 0844 847 2492. (Booking
fees apply)
The Barbarians have already confirmed two other fixtures
against international sides in 2015. They face Ireland at Thomond
Park in Limerick on May 28 (7.45pm) before taking on England at
Twickenham Stadium on May 31.
PRINCE HARRY PRAISES
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CLUB
PAUL BOLTON
Mansfield’s flourishing girls’ rugby section has received royal recognition from Prince Harry.
The Prince, a keen rugby supporter and Patron of the England Rugby’s All Schools initiative, has praised the Nottinghamshire
club for establishing a girls’ section which now has 30 players training and playing regularly.
Mansfield already have close links with around a dozen local primary and secondary schools and run a successful Tag Academy
for year one to three pupils.The girls’ section has ensured that girls have continued to play rugby and has also introduced them
to contact rugby.Mansfield’s girls’ section has proved so successful that 18 players from the club have represented Notts, Lincs &
Derbyshire Under 13s.
“One of the parents, Darren Sayer, was so impressed with what we were doing that he decided to write to Prince Harry knowing
that he is Patron of All Schools and is actively involved in rugby,” said Mansfield coach Pete Haskell.
“We received a letter back from Kensington Palace saying that Prince Harry was pleased to learn of the progress we have made in
developing girls’ rugby. We have put the letter on display and it has really given the girls a lift knowing that their efforts have been
recognised.
“To receive a letter from HRH Prince Harry about the development and progress of the girls’ section over the past two seasons is
a great boost for all the players, coaches and parents involved and only encourages us to continue our hard work for the future. We
look forward to getting more girls involved with rugby within our section of the club”
LIVERPOOL ST HELENS REMEMBER
THEIR GREATEST SIDE
OLNEY
COMMEMORATE
FAMOUS
WARTIME
RUGBY GAME
A hundred years ago, on 30 January 1915, a charity international
rugby match was played at the County Ground in Northampton
between Scotland and England, arranged to help Olney resident,
former Saints captain and England international Edgar Mobbs
recruit sportsmen to his own World War One battalion.
To commemorate the centenary and honour the 16 Olney
players who were killed in the Great War, Olney RFC is hosting
a special event and two memorial rugby matches, with Edgar
Mobbs’ family in attendance, on Saturday 24 January 2015, where
current players from the East Midlands region will line up against
The 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment and Olney Ladies will
face the Army Womens XV.
The event will include a display of rugby memorabilia and
wartime photos of Olney sportspeople, and is supported by the
Cowper and Newton Museum, the Royal British Legion, and the
Heritage Lottery Fund.
Chairman of Olney Rugby Club, Jarlath McElroy, said: “Edgar
Mobbs was both a sporting and war hero and we are proud to
be hosting these matches with the support of his family and
the Army. A century on from that famous game, we are set for
an enthralling encounter. The day will be a fitting tribute to an
exceptional man, a special piece of history, and to the many
sportsmen from Olney and across the region who lost their lives
in World War One.”
Edgar Mobbs’ great-nephew, also named Edgar Mobbs,
said: “Edgar was brought up in Olney and played sport in the
town for many years. He was a great leader both on the rugby
pitch and on the battle field. The MP Ryland Adkins said at
the time ‘Northamptonshire in time of peace produced
no finer sportsman and in time of war no
finer soldier’. This centenary
commemoration at Olney RFC
brings together sportsmen and
women from across the East
Midlands region, with the British
Army – just as Edgar’s famous game
did, 100 years ago.”
LICENSING
LAWS –HERE
TO HELP
As the Rugby World Cup approaches Liverpool St Helens FC
will ensure that they remember those from the club who served
and died in the Great War. They will display a huge board
with an enlarged photograph of the 1913-14 first 15 and the war
memorial bearing the names of the 57 members who gave their
lives, together with personal details of each of the 15 – including
their schools, positions played, details of where those who died
are buried and a photo and tribute to Noel Chavasse, one of only
three double VCs so far awarded.
The Liverpool Club was formed
on the 19 December 1857 and is
recognised as the Oldest Open
Rugby Club in the World and, since
in 1986 merging with St Helens
RUFC, has operated as Liverpool St
Helens Football Club. In the 1913 – 14
season the club was at the top of its
game, fielding many of the leading
players of the day. They produced
record results, playing 31, winning 27
and losing 4. Points for were 838,
against 239, the points scored a
record for a First Class club.
Described in the Times as
“possibly the greatest club side
ever”, the 1913-14 team was
captained by Fred ‘Tank’ Turner,
then Scotland captain, and
included the serving captains
of England and Ireland Ronnie
Palmer and Dickie Lloyd.
Of that 15 six were to die in
the conflict: Turner, Palmer,
Eric Cowan, John Ross, Robert
Jackson, James Grant, the latter of
pulmonary TB caused by hardship
and exposure while on active
service. All were in their twenties.
Another notable player Alex Angus, a regular in the 13/14 side,
was capped 18 times for Scotland and won a DSO whilst serving
in the Cameron Highlanders. A total of 57 club members perished
and among them were Lancelot Slocock capped for England as
a forward and captain in 1907- 08, former club captains William
Turner brother of Fred, William Montgomery and Christian
Dunlop who had been Hon Secretary since 1911.
Among the many decorations awarded for gallantry, tribute
should be paid to the Victoria Crosses won by Noel Chavasse and
by Eric Dougall. Dougall played some 50 matches as a forward
between 1908 and 1912. He was killed just four days after the
action for which his award was made.
Captain Noel Chavasse had the distinction of appearing with
his twin brother Christopher in the
1908 Olympics in the 400 metres.
It was Noel who retrieved the body
of his great friend Fred Turner and
buried him. Noel, as well as winning
an MC, was awarded a posthumous
VC added to his earlier award
becoming one of only three double
VCs so
far awarded.
Christopher, who had played for
the first team as a try scoring wing
three quarter later became Bishop
of Rochester but during his early
days in 1910 as a curate in St
Helens played rugby league for St
Helens RFL as an amateur. He was
consequently barred from playing
rugby union again for Liverpool .
Of the surviving members of
the 1913-14 team decorations were
awarded to: Charles Hill, MC and
Bar; Robert Cunningham, MC;
Thomas Lloyd, The Liverpool Regt.
DSO and George Davey MC.
In recognition of Olney and
Liverpool St Helen’s work to
commemorate the centenary and
honour their players killed in the
Great War, we are sending them
each a copy of ‘Lewis Moody – My Life in Rugby’, signed by
Lewis, ambassador for the RFU’s Great War Commmemoration.
If your club or school has a story to tell of your commemoration
work please send it to [email protected] as we have one
more copy available.
MANSFIELD DOUBLE AT TOWN
SPORTS AWARDS
PAUL BOLTON
Mansfield won two of the top prizes at the Mansfield District Council’s annual Sports Awards, voted the Nottinghamshire’s town’s
Club of the Year recognising a year of success in senior and junior rugby, attaining RFU Club Accreditation and developing close links
with the local community. Mansfield’s Bob Truswell also picked up the Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding work with the
club’s Tag Academy, forging links with local primary and secondary schools and developing the club’s youth system.
Mansfield also shared in the success of Maureen Arnold who was presented with the Mayor’s Special Award for lifetime achievement
in sport. Although Arnold received the award primarily for her work in swimming and athletics – she represented her country in both
sports and later coached Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington – she is an active member and keen supporter of the rugby club. Her
husband Arthur and son Bruce were former Mansfield first XV players and the Arnolds remain keen supporters.
Mansfield youth player Daniel Harris was also shortlisted in the Junior Sports Person of the Year category and the club’s Under-15
team were one of the contenders for the Junior Team of the Year prize.
“This recognises the hard work and dedication of not just the winners but everyone involved,” said Mansfield chairman Andy Foster.
“Mansfield has a great sporting heritage and we are very proud to represent the town name as a club.”
As rugby clubs prepare to welcome the
public with the huge attraction of the
home Rugby
World Cdup, it is essential to ensure that
clubhouses operate within licensing laws.
This is the ideal time to check that all is in order and the RFU,
together with Poppleston Allen Licensing Solicitors, has set up a
free Alcohol & Gambling licensing Helpline
Call 0115 934 9177 to discuss any issues or concerns relating to
the licensing of your premises.
With the support of Poppleston Allen Licensing Solicitors, the
RFU has also prepared a guide enabling clubs to:
Compare their current offer and practices with the
requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.
Consider adjustments to their permissions to enable the club to
take full advantage of the increased interest in rugby union and
the boost in numbers World Cup promotions which will generate
this year and beyond.
For more information please click here
To download a guide please click here
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
7
HORNETS YOUTH
POLICY STINGING
SUCCESS
Pic (c) 2014 – James Wain
MITCHAM MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
Half a century since separating to become two distinct clubs, December brought the first league
meeting of Weston-super-Mare and Hornets, both now in National 3 SW.
It is 52 years since Hornets were formed by some former Weston players and until now the
sides had only ever met in a couple of local cup matches and some friendlies. Interest had been
building in the town since the announcement of the event and some 2,500 spectators turned up at
Weston’s Recreation Ground for an entertaining match.
The young Hornets side featured 15 players who had come through their junior ranks and
secured a 34 -3 victory , scoring five tries in the process.
At the start of the 2010/11 season Hornets, having experienced three relegations and in the
Somerset Premier Division, realised that moving forward meant keeping and developing players
coming through their thriving junior section. That first season in the Somerset Premiership
coincided with the emergence of a very strong Colts side who were runners up to Bedford Blues in
the then Under 19 National Colts Cup.
Three promotions in four seasons has seen Hornets in the leading group in National 3 SW,
their highest ever league position. This season brought the graduation of another successful
Under 18 side, who two seasons ago won the national Under 17 Cup. Bringing the younger
players through is paying dividends, with seven of the 2010 Colts and four of last year’s Colts in
the match-day squad.
While this match was being played, a further 10 of last year’s Colts were turning out for the
Development XV helping them to a 67 -10 victory and maintaining their season’s 100% record.
During the previous year’s successful campaign in achieving promotion from South West 1 at
the first attempt, 38 of the 41 players who represented the first team had come through the club’s
junior ranks.
To support this investment in the youth players, a lot of hard work has brought the completion
of brand new changing facilities. While the club has been generating its own funds towards the
project, they were very grateful to be chosen by the RFU as a Lead Up and Legacy Centre for the
2015 Rugby World Cup. This came with a grant of £75K to be ‘Fit for 2015’. The club also made a
successful bid for a £50K funding grant from Sport England as part of the lottery funded ‘Inspired
Facilities’ programme. Both the RFU and Sport England funding processes required Hornets to
review all aspects of the club, ensuring that they met all the criteria required of an England Rugby
Accredited club.
Said Andy Shorney Somerset’s RFU Council representative, “In recent seasons Hornets
have made great strides in all aspects of rugby within the club and clearly they have worked
extremely hard to achieve this both on and off the field. The impressive growth of the club really
demonstrates good recruitment and retention practices and they certainly appear to have bucked
the trend of losing players in the difficult age band of 16 to 24-year-old players.”
The club’s current success is having a healthy knock on effect across the board and allowing
further investment in facilities to support sides from the Under 6 Stingers through to the Under
18s, Ladies senior, Under 15 and Under 13 sides as well as the three senior men’s teams.
REIGATE COLLEGE AND OLD
REIGATIANS WORKING TOGETHER
After a very good win against Howard of
Effingham School in the Round Two of the U18
NatWest Cup, Reigate College, in only their
second competitive match of the season, were
beaten by a more experienced Trinity team
Their coach Ryan Bull was, however, “really
pleased with the team’s performance. The
boys put in some big tackles and we showed
tremendous commitment to the end”.
Reigate College has seen a huge influx of keen
players, helped by a really dynamic partnership
with Old Reigatians Rugby Club, which has
seen the standard of rugby improving and the
College now able to field two rugby teams for
the first time ever.
Phil Smith, Old Reigatians Schools Liaison
Officer said, “This season we are delighted at
8
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
the large growth in numbers of students playing
rugby at the College. This has coincided with
the additional coaching the club is able to offer
the college in the form of Old Reigatians Colts
Coach, Teo Bogdanovs, with funding from the
Patrick Evans Foundation. The Foundation is
also looking to support any staff members and
students interested in attending both coaching
and refereeing courses so that the College can
continue to grow in its rugby provision as a
major sport within its community.”
Reigate College Sports Co-ordinator, Chris
Lowe added, “We have benefitted tremendously
from the help at the rugby club adjacent to our
own playing fields. Training sessions have been
well attended and run and we have had up to 50
boys working hard and competing for places.”
Mitcham Rugby Club has been attracting both
famous former players and the new generation.
Their recent President’s Day saw Jason
Leonard OBE, 2003 Rugby World Cup winner
and upcoming RFU President, rubbing shoulders
with other VIPs including local MP Tom
Brake, London Assembly Member for Sutton &
Croydon Steve O’Connell, Deputy Mayor Cllr
Margaret Court, Deputy Lieutenant for Croydon
representing the Armed Forces Colonel Ian
McRobbie and RFU Area Facilities Manager Rick
Bruin. Carshalton Boys School also attended
the day, playing in the curtain raiser prior to the
senior team’s kick off.
This followed two events in support of
the RFU’s All Schools programme for state
secondary schools new to the game. A very
enjoyable festival saw 200 girls enjoy playing
competitive rugby and 11 young leaders
developing their refereeing skills.
This came hot on the heels of a great day for
Years 7 – 9 boys from the Surrey Metropolitan
area, when eight schools and some 150 boys had
a tremendous time thanks to the club hosting
and helping with refereeing matches. Mitcham
RFC stepped up as hosts due to flooding at the
intended venue.
Said RDO Penny Carr, “Mitcham have really
bought into the All Schools programme and,
with their help, young players new to the
game are getting the chance to compete and
experience a club environment. Hopefully,
this will see more and more boys and girls
continuing to play at school and clubs.”
Mitcham Chairman, Peter Hegarty, who
refereed at the first event, said, “As a community
club, we want to see as many young people as
possible having the chance to play rugby. The All
Schools programme certainly helps and we have
been very glad to support it. By working with
schools, clubs can only benefit and at the same
time encourage more rugby in our schools.”
BURNLEY SAY JOIN US
AFTER GIRLS’ EVENT
Three Burnley Schools, Blessed Trinity, Unity College and Sir John Thursby travelled to
Blackburn RUFC for the North Lancashire Girls U13 Emerging Schools competition, with St
Augustine’s also taking part.
Blessed Trinity, with 15 players, entered two teams for this sevens competition and all players
got enjoyed four competitive matches. With little practise for many, the standard was really good
and the pace of some girls showed a real talent for the game. All sides scored tries with some
close results and a couple of drawn matches.
Burnley RUFC who have a active girls section are hoping to welcome new U13 players to the
club and Burnley community rugby coach Simon Finnan says, “All the girls in this sevens event
had very good basic skills of passing, running and tackling on the back of a few sessions in games
lessons at school. They could easily move forward quickly if they want to take it up at their local
club as well as school.”
For more information about Girls Rugby Union in Burnley contact 07988122186.
RUGBY CLUB PRESIDENT CLIMBING EVEREST FOR CHARITY
Neil Corry, became President of Grimsby
Rugby Club at the age of 34 and may shortly
become the only rugby club president to climb
to the summit of Mount Everest. He will be
making his attempt from Tibet and scaling the
North face of the mountain in May 2015.
For the best chance of completing this
challenge he will spend three months
acclimatising in the Himalayas and completing
training climbs and says, “This is something I
want to do for myself but also to raise awareness
and funds for The Endeavour Trust, a small
national charity working at grass roots level
with some of England’s most disadvantaged
and disaffected young people. Their mission
statement is ‘if we can put young people into the
workplace, and with a moral compass, then we
will safeguard future generations.’
“I want to raise awareness and hopefully
substantial amounts of money for Endeavour
and the team I am climbing with and I have
already had a great deal of interest from local
and national organisations. Previous climbs
have raised a great deal of money for charities,
not only prior to the climb, but afterwards. I
have spent months training, fundraising and
organising before I undertake an incredibly
demanding physical challenge. All of this takes
time, effort, determination and commitment.
The total cost of this three-month expedition
including permits, climbing Sherpa, oxygen
tanks, satellite communications, climbing
equipment (ropes, boots, harnesses etc) and all
the other essential specialist equipment not to
mention flights, food and accommodation for
three months is approximately £25,000.
“We launched our fundraising appeal at
the beginning of November with an event in
conjunction with the Endeavour Trust where we
met the Duke of Kent. I am currently looking for
sponsorship and hoping that the rugby family
can help.”
DO YOU HAVE
THE RIGHT
MUSIC LICENCE?
BARNES MAKES
IT BACK TO BATH
Former Bath prop David Barnes has completed
quite a number of gruelling challenges for
charity but just before Christmas he literally
finished himself and the year off by running
and walking over 100 miles from London to
Bath in support of the charity, Walking with
the Wounded’s campaign, Walking Home For
Christmas. This was raising funds for homeless
veterans who don’t have a home to walk to.
Please support David’s marathon mission at
virginmoneygiving.com/DavidBarnes1
And look out for Walking With the Wounded’s
next rugby tie up – the Ride of the Lions in June
http://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/ridelions-waterloo-200/
Historically, many amateur sports clubs did
not require a licence from PPL when playing
recorded music. Following a change in law,
amateur sports clubs are now, in almost all
cases, required to hold a PPL licence as well
as a PRS for Music licence. From 1st January
2014, PPL and PRS for Music introduced a
new joint licence for eligible amateur sports
clubs which is administered by PPL.
It appears that some clubs are not being
charged on the right tariff (the right tariff is
the joint amateur sports clubs tariff). If clubs
are on the joint amateur sports clubs licence
they will see both the PPL and PRS logos at the
top right hand corner of their invoice.
PPL will act as an agent for PRS for Music,
issuing the new joint licence which grants
amateur sports clubs the permissions needed
from both organisations to play recorded music,
and from PRS for Music to host live music.
Things to check:
1.The club is on the joint amateur sports
clubs tariff
2.The invoice received has both the PPL
& PRS logos at the top right hand corner
(administered by PPL not an invoice direct
from PRS only).
3.The club are not being charged per TV
Check you are on the right Music Licence
please click here
If you believe you are on the wrong tariff or
would like to check, please contact PPL direct
via email to [email protected] or
by telephone: 020 7534 1070.
If you would like to discover more
or sponsor Neil he can be contacted
via – twitter Mountain Man Neil @
toughguycorry; Facebook: Mountain Man
Neil; Email: [email protected]
or by phone on: 07856172404
BREAKING THE CYCLE
TOGETHER
Three of the West Country’s leading rugby
clubs, Bristol Rugby Community Foundation,
Bath Rugby Foundation and Gloucester Rugby
have joined forces to launch ‘Break The Cycle’
for 2015.
Now in its fifth year, the 110-mile ride – the
biggest rugby charity cycling event in the South
West – will see over 500 cyclists from Bristol,
Bath and Gloucester take part in the one-day
fundraising challenge, with all money raised
going to community operations. The event on
Sunday 14 June will see cyclists tackle a 110mile route between Bath’s Recreation Ground,
Gloucester’s Kingsholm and Bristol Rugby’s new
home at Ashton Gate Stadium.
“Break The Cycle continues to go from
strength to strength and, this year, we’re
delighted to have the support of Bath Rugby
Foundation and Gloucester Rugby,” Bristol
Rugby Community Foundation CEO Ben
Breeze said. “This event encapsulates the
fantastic community work from the three clubs,
underlining how rugby can be a vehicle for
positive change.
“Break The Cycle has been a vital source of
funding for the Foundation and, last year, part
funded numerous of our sport based education
programmes for over 15,000 local young people.”
“I would like to thank everyone who has taken
part in the past four years and cannot emphasise
strongly enough how important the funds raised
have been in our continued success.”
For more information about the 2015
‘Break The Cycle’ event, please visit
bristolcharitycyclingchallenge.co.uk
LANCASTER SAYS REGISTER FOR NATWEST
RUGBYFORCE AND GET BEHIND ENGLAND
England’s Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has
urged local rugby clubs to sign up for NatWest
RugbyForce 2015. The programme, developed in
partnership with the RFU, is designed to make
rugby clubs stronger businesses by improving
and renovating their facilities with the support of
volunteers and the local community.
Last year’s NatWest RugbyForce programme
was a huge success, with over 400 clubs across
England taking part in the DIY weekend in
June. This year NatWest RugbyForce 2015
will be helping rugby clubs the length and
breadth of the country to get ready to open their
clubhouses and be the place to watch England
play against some of the world’s greatest teams.
It is an opportunity for clubs to get behind
England, attract new members and become
stronger and more sustainable for the future.
Encouraging clubs to sign up for NatWest
RugbyForce 2015, Stuart Lancaster said: “Most of
our England players started their rugby journey
at grassroots clubs and they really value the
support that clubs and their members provide.
This year’s NatWest RugbyForce is more than
just the DIY weekend, it’s a chance for clubs
across the country to show their support and
really get behind England, to welcome new and
existing volunteers and to be the place to watch
England take on the best in the world.”
Of clubs registering before 11th January 2015,
350 will have the opportunity to take part in a new
and improved programme of FREE workshops
across the country, as well as be in with a chance
of receiving financial support of £500 and a Get
Behind England pack including a host of goodies
to transform your clubhouse. Following the
workshops, clubs will be asked to submit a more
detailed project plan for their weekend, from
which clubs will be selected to receive a support
package of either £1,000 or £500 to put towards
their NatWest RugbyForce weekend.
In addition, six clubs will be selected for The
Ultimate Club Experience, comprising of an
England Rugby Legend to join their NatWest
RugbyForce weekend in June as well as The
Ultimate Club Experience package, including
a plasma screen, fun activities, events and
materials to create a ‘little bit of Twickenham’ in
their club.
“NatWest RugbyForce is a fantastic
opportunity for communities to get together
and support their local rugby club,” said Lee
Bailey, Sponsorship Manager at NatWest. “Last
year’s campaign was very successful and we’re
really looking forward to building on this as we
continue to show our commitment to supporting
grassroots rugby clubs in what is going to be a
massive year for English rugby.”
Steve Grainger, Rugby Development Director
at the RFU added, “Hosting the Rugby World
Cup in less than a year’s time is a really exciting
opportunity for us to grow the game across the
country, especially in our grassroots rugby clubs
and their local communities. In the NatWest
RugbyForce programme we are giving clubs the
chance to create the perfect environment to get
behind England and inspire more people to get
involved, whether that is as volunteer, player or
supporter.”
To register your club for NatWest
RugbyForce 2015 go to englandrugby.com/
natwestrugbyforce
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
9
HORSING
AROUND AT
HARPENDEN
DALLAGLIO
FOUNDATION LINKS
WITH DUKE OF
EDINBURGH’S AWARD
There has been a royal procession of rugby clubs to St James’s Palace over the past few months as
they are granted licences to run the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through the Dallaglio Foundation.
Barking, Bristol, Darlington Mowden Park and Liverpool St Helens have all been granted royal
receptions, and in March 2015 High Wycombe are attending a rugby-themed event which also
features certificate presentations from England Women’s captain Katy Maclean.
The ‘Powerful Together’ partnership, funded by ICAP, sees the Dallaglio Foundation linking
with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to encourage rugby clubs to run the DofE for its young
rugby enthusiasts aged 14-24. Those who take part will volunteer, learn a skill, get fit and plan and
undertake an expedition over six to 18 months of challenging activity.
Widely acknowledged as the world’s leading achievement award for young people, the DofE will
enable these young players to develop key skills for life and work, such as confidence, commitment
and team working.
The Dallaglio Foundation is the RFU’s official Social Delivery partner. Any rugby clubs interested
in being part of this initiative should contact [email protected] for more details.
15-A-SIDE STRATEGY
The RFU is mindful that the men’s 15-a-side game remains central to the sport and over the past
year, the Community Game Board has been in discussion to ensure its development continues.
The subsequent strategy, together with realistic milestones for growth, has been approved by
the Community Game Board, and endorsed by the Board of Directors and by RFU Council and is
being mailed out this month (January).
It doesn’t set out every piece of work nor all the interventions needed to support the 15-a-side
game, which remains the fundamental role of clubs, Constituent Bodies and RFU professional
staff. The strategy does, however, identify three target categories and ten areas of action – all of
which will be monitored closely over the next four years.
Says Steve Grainger, RFU Rugby Development Director, “The health of our sport depends on the
hard work going on in clubs, CBs, schools, colleges and universities, and with the help of RFU staff
throughout the country. For this we remain grateful and your continued help is much appreciated.”
How do rugby
clubs celebrate
Christmas?
In the case of Harpenden RUFC, in
Hertfordshire, it includes a tug-owar, inflatable turkeys and waiting
for a shire horse to relieve itself on
the pitch, all in the name of festive
fundraising. Initially intended as a
moo-poo, the horse replaced a cow
which went absent, and all awaited
its contribution to one of the 1,000
squares on the pitch and £1,000 to
the person who chose it. The less
said about the horse cantering off
the better!
It has been a busy six months at
Harpenden, having included the annual Pub 7s, starting a
new girls’ section and the preparation for a Lead Up and Legacy Transforming
Social Spaces project that gets underway this month (January).
The club felt that completing England Rugby Club Accreditation was essential to demonstrate
how much effort was going in behind the scenes. Darren Francey, Club Chairman, has really
driven the recent changes, particularly in terms of emphasising the importance of the core values
and pitch side behaviour. Darren, pictured in the elf costume alongside Mel Liley, Hertfordshire
Rugby Development Officer, and his team of committed volunteers, were delighted to accept
their new Accreditation plaque, which will have pride of place once the Social Spaces project is
complete in the New Year.
CALLING ALL WOMEN!
Join the Rugby
Runners for the Bupa
London 10,000
Do you want to be part of the RFU Injured
Players Foundation running team in the Bupa
London 10,000 on 25th May and run with
special guests from the women’s game to
support the official charity of England Rugby?
The IPF are creating a female team of rugby
players, coaches, referees, volunteers and fans
so if you are passionate about rugby and would
like to help the IPF support and protect rugby
players across the country why not sign up with
your team mates, family or friend? Email
[email protected] to secure one of their 150
guaranteed places in the race, to be allocated by
ballot before March 20th.
Each rugby runner, whether male or female,
is asked to pay a £20 registration fee once their
application has been approved and to raise a
minimum of £99 prior to the race day.
Runners’ achievements will be celebrated
in the IPF marquee at the Green Park charity
village after the race, with star appearances by
special guests from across the game.
10
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
KATSU
REMEMBERED
The 10th annual Oku Memorial Rugby Tournament was hosted by Oxford
University RFC at Iffley Road recently to pay tribute to Ambassador
Katsuhiko Oku, a moved loved figure who campaigned tirelessly for
Japan’s ambitions to stage a Rugby World Cup. He was tragically killed
while on diplomatic duty on the UN post-war reconstruction programme in
Iraq in November 2003.
‘Katsu’ Oku was the first Japanese national ever to play for the Blues XV
at Oxford and become a member of Vincent’s the university’s prestigious
sportman’s club. Once more players from Vincent’s , Oku’s alma mater
Hertford College, London Japanese and the Kew Occasionals gathered to
play in his memory.
His close Waseda University and diplomatic service friend Akio Miyajima
flew from Tokyo especially for the occasion and in addition to presenting a
trophy donated to the tournament last year by former Prime Minister and
current President of the Japan RFU Yoshiro Mori, unveiled a new portrait
of Katsu in Vincent’s which was presented by the participants in the rugby
tournament, once more sponsored by Rhino Rugby, whose CEO Reg Clark
was a close friend of Ambassador Oku. The Lords & Commons RFC were
represented at the event by Paul Farrelly MP, who additionally assisted with
the refereeing duties.
NATWEST U15
CUP SEES CASTLE
SCHOOL STEP UP
ROSS MARTINOVIC
As Touchline went to press, The Castle School, Thornbury, were travelling to Wellington College in Round 6 of
the NatWest U15 Cup.
Several famous rugby players have learned their trade at Wellington’s impressive 400-acre site in rural Berkshire,
including England internationals James Haskell and Paul Doran-Jones.
For Castle, a 1,700-pupil academy, it’s rather different to their home territory in northern Bristol and, despite
having produced two of world rugby’s current superstars in Mako and Billy Vunipola, this is the furthest they have
gone in the competition. Wellington, meanwhile, were hopeful of a fourth title.
Castle coach Wayne Underwood said that his side were relishing relish the experience. “Visiting a place like that
is going to be a fairly special experience for the lads. It’s certainly not the kind of school that we usually play.
“We don’t know much about them other than their results, but what we can do is go there, really take the game
to them and show that we’re not going to be beaten easily. The boys are loving that they’ve got this far in the
competition. Our win in the last match against Colston’s, a school with a massive rugby tradition in this area,
showed how much they can step up.
“We’ve been the underdogs for the last few rounds and the boys really like going up against these teams.”
Underwood is fortunate to be able to call on a large squad of 25 players, two of whom – Tom Ford and James
Jackson – are members of the Bristol Elite Player Development Group. Several others are members of Bristol’s wider
development squad, while Underwood believes that local club rugby has played a key role in his team’s success.
“Most of the boys play for Thornbury and a few others play at Cleve,” said Underwood, himself a Thornbury
player. “That’s definitely been a part of why they’ve done so well this year. The experience of playing together each
week is hugely beneficial.”
ENGLAND COUNTIES
APPOINTMENT
PAUL BOLTON
England Counties XV have appointed Simon Hicklin assistant manager. Hicklin is team manager of Greene King
IPA Championship club Plymouth Albion and has held similar positions with the Royal Navy senior XV, the Navy
Sharks sevens team and the Royal Marines.
Hicklin, 44, has also coached Devonport Services RFC and been a team leader for the Royal Marines Sports
Presentation Team. He previously served in the Royal Marines as a colour sergeant and has worked as a sports
tours co-ordinator. He joins England Counties ahead of their two internationals this season against Scotland Club
XV at Fylde on February 27 and France Federale XV at Perigeux on March 30.
Tickets for Fylde’s 7.30pm kick off (adult £8.00, concessions £5.00, under 16s £2.00, under 16s accompanied by an
adult, free) can be obtained from: Fylde RFC, The Woodlands Memorial Ground, Blackpool Road, Lytham St Annes,
Lancashire FY8 4EL. Telephone: 01253 734733 or e-mail [email protected]
ENGLAND WOMEN
INSPIRE UNIVERSITY
PLAYERS
SOPHIE FREESTONE
England Women’s success at the Rugby World Cup back in August has built on
increased popularity and participation, with 3,000 women taking up the sport over
the past 12 months, and for
many of the England squad, university life played an important part in their rugby
development.
Players such as Kay Wilson, Emily Scarratt and vice-captain Sarah Hunter, among
others, all represented their respective universities, with student rugby playing a
crucial part in their progression to the international set-up. Centre Scarratt studied
Sports and Exercise Science at Leeds Metropolitan University and the time she spent
there played a huge role in developing her into a star of the international game: “I was
very lucky that our team was made up of both internationals and some extremely good
regional players, so playing alongside them was great.”
Since their success, 12 of the World Cup-winning squad, including Wilson and
Scarratt, have been awarded professional contracts by the RFU. The move comes
ahead of rugby sevens at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. World Cup winner Sarah Hunter
believes it’s great that women can play the sport professionally: “It’s fantastic that the
RFU are investing money in 20 of the girls who are going to potentially bring home a
gold medal from the Olympics.”
Hunter believes that there is further to go: “The media interest that we got in
France was unprecedented and the profile of the sport is growing but there isn’t that
commercial interest and investment in terms of prize money. However, it is growing
and improving, which is brilliant.”
In her day job, Hunter works for the RFU as a University Rugby Development Officer
for the South West region, where the University of Bristol is currently enjoying increased
participation in women’s rugby according to their club captain, Ellie Shorrock: “We’ve
definitely had a bigger uptake this year. People seem to post about the England women
quite a lot on our Facebook page so I think they are quite an inspiration, especially to
new players who perhaps haven’t watched much rugby before.”
It’s clear that England Women’s success has increased interest in the game in
universities where many are taking up the sport for the first time.
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015
11
MARRIOTT LONDON– SEVENS
TWICKENHAM STADIUM 16 17 MAY 2015
ROUND 9, HSBC WORLD SEVENS SERIES
MARRIOTT LONDON– SEVENS
TWICKENHAM STADIUM 16 17 MAY 2015
www.englandrugby.com/marriottlondonsevens
ROUND 9, HSBC WORLD SEVENS SERIES
WEEKEND TICKETS FROM £40 • DAY TICKETS FROM £25 • JUNIORS £10
TICKETS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. SERVICE CHARGES MAY APPLY.
WEEKEND TICKETS FROM £40 • DAY TICKETS FROM £25 • JUNIORS £10
www.englandrugby.com/marriottlondonsevens
TICKETS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. SERVICE CHARGES MAY APPLY.
TWO
FRONT
TEETH &
A RUGBY
STAR FOR
CHRISTMAS
Gabriel Metcalf and Myles Carr-Oddie, were
delighted to meet Ben Youngs of British Lions,
England and Leicester Tigers fame at the AJ
Bell Stadium last month (December) after
the visitors had beaten Sale Sharks (32-30)
with a try in the dying moments of the Aviva
Premiership match.
The boys from Burnley RUFC had been part
of a guard of honour as the teams came onto the
field and played in a half time tag rugby festival,
when their U7 and U8 teams took on teams from
Eccleshall RUFC. A party of 90 junior players
and supporters travelled from Burnley to Salford
to watch the match.
Burnley RUFC Community Rugby Coach,
Simon Finnan, who organised the trip, said:
“This was a wonderful opportunity for our
enthusiastic youngsters to watch top players in
an exciting eight-try feast of running rugby, as
well as playing themselves in front of the largest
crowd ever to watch a home Sale Sharks match.”
THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION WOULD LIKE TO THANK
THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT THE GAME
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: englandrugby.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 RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trade marks of the Rugby Football
Union and are subject to extensive trade mark registration worldwide.
12
TOUCHLINE – JANUARY 2015