The Official Newspaper of The RFUMay 2014 Issue 168

TOUCHLINE

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 1

ENGLAND U18 EUROPEAN HAT-TRICKSTEFAN CURTISEngland Under 18s won their third consecutive FIRA/AER European Championship last month (April) beating Ireland 30-14 in Wronki, Poland.

Two tries from England’s Man of the Tour Taylor Prell and one apiece from Lucas Slowik and Josh Bainbridge set England on the road to victory, while Harry Mallinder added ten points with the boot.

Head Coach John Fletcher said: “We’re pleased to get the win, and I did think that we were the better side, particularly in the second half – but huge credit to Ireland, they made it extremely difficult. Our lads are a tight-knit group and it bodes well for the future. We’ve had a great tour in Poland, they want the game to grow and this tournament will have helped that. We’ve enjoyed every minute, which is what it’s all about.”

England kicked off the tournament with a ten-try 62-5 win against Portugal, setting up a semi-final clash against Wales. In a rainswept Pobiedziska, England had to work hard for a tense 11-9 win against the Welsh, with replacement No. 10 Harry Mallinder – son of Northampton Saints Director of Rugby, Jim – slotting the crucial penalty.

EXETER LV= CUP CELEBRATIONSNICOL McCLELLANDExeter Rugby Club chief executive and chairman Tony Rowe OBE says his club’s LV= Cup celebration parade through the city was a “fantastic occasion”. Thousands lined the streets as two vintage buses carried the Chiefs squad, coaches, management and directors from St James’ Park to the Guildhall to celebrate the club lifting the LV= Cup.

Rob Baxter’s side landed their first major silverware in the club’s 143-year history when they overcame rivals Northampton Saints 15-8 on their own Sandy Park turf. The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Rachel Lyons, hosted a

civic reception for the Chiefs and city centre roads were closed to allow the buses through the packed streets. Not since 2010, when the Chiefs gained promotion into the Aviva Premiership with victory over Bristol, had Exeter rugby fans witnessed such scenes.

“The victory parade has been a fantastic occasion,” said Rowe. “Four years ago we had one and I told the guys to make the most of it because you won’t do it again. It was just brilliant to see all these people come along, and not just rugby fans. Winning a Cup is a significant achievement and to do it at home was a fairytale.”

cred

it pi

c Ex

eter

Rug

by C

lub/

Pinn

acle

The new deal on European club rugby signed by all nine stakeholders underlined their commitment to an invigorated competition meeting all the parties’ requirements. It is a truly meritocratic tournament, with appropriate division of finances, underpinned by a long-term agreement and strong governance, starting in the 2014/2015 season.

It features three cross-border club competitions: the European Rugby Champions Cup, the European Rugby Challenge Cup and a new competition called the Qualifying Competition.

RFU Chairman Bill Beaumont CBE said: “The benefits will be seen far and wide, from the clubs to the supporters, sponsors and everyone who has followed the fabulous mix of high class rugby and good natured rivalry - all played out in many spectacular towns and cities in Europe.

“The RFU, and in particular Ian Ritchie, has invested significant time over the last few months in helping to find a solution to a problem that at one stage looked difficult to solve. We are very pleased that the challenges off the pitch are concluded so we can enjoy the joys of the game on it, creating more unforgettable memories for players and fans alike.”

RFU CEO Ian Ritchie said: “This is an excellent outcome for all concerned, most importantly the players and supporters who have made European rugby what it is today. This equitable, long term agreement will provide the platform for rugby union to continue to expand across Europe, increasing interest and involvement in the game at all levels.

“I would like to credit all parties, including BT and Sky Sports, for their efforts in reaching an agreement for the benefit of the competition and the future of the sport.”

EUROPEAN CLUB RUGBY FUTURE SECURED

Continued on page 2…

EUROPEAN CLUB RUGBY FUTURE SECUREDAn association in Switzerland, European

Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), will organise and manage the Cup Competitions.

Twenty clubs will qualify through their league finishing positions from the preceding season, with the play-off over two dates and the competition taking place over nine weekends. The Pool phase, in three blocks of two weekends, will be completed by the end of January, the final taking place at the latest on the first weekend of May.

The Qualifying Competition will comprise between 8 and 12 teams from Tier 2 countries and Italian clubs as agreed by EPCR & FIRA-AER.

EPCR will be managed through a Board of Directors representing all parties and an Executive Committee, with an Independent Chairman. The EPCR Executive will comprise the Independent Chairman, Director-General, who will manage the day-to-day operations, and three voting representatives, one from

each of the leagues – namely the TOP 14, Premiership Rugby and PRO 12.

Competitions will be under the aegis of the IRB and run according to the IRB Laws and Regulations. A working party will discuss and propose the principles of an integration of European competitions within an all-encompassing European rugby framework.

Equal distribution of funds will see a third go to TOP 14 teams, a third to Premiership Rugby teams and a third to PRO 12 teams,

with a guaranteed minimum distribution for the clubs from the Pro12 in years 1-5.

BT and Sky have reached an agreement in principle concerning the European Rugby Champions Cup and the European Rugby Challenge Cup competitions, both being broadcast jointly by BT Sport and Sky Sports. The pool matches would be shared equally, each showing two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the final broadcast by both live.

2 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014

Continued from page 1

SPORTS GOGGLES FOR U13s & BELOWIn response to concerns raised regarding the prohibition of sports goggles in all contact rugby at all ages, the RFU has been liaising closely with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians to develop a practical solution for younger players who are not able to wear contact lenses.

The RFU has introduced a trial in England to enable players at the Under 13 age grade and below to wear sport goggles dispensed under professional supervision. This trial is a variation of the RFU’s current regulations prohibiting goggles in contact rugby. The trial has commenced already and will last until the end of the 2014-15 season, when the position will be reviewed.

Those playing contact rugby at Under 13 and below can now wear specially designed and manufactured sports goggles subject to the following conditions (all of which must be met):(a) The sports goggles must be dispensed by a registered

dispensing optician who is a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians* (“ABDO”)

(b) The player must have written confirmation from the ABDO dispensing optician that the sports goggles: Are required to correct the vision of the player or are required to protect the player’s eyes due to a medical condition, to enable the playing of rugby union

Do not substantially restrict any normal field of vision and are suitable for use in evasion contact sports Do not constitute a physical danger to the player or other players(c) The match referee is entitled to object to the player

wearing the sports goggles if the referee reasonably believes that they are unsafe. Clubs must notify the RFU Legal Officer of all players participating in the trial by emailing AlysLewis@rfu.com

(d) Clubs must report any injuries caused as a result of the sports goggles to the RFU Community Medical Team by emailing sportsinjuriesadmin@therfu.com and the player’s parents must report the injury to the ABDO dispensing optician who prescribed the goggles.

Opticians registered with the Association of British Dispensing Opticians will be listed on the General Optical Council’s list of registered members available at http://www.optical.org/. Please check the list by inserting the name of the individual optician or opticians practice.

Any queries or further clarification and guidance in relation should be directed to the local Constituent Body or Alys Lewis on AlysLewis@rfu.com.

RUGBY FANS TOGETHERTournament organisers ER2015 are keen to give clarity around any speculation in recent media concerning fans and where they sit at the World Cup matches. “We have never and will never have any plans to separate or segregate fans at RWC 2015. Rival fans sitting together is what makes rugby special, and we would never seek to change that,” said a spokesperson.

CHRIS HUDSON

An innovative O2 Touch Festival in Cheshire proved that mixing business and pleasure can be a winning formula. The Festival at Chester RUFC attracted 14 teams, from both the Cheshire business community and local O2 Touch Centres. Bentley, M&S Money, MBNA and Barclays Bank were among the organisations who came up against club sides from Chester, Sandbach, Crewe & Nantwich, and Lymm.

“It was a great night,” said Simon Verbickas, an RFU Community Rugby Coach who played a key role in organising the event. “The atmosphere was really good and there must have been around 300 people there – either playing, or supporting. It was a good mix as well: each team had to have a minimum of two ladies in their squad.

SAFEGUARDING OFFICER DONNA BRINGS AWARD TO WORTLEYCHRIS HUDSON

Wortley RUFC has put a huge amount of effort and resource into its mini/junior section, earning the Dennis Cobbold Memorial Shield, awarded annually by the Yorkshire RFU to the club whose mini/junior section has been outstanding in providing a safe and secure environment in which young people can develop and play the game.

Barnsley-based Wortley were singled out because of the outstanding contribution of their Safeguarding Officer Donna Stevens, also nominated as an Unsung Hero in the South Yorkshire Volunteer Awards. Honourable mentions went to Old Crossleyans RUFC for their development work and Skipton RUFC for maintaining high standards over a number of seasons.

Wortley’s Secretary Steve Brown said: “Donna has never had to be asked to do anything – she has thought about it first and is doing it. She volunteered to take on the role of Safeguarding Officer and has raised the profile of this issue within the club and encouraged others in the role. Donna is the welcoming face of Wortley to new parents and a friendly face for all the children. She is the oil in the machine and our unsung hero.”

The Dennis Cobbold Memorial Trophy was donated by the Cobbold family in memory of Dennis, a great worker for Yorkshire rugby. It was presented to Wortley ahead of the Yorkshire U15 and U16 Cup finals.

O2 TOUCH BUSINESS AND PLEASUREPlaying in two pools

of seven, the sides from the O2 Touch Centres at Lymm and Sandbach came out on top and the final was won by Lymm. But the big winner on the night was rugby itself, with the event drawing praise from across the community.

Anne Boyd, Chief Executive of Sport Cheshire, said: “Recent research shows that inactivity amongst today’s young people will cost the UK economy more than £53 billion over their lifetime. It’s more important than ever for businesses to consider

how they can reduce sedentary habits within their workforce. An active workforce is more productive and builds a culture of teamwork and strong communication. It’s a privilege to work with the RFU, local employers and clubs to create an active workforce culture in Cheshire.”

“Some of these big corporate businesses have staff who travel from further afield in Cheshire who might not realise they could play at their local club. This festival has brought businesses and clubs together, and already we have heard about people wanting to get more involved and that’s music to our ears.”

REFEREE’S DECISION FINAL!Kenilworth Pirates 59 Teignmouth Vets 54

Kenilworth Pirates veterans’ team took on Teignmouth Vets on tour and left the field of play elated, told by the debutante but extremely proficient referee that they had won the high-scoring encounter having come back strongly in the final session. It was at that period that Teignmouth were kind enough to field most of their Vets rather than their younger whippets.

After the final whistle, the Teignmouth coach and the Referee Assessor informed everyone that Kenilworth had, in fact, lost 59-61! The claim was mostly likely valid. However, a Kenilworth spokesman laughed, “We thought it only right that we accept the referee’s decision as we had done without question throughout the game. So a victory it was – maybe!”

The real victory was the spirit in which the match was played and hosted and the enjoyment of players of a more experienced age group.

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 3

DEVOTO’S LV= PRIZE GOES TO SHERBORNE NICOL McCLELLANDBath Rugby Academy star Ollie Devoto recently presented Sherborne RFC with his £1,000 LV= Breakthrough Player Award.

Recognising the next generation of young players competing in the competition, the award went to Devoto after outstanding performances throughout all four pool stages when, like previous winner Jack Nowell, Devoto recorded the most impressive back’s statistics, provided by Opta.

He could choose a grassroots club to receive a £1,000 donation from LV= as part of the tournament sponsor’s commitment to fostering the development of future rugby stars. The Yeovil-born utility back had no hesitation as Sherborne RFC developed him through age grade rugby and his father still coaches there.

“Sherborne RFC is where my love of rugby came from,” said Devoto. “They’ve always been hugely supportive of my career, and still bring groups of kids to watch me play for Bath. To be able to

give back something that will benefit them so much is great.”James Gower, Head of Rugby at Sherborne, added: “Ollie is a

real credit to the club. It’s great to have him back here doing a bit of a coaching with the kids – I’ve no doubt they’ll learn a lot from him. We’re really grateful he chose to us for this funding– it’s going straight in the pot to help our clubhouse refurbishments!”

At 20 Devoto has already made a big impression at Bath Rugby’s Recreation Ground. In the LV= Cup he made 67 metres from 23 carries, proving his ability to beat defenders (four) and bring teammates into play (five offloads) in the process. A tackle success rate of 90%, along with three turnovers won, show why he was this season’s LV= Breakthrough Player.

Said Bath Rugby Head Coach Mike Ford. “Ollie’s really worked hard at developing his game over the last two seasons and, if he keeps going the way he is, he has a bright future ahead of him.”

ILKLEY YOUNG AMBASSADORS CHOOSE TEAMWORKIlkley RFC’s Young Rugby Ambassadors, Tom Fountain, Matthew Postlethwaite and Jake Duxbury decided that teamwork was the best way to develop their club ambassador programme and get everyone involved. Speaking to Ilkley’s boys and girls the message came back loud and clear that lots wanted to help, so they recruited four from each age group from U12 to U17 who helped to design t-shirts to wear around the club and community. Each group has a mentor and is suggesting an event or initiative, with some great ideas put forward.

Tom Fountain, also gave a short presentation on the YRA programme at the recent RFU Colts Forum and outlined their work and his thoughts on retaining and recruiting players from the 16-24 age groups The club’s senior committee are fully behind their YRA trio who have joined Twitter (@IRFCYRA) to give updated information and tap into other social networking sites to reach as many people as possible. Yorkshire RFU have picked up their feed and have re-tweeted updates across the county.

PENWITH COLLEGE COLLECT HONOURSIn the final league game for Penwith College in the Cornwall U18 Championship, they beat Redruth School 43-12 winning the match and the League after fixtures against Helston School, Redruth School, Truro College, Truro School and Cornwall College. Having won all their games, the Penwith team have done the college proud in the first year of this competition.

The squad are coached by two former Pirates players, Coach Greg Goodfellow and Academy Manager Mike Murphy. Said Mike “We are delighted with the achievements of this young squad, who are a perfect example of teamwork and a delight to coach. The college is immensely supportive of students’ sport and that is reflected in the friendship and atmosphere on and off the pitch.”

VENUS VISIT ONE CANARY WHARFMillwall’s Venus women’s team visited the iconic One Canada Square building in Canary Wharf to thank their sponsors Canary Wharf Contractors Fund for their season-long support. They presented Cormac MacCrann, Executive Director of Canary Wharf Contractors Ltd, with his own Venus shirt. The sponsorship has allowed the team to buy new equipment, pay for travel to away games and to enter tournaments and competitions that they couldn’t otherwise compete in. It raised the profile of the team and increased the number of members. With their season over, Venus were off on tour to Malta.

RUGBYSPY IBIZA TENS HELPING HEADLEY COURTRugbySpy will be working with the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court as their official charity for this year’s RugbySpy Ibiza Tens event, three days of knockout tournament rugby for teams from across the world, with live music and entertainment, on the Balearic island of Ibiza from 6-8th June.

As a rehabilitation centre for members of the British Armed Forces who have suffered injury whilst in service, Headley Court works with a number of companies and charities. This partnership with RugbySpy aims to provide a slightly different kind of support, helping to raise awareness of not just Headley Court

itself, but also other Armed Forces rehabilitation and recovery centres throughout the country.

RugbySpy will be encouraging people to pledge their time and skills to support those in the Armed Forces overcoming injury or disability, as well as those who have been aided by centres like Headley Court. Tournament Partners Raging Bull and Linekers, along with Event Ambassador and London Wasps winger Tom Varndell, are lending their support to get people involved.

Head of RugbySpy and founder of the Ibiza Tens Abby Edwards, said, “Rugby is a sport that unites men and women of all ages and from all backgrounds – making them a family who hold the same

values. The armed forces also have that same ethos.”Edwards, whose three day event will be headlined by The

Happy Mondays, added, “RugbySpy would like to support those overcoming injury and associated problems by putting them back on the team, just as we would in rugby and we don’t think that it’s always about money.”

RugbySpy will act as central co-ordinators, piloting the scheme for 12 months.

For information on the event and tickets or on making a pledge please visit the RugbySpy website www.rugbyspy.com or email makeapledge@rugbyspy.com

4 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014

FIVE FROM FIVE FOR DOMINANT HARTPURYHartpury, having taken the British Universities and Colleges title, were again victorious in the Achieving Academic and Sporting Excellence (AASE) Finals at Allianz Park beating Prince Henry’s Grammar School 38-8 , clinching their fifth consecutive title. The AASE league is run by the RFU in conjunction with the regional academies.

The first half was a very tense affair, with Hartpury wing Sam Westcott outscoring Prince Henry’s wing Nick Rawsthorne by two penalties to one. Just before half-time Hartpury’s Westcott scored to take his personal season’s tally to 11 and Hartpury 11-3 up at the break.

In the second half, Hartpury fly half Matt Protheroe sliced through to score from 65 metres to score They then secured tries through wing Mark Harrison, centre Tom Griffiths and Protheroe again. Prince Henry’s grabbed a late try through full back Sam Allan after a lovely offload from Rawsthorne.

Hartpury captain Joe Batley said: ”This is something we’ve dreamt about since day one. We’ve had a few mishaps along the way, but that was definitely our best performance of the season. We had no gaps in our defence, and our attack just seemed to work every time we got the ball.”

The Plate and Bowl finals were decided by last-ditch kicks. A penalty with the last kick of the game from full back Connor Swan helped Truro College to a 30-27 win over Filton College in a thrilling AASE Plate final.

Two contrasting styles saw the power and control of Truro against the fast and loose running game of Filton. Truro dominated for the first half hour, rewarded with a 15-3 lead thanks to tries from scrum half Matt Butler and centre Jack Simmons. But a four-minute Filton spell before the break turned the game on its head, full back Adam Francis snuck over from close range, before Chay Smith threw a no-look pass to send fellow centre Josh Daly galloping over, handing Filton a 17-15 half-time lead.

The second half saw Truro hooker Tommy Lee Southworth wrestle the lead back with a short range try before his team were awarded a penalty try after Filton collapsed a maul close to their line. Filton fought back, a penalty from Kieran Hill bringing them to within one score, before a try from scrum half Andy Uren levelled the scores after a brilliant touchline conversion by Scott Daley. At 27-27 Truro would still have lifted the trophy having scored more tries, but a Swan penalty with the final play ensured the trophy was gathered with a win.

The Bowl final between Worcester and Gosforth saw the lead changing hands on numerous occasions and it went down to the last kick of the match before being decided. A brace of tries from Ben Wilkinson, along with tries from Aston Whitlow and Callum Chick were almost enough for the win, but it took a 30-metre penalty from full back Dan Marshall on the last play of the game to seal the title for Gosforth in their first season back in the AASE league.

SURPRISE VISITOR TO BRADFIELD COLLEGE PAULA ROWEStudents and staff from Berkshire schools were surpsied by a visit from the Webb Ellis Cup, rugby’s most prized asset, at the Berkshire School Games. This was part of the ongoing regional build-up to Rugby World Cup 2015, hosted in England in just over a year’s time.

The iconic Trophy was seen by around 1000 competitors at Bradfield College taking part in the event, part of the

national programme of Schools Games. Around 500 players competed across four rugby competitions with another 500 competing in other sports.

Dan Whiteman, RFU Rugby Development Officer, said: ‘”We want Rugby World Cup 2015 to be a huge success, not just with record crowds watching the matches, but also by leaving a legacy for many more children playing the game and enjoying its

values. The foundation for that legacy will be the many activities planned in the lead up to the Tournament to inspire children and adults to try rugby.”

The Berkshire School Games included some thrilling rugby, a highlight being Blessed Hugh Faringdon School, which is part of the RFU’s All Schools programme, winning the girls’ under 13 and under 15 contact events.

RICHARD BACK IN TOUCH CHRIS HUDSONWhen, aged 28, Richard Graham suffered a nasty back injury he hung up his rugby boots. Now aged 36, he has fallen in love with the game all over again – thanks to the joys of O2 Touch and has accepted an invitation to run the O2 Touch Centre at Chester RUFC.

Richard, who works as a Manager of a Corporate Fitness Centre for Nuffield Health in Cheshire, had decided the risks were too high if he continued playing rugby after suffering his injury playing sevens in the summer of 2006. Discovering touch has changed all that.

He said of the end of his playing career: “I was doing a mate a favour by agreeing to play in a sevens tournament in North Wales. I went through a gap and a guy caught me around the back of the head. He fell on top of me and unintentionally forced me into the ground. I went off in an ambulance and at first they thought I’d broken some ribs. A few days later, in a lot of pain, I went back to hospital and had an X-Ray and a CT Scan that showed up the fracture. I decided it was probably best I hang up my boots. For a good few years I didn’t want to get involved with rugby at all, because there was a big part of me that still felt I could play – the injury wasn’t painful so I didn’t notice it day-to-day.

“Touch has really got me interested again,” said the former scrum half. “I played it casually through work at first but in the last six months realised how much I actually get out of it. Touch is great and can be played in mixed teams, making it great for everyone. It was a real honour to be asked to run the Touch Centre at Chester. Simon Verbickas, a Cheshire Community Rugby Coach, put me forward, the club’s Director of Rugby reacted positively, and it’s all gone from there. I’ve got lots of ideas and I’m keen to get an O2 Touch League going in the area.”

O2 Touch is a joint initiative between the RFU and O2 to get England playing touch rugby.

For more information and to find out about opportunities to pitch up and play near you, visit www.rfu.com/O2Touch

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 5

ALL HAPPENING AT CALDYA fabulous family club running three successful senior teams and the full complement of colts, juniors and minis and with a reputation for county cup finals and league success, Caldy RFC on the Wirral are set for a busy month of May.

It has already been a busy start to the year as the club are celebrating their 90th Anniversary. Back in February Caldy held a Sportsman’s lunch with Willie John McBride speaking and a 1920s-themed gala dinner when 360 members and guests were thoroughly entertained over the course of a weekend.

Kicking off on 17th May, by hosting their first ever County Championship game between Cheshire and Northumberland,

they move on to a charity match between a Caldy XV and the Royal Marines National team on Saturday 24th May, after a curtain raiser women’s sevens tournament, with the final played at half-time.

On Sunday 25th May, the popular Caldy Sevens is being held from noon. This is the 71st annual event which the club believes to be England’s longest continuously running sevens tournament in England. This year it will include the likes of the North Wales Exiles, Glasgow Hawks, the Royal Marines, the Mercian Regiment, the Rugby Club of Liverpool, Caldy, Waterloo, RGC1404 plus a whole host of North West clubs.

For more information on Caldy’s May events visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/caldy

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A SEASON MAKES FOR OLD HALESONIANS Old Halesonians RFC U13s were under threat as numbers had dropped to just four when new Head Coach, Matthew Williams, arrived at the end of the 2012/2013 season aiming to change the situation.

It was a challenging task but the current season started with a squad of 15 and through hard graft and unrivalled support, now boasts 20 dedicated players. Matt is delighted and has ambitious but achievable targets for the season to come.

“The parents and the players have worked so hard to recruit others from local schools and it’s a pleasure to work with such a talented and dedicated set of lads who are a credit to their parents, schools and the club,” he said.“It was always going to be a challenge to recruit new players and keep the squad going but I am

so glad that all the work has paid off and look forward to increasing the squad to 25 over the next year so we can be more competitive for places and cover any player unavailability”.

Over the season the squad’s success includes making it into the second round of the North Midlands Cup and, in a recent trip to Bournemouth for the Sports Tours U14 festival, they were victorious overall and undefeated in eight games over two days, scoring 40 tries. This has lifted morale and the trip cemented great friendships between players who embraced rugby’s core values and can’t get enough of the game.

Said one player, Sam Roberts, “Thank you to Andy Wright for organising and Matt for coaching the best few days of my life!”

Here’s to their next season and future success!

BOLTON JUNIORS TACKLE HATE CRIME

Young players from Bolton RUFC have become very aware of hate crime and the dreadful effect it can have, thanks to a hate crime awareness initiative at the club organised by Club Safeguarding Officer Eraina Smith.

More than 120 young people aged between five and 16 from multiple backgrounds and religions and of all sizes, shapes and experience took part in a recent open training evening organised by the Bolton Junior Coaches, helped by several first team players.

Players, parents and coaches took part in discussions about hate crime awareness and how rugby union can help. Guest speakers included Daniel Ladd, from Community Services at Bolton Council and Sergeant Kevin Wright and PC Neil McMahon from Greater Manchester Police; Resma Patel representing Bolton’s Inter Faith Youth

Groups and Bolton Under 16s player Harry Kay who donned his Junior MEP hat as the voice of youth. Special guests were Sam Bedlow, Andy Broadhurst and David Seymour from Sale Sharks.

Bolton’s zero tolerance approach aims to encourage players to keep an eye out for incidents of hate crime and help their team and club mates. If you have witnessed or experienced hate crime you should report it to the local police this can be done in a number of ways:By phone• Call 101 or in an emergency dial 999.• For practical advice and support call 101 and

ask to speak to your local hate crime team.• If you need advice about an incident within

a rugby setting please send an email to rmg@therfu.com or contact Kath Bennett Safeguarding Case Officer on 0208 831 7479.

GREAT GIRLS DEVELOPMENT

After a full season of delivery by many of the region’s Community Rugby Coaches, clubs across West Midlands, Cheshire and Lancashire have seen more and more girls attending club development days.

With 30 girls from six clubs across the U13, U15 and U18 age groups at an RFU event last October, an April event saw 120 girls enjoy a full day of quality coaching, followed by contact games at both Stafford RFC and Preston Grasshoppers RFC. At both events there were at least four new girls’ sections represented and every player had the opportunity to play full contact rugby in a game situation. More than ten clubs were represented, giving new sides’ girls the chance of game time. New teams included Burnley, Ormskirk, Staffires cluster and Telford.

Run by Martin Powell (Merseyside CRC) and Adam Blackford (Greater Birmingham CRC), the initiative involved additional CRCs training players and coaches, ensuring teams’ sustainability. With more clubs creating at least an U13 side, the RFU are hoping this will increase the option of rugby to girls across the country.

For further information on girls’ rugby across Staffordshire, North Midlands, Cheshire and Lancashire, please contact WRDO claireantcliffe@rfu.com

LIONS AT MALVERNMalvern RFC hosted a Six Nations question and answer session in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Families Association and the Malvern Under 17s. The compere was England and British Lions legend David Duckham, while the panel was made up of Olly Morgan (Gloucester and England), Craig Gillies (Worcester and England A) and former Ireland and Lions great Mike Gibson. A raffle in aid of the charity was won by long-time club supporter Nigel Thomas. It was a framed picture of hims with the panel, taken by DE Photos’ David Felton and delivered to him to take away at the end of the evening.

6 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014

COMMONS & LORDS WIN WIN SITUATIONThe Commons & Lords Rugby Club, affiliated to the Middlesex RFU, has played annually at Twickenham Stadium, starting with a 2006 fixture against a vengeful New Zealand Parliament still smarting from defeat against the club during the British Lions tour.

Last month (April) they raised more than £14,000 for the RFU Injured Players Foundation when beating a combined Trentham and Newcastle (Staffs) team 28 – 17. Paul Farrelly MP, Labour MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, who was taking part, brought along the opposition, having been a member of both clubs.

Among those playing for the Lords and Commons alongside Farrelly were: man of the match and Special Advisor for the Culture Secretary Nick King; Stephen Mosley, Conservative MP for Chester and Secretary of All Party Parliamentary Rugby Union Group; Andy Reed, Sport and Recreation Alliance Chairman and former MP for Loughborough and Ikram Butt, former professional rugby league player and founder of British Asian Rugby Association. Their captain was Lib Dem Peer, Lord Addington and Mike Bezus captained the opposition.

LUTTERWORTH THANK GWYN PAUL BOLTONLutterworth have made 88-year stalwart Gwyn Williams a life member to recognise his outstanding contribution to the Leicestershire club over many years.

Williams, born in Carmarthenshire in March 1926, moved with his family to a farm at Ashby Magna in Leicestershire four years later. He attended Lutterworth Grammar School, , taking up rugby, and then joined the local club, captaining Lutterworth for two seasons after the Second World War.

His talents were soon noted by Rugby and Williams played first-class rugby for them for several seasons and in their lower teams well into his fifties, as well as for the well-known Leicester Thursday side. He returned

to Lutterworth, where his two sons played, playing into his early sixties.

Williams also gave a lasting legacy to Lutterworth by making available a parcel of agricultural land adjacent to his farm for the club to buy. Lutterworth’s recently expanded and refurbished clubhouse was built on the land.

Williams received his life membership at the Old Players’ Reunion lunch when Malcolm Ross, former captain and President of the club and now RFU Council Member for Leicestershire, paid tribute to him. Also present were a number of past members fortunate to play with Gwyn, some of whom had not been back to the club for 50 years.

JULIA HUTTON

England Women Sevens were Plate Champions at the Sevens World Series in Guangzhou, China last month (April), defeating France 19-0 in the Plate Final.

This was their second Plate win of the season after finishing fifth in Dubai in December. England had to settle for the Plate knock out games after a Cup quarter-final clash against Canada and a 19-10 loss. The defeat put them against Spain in the Plate semi-finals when they ran in 26-0 victors, thanks to tries from Rachael Burford, Sarah McKenna (2) and Amy Wilson-Hardy. In the final against France scores from skipper Abigail Chamberlain, McKenna and a penalty try brought victory.

England Women’s Sevens Head Coach Middleton said: “We lost to a very good Canada side in the quarter-finals and we competed right to the end. We were hoping to pull away from those below us in World rankings and close the gap on those in front and we are now lying fourth with Russia overall and looking forward to the final leg in Amsterdam in May.”

CUTTING EDGE COACHINGThe Coaching Standards Group of Sports Coach UK has given full endorsement for the RFU’s UKCC Level 4 Certificate in Coaching Rugby Union, in conjunction with University of the West of England (Hartpury).

The endorsement covers a five year period until April 2019 and said The Coaching Standards Group, “Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your support of

rugby union coaches and I wish you every success with the ongoing development of your coaching system.”

This recent endorsement means that for the first time, all RFU qualification courses are fully endorsed, meeting all of the requirements around delivery and content and putting the RFU at the forefront of sports coaching.

ENGLAND WOMEN SEVENS LIFT PLATEIN CHINA

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 7

ESSEX SCHOOLS FESTIVAL FINALS

England U20 and Saracens prop Nick Auterac was at Thurrock RFC to help Essex RFU present trophies at the end of another successful schools programme. The annual Essex Schools Festivals Final was the culmination of five local festivals held at Witham RFC, St.Edward’s School, Harlow RFC, East London RFC & Thurrock RFC which also provided important club school links. The schools festivals took place throughout Essex with boys and girls from Year 7 – 11 taking part.

The final involved 33 boys teams in four competitions. The age group winners were: Year 7 Trophy – William Edwards; Year 7 Shield – Brentwood County High; Year 8 Trophy – Southend High School; Year 8 Shield – St.Thomas More School; Year 9 Shield – St. Clere’s School; Year 10/11 Shield – Greensward Academy.

Former England Women’s Captain Catherine Spencer organised a girls festival for U13 and U15 teams with 11 U13 teams competing and five U15 teams. Dagenham’s Robert Clack academy won both age groups going on to the National Girls Finals at Twickenham on Army v Navy day.

Hon Secretary and Council member for Essex Ivor Smith said “There were around 800 pupils playing at Thurrock, not to mention the schools and players who had taken part in the local festivals which really strengthened club-school links throughout the county.”

DONCASTER BACK IN GREENE KING IPA CHAMPIONSHIPNICOL McCLELLANDDoncaster Knights won the National League One title and promotion back to the Greene King Championship with a final-day 38-20 victory over Blackheath, who proved challenging opponents, only two points adrift of the league leaders with half an hour to go. Tries from Donny’s Bevon Armitage and Tyson Lewis – the division’s top try scorer – and a penalty try saw the Knights home.

Long-time title rivals Rosslyn Park also claimed maximum points from their final fixture with eight tries – six converted by fly half Scott Snedden – to beat Cinderford, 52-17. The Foresters’ lingering relegation worries were over, however, after Henley were held to a 14-14 draw at Tynedale. The Hawks return to National Two South as a result.

Henley were relegated together with Hull Ionians and Worthing, whose fate was sealed long before the final weekend. Ionians were

defeated 67-14 by Coventry, centre Rob Knox and back row Jacques Le Roux both grabbing hat-tricks for the Midlands side, who finished the season in third, while Cliffie Hodgson kicked 17 points to take his record-breaking season’s tally to an incredible 372 points.

In an entertaining game of 11 tries and 72 points, Worthing went down to Wharfdale in a narrow home defeat. Raiders wing Alex Nielsen scored a hat-trick but couldn’t prevent his side bowing out on a losing note.

Fylde produced an eight-try, 50-30 win over Old Albanian to finish fourth, ahead of Esher, who scored four first-half tries to set up a 31-17 win over Richmond who finished one place (7th) and four points better off than in 2012/13.

Loughborough Students confirmed their National One status with a 29-10 win over Blaydon. Fly half Alex Davies scored a try and kicked nine points

WOMEN’S CUP WINNERSJULIA HUTTONRichmond, Henley, West Bridgford, Romford Gidea Park and Ormskirk all took the honours at the RFU National Women’s Cup Finals day.

At Lichfield RFC, Premiership champions Richmond recorded a 22-7 win over London rivals Wasps to secure the Cup as well as the league title. Tries from Vicki Cornborough, Rebecca Ball and Oli Davies securing the win.

In the Intermediate Cup Final, Henley inflicted a 15-12 defeat on Eccles. This was the first time these two sides had ever played each other and it was a thrilling contest. Both sides exchanged scores

early on, but a try just before half-time for Henley handed them an 8-5 half-time lead. Eccles regrouped and full back Igz Ekoku executed a strong run to score under the posts but with 15 minutes left on the clock Henley bounced back with a late try to take the win.

The Women’s Intermediate Plate Final saw West Bridgford the victors after a 40-7 win over Hampstead Ladies, while in the Junior Cup Final Romford Gidea Park secured an impressive 31-12 win over Teddington Antlers. In the final game, Ormskirk recorded the afternoon’s biggest score with a 67-5 win over Medway including a hat-trick for Vicky Irwin.

PARTNERSHIP AND LEADERSHIPBen McGregor Director of Physical Education at Bingley Grammar School describes a visit to their partner African School Jamhuri High School as “The best week in my teaching career.”

Jamil Parapia Director of Faculty MFL visited Jamhuri High forging a link with Bingley Grammar. In the Ngara region of central Nairobi, Kenya, Jamhuri’s all boys intake is culturally and socially diverse, many travelling from the extreme poverty of one of the world’s largest slums, Kibera.

Students’ interest in rugby was inspired by the success of the Kenyan sevens team and said Ben,“We realised that it was important that when we left Jamhuri our work should continue. At Bingley Grammar School we have been working with the RFU’s Neil Spence and Hamish Pratt. Neil has been helping me deliver the RFU’s Key Stage 4 Leaders Award which has been incredibly successful in our school, vastly increasing the number of young leaders. It was the obvious choice to deliver in Kenya.”

So with Chris Chapman, Teacher of Science and 1st 15 player at Ilkley, Ben Webster, Behaviour Support Manager, a visit

saw much work done. “By the end of the week all students were confident to run not only their own warm up activities, but skills-based sessions in game coaching and also refereeing,” said Ben.

“A final day showcase of the students’ work saw each group with a team manager, a warm-up coach, a skills coach and an in-game coach, taking it in turns to referee their own games It was really powerful to see older students with the confidence and skillset to run these sessions. They ran their own tournament and even allocated their own fair play officers.

“We presented them with their leaders award certificate, and the winning team with medals and they were so proud. We are currently fundraising to provide them with a playing kit and our students will donate their old boots to Jamhuri. There is a definite need, I’ll never forget their scrum half kicking a penalty from just short of half way in bare feet.”

If you would like any further information email ben.mcgregor@bingleygrammar.org.

8 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014

STEVE’S HALF CENTURY NOT OUTThe end of the season for Buckfastleigh Ramblers marks a very special milestone for Steve Chapple who reaches 500 games for the club. Steve first played rugby at school, joined Totnes Colts, progressed to their first team and joined Ramblers in 1994, remaining with them ever since. Playing most of his games at fly half, he was captain on two separate runs, one lasting four seasons. A catalogue of injuries over the years failed to deter him.

Steve says his local club is very family-orientated and well run, changing with the times but staying loyal to the club’s roots and values. Most memorable moments include lifting the Barry Cup in 1998, an annual match against Salcombe. A lifetime supporter, Bill Prowse had died on the eve of the match and passion was high to win for the first time since the reformation of the club. “The atmosphere was electric and there was no way we were going to lose that game” recalls Steve.

In 2011 he was invited, along with fellow Rambler Greg Robinson, to play at Sandy Park for Rob Baxter’s testimonial against Exeter Chiefs, the highlight of his rugby career. Now aged 41 Steve says he will play for as long as he is enjoying it and able to play a good game.

EVERYONE’S HAPPY AT HORDENHorden Rugby Club on the north Durham coast. has had a great season at every level. Not only has the first XV put in the kind of performances that will see them league winners and promoted to North One but the second XV won the Candy League and Pyman Cup. Not to be left out the third XV were unbeaten as Touchline went to print both in their respective county Cup final and the Pyman Shield.

SURF & TURF FOR FARNHAM MINISExmouth locals and holidaymakers watched more than 300 mini players taking over the seafront for Farnham’s first ever Beach Rugby Festival. The players, aged from 6 to 12 years, were from Farnham RUFC, local clubs Exmouth RFC and Teignmouth RFC and Silhillians RUFC, the

competition organised as part of Farnham’s three day Surf & Turf Tour to Devon.

Tour Chairman, John Wickens, said, “Beach rugby fitted right into our theme. Luckily for us, the gods were smiling and the sun shone. Everyone had a great time.”

The following day, thousands of supporters watched more conventional rugby played by the Farnham RUFC teams against ten other regional clubs at the host Exmouth RFC’s grounds. Some

800 players took part in the main rugby festival on the Sunday. Following the event, Farnham RUFC donated spare tour balls to the Tag Rugby Trust.

Farnham RUFC has a tradition of sending large Minis tours around the UK. Said their Minis Chairman, Steve Tomlinson: “In total 645 tourists travelled together from Farnham to Devon for a weekend of rugby, making new friends and creating great memories. Maybe they will go on to rival Farnham old boys Jonny Wilkinson and Ryan Wilson.”

BARNSTAPLE AWARDED

DAVID SMITH MEMORIAL CUP

Referees voted Barnstaple the friendliest club in National League Three South West, officials from the South West Group judging them the best hosts before, during and after matches this season.

All 14 sides in the division received votes but Barnstaple came out on top, narrowly beating Amersham and Chiltern. The club’s prize is the new David Smith Memorial Cup, presented at their last home game of the season against Old Redcliffians.

The trophy honours the President of the Somerset RFU who died after being involved in a car crash on his way to assess the referee at the Worcester Wanderers v Newton Abbot match in October 2013.

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 9

PORTSMOUTH PERFECT DAY Portsmouth College organised and provided students, sports staff and their College Sports Maker to help make the recent Portsmouth Schools Festival a success for the five schools playing rugby. Three were local All Schools, wearing their own designed Canterbury kits. All players were invited to college coaching clinics and teachers

were keen to strengthen their links with the college sports department who are considering sponsoring some local schools’ rugby. Referees were Portsmouth University students who had completed their ELRA qualification with Nicholas Parker CRC and facilities were provided by the Navy at US Portsmouth RFC.

U16s VICTORY FROM RIGHT DECISIONS UNDER PRESSURE EMMA KENNEDYEngland U16s finished the BMW Wellington International Festival with a 32-22 win over Scotland U16s, a try from full back Oliver Graham and two before the break from Callum Sirker lifting them from a nervous start when they went 8-0 down. England’s sixth and final try came through BMW Man of the Match Ben Earl after Gabriel Ibitoye touched down twice in four minutes.

England U16s Head Coach Steve Shortland said: “The faltering start was understandable as the team had only been together for a couple of days. We had to soak up a lot of pressure early on before building momentum. Scotland were very passionate and effective which made it a physical encounter and a good test

for the team as making decisions under pressure was been the theme of the week for players and management. The players were trying to solve problems throughout and eventually created space and took advantage of that with our strike runners scoring some impressive tries.”

They were one of four England teams in action on the final day of the BMW Wellington International Festival, run by the RFU and the ERFSU in partnership. Selection having divided 100 players into four squads (England U16s, Saxons, Lions and Roses), England Roses beat England Lions 19-14 and England Saxons beat Italy Academy Selection U17 by 10-8.

The Under 16s selection process began last March, giving 100 players the

opportunity to represent their division and play against each other and against opposition from Scotland, Italy, France and Wales. All played in the matches, before 23 were selected for the England U16s squad to play Scotland U16s. The same players later took on Wales U16s at Neath RFC winning a hotly contested match 24-22.

The BMW International Festival was the climax of a development programme including divisional training camps for 25 players from each region, the U16s having been incorporated into the RFU’s Professional Rugby Department, providing greater continuity for players progressing through the age-grade teams and player development pathway.

WOODBRIDGE PITCHES GET KEITH’S BLESSINGWoodbridge Rugby Club was the first call on Twickenham Head Groundsman Keith Kent’s recent 17-club round of visits. Woodbridge groundsman Bob Double was a little nervous when Keith started wielding a spade! He was accompanied by Club Chairman Rob Simpson, Head Coach Drew Fautley, Ross Stannard of RST Sportsturf, Robert Gibson and others from Otley College to meet Keith and Peter Shaw from the RFU with John Winders, Chairman of Eastern Counties Community Rugby.

But Bob needn’t have worried as Keith, who uses 32 years’ experience to look after the Twickenham turf, said of the Woodbridge pitches, “They’re fantastic! If you’ve not missed a game in the wettest season in history you must be happy with that.”

Woodbridge has three lovely flat pitches which Bob has tended for years and now has an arrangement with Otley College to help maintain the fine playing surfaces, arguably the best in the region. So when Keith dug in, crumbled the soil in his hands and pronounced it in great shape both Bob and Tony Gibson were visibly relieved. Keith had lots of advice for making the work easier and tips for even better performance. Woodbridge Rugby Club could rest assured that, while its 18 teams of men, women, boys and girls may win some and lose some, the pitches have professional blessing.

MIDDLESEX SPORTS FOUNDATION PARTNER GB WHEELCHAIR RUGBY

The National Governing Body for Wheelchair Rugby, GBWR, has agreed a deal with the Middlesex Sports Foundation worth £50,000 that will run for the next four years.

Rhidian Jones, Chairman of the Middlesex Sports Foundation, said: “We were all impressed by the courage and commitment of the athletes at the Paralympics in London in 2012. As a charity with assets derived from the rugby community, and focussed on aiding sport for youth and those with special needs, we considered GB Wheelchair Rugby an ideal partner with which to develop a strong relationship.”

David Pond, Chief Executive of GB Wheelchair Rugby, said: “We welcome the Middlesex Sports Foundation as partners as our relationship with the able-bodied rugby community continues to grow and we are very grateful for this generous funding which will help our new youth programme.’’

The money will help support and develop the sport across the country as well as to prepare the elite squad for the Paralympic games in Rio. The cheque presentation took place at Twickenham Stadium, home to GBWR’s Head Office through partnership with the RFU.

GBWR is a charitable organisation. To get involved and find your nearest club please go to www.gbwr.or.uk

10 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014

PETER TAKES TOP PRIZEWhat does a 21-year-old tight-head prop in his final year of an agriculture and farm management degree need before graduating and setting off looking for farm work and a rugby club in New Zealand?

The £10,000 cheque top prize in the RFU’s Grand Draw! And that’s what Peter Whitby from Drifters RFC had presented to him by RFU President Bob Reeves at Twickenham Stadium recently. He even bumped into England coaches Mike Catt and Graham Rowntree, who thought he might now be particularly popular in the Drifters bar.

Said Peter, who was at HQ with mum and dad, Trilly and Steve, “I bought – and lost – one ticket but persuaded my dad to put my name on one of his. I was helping with lambing on a farm when I got the phone call telling me I’d won and thought someone was having a laugh!”

Peter has played at Drifters at Farnham Common since the U7s. “We’re going on tour in a couple of weeks so I hope the cheque will have cleared!” he grinned.

Dad Steve is grounds chairman at the club, having been 14 years with Drifters and having played in the front row with Peter and 19-year-old son Thomas in a local derby. Fifteen-year-old son Oliver also plays there, while Peter’s sistergoes along to support when not eventing with her horse. Mum is a member of the Drifters’ Dolls ladies lunch club who raise money for local charities.

From the family’s arable, dairy and equestrian farm Peter will set off for New Zealand and on his return hopes to visit a university friend’s farm in Kenya and take in the Nairobi 7s. “I’ll be doing harvesting work to get out to New Zealand but this cheque will certainly help me get to Kenya,” he said.

Each year RFU registered clubs, schools, colleges and Referee Societies receive free Grand Draw tickets, from which they keep 90% of all sale proceeds.

To discover more visit www.rfu.com/granddraw

ENGLAND WOMEN TACKLE MILITARY TRAININGJULIA HUTTONEngland Women tackled military style training at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, Hampshire last month. Preparing for the Rugby World Cup in Paris this August, they were put through their paces at the Royal Navy Leadership Academy, with challenges used to train Royal Navy officers and sailors in the Fleet.

The squad took part in activities like raft building, rope courses and tackling a gruelling obstacle course, testing their problem solving, leadership and team building skills to enhance their thinking and communication capabilities

Lieutenant Commander Neil Caswell, who oversaw the day, said: “All Royal Navy sailors and officers travel through these doors at some point during their career. We look at what people’s talents are, where their strengths and weaknesses lie as well as getting them to try to adapt to various pressure situations. I could certainly see progress and impressive cohesion within the squad when they left.”

England Head Coach Gary Street added: “The Royal Navy are world experts in performing under pressure, thinking through problems, communication tasks and decision making. We thought it would be good to tap into their expertise and transfer that into a rugby situation.”

The Women’s Rugby World Cup takes place between August 1-17 at Marcousis and the Stade Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris. More information at www.rwcwomens.com

CHECK THIS OUT!There are now new ways to offer your members and visitors more and improve their club house experience. For more information on the benefits below visit www.rfu.com/managingrugby/clubdevelopment

NatWest Easy PaymentWould your club benefit from being able to take payment by debit or credit card? Make the process of collecting subs, paying at the bar or buying club kit that much easier for your club members, with a WorldPay card payment system. NatWest have made it possible for all RFU affiliated clubs to receive competitive rates to manage and process debit and credit card transactions.

SKYSo that your members can enjoy a fantastic range of channels and sports the Sky Ultimate offer has been extended. New RFU affiliated clubs joining Sky before 30 June 2015 will receive the Sky Ultimate package for £177 ex VAT per month (T&Cs apply).

O2 WIFI*With the RFU O2 Wifi offer clubs pay £30 per month on a 36 month contract with no set up or registration fees, saving over £1,700 over three years. Once installed, O2 Wifi is free for club members and visitors to use, no matter which mobile or broadband operator they’re with. It’s also simple to connect to, with a one-off registration process

*This is an offer only for RFU incorporated clubs. Any clubs that are not yet incorporated should please contact davestubley@rfu.com for advice.

CANTERBURY AND RHINO IN POLANDEngland partners Canterbury and Rhino are both supporting a groundbreaking social rugby festival in Poland this August. The Piotrowice Nyskie International Rugby Festival, now in its fourth year, was nominated alongside the English Premiership Final and eventual

winner the Las Vegas Sevens in the Rugby Event of the Year category at the 2012 Rugby Expo at Twickenham, which stressed the importance of grass roots initiatives in emerging rugby nations.

Hosted by English rugby fanatic Jim Parton and his Polish wife Anna in

the grounds of their historic estate in Silesia on the Polish-Czech border, the tournament attracts teams from all over Europe and will take place this year on August 16th. Anyone interested in the event should contact bigjimparton@aol.com

RFU RUGBY CONNECTED YEARBOOK 2014-2015

The deadline for amending information held on RugbyFirst for the RFU Yearbook is Sunday 29th June 2014.

While the amount of information held in the Yearbook will vary according to the club level, all entries will have club name, address, contact phone number, web and email address, and contact details for the honorary and fixtures secretaries.

All this information can now be checked, added to and amended via a single page within your club’s RugbyFirst site. To update roles in RugbyFirst, go directly to your club or via the search function at http://clubs.rfu.com/clubs/ and select the tab called ‘Yearbook – Handbook Details’ item on the left hand menu of your club site. On this one page you can now update all the relevant information for the Yearbook.

For technical assistance, please contact the RugbyFirst helpdesk on rugbyfirstsupport@therfu.com or 020 8831 6651. The Helpdesk is open Monday to Friday from 0900-1300 and 1400-1700.

For full RugbyFirst guidelines and step by step information, click on the link http://clubs.rfu.com/Clubs/portals/webmasters/

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014 11

WEDNESBURY WANT YOUNG PLAYERSWednesbury Rugby Club and the RFU recently ran a fun two-day camp for seven to 14-year-old boys and girls and said Community Rugby Coach Adam Blackford, “Getting young people involved in the game provides them with the skill to play and the discipline to carry with them for life.”

Paul Hill one of Wednesbury’s youth team coaches said they are hoping

to recruit players to progress through the club and eventually play first team rugby. The youngsters learned rugby’s core skills, played tag rugby and finished with a game of rugby rounders, everyone receiving a certificates. For more information contact Paul Hill on 07730417927or Adam Blackford on 07855442660.

MANOR PARK WIN FAZ

England Backs Coach Andy Farrell travelled to Nuneaton recently to run a defence session at Manor Park RFC. Farrell was at the gritty grassroots club to represent the tangible side of England Connected after Manor Park were selected from more than 600 entries in a #winFaz competition on @ EnglandRugby Twitter

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: rfu.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.

12 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2014

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

CANTERBURY SEVENS SHIRT REVEALED ON ST. GEORGES DAYNICOLA MARSHALLCanterbury and England Rugby chose St. George’s Day, to unveil the new England Sevens home and alternate shirts.

Both shirts were created with patriotic spirit at the heart. A sea of crosses, inspired by Saint George and the George Cross Medal, emblazon the shirts to represent the pride shown on the rugby field. In addition to the patriotic crosses the shirts feature seven stripes on the cuffs, one to honour each player on the team. The home shirt is traditional white, with the alternate shirt a midnight blue, influenced by the blue socks introduced to England Rugby in the 1930s.

Canterbury’s new campaign leads with the ‘England Is All’ message which celebrates the unity of England players, coaches, volunteers and fans across the whole game. It is amplified with the strapline ‘Seven Players, One Nation’ representing the united front of the entire nation standing behind and supporting their seven men on the field.

Chris Stephenson, Canterbury CEO said: “We wanted to create a shirt that would inspire the England Sevens fans to come together and unite as one nation in the true meaning of ‘England Is All’ and with the patriotism this shirt represents it was only right that we launched it today on St George’s Day.”

Sophie Goldschmidt, Chief Commercial Officer, Rugby Football Union commented: “Representing their country in an England shirt is always a very proud moment for the players. It’s fantastic that Canterbury has designed such a patriotic shirt to encourage fans to really get behind the team. It’s an exciting time for England Sevens as another world record crowd is expected at the Marriott London Sevens at Twickenham Stadium in May; we can’t wait to see the shirt in action on the pitch in front of a packed-out home crowd in a few weeks.”

The home and alternate shirts can be purchased from www.canterbury.com and www.rfudirect.com with an RRP of £55.99.

REMEMBERING, EDUCATING AND FUNDRAISING

The Rugby Football Union wants to work with clubs and schools to mark the centenary of the First World War, supporting the national commemoration programme and the sport’s strong military connections.

The RFU is aiming to highlight and facilitate events and activities marking this anniversary of a war in which more than 120 international rugby players lost their lives, including (some 30) 27 England players, the grassroots game losing thousands of players.

The focus will be on: Remembering, Educating and Fundraising.

Many clubs will be remembering those who died and the RFU would like to publicise and support those remembrance activities.

In keeping with the government’s theme of educating young people about World War I, the Union wants to encourage rugby’s young people to learn about the war on a local scale and in relation to the game.

With the RFU already committing considerable support to a number of military charities, the desire is to focus on a designated military charity around Remembrance Sunday to have the greatest impact. There will no doubt also be many clubs fundraising for services charities at this time.

In the 1914 Scotland v England match England scored four tries. Tragically by 1918 eleven of that afternoon’s players were

dead. Similar numbers of casualties could be counted for the Army v Navy match that year.

Between 1914—1918 nine million lost their lives including one million British and Commonwealth servicemen and women. Many were rugby players. Some were famous like England former captain Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Mobbs DSO, and Lieutenant Commander Arthur Harrison RN VC. The majority who sacrificed their lives were club players.

By 1919 rugby had lost a generation of leaders, sportsmen and officials. Rugby effectively came to a halt at the outbreak of war. In the Battle of the Somme in 1916, two companies of the Northumberland Fusiliers were reported to have set off from the trenches “behind a high drop-kicked rugby ball”. Only eleven of the two hundred men returned.

The 1914 Army Cup was won by 2nd Battalion West Riding Regiment, the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. They embarked for France in 1914 for the Battle of Mons. Of the Cup-winning team five died in action and six were seriously wounded. Of the one thousand soldiers embarking for France only 35 were still serving at the end of the war.

We want to hear of any plans that your club, school or CB may have to remember those who died in your area. Please contact hannahbarrett@rfu.com

CARLISLE WIN CUMBRIA WOMEN’S COUNTY CUPJULIA HUTTON

Carlisle Cougars are celebrating being crowned champions in the inaugural Cumbria Women’s County Cup. The Cougars proved worthy winners in the Keswick RFC final, defeating Kendal Wasps 71-7 to lift the trophy.

Carlisle will next season celebrate their 20th year of playing, but have, up to now, faced long journeys to find opposition – so

the arrival of a new side in Kendal Wasps, has been a big boost to the county. Kendal have just completed their first season of league rugby. With a women’s side also having been formed recently in Workington, women’s rugby is taking off in the region.

Katie Harper, women and girls’ representative for the Cumbria RFU, said: “Real steps are being made in the development of women’s and girls’ rugby in Cumbria

with the start of what should be a growing competition for the sport in the county. It has given both clubs a focus, raising the competitive spirit. The county’s support is really paying off, and this competition should crucially raise the profile of the game.”

Carlisle dominated from the first whistle running in 11 tries via Vicky Parker (2), Hannah Sherlock (2), Ceri Storer (2), Lucy Meadley, Kati Brown, Lisa Ritchie, Holly Freestone and Bethan

Lloyd. Lisa Ritchie added eight conversions. Caroline Clutterbuck replied for Kendal, with Abby Bland adding the conversion. Lucy Meadley from Carlisle was awarded player of the match for a dominant ball carrying display.

The game was a credit to both squads, many becoming team-mates as part of the Cumbria Women’s County squad playing against Northumberland, Durham and Cheshire.to the final leg in Amsterdam in May.”