The Official Newspaper of The RFU

TOUCHLINE

TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015 1

June/July 2015 Issue 180

The RFU held its Annual General Meeting on June 12. RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie presented his report for season 2014/15 and told Council members that this was a most exciting year to be reporting on.

“We have just passed the milestone of 100 days to go to the Rugby World Cup, the UK & Ireland Trophy Tour has begun and we have seen the official start of the Festival of Rugby 2015.

“The whole thrust of our campaign lies in encouraging as many people as possible to embrace our sport – to know that rugby is for them. And I am sure this Rugby World Cup will have provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to do that.

“This has been another strong year and we have increased our investment in both professional and development rugby, with the total up 4% from 2013/14 to around £76m.”

Incoming RFU President Jason Leonard, said: “It seems absolutely right and fitting that this year my theme as President will be the legacy we will achieve from Rugby World Cup 2015.

The final countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 kicked off at Twickenham Stadium as Prince Harry, Honorary President of England Rugby 2015, and Rugby World Cup 2003 winners Jonny Wilkinson and Will Greenwood launched the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour with 100 days to go.

The trio were joined by local schoolchildren from Richmond and Hounslow, as well as RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie, England Rugby 2015 Chairman Andy Cosslett and Managing Director Stephen Brown, and Rugby World Cup Limited Director David Pickering to send the Webb Ellis Cup off on its 100 day journey around the UK and Ireland.

The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour will visit over 300 events including rugby clubs, sporting events, schools, community festivals and iconic landmarks, giving as many people as possible the chance to engage with the tournament and see rugby’s greatest prize.

Following five days in Scotland, five in Northern Ireland, five in the Republic of Ireland, ten days in Wales and 75 in England, it arrives at the Twickenham Opening Ceremony on September 18. The successful international Trophy Tour visited 15 countries. To view the full Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour schedule click here.

Speaking at Twickenham Stadium, Prince Harry said: “This is a very exciting day – just 100 days until the start of Rugby World Cup 2015. I am pleased to send the Webb Ellis Cup on the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour which will enable rugby fans from across the country to play their part in the build up to the Tournament. Rugby is a game built on values – respect, pride, teamwork and discipline. In 100 days’ time, England and Cardiff will play host to an incredible festival of rugby with the world’s best players, the world’s best teams and of course the world’s greatest fans demonstrating these values.

“As we have shown with the Olympic, Commonwealth and Invictus Games, we are a nation of great hosts; a nation that seizes the moment. The world will be expecting us to deliver and I know we won’t disappoint. I have no doubt the British public will make every nation feel at home and we will provide the best possible welcome to the 20 teams and hundreds of thousands of fans coming to the UK. This Tournament – the most significant moment in English Rugby since that night in Sydney in 2003 – has the ability to broaden the reach of the game and deliver a long lasting legacy for the sport.

PRINCE HARRY LAUNCHES RUGBY WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR WITH 100 DAYS TO GO

AGM HEARSOF ANOTHERSTRONG YEAR

“Rugby really is a game for everyone, no matter what shape or size, or where they come from, which is why initiatives like All Schools are critical to give as many young people as possible the chance to enjoy all the game has to offer.

“All Schools is just one of our major legacy programmes and it’s also been really good to get out to the clubs and see the difference we are making to their clubhouses, pitches, floodlights and, through these improvements, the benefits to their own communities.”

Elected by the AGM for one-year terms were: Jason Leonard, President; Peter Baines, Senior Vice President and John Spencer, Junior Vice President.

Appointments for one year term made by the RFU Council: John Spencer, RFU representative to World Rugby and Jonathan Dance, Past President. And for three-year term: Bill Beaumont, Chairman Board of Directors and World Rugby Representative.

PAULA ROWE

World Rugby and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have announced that the World Rugby U20 Championship 2016 will be held in Manchester, England.

Hosted by the RFU, the tournament will take place at AJ Bell Stadium, home of Sale Sharks, and Manchester City’s Academy Stadium, offering back-to-back international rugby in June 2016. The tournament will be shown live on Sky Sports as part of the RFU’s ongoing partnership with the broadcaster.

The annual event, which is currently taking place in Italy, is contested by 12 national teams at under-20 level, showcasing future stars of rugby union.

WORLD RUGBY U20 CHAMPIONSHIP COMING TO MANCHESTERNICOL McCLELLAND

Previously known as the Junior World Championship, the tournament was introduced in 2008 with Wales, Japan, Argentina, Italy, South Africa, France and New Zealand having all played host. Only three nations have lifted the coveted trophy, New Zealand (2008-11), South Africa (2012) and England who won back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014. The tournament proves crucial in offering a pathway for future stars of the game to progress to the highest international Test stage. Since 2008, 24 senior England players have progressed through the U20s programme including the likes of Owen Farrell and George Ford. In total, 335 players have made the step up globally.

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Jason Leonard is the first player from the professional era to become President of the Rugby Football Union and support for his appointment ranged from his club Barking RFC to former international opponents and rugby clubs up and down the country.

The game has huge affection for England’s most capped player and Rugby World Cup 2003 winner, Jason having made no less than 290 appearances for Harlequins in a career spanning both the amateur and professional game.

He was the youngest ever to pack down in England’s front row when he made his debut in 1990 aged just 21. Fourteen years later he retired with a record 114 caps.

He was awarded the MBE in 2002 and the OBE in 2004 for services to sport and has been inducted in the IRB Hall of Fame which recognises those who have made an indelible mark on the game. He was also the second recipient of The Prince Obolensky Award presented by the The Prince Obolensky Association to those in rugby who embody the Corinthian spirit.

Jason has continued to devote his time to grassroots rugby as a former President of Barking and on the RFU Council as National Member since 2006. He is very aware of the difference rugby can make to young people and is a member of the All Schools campaign team. A very active ambassador for All Schools, Jason has been supporting the initiative and visiting state secondary schools new to rugby.

JASON LEONARD OBE RFU PRESIDENT 2015/16 SEASON

Jason has lent his support to several very worthwhile charities, including being ambassador for Wooden Spoon and President of Sparks, which funds pioneering research into conditions affecting babies, children and pregnant women.

England rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List – while volunteers John Emery from Gloucestershire, Michael Gee from Cornwall, and Greg Hawkins from Greater Manchester all received, British Empire Medals (BEM).

Wilkinson, who had already been awarded an OBE in 2008, famously won the World Cup with England in 2003 and was also a key figure in the side which reached the 2007 final, losing to South Africa.

In total, Wilkinson went on to win 91 England caps and a further six with the British & Irish Lions. He spent 12 years with Newcastle Falcons before moving to French club Toulon, leading them to back-to-back Heineken Cup successes in 2013 and 2014.

Since retiring at the end of the 2013-14 season, Wilkinson has become an ambassador for the RFU’s All Schools programme, which is introducing rugby union to secondary schools that have not previously played the sport. To date, 400 schools have been enrolled in the programme and Wilkinson has been a passionate advocate.

Bill Beaumont, Chairman of the RFU, was quick to praise Wilkinson and the three rugby volunteers named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. He said: “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all those from our rugby family who have been recognised in the Honours List.

“It is wonderful to see three volunteers who have given so much to our game getting some much-deserved acclaim. Volunteers are the life-blood of our sport, whether they are coaching, refereeing or working hard behind the scenes in often unseen, but nevertheless crucial, administrative roles. John Emery, Michael Gee and Greg Hawkins have done so much for rugby in their own areas and it is great that today we get the chance to thank them for that.

“I hardly need to say anything about Jonny Wilkinson’s glittering career as his achievements speak for themselves. He is a hero to so many people, both in this country and abroad, and he epitomises everything that is good about the game. We talk a lot about the values of rugby and you could not get a better example of someone who lives those values than Jonny. His CBE is richly deserved.”

Emery received his BEM for services to grassroots rugby in Gloucestershire. He has been associated with Gordon League RFC since 1947, serving as chairman from 1959 to 1992 before taking up the mantle again in 2009. His tireless energy is credited with driving the club forward and, in recent years, he has committed himself to establishing a youth section that will lay the foundations for a solid future.

Gee received his BEM for services to rugby in the South West. The 70-year-old has filled numerous voluntary administrative posts in the last 35 years, starting out as secretary of St Ives RFC in Cornwall back in 1980. Since 1995 he has been South West Division Competitions Co-ordinating Secretary and South West Divisional Representative on the RFU Competitions Sub-Committee. He is widely regarded for his knowledge, calmness and ability to problem solve, never more so than in the floods that struck the region last year, when he successfully re-arranged 350 games, many on the same day. His commitment to treating all clubs, no matter how big or small, equally and fairly is recognised across the south west.

Greg Hawkins received the BEM for services to rugby in the North West. His dedication to the Manchester-based Trafford Metrovicks RFCC (Rugby Football and Cricket Club) included launching a mini and junior section in the late 1990s. That injected new spirit into the club and the section now provides rugby for over 300 boys and girls every week.

CHRIS HUDSON

HONOURS FOR RUGBY FAMILY

With 48 matches spread across the country, I hope that every community can be part of this Tournament and celebrate the game of rugby.”

Minister for Sport Tracey Crouch added: “I am delighted that plans are in great shape to put on an incredible Tournament. Excitement is building and I am sure the players, volunteers and fans will all contribute to an event that will live long in the memory. The Trophy Tour and Festival of Rugby will be fantastic and spread the rugby message across the country. I am sure the Tournament will bring new people to the game, both as spectators and players. It will show the world the best of Britain, boosting tourism and the economy more widely.”

Ticket sales had already hit 2 million and are currently on sale through all official channels and additional tickets will continue to be added to the general sale on a monthly basis as they become available. Click here to view tickets on sale at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com

England Rugby 2015 also announced details of their CSR ticketing programme Engaged, which will see 15,000 tickets allocated across the Host Cities and Proud Host the town of Rugby, the Mayor of London’s Sports Legacy Programmes, RFU Regional Legacy Boards, the Injured Players Foundation and Tickets for Troops. The tickets will enable community groups, young people and rugby development programmes to be part of Rugby World Cup 2015.

As readiness and testing continues, the first ever rugby match at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will feature the Barbarians and Samoa on August 29. There will also be testing at the two QBE Internationals at Twickenham Stadium in August and September to ensure the best possible delivery of the Tournament.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “The U20 Championship in England next year will be another excellent opportunity for the future stars of world rugby to showcase their skills on the world stage, following what’s shaping up to be a record-breaking Rugby World Cup.

“Manchester will provide an excellent base for the world’s top U20 teams, and it’s a great opportunity to bring a top class rugby event to the city and grow the game even further in the region.

“With so many graduates of the U20 Championship now excelling in the international Test arena, this tournament, coupled with this year’s Rugby World Cup, will leave a great legacy for others to build on in the years to come.

The appointment comes as a further boost to English rugby, with the 2015 Rugby World Cup taking place across the country in September. As the RFU’s Chief Executive Ian Ritchie commented, it promises to be an exciting year for rugby in England:

“We are honoured to be hosting the World Rugby U20 Championship in England next year. We have a tremendous opportunity to grow the game in this country after October’s tournament, and create a legacy for generations to come.

“The appointment of the Championship to the RFU is another significant step forward in helping us achieve that goal, ensuring that rugby is accessible in all areas of the country. This builds on a wide range of age grade international rugby that has and will continue to be played across England, including the Rugby World Cup pool game at the Etihad Stadium.”

With the addition of Manchester City’s 7,000 seat Academy Stadium – taking the total capacity with AJ Bell to just under 20,000 – the Championship offers plenty of opportunity for supporters to experience more top class international rugby in the North of England.

Neil Fairlamb, Manchester City Council Head of Sport, said: “The announcement that the World Rugby U20 Championship will take place in Manchester is fantastic news and once again demonstrates the city’s commitment to the sport. It will also allow us to build on the interest created by hosting a 2015 Rugby World Cup match later this year. The championship has a history of nurturing young talent and this will be a great opportunity to witness the rugby stars of tomorrow as they begin their careers.

“Manchester boasts world class sports facilities and the choice to hold the championship here shows we are truly an international sporting destination with a place on the global stage.”

Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys, Assistant Mayor for Culture and Sport at Salford City Council, added: “This tournament will give the chance to showcase the world-class sporting facilities we have on offer in Salford. It promises to be a great championship and the people of Salford will extend a very warm welcome to the players and all those who attend.”

For more information visit www.worldrugby.org

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PRINCE HARRY LAUNCHESRUGBY WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR WITH 100 DAYS TO GO

WORLD RUGBY U20 CHAMPIONSHIP COMING TO MANCHESTER…Continued from page 1

TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015 3

The 100 day to go milestone marked the start of the Festival of Rugby 2015 programme which runs from June 10 – October 31 and gives events across the UK a way to be part of rugby’s biggest year. The programme, delivered in partnership with England Rugby 2015, enables any event with a connection

to rugby to be part of a nationwide festival and is supported via www.festivalofrugby2015.com

Events started across the country including a Tag Rugby World Record attempt at Luton RFC, attended by England Women’s World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi. For more on the Festival of Rugby 2015.

An estimated 300,000 are already set to attend Festival of Rugby 2015, before October 31 in celebration of rugby’s biggest year. And kicking it all off, the RFU, in partnership with Team Beds & Luton and Northamptonshire Sport, organised a World Record Tag Rugby attempt at Luton RFC.

England 2015 ambassador and Women’s Rugby World Cup winner, Maggie Alphonsi was joined by 437 children from 29 schools from across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire as well as young sports leaders, teachers, parents and event staff in an effort to beat the current record of 336 players. Although the number of players exceeds the current record, the World Record attempt will need to be verified over the coming weeks before it can be officially confirmed. Video here >>

Maggie Alphonsi, said “Today has been an incredible start to the Festival of Rugby. It’s been great to see so many schoolchildren getting involved in the sport with the support of their local team, especially in what is a predominantly football city. If the excitement evident in today’s event is anything to go by, it’s set to be a fantastic summer of rugby and a great foundation from which to build a strong legacy for the game.”

England Rugby 2015 Managing Director, Steve Brown, said “Today’s World Record attempt at Luton Rugby Football Club is just one of many events kicking off the Festival of Rugby 2015. With events happening up and down the country from now until the end October, from the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge at the Copper Box Arena in the Olympic Park to the Yeovil 7s 80s’ Festival, there’s something for everyone. Whether spectating, participating or hosting events, we want to see communities coming together in celebration for what we hope will be rugby’s greatest year.” RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger said: “We are delighted with the number and wide range of events taking place across the country over the coming weeks. This is a real opportunity for thousands of people of all ages to get involved and join our rugby family in celebrating this very special year. The Festival of Rugby will show just how inclusive our sport is and

LET THE FESTIVAL OF RUGBY BEGIN!

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Community Festival

To celebrate the start of the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, which sees eight of the top wheelchair rugby teams compete at London’s Olympic Park, organisers are hosting a community festival event which will be completely free of charge. The event will be held on 11th October and offers the chance to try the sport, watch live games and meet Paralympic players.

North Dorset 7s

On Saturday 25 July 2015 a men’s and women’s 7s tournament, hosted by North Dorset RFC, will raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). This year’s event will see 32 teams compete and the tournament is open to the general public and caters for both players and spectators! In addition to, there’s a beer festival, Pimm’s garden, grand raffle and much more for everyone to enjoy!

Hartlepool Rovers RFC Family Fun Day

Hartlepool Rovers RFC is hosting an action-packed family fun day on 4th July. With dance troops, cheerleaders, pony rides, face painting and karaoke on offer there’s plenty to keep the entire family entertained. What’s more you can put your baking skills to the test and enter the cake bake off for a chance to win a great prize.

Got a question?

If you are interested in hosting or attending a Festival of Rugby 2015 event and have a question then you can visit the FAQs section of the website www.festivalofrugby2015.com. Alternatively you can get in touch with us via email at festivalofrugby2015@RFU.com

we are looking forward to welcoming more potential players, spectators and followers to our great game.” The first week of Festival of Rugby 2015 had over 35 events taking place from Cumbria to the West Country. Highlights included the Cumbria Social 7s and Millom Beer Festival at Millom RUFC Wilson Park. Teams arrived from all over the North West and Scotland to compete in the Women’s and Men’s 7s tournament, made up of eight female teams and eight male teams. Former England Women’s Captain, Tamara Taylor also made an appearance, taking part in some matches and participating in a Q&A on the main stage. The Yeovil 7s Eighties Festival demonstrated the true breadth of events on offer as part of Festival of Rugby 2015. The 7s tournament included rugby competitions for men, veterans, women and colts, 80s themed fancy dress, a tug-of-war competition, bouncy castle and on-site camping and catering facilities. Among the hundreds attending was England Women Seven’s player, Marlie Packer. For event organisers and participants inspired to get involved, there’s still time to take part. To apply and register interest go to www.festivalofrugby2015.com Any event that has a link to the game or a rugby theme can become part of the Festival of Rugby 2015. Developed in partnership between England Rugby 2015 and the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the Festival will be hosted across the UK.

With over 380 wide-ranging events set to be a part of Festival of Rugby, including The International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC) in Twickenham, Hoppers

Beer Festival in Lancashire and Westoe Village Fete in South Shields, there are countless ways to celebrate the year of rugby across the country. Event seekers can use the postcode facility on www.festivalofrugby2015.com to find events near them, while those looking to create their own events will have access to the Festival of Rugby 2015 brand and online event toolkit. The toolkit enables event organisers to create their own t-shirts, bunting, posters, leaflets and stickers and their events will also be profiled and promoted through the website.

FESTIVAL PICKS

Come on – don’t miss the festival fun!

4 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015

BMW are giving one lucky fan the chance to take three friends on an England Rugby tour, to watch three international fixtures throughout August and September.

No-one could have imagined a more sensational finish to this season’s Greene King IPA Championship, and after the unlikeliest of comebacks Worcester Warriors fly half Ryan Lamb could scarcely believe that his last-gasp conversion hauled his side into the Premiership.

Chris Pennell was the hero in an astonishing rollercoaster ride at Sixways, an 80th minute try completing the turnaround for the Warriors after they went into the final five minutes 30-16 down.

Leading 29-28 from the first leg at Ashton Gate, Pennell had given Worcester a 16-6 lead at the interval, gratefully snatching up Lamb’s grubber to score in the corner.

But the second half was an entirely different story, with Bristol coming out all guns blazing and the explosive pace of David Lemi causing havoc on the wing.

Jack Lam, Jack Tovey and replacement Matthew Morgan all charged over in a devastating 11 minute spell for the visitors, to give them a 14-point advantage with just five minutes on the clock.

But with a packed out Sixways roaring them on, Worcester didn’t give up, and following a penalty try and yellow cards for Lam and Dwayne Peel, Pennell scrambled through and touched down as close to the posts as he could to set up Lamb for the decisive conversion, taken with relative ease given the scale of the moment.

“It was a very kickable kick so I should have got it really,” Lamb said. “But to do it in front of these fans who’ve stuck with this club through thick and thin, is absolutely fantastic and to get the kick right at the end was a great feeling.

“To fight back from that deficit was incredible. The boys have been fantastic all year and I’m sure everyone thought we were down and out, but we were talking under the posts and our team spirit shone through.”

With both England men’s and women’s sides finishing in the top four of the end of-season rankings on the HSBC Sevens World Series guaranteeing qualification for Team GB, Great Britain Rugby Sevens recently announced details for its sevens programme in preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Great Britain Rugby Sevens Limited has been officially ratified by the British Olympic Association (BOA) and World Rugby and is a union between the Rugby Football Union, the Welsh Rugby Union and the Scottish Rugby Union. The three each have a representative on the Board of Directors as well as two executive committee members. The GB Rugby Sevens performance structure will see Joe Lydon, the RFU’s Head of International Player Development, lead on the jointly-run programmes as performance manager.

In order to be eligible for selection, athletes must hold a British passport and should have previous sevens experience at international level having played in any one or more of the following tournaments in the 14-month period prior to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games: World Rugby International World Sevens Series, Rugby Europe International Sevens tournaments or Invitational preparation tournament. Eligible players must express their interest in being selected through their home union’s performance programmes.

More than 4,000 members of The Pack of 6,000 volunteers who will help welcome the world to England during Rugby World Cup 2015 got together in Milton Keynes last month (May) to kick off the volunteer training programme.

The event, hosted by rugby broadcaster John Inverdale at Stadium MK, one of the 13 Rugby World Cup 2015 match venues, is the only time The Pack will be together in one location before city and venue specific training.

They spent the day learning more about their roles, the tournament, and what makes a Rugby World Cup special from some rugby greats including Bill Beaumont, Jason Leonard, Lawrence Dallaglio, Serge Betsen and Shane Williams.

Two Rugby World Cup winners, Will Greenwood and Maggie Alphonsi, were also there and unveiled the volunteer uniform alongside members of The Pack. The design, reflecting the Rugby World Cup 2015 colour palette, will ensure that members of The Pack stand out from the crowd on match days and become recognisable to fans and players alike.

A special performance of Jerusalem from English soprano Laura Wright, an exhibition space with interactive stations showcasing each of the Rugby World Cup 2015 cities and venues, and the presence of the Webb Ellis Cup for members of The Pack to take photos, were also part of the day’s line-up.

The Pack members were selected following a full recruitment programme. Over 20,000 applications were received, with 10,000 people going through the interactive try-out selection events in late 2014. The Pack features a diverse range of volunteers, with a number of nationalities and foreign language speakers, ages ranging between 18 and 86, and a blend of those involved in the game and new to rugby.

Stephen Brown, England Rugby 2015 Managing Director, said: “It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and excitement from members of The Pack. Our volunteers are giving their time and skill to help make the tournament the best possible experience for fans, players and all our stakeholders. We are delighted to welcome them to the Rugby World Cup 2015 family and thank them for their commitment.

“The Pack will be the faces of the tournament and we are pleased that of our 6,000 volunteers we have a real range of individuals with multiple nationalities, ages spanning 18-86, and a mix of those from rugby and new to the game. This is part of our vision for creating a legacy beyond 2015 and, working with the RFU, we hope that many members of The Pack will remain in rugby and volunteering long after the Tournament.”

Representatives from the RFU were keen to tell The Pack about wider volunteering opportunities within the game. Simon Winman, Head of Club Development said: “The Pack was a fantastic group of people with a real interest in extending their volunteering beyond the tournament.” Watch the video >>

THE PACK GATHERS AT STADIUM MK

SEVENS RIO PREPARATIONSGARETH MILLS

WIN A SUMMER OF RUGBY WITH BMW

NICOL McCLELLAND

SENSATIONALCHAMPIONSHIPFINISH FORWORCESTER

The winner will receive four tickets to the upcoming QBE Internationals: England v France on 15 August and England v Ireland on 5 September, as well as to France v England in Paris on 22 August.

The prize package also includes travel and accommodation for all three events, as well as access to the BMW Lounge at Twickenham during home games.This could be a summer to remember. You can enter online until midnight on 17 July 2015 at www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/topics/campaigns/2015/summer-of-rugby.htm

A recruitment process is underway for head coach and assistant coaches for each of the men’s and women’s sides, with candidates largely expected to come from nominations from the home unions. Each union will be represented on the selection panel as well as an independent from the BOA.

The main preparation with a wider squad will begin from June 2016 through a series of training camps, with a final squad of 12 players selected in July 2016, just prior to the start of the Olympic Games.

Ian Ritchie, RFU Chief Executive Officer said: “Qualifying on behalf of Team GB for both the men’s and women’s teams is a huge achievement and to be part of the Olympics Games is tremendously exciting for not only Great Britain but also for the game globally. We are pleased to be part of this union between the RFU, WRU and SRU and committed to ensuring we all work in partnership and provide what is needed to give GB Sevens the best possible platform to perform in Rio next year.”

Mark Dodson, Scottish Rugby Chief Executive said: “Sevens was invented here in Scotland and, recognising the pace at which the sport is growing at a global level, we welcome the announcement of the Team GB programme for the Olympic Games in Rio and look forward to working with the RFU and WRU to establish a successful team.”

Gareth Davies, WRU Chairman said: “The introduction of the sevens game and the inclusion of Team GB team in the Olympic Games is a historic landmark for the game of rugby union. I am delighted players from Wales will have the chance to compete for selection and the opportunity to compete for Olympic medals. We look forward to working closely with all the home nations involved to help create an exciting and competitive squad for this great competition.”

Lord Coe, British Olympic Association Chairman added: “We are delighted to formally welcome Great Britain Rugby Sevens Limited to our National Olympic Committee and British Olympic Family. We very much look forward to supporting rugby sevens and their athletes on their journey to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.”

Mark England, Team GB Rio 2016 Chef de Mission said: “It’s fantastic to welcome rugby sevens to Team GB and hugely exciting to know that we will be represented in the sport at an Olympic Games for the first time. For both the men’s and women’s teams to secure the required top four finish in the first qualification phase is a great achievement and we can now look forward to Rio 2016.”

Joe Lydon said: “To have sevens at the Olympic Games is massive for the sport and we want to make sure we give GB Rugby Sevens the best chance to succeed next year in Rio. The first step was to qualify this year and we are delighted that the England men and women have done that through the first route of the qualification process. It is testament to the hard work and attitude shown by all the players, coaches and management.

“The next step is to get the GB Rugby Sevens programme operational, particularly focussing around the appointment of the coaching teams and the recruitment of players, as we look ahead to the start of next season. We need to strike a balance between a core group of sevens players, whose experience will be vital going into an Olympic campaign, and the ability to transition players from the XVs game to enable them to have time to adjust to the unique demands of the sevens game.”

England Counties enjoyed a successful tour of Romania as they returned home with a 100 per cent record.

The representative side, made up of the cream of talent from the grassroots game, defeated club side CSM Bucuresti and then a strong Romania A side. And they also found time to carry out some valuable outreach work with the U16s at Bucuresti, ensuring they returned home having left a positive impression of English rugby.

Undoubtedly the focal point of the tour was the big clash with a Romania A team made up of a handful of U23 players and a number of full internationals.

But England Counties proved they were more than up to the challenge running in four tries courtesy of Durham’s Chris Wearmouth, Cornwall duo Matt Shepherd and Ben Hilton, and Hertfordshire’s Henry Robinson. Shepherd also kicked four conversions in the 28-20 victory.

Team Manager Matt Long said: “They were fairly physical opponents, as expected. This was

originally billed as a game against Romania U23s, but in the end they only had four people under 23 and the rest was a fairly strong senior side. They brought quite a bit of physicality and were a solid side.

“It was a difficult one to predict because we had so many new guys in the squad who were untested at this level. To put those guys together and get the win against Bucuresti and follow up with a win against a national side was phenomenal, and testament to the good work of the coaches.”

The win had followed on from the meeting against CSM Bucuresti three days earlier, when the Counties side had run out 26-18 victors.

That game had seen all 15 new members of the squad given a run-out during the game, and the win was sealed thanks to tries for Robinson, Eastern Counties’ Albert Portsmouth, Cornwall’s Ben Hilton, and captain Keith Laughlin of Northumberland. Shepherd kicked three conversions to complete the scoring.

5TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015

In July, O2 Touch is back on the road hitting Manchester and London with England Rugby superstar Jonny Wilkinson bringing a fun-packed day of sport.

As England prepares for its biggest ever year of rugby, O2 and England Rugby are setting out on the O2 Touch Tour to give you the chance to try out the game that everyone’s talking about.

And Jonny’s not the only one getting in on the O2 Touch action. He’ll be joined by current England Rugby stars and other special guests.

Here’s how you can get involved…Got some mates in mind and want to get

competitive? Get together and enter the O2 Touch Tournament.

At the England XV v Barbarians day at Twickenham, two of rugby’s fantastic referees stepped up to be technical zone officials for the county finals.

John Kelly played some 1500 matches over 39 seasons including several as player/coach, before the North Midlands Society encouraged him to take up the whistle. After 25 seasons he has refereed in 16 overseas tens tournaments, four overseas sevens tournaments and even a couple of five-a side beach rugby tournaments in Hong Kong. Approaching his 1000th match as an official, he mentors new referees within his local Society and as an RFU Educator helps deliver Level 2 Refereeing courses.

Geoff Cove played at 9 for Cheltenham Civil Service, Broughton Park, Trowbridge and Ashton-on-Mersey and took up the whistle after playing in over 750 games. He has refereed for Manchester & District, having been their Chairman, and Gloucester & District, where he was Referee Development Officer. Having refereed over 800 games, as well as 7s and 10s tournaments, he has covered matches in Trinidad and Tobago, Croatia, Malta, Ireland, Scotland and Jersey. He also coaches referees.

TWO OF THE BEST

ENGLAND COUNTIES ROMP TO TOUR SUCCESS IN ROMANIACHRIS HUDSON

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO THIS SUMMER?

A cash-injection of a quarter of a million – that’s what Bowdon Rugby Club hope to achieve by renting out their roof space for a solar array, ensuring they pay no more than 6p per kilowatt hour for their electricity when the sun is in the sky. Before they signed up for the 50 kilowatt array at their premises they were paying 13p per kilowatt hour – a saving of over 50%.

A number of companies are able to provide an energy generation solution of this nature, with Bowdon opting for Green Energy UK for their installation. Both RFU facilities technical manager Ted Mitchell and Twickenham Stadium based RFU sustainability manager Dru Morton were shown the set up by Andrew McHale, a Bowdon junior coach and club sponsor. Andrew said: “Within three months the deal was done and the panels were in place, it’s already putting something back into the National Grid and the reduction in costs of electricity means we can invest funds elsewhere in the club.”

Captain Andy Sanger RE, Army Head Coach picked a pack to provide the ball and a back division that would attack for the Babcock Trophy 36-18 victory.

Before a capacity crowd of fans the key to a simple strategy on ball control was Chris Budgen who, at 42 years of age and winning his 39th cap, locked the first piece of the structural jigsaw into the Twickenham turf. Mattie Dwyer, Ricky Reeves in the front row scrummed, Darrell Ball and Will Jones jumped like salmon while Ledua Jope, Maku Koroiyadi and Chris Mundy created and scavenged as the situation demanded.

Against successive attacks the Navy fought manfully but the Army controlled the rugby.

Fiji international No10 Jack Prasad had a commanding game pulling, pushing, adjusting and then darting before releasing his threequarters.

Centres Gerhard Wessels and Peceli Nacamavuto reinforced the message – ‘we are here to play’. Both teased before releasing firstly Jonasa Bulumakau to fizz and then England winger Semesa Rokoduguni to thunder. Both scored great tries, Roko from his own 22 to thunderous Reds applause.

Pressure has always meant points and Army full back Owain Davies, in his first Twickenham match calmly delivered. Lock Will Jones in his finest game in a Reds’ shirt notched a brace showing fantastic pace.

BOWDON’S GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

The President of Cheshire RFU Martin Wroe said: “These arrays are fantastic for sports clubs. It’s a win, win situation and you don’t get many of those.”

In July the RFU will be launching special Technology Guides that will enable clubs to consider various energy generation options and identify the solution that may be best for them. For more information visit www.sustainableclubs.co.ukTRUSTED TO DELIVER

For years a sign from the old Kenilworth railway station hung in Kenilworth Rugby Club. No one quite knows how it got there, it was part of the clubhouse furniture. Then President Willie Whitesmith discovered that the designers of the new station in Kenilworth had uncovered stained glass windows from the original building and the club management committee offered to re-unite the sign with the station as well. Hannah Collett of the Kenilworth Station Scheme was delighted to collect it to take up a prominent spot in the new station.

STATION CHUFFED TO GET SIGN BACK

The Navy battled individually to ride out the storm. Ben Priddey and Marsh Cormack fought the good fight. Scrum half and long term skipper Dave Pascoe came on for his record 16th Army Navy match and immediately slotted into his default rhythmic delivery.

Bulumakau was awarded Babcock Man of the Match which reflected well on his great first season in a Reds shirt but the match showed he is one of a number of really good young players coming through the Inter Corps ‘A’ XV channel.

Never played O2 Touch before, or even picked up a rugby ball? Come along anyway! With our free O2 Touch Taster sessions you can try the game out and learn the basics at your own pace.

Prefer to support from the sidelines? We want you there too! All ages can register for free spectator tickets to cheer on your team and soak up the atmosphere.

There’ll be DJs, food and drink and goody bags for everyone playing in the tournament or taster sessions. Plus plenty more.

The O2 Touch Tour is coming to Manchester (11 July) and London (26th July)

All set to sign up? Head to www.o2touch.co.uk

Sandal RUFC, after two years of third-place finishes, led National Three North heading into the final afternoon. A 30-13 reverse to Sale in the opening round had been followed by a 20-game unbeaten run. Then, five matches from the finishing line, their visit to Lymm ended in a 15-12 defeat. Unperturbed, Sandal went on to three comfortable victories, before facing Sale – lurking in second – on the last day.

They started brilliantly. Tries from Dave Martin, Alex Orr, Simon Frewin and Rob Norbury opened up a 22-3 advantage before three yellow cards in five second-half minutes turned the clash on its head. Sale capitalised to win 31-22, sealing automatic qualification with a try on full-time.

As prop Norbury explains, “After the game, there was a lot of disappointment but we just let it go. We’re a set of mates and play for each other. We knew we had a play-off and we’d be out to win that.”

Sandal hosted National Three Midlands runners-up Hinckley the next Saturday and prevailed 20-10, under former Rotherham head coach Jim Kilfoyle, at the helm for nine seasons, alongside fellow coaches Joe Bedford and Simon Worall.

Much is made in rugby about a band-of-brothers mentality. And Rob, Luke and Ashley Norbury personify that. This trio of siblings occupies the front row – eldest Rob at tighthead, middle brother Luke at loosehead and Ashley now hooker. They started together in a 23-17 triumph over Sheffield Tigers in December, although Ashley’s ability to slot in across all three positions means he often begins among the replacements.

“They’re very different people,” smiles Kilfoyle. “Rob is a very placid character and a big man, but he’s also a very, very good

6 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015

REAL RUGBY STORIESDo you know any individuals or organisations that could feature on Real Rugby Stories? If so, please email charliemorgan@rfu.com

FRONT ROW FRATERNITYPICTURES: KEVAN NORBURY

NOTTINGHAM CORSAIRS UNDER 17 CHAMPIONSHargreaves continues. “You can have coaches telling you that you can do it, but it’s different when you’ve actually done it. We work very hard on our fitness and the belief was there.”

It certainly was. Nick Hobbs went over for a try and Gabriel Calland added the extras. Now 20-14 in arrears, at the next stoppage the dream would be over. They worked through the phases, Sevenoaks conceded a penalty and were dealt a yellow card. Tap and go. Another few metres for Nottingham – over halfway now. Another penalty. Tap and go again. The ball was worked into the hands of blind-side flanker James Pritchett, who set off on a searing outside arc before calmly passing to No.8 and captain Jack Dickinson, who stormed through the gap and scored in the corner.

Fittingly for a group forged from the earliest mini sessions, Hargreaves salutes “a try made in touch rugby”. But the conversion was still to come. With teammates covering their eyes, Calland stepped up in a swirling wind to bisect the posts from out wide. Cue the celebrations.

“These kids, quite a lot of them, have been playing rugby together since the age of five or six. They’ve been on tours, slept round each other’s houses and won a lot of things together. A lot are making progress on the representative ladder and in the Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints Academies, but they’ve all said they’ll never get anything quite the same as winning with mates they have grown up with. They’re a fantastic bunch of kids…

footballer. He makes a lot of tries with great handling. With the size of him, you might not think he could do that. In the physical games, he stands up to everything and takes it stoically. He’s a very good tighthead.

“A couple of years later, Luke came in. He’s become a very good player. He’s intelligent and he can play either side of the scrum. He’s what you would think of a modern prop with a good, athletic build. It was really unfortunate that he had to miss the play-off with a knee injury.

“The youngest is Ashley. He started off as a prop but we’ve converted him to hooker. He’s smaller than his brothers, but stocky and strong. He has had a hot-headed stage, but he’s getting out of it!”

The Norbury boys all work in the building trade with father Kevan. Rob is a joiner, Luke a plumber and Ashley a bricklayer. Rob’s son Joshua is a regular for the extremely successful Sandal Under 12 side – his dad coaching – and often acts as ball-boy for the seniors. The brothers were coached by Stuart Lancaster at Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield. Rob met up with the England Head Coach when they were back on their old stomping ground at the official opening of a new 3G pitch.

“He seemed exactly the same as he had ever been,” Rob says. “In fact, we spent most of the time chatting about the play-off we’d just won. He was genuinely interested.”

Kilfoyle says of Sandal, “The club itself has grown along with the team. There is a great committee and the youth are really given a chance. We now have a girls’ side and two new pitches. The mini and junior set-up is one of the best in the country.

“Many players head off with the Yorkshire Carnegie’s

Academy and play at a higher level, but a lot come back to a club they are very familiar with and they have affection for. Inevitably, players will move on – to university or wherever – but we will always keep in touch and welcome them back.”

Kilfoyle says of the Norburys, “The first time they all played together was up in the North East somewhere, it was Ash’s first game, so the opposition tried to be a bit physical with him. I’ve never seen anything like it. His two brothers came in to intervene and I almost had to get on the field myself. I told Rob and Luke: ‘We don’t do that here.’ They replied pretty quickly: ‘But he’s our brother.”

Kilfoyle laughs, “OK. Well just this once then,’ I said.”National Two North now awaits Sandal’s no-longer nearly

men. You can be sure they will meet the challenge united.

well, not kids. They’re young men, really.”Hargreaves has, after all, been there since helping out with his

son’s Under 6 side – four of whom, including Man of the Match Pierre Byworth, were in action in Salford. Fellow fathers Dave Calland, Steve Wright and Tom Mawhood guided a talented squad through the age-groups and trophies came through the seasons before Nottingham Boots Corsairs, the senior section of the club, disbanded. It was suggested that the juniors should do the same.

Hargreaves explains. “The boys wanted to stay together. We’ve had to fight hard but if you’re progressing every week with your mates and in with a chance of winning, it’s quite a powerful magnet.

“After three or four weeks of thinking about the cup, we can now pick our heads up and have a look around. We’ll continue

as we are for next season. There is an excellent set of Under 16s coming up and we’ll mix it up. Quite a few will go off to university and the problem is that, because there is no senior team and they’ll have to start a new one, we’d start right at the bottom when I’d say 10 of our lads could go into a decent first team right now. It’d be nice to create a legacy of a men’s team but there are discussions to be had.”

Nottingham Corsairs coach David Hargreaves condenses a decade into one simple rhetorical question, “I guess you just dig deep for your best friends, don’t you?”

It sums up a result that capped 11 years of overseeing an exceptional junior side. Hargreaves is describing his team’s 21-20 victory over Sevenoaks in the final of the RFU National Under 17 Cup at the AJ Bell Stadium, home of Aviva Premiership outfit Sale Sharks.

Nottingham’s Joe McMenamin ruptured knee ligaments hitting a tackle bag in the warm-up and sat in a wheelchair on the touchline throughout the match. Prop Henry Mawhood was then stretchered off and, with just seven minutes remaining, Sevenoaks led 20-7.

“In a previous round, we beat a side by scoring twice late on,”

Canterbury brought 12 All Schools to play a touch tournament on the Twickenham pitch and the pupils were taken behind the scenes as well. Maggie Alphonsi and Jason Leonard were there to greet them and present tournament medals, with Mike Catt and Andy Farrell also lending their support. West Lakes Academy (pictured) was the tournament winner and everyone had a great day. Said Simon Sinclair, PE Teacher & Head of Year 7 at Regents Park Community College, “What a fantastic day! It was amazing and an experience that affected the students, who seem to have a real passion and appreciation for the game. Meeting legends like Maggie Alphonsi, Jason Leonard, Mike Catt and Andy Farrell was a dream come true.”

PICTURES: TIGER IMAGES

CANTERBURY ALL SCHOOLS TWICKENHAM EXPERIENCE

Extra Mile, a UK registered charity, run by three Bolton RUFC former players. Barry Heaton, Don Mayoh and Mick Fielding, is working in Sierra Leone, where the 10 year civil war and the recent outbreak of Ebola have claimed 2000 lives and left thousands of children orphaned and all but destroyed the education system.

Extra Mile sends out volunteer teachers and is building a new, free, secondary school and community library to help children in one of the poorest areas. They have also set up teacher-training programmes, and school management training as well as providing much-needed medical

GOING THE EXTRA MILEsupplies to local clinics during the Ebola crisis. They are shipping a container out in late July, filled with school and library books, and school chairs and desks, as well as some simple medical supplies.

Many rugby friends have helped but Barry, Don and Mick are still looking to cover the cost of the container and build the next four classrooms in the school.

For more information visit www.extra-mile.org For online donations visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com

7TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015

Cornwall ended Lancashire’s stranglehold on the Bill Beaumont Cup at Twickenham when they won their first title since 1999 with an 18-13 victory.

Matt Shepherd of Cornish All Blacks scored two tries, a conversion and a penalty to open up a 15-6 advantage after 47 minutes. Steve Collins (Sedgley Tigers) and Chris Johnson (Fylde) kicked three-pointers for Lancashire but Cornwall’s intensity and power was impressive. Billy Searle (Cornish All Blacks) effectively secured the win off the tee, although Evan Stewart’s converted score made it a nervous last few minutes for Cornwall.

Cornwall Coach Graham Dawe said: “We were well organised and smacked them in the tackle area, it was a well earned victory. Fair play Lancashire came close towards the end but full credit to the guys for hanging on.”

Cornwall Captain Kyle Marriott said: “I’m in a bit of shock! The way it felt when the final whistle blew was just incredible. The

TRELAWNEY’S ARMY CHEERCORNWALL TO VICTORY

crowd were phenomenal, we turned this place black and gold and what a noise!”

Surrey claimed their first County Championship Division 2 Plate with a convincing 17-3 triumph over Eastern Counties and said their captain Armand Roux said: “To come up a division and perform like that is incredible. I’m so proud of the boys for the way we keep improving, keep getting better. Eastern Counties tested us out wide but we withstood their challenge, it’s been a fantastic day.”

Mike Terelak and Will Crow tries, both converted by Matt Noble, meant that Surrey went into the break 14-3 in front. James Stokes’ penalty was Eastern Counties sole response as Richie Andrews’ men controlled much of the first half. Neither team could find a score in the second period until Noble kicked a three-pointer four minutes from time.

After dominating the County Championship Shield Final, winning the competition three years in a row, Surrey showed that

their promotion to Division 2 was justified. Surrey Coach Richie Andrews said: “I never doubted we could achieve this.”

Leicestershire ended years of frustration in the final of the County Championship Shield by securing their first title courtesy of a 34-17 victory over Cumbria at Twickenham.

They controlled much of the first half, going into the break 19-10 ahead, and cantered to certain victory in the second half. Leicestershire Head Coach Paul Walsh said: “We’re really proud of the boys, seven of today’s side were here for three finals losses so it means so much to get over the line today.”

In total Leicestershire had suffered four defeats in Shield finals before this encounter, but the pressure didn’t show as Cumbria struggled to deal with their superior power. Leicestershire captain Luke Coltman said: “This is one of the proudest days of my life as a rugby player. I thought we played really well and to come out as winners here is just brilliant.”

Bridport Rugby Club recently held a Big Breakfast in the Leisure Centre pavilion in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. Receiving the cheque for £555 on behalf of MacMillan, Chrissie Wathen-Neal said how grateful they were for the rugby club’s support. Peter Brook, club President, said he hopes it will become an annual event and thanked all the volunteers who helped and a local businness who provided funds for the food.

MIXED ABILITY RUGBY WORLDTOURNAMENT NEEDS YOUR HELPThe WEA Bumble Bee Barbarians, England’s first-ever Mixed Ability Rugby team and member club recently launched a Crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000 in aid of the Mixed Ability Rugby World Tournament, taking place in Bradford from 17th-21st August 2015. Visiting teams will be greeted by a video from Stuart Lancaster welcoming them to the inaugural Mixed Ability World Tournament.

Mixed Ability Rugby is an innovative concept, created entirely by students and tutors, which allows players with learning or physical disabilities to play together in the same full-contact rugby union teams. Essentially, it’s a social inclusion initiative which seeks to radically redefine perceptions of what disabled people can achieve.

The tournament will line up more than 400 players from 10 different countries including: France, Italy, Serbia and Argentina, and will be the first event of its kind anywhere in the world. This event is being run entirely by students and volunteers and is wholly dependent upon voluntary donations. All the money raised will be used to pay for the accommodation costs for players from countries which can’t afford to cover these costs themselves.

The Bumbles are one of great success stories of rugby and recieved a President’s Award last year. Assistance in promoting the Crowdfunding campaign as widely as possible would be greatly appreciated. The hope is to get enough support to make 2015 the Year of the Bumbles!

Watch video >>

PYTHONS IN BUDAPESTHarrogate Pythons enjoyed a recent tour to Budapest securing a 32-28 victory over Budapest Exiles. Try scorers were Andy Lambert with three, Neil Summersall, Liam Kernoghan, Ivan Drane, with Ross Fallenstein knocking over a conversion. The Pythons are now embarking on close season fitness after breaking the suspension on a minibus! They are also running touch and pass every Monday and Wednesday, starting at 6:45pm. Anyone who wants to give rugby a try is welcome to come and join in. Click here

BRIDPORTBIGBREAKFAST

8 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015

When the English leg of the British 7s took place at Broadstreeet RFC games were officiated by members of the National Panel of Match Officials and Warwickshire Referee Society.

Panel ref’s worked alongside promising guys from Warwickshire in a mentoring scheme, under the guidance of Panel Ref Luke Haskins and Coach Ian Roberts. The day of rugby and development was a great success and not one complaint was heard from any of the teams either in the main competition or the community games, which said much about the high standard of

PANEL & SOCIETY REFS WORKING TOGETHER

Dursley RFC, in Gloucestershire, are busy fundraising to improve their facilities. In the past year they have improved the clubhouse through their own funds and an RFU Social Spaces grant, now they have moved on to fundraising for a changing room re build.

One club member Rachael Stewart had her long hair cut to a grade 1 shave with a £1,000 target, which she nearly doubled when the club hosted the GRFU county cup finals. She had the first cut from none other than England’s Ben Morgan, who started his rugby life at Dursley. A second volunteer also decided to give his support by shaving his beloved moustache and getting a leg wax from Ben.

HAIR RAISING TIMES AT DURSLEY!

The Middlesex annual St George’s Day Festival at Wasps FC saw 32 girls’ teams and over 50 clubs competing at U13, U15 and U18 age groups.

“This is our sixth year of running the competition” said Clare Cooper, RFU Women’s Rugby Development Officer, “and the number of teams and the level of rugby increases each year. The Festival began in 2010, as part of the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup Legacy programme. With so many clubs represented, it really shows how far we’ve come.”

Nine teams competed in the U13 age group, which saw Pulborough Girls beating last year’s winner Basingstoke. Chesham overcame Mansfield to take third place. In the U15 age

The final Awards Panel meeting of the year saw the Rugby Football Foundation award grants to 16 clubs totalling £57,000 for capital projects valued at £241,000, which will support the retention and recruitment of rugby players.

These included pitch drainage at Bodmin RFC, heating and showers at Mosborough RUFC, pitch maintenance equipment at Old Gravesendians RFC, a new electrical supply at Thorney RFC and refurbished floodlights at Bridport RFC.

Over the 2014/5 season 156 clubs have received interest free loans and grants totaling £1.5m to support capital projects worth £8.3m to the game.

While interest free loans have focused on supporting clubs to deliver larger infrastructure projects, such as a £100,000 loan towards a new clubhouse at Thatcham RFC and a £50,000 loan towards new changing rooms at Veseyans RFC, the Foundation has successfully piloted a Green Deal loan programme over 2014/5 in Yorkshire.

Following an initial independent energy survey clubs

FOUNDATION HELPS TO FUND FUTUREimplemented a series of no cost / low cost changes to their management and operations over a twelve week period which demonstrated a commitment to energy efficiency and cost savings. Within the report clubs also identified a series of low cost sustainable technologies (such as LED light fittings) and capital items (such as boilers) with an average investment level of £25,000. Combined with their own low cost measures clubs were projected to make an annual saving of £4,000 showing on average a six and half a year payback period.

Clubs such as Scarborough RUFC, Old Crossleyans RUFC and Huddersfield RUFC have now gone on to apply for RFF Green Deal Loans based on the payback period of the initial capital investment. Following the success of this pilot the Green Deal loan application will now be open to clubs across England in season 2015/16.

Clubs wishing to apply for an RFF Interest Free Loan or Grant should visit www.rugbyfootballfoundation.org/ or contact their local RFU Area Facility Manager for support.

MIDDLESEX MAKE GIRLS A PRIORITY

group 12 teams were involved, newcomers Newark beating Aylesford in the final, and Basingstoke pipping Gosford into third place. The U18s age group had ten teams competing and Berkshire BaaBaas, made up of players from Reading and Newbury, overcame Pulborough in the final, with Aylesford taking third place ahead of Basingstoke.

Middlesex Rugby’s Women and Girls Officer, Louise Latter, said: “The St George’s Day Festival grows each year and is testament to the growth of the game, seeing new teams entering and existing teams adding age groups. Everyone works together to ensure that the day is a great success and the spirit of the girls and their clubs is a great example of rugby’s values.”.

officiating and organisation on the day by Luke. National Panel Match Officials Manager Alan Biggs said “This

was a wonderful opportunity for panel and society guys to work together and learn from each other, it just goes to show the referee is never as alone as we think and gets lots of support from his and her colleagues.

“Festivals like these are really important for learning and fun and to show the extra team on the field are the match officials, who certainly showed all of rugby’s core values.”

9TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015

With some trepidation WO1 Gary Walker and six volunteers took 24 Army family children, all aged under 11, from Germany to play two teams representing the Royal Navy on Army v Navy day at Twickenham.

Brigadier Bell (BFG Comd) presented each child with their match shirts before they boarded a coach for their accommodation at St Omer Barracks, Aldershot. The youngsters were all tremendously excited, until SSgt Adrian Cubbin pulled out two Maths SATS papers. There were, however, no tears until the rugby coaches had to mark 24 lots of maths!

The youngsters enjoyed a training session in their respective teams, Ridgbacks and Mastiffs, before visiting Twickenham’s World Rugby Museum and, as the big day arrived, there was an interview with British Forces Broadcasting and a photo shoot with the Army and England’s Semesa Rokoduguni. In front of an 82,000 capacity crowd, they gave a great display of rugby, the Ridgbacks playing the United Services and the Mastiffs playing Devonport Services.

The National Girls U13 and U15 competitions gave more than 40,000 girls the opportunity to play rugby in local festivals and, at Staines RFC in May, 24 school teams and over 360 girls competed at the National Festival for the chance to play on Twickenham’s hallowed turf before the Army v Navy match. Girls in Years 9 and 10 took part in the U15 competition and those in Years 7 and 8, many having very recently taken up the game, in the U13 matches.

Said Mark Saltmarsh RFU Head of Education Development, “The RFU is committed to providing opportunities for women and girls to play rugby. We have a team of Women’s Rugby Development Officers working alongside the rest of our field staff and are seeing more and more schools keen to offer girls

COME ONTHE REDS!

GIRLS AT TWICKENHAM & THOUSANDS IN LOCAL FESTIVALSSTEPHANIE GILES

RFU referee Wayne Barnes recently took part in a tag festival at Telford Hornets RFC involving young people with learning disabilities.

Now an annual event which has grown over recent years, it saw 38 teams involved with players from all over the UK. Sponsored by the Wooden Spoon charity, it was also attended by Jason Leonard, Tim Stimson and Phil Vickery. Watch video >>

BARNES REFS TELFORD TAG FESTIVAL

Oakmeadians Ladies’ 12-hour non-stop bike ride raised funds to purchase three defibrillators for local rugby clubs. With a 27 strong women’s team they clocked up an impressive 400 miles.

The mega ride on the balcony at Oaks in Meyrick Park, Bournemouth, saw them cycle to victory raising a whopping £28,000, enough to purchase an initial three defibrillators for Oakmeadians, Lytchett Minster and East Dorset RFCs.

The Ladies were grateful to have the support of local company, Fitness First, who loaned the static bikes and also donated two brand new defibrillators to the project, enabling the ladies to add a further two clubs to benefit from this scheme. Sunseeker International also raised £200 within the company when Oaks Ladies Chairperson, Natalie Jeffery, visited the factory dressed as a fairy in rugby kit.

In January a popular local rugby union referee suffered a heart attack while refereeing a game. The actions of the players on the pitch and the availability of a defibrillator helped save his life and the Oaks Ladies team decided that their club should have one to protect their visitors, players and members.

Samantha Briggs, fundraising coordinator said “Our club and our members are a family and it was important to raise the funds to keep them safe in times of crisis. And why stop at one defibrillator? Rugby is about community and we wanted to raise enough money to get defibrillators for other local clubs in our area.”

rugby. Having a range of fun and meaningful competitive opportunities is a vital ingredient of getting girls involved and keeping them playing. May’s event is the tip of the iceberg and a great showcase for the hundreds of schools and girls taking part locally; all helping to strengthen our clubs and grow the game in their local community.”

The following schools qualified to play at Twickenham:U13s: Castleford Academy, Hugh Sexey School, St Nicholas Catholic High

School and Oldfields Hall School.U15s: The Kings of Wessex Academy, Sirius Academy, Priestlands School and

Robert Clack School.

OAKMEADIANS LADIES ARE ALL HEART

10 TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015

As Touchline went to press it was already a record-breaking year for NatWest RugbyForce, taking place 27th & 28th June at clubs nationwide. With nearly 700 clubs signed up, it was set to be a fantastic and productive weekend.

One fantastic part of NatWest RugbyForce was the award of a limited number of Ultimate Club Experiences, where NatWest delivers a bespoke experience at the club. This year’s Ultimate Clubs were: Melton Mowbray, Barnsley, Slough, Stroud and Whitstable RFCs and Bury RUFC. Each club was to be joined by a rugby legend to assist them with their NatWest RugbyForce weekend and an array of support to bring their event to life.

CBRE principal partner of All Schools recently hosted a reward and celebration event for teachers involved in all phases of the programme in their schools.

Before the England XV v Barbarians game at Twickenham, 170 teachers from 85 schools listened to presentations from RFU Head of Education Development, Mark Saltmarsh on Rugby World Cup 2015 legacy. CBRE explained their support and involvement, before RFU Head of International Player Development Joe Lydon talked about young people maximising their potential.

After hospitality in the West Fan Village the teachers all watched England win, their tickets a gift from CBRE, whose Managing Director, Ciaran Bird said: “It was great to thank the teachers involved in All Schools and to discuss how CBRE can help their schools beyond the programme. We’re pleased that more than 80 schools have accepted our offer to provide career

RUGBY’S WAR HEROES INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE

RUGBY’S WAR HEROES – Remembering and Educating1

CBRE SAYTHANK YOU TEACHER

VERITY WILLIAMStalks and insight sessions into what the property industry can offer and how CBRE can help children who want to explore it as a career option.”

Ashley Hollis from Oxford Academy said “I really enjoyed the day, found the presentations really interesting and took some great things and ideas away from the day. The RFU have been amazing with the All Schools project and have done a brilliant job. I’ve been proud to be part of it this year.”

Mark Saltmarsh added: “The effort and commitment of the senior management and teachers in our All Schools has been great. We wouldn’t be able to achieve our ambitious target of 750 new rugby playing secondary schools by 2019 without the time they put in alongside the local club and our RFU field staff. We really wanted, together with CBRE, to say a big thank you through sharing a day out at Twickenham and the 73 – 12 victory was the icing on the cake!”

This month the RFU is launching a commemoration project encouraging young people to learn, research and write about the rugby players who died in the Great War.

A brochure detailing two projects, one for seven to 11 year olds and one for 11 – 18s, is being distributed to schools and clubs.

The best younger entry will see a youngster run out as England mascot at an international match, four runners up becoming part of the guard of honour. The child’s school or club will also have the chance of a Stadium Tour and World Rugby Museum visit led by England World Cup winner and RFU commemoration ambassador, Lewis Moody.

For the older age group a winner and three friends will get to watch England train at Pennyhill Park and tickets to a match. Four runners up can also get match tickets and winners’ school or club also get a tour with Lewis.

Said Lewis Moody, “My great grandfather, whose name I share, was a regular soldier sent to France with the Expeditionary Force and was lucky to survive. An incredible number of international and club players left their rugby pitches never to return. Rugby enlisted en masse and I feel tremendous pride in my predecessor and my sport. I think it is massively important that our young people know about the players who signed up, fought and died alongside their team mates.

“This project looks at three very different men: Cyril Lowe, a World War I Flying Ace, who survived the war; Edgar Mobbs, who set up his own Sportsman’s Battalion and was killed fighting; and Rupert Inglis, Army Chaplain and Stretcher Bearer, who as the oldest of 27 England internationals to die, was lost bringing in the wounded. They are an inspiration to us all.”

Entries should be in by 31st December 2015. For further details visit: www.englandrugby.com

Following Prince Harry’s visit to the club last year to promote the RFU’s All Schools programme, Eccles Chairman Andy Brunt, received an invitation to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party from The Lord Lieutenant of Manchester. With his wife Gill, he went along to Buckingham Palace and said, “I am very, very conscious I am here on behalf of and representing all the people who have made Eccles RFC the community club it is today. With our Duke of Edinburgh people visiting St. James’s Palace to meet Prince Philip, we’re becoming regulars at royal events!”

ECCLES CHAIRMAN ATBUCKINGHAMPALACE PARTY

FEEL THE NATWEST RUGBYFORCE

11TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 2015

To reward and recognise the fantastic work that coaches do within community rugby across the country, QBE – working in partnership with the RFU to recruit and train 2,015 new Level 2 coaches by September 2015 – invited 250 coaches recently qualified through the QBE Coaching Club to Twickenham Stadium for a special coaching clinic.

Stuart Lancaster said of the QBE programme: “With 2,015 new coaches qualifying this will have a fundamental impact on grassroots rugby in this country. It’s a fantastic initiative and an incredible legacy to leave.”

The QBE coaches enjoyed a series of workshops with key members of the England set up including Nutritionist Matt Lovell, Psychologist Bill Beswick and Coaching Development Manager Richard Shuttleworth, as well as a presentation from England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster and a Q&A with former England coach Brian Ashton.

Peterborough Lions RFC coach, and QBE Coaching Club member, Steve Bartram said, “It was a special day and I’m so proud I was part of it. The QBE Coaching Club is a fantastic group to be part of and the support they have given grassroots rugby with the 2,015 for 2015 scheme will have a massive long term impact on English rugby.”

Newly qualified Level 2 coach, Joe Harwood, from Newbury RFC added, “The day at Twickenham was a fantastic experience. Stuart Lancaster and the team were incredibly impressive and the talks were fascinating. It has given me plenty to take back to my club, which will hopefully help me in going forward and develop my coaching career.”

To find out more about the QBE Coaching Club please visit www.qberugby.com

French rugby players were given a taste of Cumbrian hospitality during a special Anglo-Gallic tournament. Three teams made the trip across the Channel to Kirkby Stephen to do battle with Eden Upper Veterans RUFC and Kendal Barbarians RUFC. Veterans teams from Sans Genie De L’Ovale (Lyon), Lous Charnegous (Dax) and As Orange Session (Brittany) competed in a five-way tournament and were introduced to Cumbrian cuisine.

Among those visiting was former French international Stephane

To showcase the sports reading available in public libraries, England Rugby has joined with Tom Palmer to present the Rugby Reading Game, a sports quiz followed by a penalty-kicking competition, with a trophy for the winner.

Tom will be visiting libraries to talk about his popular sports books, including his new Rugby Academy series, most appropriate for families with children aged 7-13.

He will be joined by local clubs and RFU staff who will advise families about how they can get into playing rugby.

The recent CB Safeguarding Manager Conference saw Chris Cuthbertson, Middlesex RFU Council Member, welcome delegates, whose role he said helped ensured a quality rugby experience in a safe environment. He highlighted how their work will help clubs to be ready for an anticipated influx of new young players resulting from Rugby World Cup 2015.

Guest speakers included Liz Dux (Solicitor, Slater & Gordon) and Roger Catchpole (YoungMinds). Liz is the head of the personal injury department and runs the abuse department in London. She is the lead lawyer in the Jimmy Savile litigation representing over 178 victims and is also representing all of the victims in the claims against Rolf Harris. Her presentation raised a number of issues for delegates to consider, particularly in relation to the liability of clubs and insurance cover in the event of claims being made.

Roger Catchpole was particularly thought provoking and his advice timely as the RFU has recently signed up to the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation to help remove stigma and prejudice around mental health. Roger is one of the trainers and consultants at YoungMinds, he is a regular speaker at conferences and has delivered webinars for both health and education based organisations. He spoke about how sport plays a vital part in improving the outcomes in life for children, particularly those with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. He also gave advice on how we can support children suffering from mental health difficulties.

Delegates were saddened to know that Carol Anne Baker, the Lancashire CBSM, was unable to attend due to the death of her husband Mike, a member of Lancashire RFU and their Volunteer Coordinator, a long serving member of Leigh RFC, having held the post of Youth and Community Chairman, and more recently Volunteer Coordinator on the Board.

SAFEGUARDING MANAGERS MAKEA DIFFERENCE

TRICOLORE AND TOP GRUBWeller, now 48, who played four games for the national team in the late eighties and early nineties.

Sans Genie De L’Ovale were crowned winners before a hog roast and dancing to local band The Seals. The following day the French teams went on a mystery tour of the area in two of the Cumbria Classic Coaches with a trip on the Ullswater Steam Boat ‘Lady of The Lake.’ They returned to Eden Brewery’s home at Brougham Hall for beer, a traditional English picnic, croquet and

a bout of Sumo wrestling in giant suits. “Christopher Terry put up the French Tricolore on the flag

pole at Brougham Hall and the French bugler was up on the rampart playing, it was all very good fun and the French really did appreciate it,” said Upper Eden RUFC president Neil Marston.

In the evening the visitors returned to Upper Eden Rugby Club to dine on Roast Beef and Marston thanked all the local sponsors for making the tournament and hospitality possible.

COACHES AT TWICKENHAM FOR QBE COACHING CLUB WORKSHOPSVERITY WILLIAMS

Milton Keynes - 14.08.15

Brighton - 13.08.15

London Twickenham - 10.08.15Wembley - 12.08.15Olympic Stadium - 11.08.15

Leicester - 17.08.15

Leeds - 26.08.15

Newcastle - 25.08.15

19.08.15 - Gloucester

18.08.15 - Birmingham

20.08.15 - Cardi�

21.08.15 - Exeter

27.08.15 - Manchester

Q&A with Tom about reading, writing and getting published

Take part in a quiz about rugby reading: fact, biography & fiction books and rugby in the news

Rugby drop kick contest (suitable for indoors)

Rugby Football Union. The RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trade marks of the Rugby Football Union.

COME AND MEET CHILDREN’S AUTHOR TOM PALMER:

LIBRARYTOUR

Take part in a quiz about rugby reading: fact, biography & fiction books and rugby in the news.

Tom Palmer

Twickenham Library, Garfield Road, TwickenhamStratford Library, 3 The Grove, Stratford, East LondonWembley Library, Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, WembleyBrighton Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton

Milton Keynes Central Library, 555 Silbury Boulevard, Milton KeynesBeaumont Leys Library, Beaumont Way, LeicesterLibrary of Birmingham, Broad Street, BirminghamGloucester Library, Brunswick Road, GloucesterCardiff Central Library, Mill Lane, CardiffExeter Library, Castle Street, ExeterNewcastle City Library, 33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle Leeds Central Library, Calverley Street, LeedsManchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester

LIST OF LIBRARIES

COMING TO A LIBRARY NEAR YOU!

YRA awards and tickets to the QBE International England v Ireland on 5th September

The RFU Young Rugby Ambassadors (YRA) Celebration Event, hosted by the RFU National Youth Council (NYC), will take place on 5th September 2015, prior to the QBE International England v Ireland match.

Just 150 places are available. To be in with a chance of winning a place, YRAs should visit www.englandrugby.com/yra and download an entry form.

Entries close on Friday 24th July 2015, with nominations to be returned to nyc@rfu.com accompanied by a reference from an RFU Rugby Development Officer, club committee member or other relevant individual.

During the celebration event, awards will be presented to YRAs and their mentors. Awards include: Community Engagement, Young Player Recruitment, Innovative Award, Change of Perception, Best Event and Greatest Impact.

If you know any YRAs who deserve to celebrate make sure they apply.

YOUNG RUGBYAMBASSADORSCELEBRATION EVENT

RUGBY’S WAR HEROES INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE

TOUCHLINEEditorial input with pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray

Email: patriciamowbray@rfu.com Direct Line: 0208 831 6514Correspondence 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: gameinvestment@therfu.com 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.comPhotography 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.

TOUCHLINE – JUNE/JULY 201512

THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT THE GAME

WIMBLEDON HITS 150

ZTP were recently selected by the RFU to offer energy procurement services to clubs, with the aim of grouping as many clubs as possible together to get the best deals possible.

With signatures still wet on the agreement, ZTP have already had success at two very different levels, working with Harlequins to save something like 14% off their electricity bill and Pershore RFC, who have saved in the region of 30% on their gas and electricity.

The RFU is aware from previous studies that energy bills are a big concern for clubs, with electricity and gas often making up as much as 50% of club overheads. So if your club is looking for savings email Rugby@ZTPUK.com, or talk to your Area Facilities Manager for ZTP representatives at future facility events.

ENERGY SAVINGS WITH RFU AND ZTP

The RFU’s O2 Touch programme, designed to increase participation in rugby, has successfully brought 10,000 registered players into the game, playing in 260 centres nationwide. As part of the RFU’s commitment to broadening rugby’s reach and sustaining legacy for the game post 2015, O2 Touch has played an integral role in attracting new people to the sport.

Since 2012, the O2 Touch programme has been a social format of rugby, aiming to break down common barriers to participation, by creating an offering that is easily accessible, social and gives participants a great playing experience, regardless of ability level.

The programme is coordinated by the RFU in partnership with O2. Through dedicated volunteer O2 Touch Operator and Ambassador network, the O2 Touch programme operates both a ‘pitch up and play’ facility aimed at individuals new to rugby or who can’t commit on a weekly basis and O2 Touch leagues for those who want to play in a more structured and competitive environment.

Steve Grainger, RFU Rugby Development Director said: “The O2 Touch programme is a real success story for the growth of the game. When we first set out targets for the programme our aim was to introduce 15,000 new participants by 2017 and we are delighted to be tracking ahead of targets. The O2 Touch programme’s innovative and modern approach, delivering a unique player experience combined with its dedicated team of

Wimbledon RFC celebrated their 150th anniversary in style, kicking off proceedings with a huge New Year’s Eve bash and playing success continuing at all levels. Their minis did well, youth players Dylan Morris played for England Counties and Alex Kane for Ireland Sevens, and their U18s won Surrey Division 1.

The crowning glory came from their 1st team, coached all season by former England internationals Nick Easter and Tim Payne, gaining promotion to National Division 3. So at the end of the season they had reasons to rejoice!

Hundreds of players and supporters spent a great day celebrating, with several mini rugby games against visitors from Old Ruts and Richmond, the latter the club’s first recorded opponents. Nick Easter presented the awards.

A great display of youth rugby followed before Wimbledon ladies team, who were also celebrating their 25th anniversary, took to the field. Two Wimbledon ladies teams graced Barham Road, one the current ladies side, dubbed the Wannabees taking on a team of past stars, perhaps harshly dubbed the Hasbeens.

Then Wimbledon Vets aka the Strollers played a Wimbledon all-

stars side. A cracking game ensued before the Mayor of Merton received International shirts from the two youth internationals and presented the match ball to the Wimbledon 1st team captain for the final game against a Surrey President’s XV.

The match was marvellous, scores were irrelevant, and spectators joined the players in celebration – both venerable committee members and sprightly players partying well into the small hours.

O2 TOUCH HITS 10,000 REGISTERED PLAYERSSUZI MURRAY

volunteer operators and ambassadors are testament to the success of the programme. O2 Touch is a game for all and we are looking forward to setting new targets and goals for the programme to ensure it continues to build and grow for years to come.”

Ben Lowe, RFU Head of Rugby Growth added: “I’d like to extend my thanks, and congratulate all those involved in hitting this important milestone. It is a great effort not only across the RFU, but including partners such as O2 and Sport England, and of course our network of volunteers, clubs and players. The O2 Touch vision to drive participation from new audiences help strengthen member clubs and the communities around them remains at the centre of what we do and we look forward to a great summer and continuing momentum beyond the World Cup.”

Gareth Griffiths, Head of Sports Sponsorship at O2 said: “We’re delighted to see our work with the RFU reach such an impressive milestone. Supporting grassroots rugby is a crucial part of our long-standing commitment to this fantastic sport. We love the inclusiveness of O2 Touch, it has a unique entry point to rugby, no matter what your ability. So if you haven’t already, sign up and try it out for yourself, we’re on tour in June and July across the country. ”

For more information about O2 Touch and to find out how to sign up to the O2 Touch Tour visit www.o2touch.co.uk