TOUCHLINE The off ic ial newspaper of The

rfu and rfuw

RFUMAY 2011 / issue 135

1

AskINg ENgLANd TO CHOOsE RUgbyNick Bull

This Rugby WoRld Cup year will see a significant increase in public interest in our game and opportunities for clubs around the country to open their doors to players, spectators and potential volunteers.

In order to support clubs in their local recruitment activities, Choose Rugby is being launched this summer.

Replacing previous player recruitment campaigns such as Play and Play On, Choose Rugby is a long-term marketing campaign for rugby, which has been developed with the following in mind:

• To be a call to action for our game for all participants

• To be the identity for all recruitment and retention related programmes

• To have longevity, launching this year and building towards our home world cup in 2015

Earlier this year, meetings were held between rugby clubs around the country and their respective Rugby Development Officers. During these meetings, over 200 clubs expressed an interest in introducing touch rugby as part of their overall proposition. These clubs will be provided with support and Choose Rugby marketing resources to launch touch programmes this summer.

Resources to support local recruitment activities in the build up to and during this year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand will then be made available in July.

The RFU regional teams are currently in the process of contacting clubs and CBs in order to ensure that clubs around the country receive the appropriate levels of support to make the most of this Rugby World Cup Year in order to boost participation levels.

For further information and updates about Choose Rugby, please visit www.rfu.com/chooserugby

JOIN THE TwICkENHAm bEACH PARTyLaura Brown

sun, sand and sevens will be the name of the game when Twickenham opens its gates to the world’s finest rugby talent for the Emirates Airline London Sevens on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday May 22, 2011.

Last year’s superhero themed event saw almost 80,000 fans there over the two days and this year promises to be bigger and better for the beach-themed event.

During the Emirates Airline London Sevens there will be over 12 hours of side-stepping, break-making, high-octane rugby as the 16 international teams battle for honours in the penultimate leg of the www.rfu.com/TheGame/Competitions/LondonSevens/IRBWorldSevensSeries.aspx” HSBC Sevens World Series. Off the pitch cheerleaders, crowd competitions, on the spot prizes, bands and big screen entertainment will keep the tempo up and live music around the stadium ensure you’re never far from the action. On both Saturday and Sunday, sevens fans will also get the chance to compete on the hallowed Twickenham turf in the ‘Sevens Surf Challenge’ - a beach-themed obstacle course involving a water slide, a ball pit and a giant zorbing beach ball to win a £250 cash prize!

With a dedicated family stand, balloon artists and face painters, it’s a great day out for all, so dig out the flip-flops and sombreros and enjoy the London leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in style. Great value tickets are available now starting at just £15 for adults and £5 for U16s - plus £5 off when you purchase 10 or more tickets. To book visit www.rfu.com/tickets.

For beach fancy dress inspiration or to find out what other fans are up to, why not join the official Emirates Airline London Sevens facebook page: www.facebook.com/LondonSevens

gPs REsULTs REvEAL ELITE RUgby PERFORmANCE sECRETs Simon Mills

The pReliMinaRy findings of a pioneering study using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to investigate the demands on players in elite rugby were unveiled recently. Researchers from the University of Chester collected 304 sets of data from 54 Aviva Premiership Rugby matches involving eight top flight clubs in the season to March 27.

Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, London Irish, London Wasps, Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks players have worn GPS units to provide a range of information for a PhD study entitled ‘The Demands of Training and Playing in Elite Rugby Union’ commissioned by the RFU on the recommendation of the Professional Game Board and part-sponsored by the English Institute of Sport.

Continued on page 2…

TOUCHLINE – MAY 20112

hQ newsContinued from page 1…

The first results from the three-year study were highlighted by Dr Paul Worsfold, Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Sciences, and PhD student Nicola Cahill at the Annual Professional Rugby Conference at Twickenham Stadium. They show significant differences between six positional groups* in terms of time on pitch, total distance covered, distance covered at low speed run and high speed run, maximum speed and average speed.

• Average time on pitch ranges from 75.63mins for front row to 91.63mins for inside backs

• Average distance covered ranges from 4.45km (front row) to 6.84km (scrum half)

• Average distance at Low Speed Run1 ranges from 3.15km (front row) to 4.53km (scrum half)

• Average distance at High Speed Run2 ranges from 0.15km (front row) to 0.61km (outside backs)

• Maximum speed for the positional groups varies from an average of 23.7kmh (front row) to 30.7kmh (outside backs)

The top individual speed recorded in the 54 matches was 36.7kmh (22.8mph) and the greatest distance covered in one match was 8.2km (5 miles).

Dr Worsfold said: “In the past five years, GPS technology has had a significant impact on performance analysis in elite sport. We can now accurately evaluate the training loads and activity profiles of players in competitive situations on the field. The study focuses on the use of GPS in training and game performance to establish positional demands, to identify potential injury risk, and to monitor relationships between training, competition and fatigue.

“We will have collected over 450 sets of GPS match data from players by the end of the season. The results of the study will enable individual players to gain information on the physical demands of their specific positions during a match situation, and allow them to compare their own performances with the averages across Aviva Premiership Rugby.

“The findings will help coaches, sport scientists and players gain an understanding of what elite rugby union players, in different playing positions, do within a competitive season. This will enable specific training and monitoring programs to be developed for each position to optimise performance and player safety.”

Accelerometers in the 5Hz GPS units produce data relating to impacts and body loads on players which will be investigated in the next stage of the study.

*The six positional groups are: Front row, second row, back row, scrum half, inside backs and outside backs.

** Low Speed Run < 12kmh, 2 High Speed Run > 18kmh

2-FOR-1 AT bANk HOLIdAy bAAbAAs mATCH

May bank holiday Weekend sees the chance to buy two £25 tickets for the price of one for the Barbarians’ visit to Twickenham Stadium on Sunday May 29, kick off 2.30pm. The game is part of a Bank Holiday bonanza at Twickenham with the Bill Beaumont Cup after the match and the County Championship Shield preceding it.

The BaaBaas game is the first of England’s summer fixtures ahead of the Rugby World Cup and a determined England XV will be facing an impressive Barbarians side featuring headline names from both the northern and southern hemispheres. Recently revealed are two British & Irish Lions legends; Wales flanker Martyn Williams and Ireland prop John Hayes, with well over 200 international caps between them. They join those earlier confirmed including South Africa stars Francois Steyn and Ruan Pienaar, Australia flanker George Smith and Kiwi prop Carl Hayman, and from Europe Italian captain Sergio Parisse and France powerhouse Matthieu Bastareaud, England’s Paul Sackey and Iain Balshaw, both now playing in France.

Tickets start at £25, which carry the two for one offer -available for a limited time only and the normal RFU terms and conditions apply - from rfu.com/tickets

yOUTH RUgby INJURy RATEs HALF THAT OF sENIOR PROFEssIONALsDave Barton

The Risk of suffering an injury in a youth rugby match is considerably lower than that recorded in senior elite rugby.

That’s a key finding in the ‘Report on injury risk in English youth rugby’ – a two-season study (2006-07 & 2007-08) of almost 500 players aged 16 to 18 to determine the rate, severity, type and cause of injuries and which provides recommendations on how to reduce the injury risk further.

Researchers at the University of Bath, commissioned by the RFU in collaboration with the RFU Injured Players Foundation, discovered that while the incidence of match injuries in the Premiership over the same period was 87 per 1000 player hours, at the 12 English Premiership Academies it fell to 44 per 1000 player hours and within the seven selected rugby schools it dropped to 35 per 1000 player hours.

RFU Community Rugby Medical Director Dr Mike England said: “This is the first systematic study of injury at any level of youth rugby in England. We now have robust data which shows that, among other things, the injury rates for young players in matches are half that of those playing within the senior elite game.

“This study provides important information for youth rugby coaches, parents and players, and while it generally confirms the view that the risk of injury while playing rugby at this level is similar to other team contact sports, it provides practical guidance on areas to focus on to reduce this risk.”

An injury is defined in both of these studies as ‘any injury that prevents a player from taking a full part in all training activities typically planned for that day and/or match play for more than 24 hours’.

Key findingsIncidence of match injuries approximately half that reported in

senior elite club rugby union (Academy = 44/1000 player hours; School = 35/1000 player hours; Premiership = 87/1000 player hours; RWC2007 = 84/1000 player hours).

Pattern of match injuries (body location and type) similar to that previously reported for senior elite rugby union, with the lower limb being the most common injury location (Academy = 54% of

injuries; School = 47% of injuries) and joint ligament sprains the most common type of injuries (Academy = 51% of injuries; School = 39% of injuries).

The tackle was the match event most commonly associated with match injury for both academy (51% of injuries) and school (58% of injuries) youth rugby, which agrees with the findings of previous studies in senior elite rugby union.

Contact-based training activities including attack, defence and ruck/maul drills resulted in the greatest injury incidence of all training activities.

Key areas for potential injury reduction: Refining coaching practice to optimise player match and training

technique, and schedules from a safety perspective.Developing specific injury prevention (prehabilitation) training

programmes designed to protect players from high risk injuries.Improving diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for common,

high risk and recurrent injuries.Stuart Potts, Chair of the RFU Schools and Youth Governance

Committee, said: “This valuable piece of work provides both information and actions to determine and address the injury risk faced by young rugby union players.”

U18s HIgHs ANd LOwsStefan Curtis

england u18 had to settle for second place in the FIRA/AER Championship after losing 17-8 in the final to a well organised Ireland side at the Stade Maurice Trelut in Tarbes, France. A solitary try from prop Alec Hepburn wasn’t enough for John Fletcher’s side, who fell to just their third defeat in three years.

The manner in which England got to the final showed real character though, a 38-34 semi-final win against Wales in Auch was as dramatic as it comes. England found

themselves 17-points adrift at 34-17 with just ten minutes left on the clock, but clinical finishing in a frenetic finale ensured a memorable victory.

First England scored through the lively Jack Nowell, who touched down for his second try of the game. Northampton Saints fly half Will Hooley converted, but England still trailed by ten points. Mark Jennings then touched down after a nice side-step move freed up a gap for the Sale Sharks centre, with Hooley again converted to bring England to within three points of Wales.Then in the last play of the game, Anthony

Watson used his explosive pace to its full effect, dodging several Welsh defenders before diving over.

Speaking after the competition, Fletcher was full of praise for his young players: “The Wales game showed some of the best rugby that any Under 18 team that I’ve coached has played,” he said. “The game could have gone either way, but often when you finish games the strongest you come out on top. Unfortunately against Ireland, they just did the basics better than we did, it’s as simple as that. More of their players did their job better than our players, it’s not that complicated.”

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 3

hQ newsLORds RUN OUT FOR CHARITyTelevision presenter ben shepherd and Transport Minister Mike penning were among those running out at Twickenham in a charity match which saw the Cystic Fibrosis Trust beat the Commons and lords for the third consecutive year, 55-12. an estimated £30 000 was raised for the CFT to help them combat one of the uk’s most common life threatening inherited illnesses.

shepherd, a patron for CF, also scored one of their nine tries. “it gives me added pleasure to win today because my brother was playing for the opposition. i will forever remind him that i scored against him because he failed to tackle me!” he said.“CF is a cause very close to my heart. i have lots of friends who have CF and sadly too many who have passed away with the disease.

“Through a shared passion of rugby, and the opportunity to play at Twickenham, this event will have given many people a much

broader understanding of the illness and how they can continue to help. We want people to get on board because we are so close to curing this disease and that would just be incredible.”

gUINNEss CLUb TOgETHERplaying aT TWiCkenhaM is a dream for any rugby player. GUINNESS® Club Together is giving your rugby club the opportunity to bring that dream to life. GUINNESS Club Together offers rugby clubs across the UK the ultimate rugby experience, the chance to play on the pitch at Twickenham Stadium before the Aviva Premiership Final on 28th May 2011.

Last year, Club Together winners Felixstowe RFC won the experience of a lifetime. Following a coaching session from Shaun Edwards, two Felixstowe teams took to the famous Twickenham pitch before the Premiership Final for a game they’ll never forget. For your chance to win this amazing prize go to www.guinness-clubtogether.com from Monday 28th March 2011.

ENgLANd wORLd CUP 2011 sCHEdULE CONFIRmEdDave Barton

england’s training bases for Rugby

World Cup 2011 have now been

confirmed. Following the decision to

reallocate all matches from Christchurch

because of the impact of the devastating

February 22 earthquake, the RFU has

been working with New Zealand 2011 on

England’s rearranged schedule.

Team manager Martin Johnson said:

“Our thoughts are still with the people

of Christchurch as they rebuild and we

were very much looking forward to being

based there. When it was confirmed that

would not be possible, we worked with

the World Cup organisers on alternative

bases and we would like to thank them

for sorting things as quickly as possible

given the circumstances. We feel that the

schedule, which now sees us starting off in

Auckland, is the best one for us.”

England’s training base schedule

August 29: Depart England

August 31-September 4: Auckland

September 4-September 11: Dunedin

September 11-16: Queenstown

September 16-25: Dunedin

September 25 onwards: Auckland

England’s pool match schedule

Saturday, September 10 (2030) Argentina v England, Otago Stadium, Dunedin

Sunday, September 18 (1800) England v Georgia, Otago Stadium, Dunedin

Saturday, September 24 (1800) England v Romania, Otago Stadium, Dunedin

Saturday, October 1 (2030) England v Scotland, Eden Park, Auckland

RUgby PLAyERs’ AssOCIATION NEw PARTNERsHIP wITH AvIvA The Rugby playeRs’ assoCiaTion (Rpa) has agreed a four year agreement with leading insurance company, Aviva, to become the Official General Insurance and Pension Partner of the RPA. The partnership extends Aviva’s reach directly into rugby’s professional playing community and underlines their comprehensive commitment to the game, from grass roots and youth rugby programmes to the professional game and its players.

Damian Hopley, Chief Executive of the RPA said: “We are delighted to welcome Aviva as a Business Partner of the RPA. This partnership will deliver a direct link to the players through a range of general motor, travel and household products, as well as a bespoke industry wide Pension product catering for the specific needs of professional rugby players. This is a

significant development for the players and the RPA as we look to support and educate our players on the importance of long term financial planning. Our partnership with Aviva will also strengthen the RPA’s Player Development Programme, which is designed to individually support, guide and assist our members in their personal and professional development.”

Heather Smith, Head of Sponsorship & CR at Aviva UK, added: “Our new partnership with the RPA is an exciting extension to our core sponsorship Aviva Premiership Rugby. This partnership will have direct and lasting benefits for the players who are at the heart of our sponsorship. The players are what make the game on the field what it is – exciting, compelling and entertaining. We are looking forward to working with them off field in a way that will make a real difference.”

“HIsTORy Is wRITTEN by THE vICTORs” - wINsTON CHURCHILLNicol McLelland

The 2011 Churchill Cup returns to England as the host nation look to retain the trophy.

Now in its ninth year, the Churchill Cup makes its way back from its traditional North American base for the first time since 2007.

Making their competition debut are Tonga and Italy A, who will join England Saxons, USA and Canada as well as Russia over the two week tournament beginning on June 4. With the Rugby World Cup starting in September, this year’s Churchill Cup provides an ideal pre-tournament team warm up opportunity for the participants to knock on the selectors’ door to represent their country in New Zealand.

RFU Head of Elite Player Development Stuart Lancaster explained: “It’s a crucial competition for England Saxons, especially in a World Cup year as it gives Martin Johnson and the other coaches a look at some players who might force their way into the squad for New Zealand. We will look forward to meeting the USA again and with Tonga joining it will a great opportunity for the players to benchmark themselves against teams who will be preparing for and competing in the World Cup.

“The home support is going to be crucial through the tournament and in helping us to retain the trophy. The competition will take place over some fantastic venues, including Sixway’s Stadium, Kingholm and Franklin’s Gardens, so it’s a perfect opportunity for rugby supporters to come watch some International action in the domestic off-season.”

Paul Vaughan, the RFU’s Business Operations

Director and a member of the Churchill Cup Executive, said: “With no summer tour for England this June is a great opportunity to for rugby fans to see six quality international teams on their doorstep. With England playing Wales at Twickenham in an Investec International on August 6 in preparation for the World Cup, there will be plenty of top class action available to the rugby fan.”

Churchill Cup 2011Saturday June 4, Franklin’s GardensItaly A vs. Canada, 1430 England Saxons vs. USA, 1700 Wednesday June 8, Esher RugbyTonga vs. USA, 1730 Russia vs. Canada, 2000

Sunday June 12, KingsholmEngland Saxons vs. Tonga, 1430 Italy A vs. Russia, 1700 Saturday June 18, Sixways Bowl Final Plate Final Cup Final

To purchase tickets, visit www.churchillcuprugby.net

TOUCHLINE – MAY 20114

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CHICHEsTER’s CHAmPIONs Tom Somerville

ChiChesTeR u14s may have entered the 2010/11 season with some trepidation after last season suffering relegation from the West sussex ‘a’ league. but the boys not only won all of their West sussex ‘b’ league matches but had a clean sheet in all seven games!

at the beginning of this season it looked doubtful that Chichester would have an u14s team, many players having left. but thanks to the work of team coach dale hudson, whose son sam plays in the team, and other committed parents a recruitment drive at local schools swelled squad numbers. Training sessions were overhauled, starting with the basics and the squad showed great commitment

after an excellent start, with relatively easy wins in their first two games, the bad weather disrupted the rugby calendar, giving the boys time to develop their game and continue their fitness drive. Thrown into back to back fixtures; they came out triumphant in four more games, scoring over 200 points overall, without conceding a point. They now approached the final game with the potential to become the first Chichester team to win every game in a season without conceding.

With the local press reporting each game and the club buzzing, a large crowd turned out for the league finale, Chichester had already won the league but were keen to keep a clean-sheet. With time running out and 24-0 a nail-biting last five-minutes saw them camped on their own 5 metre line before stealing the ball and booting it into touch. The team, parents and club members literally jumped for joy.

Rbs RUgbyFORCE TRANsFORms RUgby CLUbRbs RugbyFoRCe, the nationwide community volunteer programme for UK and Irish rugby clubs, has awarded Wortley RUFC in West Yorkshire an enhanced support package, with support worth £5,000 to help improve their facilities.

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), title sponsor of the RBS 6 Nations, created RBS RugbyForce three years ago to encourage communities to come together and give something back to their local rugby club by volunteering to undertake the necessary improvements. The programme has seen a phenomenal rise in the number of club registrations year on year.

Wortley was one of 231 English rugby clubs who registered for the programme in 2011, each submitting a 500 word proposal for club project work planned for the official RBS RugbyForce Weekend on 11th and 12th June.

The official panel of judges included Ieuan Evans, Jason Leonard and Andy Nicol as well as Rugby World editor Paul Morgan, BBC Sport Director Matt Griffiths and Head of RBS Brand and Marketing David Webb.

Jason Leonard said, “This year’s decisions were harder than ever. The winning clubs really demonstrated the impact that the award would have

not only within the club but within their community and that’s absolutely pivotal to RBS RugbyForce. Wortley RUFC is a fantastic example of a club who, with the kick-start this award brings, can leave a lasting legacy to their community and bring joy for years to come”.

David Webb, RBS Head of Group Brand and Marketing, said: “Rugby is at the heart of the communities of the winning clubs and we are confident that the renovation work will not only benefit the clubs but the regions in which they are based. For the clubs it is now time to rally their communities and we would urge everyone in these areas to get in touch with the clubs over the next month to see how you can join in and help on 11th and 12th June.”

Thanks to the support of the

Rugby Football Foundation, four additional clubs: Wallsend RFC, Rugeley RFC, Mitcham RFC and Bristol Saracens will receive a secondary support package of £1,250 to assist with their renovation. Leroy Angel, Chairman, Rugby Football Foundation, said: “RBS RugbyForce is building on the work of the Rugby Football Foundation and therefore we are delighted to assist the programme and help the four clubs make the necessary improvements.”

RBS has supported the first 100 clubs to register with packs that include volunteer T-shirts and funding towards DIY equipment and BBQ sustenance for volunteers on the day. RBS will also be providing tips and planning documents on budgeting, organising resources and raising local awareness for the RBS RugbyForce weekend projects. Local branch staff members are also being enlisted to help strengthen the volunteer forces as part of RBS’s existing community volunteering programme.

The RBS RugbyForce toolkit is online, so clubs can easily access all the information they need. At www.rbs.co.uk/rugbyforce Click on the ‘Tools’ tab to find the tools to help clubs plan their weekend.

POCkLINgTON POCkET RFU sUPPORTTony Simpson

poCklingTon RFC’s recently opened new £300,000 changing room extension is a major success for the Percy Road club. Before the formal opening, the club learned that the project and the fund-raising for it had earned recognition via a runner up spot in the RFU President’s Awards, supported by QBE, in which over 300 community club rugby projects were considered.

Opening honours were performed by RFU Past President, Robert Horner, who first played rugby at Pocklington School in the 1940s, and Yorkshire RFU Past President, Norman Coates, joined by a number of civic dignitaries. Pocklington U10s got the action underway with a curtain raiser that saw them beat local rivals Driffield 20-5 and Pocklington 1st XV capped a marvellous afternoon by beating Leodiensian 37-10 cementing their place at the top of Yorkshire Two.

The new complex comprises six changing rooms, a physio suite, a new kitchen and club shop. With grant and loan aid from the RFU and the Rugby Football Foundation, the fund raising to pay off the balance of the building works continues. More bricks were sold for a commemorative wall and an evening race night made a further contribution.

bUmbLE bEEs gET OwEN bUzzINgTony Simpson

John oWen, immediate past-president of the RFu, found a recent visit to bradford & bingley RuFC to hand over the president’s Xv award in the social inclusion category a rewarding experience.

“The president’s Xv awards, supported by Qbe, all have a human interest component but some are very special and the social inclusion section is one of them. bradford & bingley’s creation of the bumble bees team is a terrific initiative and i hope that it acts as a beacon for similar projects. it was a pleasure to meet anthony brooke, whose enthusiasm inspired other people at Wagon lane. Their enthusiasm is tremendous and an inspiration to all who play and coach alongside them,” said John.

“spending an afternoon with the

players was one of the most my enjoyable times in rugby union and it was quite an emotional experience. What the club has done is absolutely magnificent and if ever an award was richly deserved, this is it.”

The bumbles barbarians was formed after rugby fan anthony asked a course

tutor why he wasn’t able to get a game anywhere when he was already a ball boy. The team began training sessions with the help of the RFu and the bradford and bingley club agreed to give them a home.

over 50% of the 20-strong squad have learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities and it is the only mixed ability team in england. The team has both able bodied players and those who have a range of physical and mental problems, and plays full contact rugby within a managed environment. The highlight of their inaugural season was a trip to llanelli Warriors and a game at parc y scarlets.

U16s EAsTER ExCELLENCEPaul Bolton

england undeR 16s coach Phil Stanlake praised the strength of English rugby at that age group after his side’s successful Easter international programme. England followed up a 16-6 victory over Italy Under 17s at Macclesfield with a superb 31-10 win over Wales Under 16s at Fylde which left Stanlake purring with delight.

But Stanlake was quick to acknowledge the contribution that the players involved in two other England sides – Reds and Blues – involved in the Wellington Festival made to his team’s success.

“There is talent throughout the side, I am not going to single anybody out because it was a total performance from many players out there,” he said. “It’s a credit to the game that exists at Under 16 level to have that quality performance as well as the two teams that have been playing at Wellington. I have to credit those players because they made these players as good as they are by pushing them so hard.”

Two players, lock Tom Ellis (Millfield School and Somerset) and number eight Dan Grange (Ilkley GS, Ilkley RFC, Leeds Carnegie Academy and Yorkshire) were promoted from the England Reds side and played their part in the Fylde success. Ellis also played against Italy.

“That’s a reflection of the system that players can step up. Players are aware what the processes

are and how we want to play,” Stanlake said.”It’s a reflection of the strength we have. The people who have stepped up. have taken the opportunities to express themselves. It’s also a credit to the squad for helping them settle in even at the last moment. They are very supportive of each other.”

Having struggled to subdue a powerful Italy pack at Macclesfield, where fly half David Buck scored all their points, England produced a complete team performance at Fylde. Winger Colin Dickson and centre Daniel Spencer-Tonks scored two tries each at Fylde in a performance that won high praise from Stanlake.

“The mission was for the boys to express themselves and play to the best of their ability and I think we saw that today,” he said. “We had a shaky first five minutes but after that we put our stamp on the game and we did it very, very well.

John Owen presents President’s XV trophy to Anthony Brooke

photo courtesy of KlicKPhoto

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 5

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wEsT mIdLANds mLd FEsTIvAL A HUgE sUCCEssPaul Bolton

TWo RiveRs school from Tamworth and Rigby hall school from bromsgrove were representing the West Midlands in the national finals of the Moderate learning difficulties (Mld) Tag Rugby Festival at stoke Mandeville this month, having progressed from the second West Midlands festival staged at bromsgrove’s Finstall park ground which built on last year’s inaugural event.

The national finals are the showcase event for the three- day Festival of sport run by the english Federation of disability sport. The West Midlands festival more than doubled in size with a broader representation from all corners of the region. Mixed gender teams with a total of 120 pupils with moderate learning difficulties aged

11-16, enjoyed four expert coaching stations delivered by RFu CRCs, with help from the community team at RFu Championship club Worcester Warriors. The teams then split into two separate events each with five teams.

The inclusive event was for those that just wanted to have fun, socialise and perhaps hadn’t had a lot of tag rugby experience. The games were

refereed with great empathy which ensured all pupils of many ability levels, got involved. For those wanting to compete for the right to represent the West Midlands at the RFu’s national Mld tag rugby finals, there was a more serious parallel competitive event which proved to be a close contest with Two Rivers winning all their matches. Rigby hall came second.

yORksHIRE PLAyINg FAIR Tony Simpson

spRingField Pupil Referral Unit in Wakefield recently took part in the RFU’s Fair Play scheme and the input of the Central Yorkshire Rugby Development Team who have been working with the teenagers has struck a chord.

Children’s charity Wooden Spoon has teamed up with Barclays Spaces for Sports, the RFU and Enterprise Education Trust to launch a series of eight-week schemes aimed at changing the attitudes and lives of more than 2,400 ‘at risk’ youngsters, either in or on the edge of the criminal justice system through exclusion from school. The aim is to use the spirit and values of rugby to help disadvantaged young people with a dovetailed programme that involves coaching both life skills and rugby skills.

“Following the coaching sessions, Springfield took on a team from Kettlethorpe High School at rugby sevens.” said Springfield’s Tony Philips: “The Springfield team have been coached by RFU Community Rugby Coaches Kris Stafford and John Dudley and though beaten, the lads were 100% committed against a physically bigger squad and gave a good account of themselves. The team entered another mini tournament where their training again stood them in good stead as they held much bigger teams to close games and scored more well-worked tries.”

The FairPlay project is set to be the largest ever national social inclusion programme that the RFU have ever delivered. 120 local schemes will be delivered over the 18 month period.

sUmmER OF sEvENs HEAvENWiTh the main XV-a-side season reaching its end, summer signals the start of the sevens season. Events have already taken place from Dorchester’s Lychett Minster to Rosslyn Park under floodlights.As we look forward to the London Sevens leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series at Twickenham on 21st & 22nd May and the Middlesex Charity Sevens on 9th July, below is a sample of those summer sevens that may just tempt you to dust off your boots.

Manchester SevensGrowing in popularity now established as a Midlands must make event. Broughton Park RFCFriday 13th – Sunday 15th May www.manchesterrugby7s.com

Caldy SevensA fiesta of rugby, cheerleaders and a Brazilian carnival party atmosphere. Caldy RFC, Sunday 29th Maywww.pitchero.com/clubs/caldy

Essex Charity SevensGreat event dedicated to the Wooden Spoon. Romford & Gidea Park RFCSaturday 18th June www.pitchero.com/clubs/essexcharity7

Bournemouth Sevens FestivalIn its fourth year now this event leads the seekers of sun, sevens and surf to the South Coast, now the worlds’ largest multi sport event mixing sevens, netball and music. Bournemouth RFCFriday 27th to Sunday 29th May www.bournemouthsevens.com

Rugby RocksSevens and chart topping bands, what more do you want. The Athletic Ground Richmon RFC, Saturday 4th & 5th June www.rugbyrocks7s.com

Church Charity Sevens TournamentThe world famous ‘The Church’ is hosting a Hawaiian themed sports day all for charity. Barn Elms, Saturday 18th June www.thechurch.co.uk/charity_sports_day

CALdy 7s gOEs COmmANdO!Caldy Rugby Club proud home of the longest continuous running rugby sevens competition in the country, on Sunday 29th May has an exciting addition to this year’s event.

The ‘Caldy 7s Go Commando Challenge’ staged by corporate team-building specialist ‘Go Commando’ brings a strongman battle as well as more of an all-round Highland Games feel to this already very popular Bank Holiday weekend rugby tournament.

The Caldy 7s go Commando Challenge requires teams of 4 to compete against organisations such as the police, fire, military, strength and conditioning gyms, martial arts and boxing gyms and rugby clubs, completing 7 challenges including all the strong man favourites.

For more info or to enter a team contact Jane Corlett on 07747 842 144 or email janecorlett@tiscali.co.uk

JAsON HELPs yOUNgsTERs PREPARE FOR CHALLENgE

Wooden spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, and J P Morgan Asset Management teamed up to provide disadvantaged youngsters with the chance to take on the best rugby playing schools at the National Schools 7s tournament. Jason Leonard OBE, Spoon’s Lead Ambassador, helped the Spoon U16s boys team make their final preparations at a training session at the London Scottish RFC.

The talented youngsters, teaming up for the first time at the tournament, were carefully selected from Spoon community projects across the country working in close partnership with the RFU and Premiership Rugby. Ian McPherson, Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, joined forces with Bill Hill, Wooden Spoon CEO, at the training session delivered by Simon Amor, London Scottish RFC Head Coach and former England 7s Captain, supported by Rory Greenslade-Jones of RFU.

Jason Leonard OBE said, “The fact that these lads have come as far as being in a position to play in an event such as the National Schools 7s is great. Most of them had not picked up a rugby ball before working with Spoon. But the point for me is not really if they win, it’s more about showing they can work as a team and for their mates. The character they show and the experience they gain in facing this challenge together will help their personal development.”

Ian McPherson, Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police said, “Rugby is a fantastic sport which provides opportunities for youngsters from some of the most challenging areas of the country to experience a different part of life. Rugby enables the Met to engage with youngsters in the local community and support them by providing an alternative, diverting them away from anti-social behaviour and crime.”

Wooden Spoon CEO, Bill Hill added, “Spoon community programmes are aimed at some of the hardest to reach and most disaffected youth in our society, our aim is to engage them in the sport of rugby, assist them to gain educational qualifications and help them seek employment or re-enter mainstream education so that they can raise their aspiration and contribution to society.”

sHARks’ wIRRAL REwARdWiRRal RuFC Under 12s were put through their paces recently by a trio of Premiership Rugby players from Sale Sharks after the club was announced as one of the winners of the QBE Rugby Pro competition.

Sean Cox, Will Cliff and Lee Imiolek were at Wirral after the club collected a prize awarded to innovative clubs who demonstrated how they contribute to improving their local community. The judges were particularly impressed by the hard work shown by the Wirral coaches and their efforts to promote the sport within local schools to increase participation levels.

The training session was followed by a chance for youngsters and club members to meet the players. In addition, the club received £1,000 worth of training equipment. Will Cliff, Sale Sharks scrum half, said: “I think that QBE Rugby Pro is a fantastic initiative and I am delighted that Wirral has won. It’s great that the club is actively promoting the sport of rugby in the area and that we have the opportunity to pass on some specialist advice to the youngsters.”

Ten rugby clubs from across the UK were awarded runners up prizes of £1,000 worth of training kit, including training balls, post protectors, match balls, training tops, water bottles, kit bag, bibs and cones; essentials for grassroots rugby clubs.

QBE Rugby Pro is part of QBE’s Developing Talent programme, which sees the business insurer encourage development of the game at a grassroots level and supports QBE employees through rugby.

NORTH EAsT & yORksHIRE sEvENs CIRCUITa veRiTable FeasT of sevens for the north. Four competitions spread over the region – teams are encouraged to take part in all four to accumulate points to find the sevens Champions of the north.

Sat. 21st May ... Bridlington RUFC

Sat. 4th June .... Driffield RUFC

Sat. 2nd July ..... University of Hull

Sat. 9th July ..... Scarborough RUFC

To find out more about sevens or where more events are being played see www.rfu.com/sevens and if you are running a sevens event please remember to let us know by emailing leisurerugby@therfu.com

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TOUCHLINE – MAY 20116

TRUNkERs TROPHy

high WyCoMbe RuFC’s club dinner was a sparkling affair with rugby stars in attendance but none more bright than the memory of the late Peter Trunkfield. A new award was made in memory of the former President of the RFU and a legend within Buckinghamshire Rugby. With the permission of Mrs Pat Trunkfield, the Trunkers Trophy will be awarded annually by High Wycombe for “exceptional services to rugby union”.

The first ever award was made by club President, Bill Page, to Don Dickerson (right), Club Secretary for the last 33 years, for his service to the club. Don makes the club tick and guests rose as one to honour him for his efforts. At the Kingsmead Road sell out event keeping guests entertained were Ben Kay, Dave Walder and Peter Scrivener.

PERFECT PITCHTony Simpson

TWiCkenhaM groundsman Keith Kent and his pristine pitch at headquarters ensure that the former custodian of another world-famous playing area, Old Trafford, is treated with some reverence by the people who know a thing or two about grass roots.

But Keith’s willingness to spread the principles of sound husbandry to all corners of the RFU adds to his impact. This was clear from a recent visits to six South Yorkshire clubs and chats with each

groundsman, with offers of advice on pitch maintenance in tandem with Funding & Facilities Manager for the North, Ted Mitchell, who supplemented the guidance with information on what help is available. Dinnington, Doncaster, Barnsley, Stocksbridge, Sheffield Tigers and Wortley were on Keith’s itinerary, his visit to the latter club being especially timely as they are the England RBS RugbyForce club of the year and may have a few bob to invest in their own grass roots in the near future.

sOUTHwOLd bEACH sEvENs iT’s The TiMe of year to start planning your great British beach holiday! This year’s Southwold Beach Sevens runs from Friday 22nd July to Sunday July 24th with over 50 men’s and women’s teams involved. Food will be provided all weekend, the bar will be bigger and better and sanitation facilities have been improved. The weekend kicks off with a warm-up party on the Friday night followed by beach rugby on Saturday, with the Big Bash in the evening. To enter a team costs £100, with both parties and use of facilities £25 per head.

For more information email Nina beachsevens@southwoldrfc.co.uk

Mahoh is the ancient word for Majorero, the inhabitants of the Canary island Fuerteventura, a paradise of long white-sand beaches.

in the summer of 2005 six Majoreros got together to start Club de Rugby Mahoh, Fuerteventura’s first rugby team. since then, they have competed in the liga Canaria de Rugby, regularly coming in second, in the Copa Canaria de Rugby, again twice runners up and in the Campeonato de seven de Canarias, winning in 2009 and runners up last year.

This little club has built the foundations for rugby in Fuerteventura. in 2006 they started a Rugby school which toured around the island, with the young Mahohs team born in 2008 and winning the u20 Canary Championship in 09/10 and 10/11.

They have done all this despite

a lack of funding or facilities, often finding it difficult to even get a pitch to train and play on. With no rugby tradition in the area, it’s difficult for them to convince the authorities that there’s a need to paint lines for rugby pitches or to acquire uprights. often it’s a case of using football goalposts and relying on the ref to determine whether a kick has won points.They are surprised by the development rugby has experienced in just six years, with 20 players in 2005 they now have some 80, 15 of them girls.

if anyone can offer help, advice, or is interested in coaching or touring they would love to hear from you. Just email lesley-anne handley at lahandley@hotmail.es or Miguel gil, director of Rugby, at miguelgilr@mail.com

Just remember those long sandy beaches!

FARNHAm mINIs ENJOy sUN, sEA, sANd ANd sOUTH wALEsHugh Godwin

oveR The Weekend of april 9/10, no less than 687 tourists from Farnham RuFC crossed the border for what the surrey club famous for bringing Jonny Wilkinson through in the game described as “one of the biggest and best ever mini rugby tours.”

south gower RFC and dunvant RFC were excellent hosts and organised over a hundred matches for hundreds of players between six and 12 years old competing for 16 clubs in glorious sunshine.

From fairy cakes decorated with the Farnham logo to the home crowd bursting into a chorus of ‘bread of heaven’ to the realisation that Welsh laws for mini rugby are completely different, several generations shared their passion for the game.

graham Watson, Farnham’s Mini Tour Chairman, said: “i would like to thank our hosts and all the teams for making this outstanding community rugby experience possible. We were overwhelmed by the competitive, yet friendly spirit of all the clubs. it was great to see the children loving every minute, cheered on by parents, siblings and grandparents. one of the highlights was the saturday night visit to the vale resort, home to the Welsh Rugby union Centre of excellence. although there were some great individual rugby performances during the tour, the real winner was the community spirit on show by players and supporters.”

FUERTEvENTURA dIsCOvERs RUgby

NORTH mIds NEw COACHINg TEAmPaul Bolton

noRTh Midlands have appointed former Harlequins, Leicester Tigers and Bath scrum half Scott Bemand as their new head coach for this season’s campaign in the County Championship Bill Beaumont Cup Second Division. Bemand, who retired from senior rugby at the end of last season after a distinguished Premiership career, is now

part of the coaching team at Herefordshire club Luctonians where he began his career.

The 32-year-old was capped by England Students during his time with Moseley and toured Australia with the senior England side in 2006. Bemand forms a new coaching team with former Moseley hooker Dan Protherough. They replace Alan Hubbleday and Richard Henwood, who have stepped down because of work commitments though Hubbleday, the RFU’s Coach Development Officer, will act as mentor to the new coaching team.

sTOP THE FRONT PAgE!

WeyMouTh RFC recently presented RFu vip ties to idris Martin, dorset and Wilts press secretary for many years, and Julian oddy, long-serving club Treasurer. They are both great role models for those receiving young volunteer awards: Robyn parker and Rebecca hunter, who have both been a constant help around the club and themselves.

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sILLOTH sTORmINg bACksilloTh RuFC in West Cumbria, founded in 1880, hit problems in recent times with a lack of players and volunteers and for three years only played friendly fixtures. This season, however, not only have they rejoined the Cumbria league but they were sitting near the top at the time of writing.

So close to folding on several occasions, hopes are now high with a great bunch of players, the majority from the town with a population of just over 3,000. Silloth epitomises the small rural club and has encountered and overcome the problems that affect them.

Says Chairman Jimmy Lettice “It is brilliant to turn a team out again. Our players are a close knit bunch. We have a father and son in the front row Colin and Dan Yeoman and three brothers who play for us Jack, Kevin and Ricky Robinson. One player, Rodney Morten, has eight-year-old triplets who can’t wait to join the junior section and play for Silloth. Two of my brothers, George and Paul, have played for Silloth as have two nephews Ryan and Mark Orchard. Mark still plays and is first team coach.”

Jimmy has been involved with Silloth for 37 years, starting as a as a 15 year old winger and covering every role from player/coach to treasurer. The team plays in the centre of the town at the Jim Brough Memorial Park, named after a player who represented Silloth and England in 1924.

“Team captain Phil Scott has been fundamental in getting a team out regularly again. Without his hard work and that of Dave Allen and Donald Pape I believe we may have folded,” says Jimmy. “He is a product of the development squad of the late 90s. We spend our time and resources promoting the club to the 16 and17 year olds as a no pressure , play and enjoy atmosphere.

“RFU Development Officer Liam Nicholls and Community Coach Trevor Richardson have also been a massive help. Their work is vital to rugby in Cumbria. We have also had support from clubs like Ambleside, Cockermouth and Wigton, opponents on the pitch but great friends and supporters off it.”

bILLy dROPs byTony Simpson

TWiCkenhaM groundsman Keith Kent met Billy Hislop, the 63-year-old groundsman

at Consett RUFC, when delivering one of his ground maintenance seminars. The pair struck up a friendship which resulted in a memorable

day for Billy at this season’s Calcutta Cup Six Nations Championship game, where he was Keith’s personal guest.

This was Billy’s first visit to The Smoke and it included; a trip to Buckingham Palace, a pitch inspection with Keith, a hands-on viewing of the Calcutta Cup and a string of introductions to luminaries like Rob Andrew, Scotland hooker Ross Ford, a friend from the Borders, Scotland manager Andy Robinson and BBC pundit Jill Douglas.

“It astonished me how many people knew Billy through his connections in rugby and farming in the Borders,” said his travelling companion Mark Swinney, Hon Treasurer at Consett.

Billy is retiring this year his idea of time off is being at agricultural shows around the UK where he is a well recognised as a Judge for the Suffolk Sheep Society.

JAPAN EARTHQUAkE RELIEF 10s

london Japanese RFC and belsize park RFC pooled their resources to stage a 10s tournament in aid of the Japan society of london Tohoku earthquake Relief Fund.

belsize park stage an annual 10s but lost the use of their ground for the event this year and were pleased to accommodate london Japanese’s suggestion of holding the tournament at the Richmond athletic ground in aid of the Relief Fund.

Twelve sides from around london were joined by several hundred spectators, illustrating the strong support for those affected by the disaster. Tournament organiser saburo Takahashi said, ‘it was a fantastic and very emotional occasion – we are so grateful for all the players, spectators and sponsors for supporting the event and raising over £3,000 for the earthquake Relief Fund’. The main competition was won by a strong kew occasionals side, the plate by haringey Rhinos and the bowl by Wasps amateurs.

bILL’s bOysTony Simpson

a ClassiC shot for the family album as Josh (left), sam and dad bill line-up with the national Two north league trophy after Fylde’s handsome 76-14 win over hull ionians at ansdell.

given the commitment of the beaumont family to Fylde rugby down the years, being invited to present the trophy to his elder son sam, the Fylde captain, was a clearly a source of huge pride for beaumont

senior and came relatively quickly after he had performed a similar task in dublin.

on that occasion he presented sam and the other players from the england Counties Xv with his cap after he had made his debut against the ulster bank Club international Team at old belvedere RFC.

by coincidence, two former england Counties players were on the score-sheet at ansdell, with wingman oliver brennand crossing five times and england sevens man Mick Royle on the other flank also scoring. another Counties man, lock paul arnold, also earned a mention in despatches when he contributed to a hugely-popular finale by resisting the temptation to use Jason Robinson as a foil and instead unselfishly supplying the pass that allowed the former england and british lions player to scamper home.

THURROCk TOUCHINg IN PINk FOR CHARITyTom Somerville

ThuRRoCk RFC, from essex, have raised over £1000 for the breakthrough breast cancer charity, with fund raising events, including kitting out their 1st Xv in pink shirts. They are now inviting you and your club to the final event of the year; a mixed touch rugby tournament on June 25th.

The touch tournament is open to anyone from 1st Xvs to vets and fcolts to ladies, and will be seven-a-side with 10 squad members, including two women. it is £5 per player, which includes a free burger, and there will be a bbq, hog roast and evening entertainment. Camping £5 with full use of club facilities.

Thurrock have staged two quiz nights, a race night, a halloween party, a Club vice presidents lunch, and an u12s tri-tournament for charity. so please come along to the touch tournament to boost their fundraising finale!

Contact Mercedes Foy on 07835194357.

Keith and Billy Hislop at pitchside

yOUNg OAks FLOURIsHTom Somerville

iT’s oFTen Tough for new arrivals at school to stand out, but the current Year 8 rugby team at Oakland Catholic School, in Hampshire, certainly did that last season and have continued building on their excellent performances. The team are currently undefeated in two seasons and have picked up along the way the Perrins 7s tournament honours, the Hampshire Collegiate Plate, and been undefeated in the South East Hants League.

The success and enthusiasm of the team in Year 7 encouraged more boys along to training and now the squad train twice a week, and have arranged fixtures against local private schools to take on more challenging opponents. Many also turn out for Havant RFC or Portsmouth RFC. Team coach Freddie Wood says,“The team’s passion and commitment has brought them a great deal of success and they really promote the values of rugby.”

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schools

sPECIAL EvENTTony Simpson

ThiRTeen schools and 130 youngsters made the tournament for youngsters with special educational needs from the SportsSpecial and Ebor School Sports Partnerships at Harrogate Rugby Union Club a record-breaking and enjoyable day.

Three separate competitions included: a full contact sevens event, a tag rugby tournament and a combined coaching/mini tag section. All schools were offered four weeks prior coaching by RFU Community Coaches Duncan Burgess, Andy Rock and Gary Pigeon, helping produce some top-class, competitive rugby.

The sevens full contact competition saw skilful displays from every team, with winners Netherside Hall/Upper Whafedale finishing unbeaten. In the tag section the teams were split into two pools, with Mowbray coming out on top in Pool 1 and Forest narrowly topping Pool 2, going through on the number of tries scored due to a three-way tie for top spot. Mowbray emerged victorious after a 6-4 win and like, Netherside/Wharfedale, remained unbeaten throughout.

The young people had a fabulous day, coaching in the morning session enabling them to put newly-acquired skills into practice. The event has gone from strength to strength over the last four years and is one of 20 events organised and run by the SportsSpecial and Ebor School Sports partnerships for young people with special educational needs.

The SportsSpecial SSP is currently looking for a sponsor for this hugely successful events calendar. Further details from Partnership Development Manager Sally Evans at sally.evans@mowbray.n-yorks.sch.uk

Rgs HOLd OFF bRAvE TRURO FOR FOURTH U15 CUPRgs, High Wycombe won the U15 Daily Mail RBS Cup for the fourth time after a thrilling late fight back from Truro School and squeezing past the Cornishmen 17-15.

RGS dominated in the opening exchanges, with Ewan Gillespie missing a penalty shot on five minutes, and the Buckinghamshire side proceeded to cross the whitewash on four occasions, only to be held up each time. It took until the 20th minute for RGS to score, as open-side flanker Alexander Murphy collected skipper Jack Statham’s well timed pass to break a seemingly impermeable Truro defence and dart over in the corner.

RGS extended their lead to 12 points five minutes later when Ross Neal barged over after Louis Pow’s strong carry. Truro forced a penalty after a spell of possession in the RGS half, which captain Ned Warne slotted from 40 metres to make the score 12-3 at the break.

RGS scored their third try three minutes after the restart through Jonty Cook but.Truro, who had never lost in their four seasons as a team, managed to stem the flow as a battle of attrition commenced. Replacement Aidan Maskell’s try with just over two minutes remaining, reduced Truro’s arrears to nine points. Ned Warne, intent on

preserving his side’s unbeaten record, set off on a scything run through RGS tackles to set up his fellow centre and Exeter Chiefs Academy player Tom Holdsworth for another five-pointer and a grandstand finish. Despite Truro working their way from 22 to 22, RGS held strong and regained the trophy that they last lifted in 1998.

Solihull’s first Twickenham silverware

A brace of tries from Alex Winter helped Solihull School to their first ever U18 Daily Mail RBS Vase victory as they overcame a spirited St. George’s College, Weybridge side 28-21.

Fly half Max Rodman secured a penalty on 11 minutes and then doubled Solihull’s tally four minutes later, but his opposite

number Chris Hanson halved the deficit almost immediately. Hanson slotted an equalising penalty in the 20th minute before Solihull’s No.8 and captain Conor Joyce was yellow-carded for persistent infringement. St. George’s Hanson nailed a penalty to hand his side the lead. And Rodman restored parity with his third

penalty just before half time.Solihull’s centre Winter rounded

the St. George’s defence six minutes into the second half, Rodman adding the conversion making it 16-9. Hanson pushed a penalty wide on 46 minutes, and just 60 seconds later, Winter pounced on a wayward St. George’s pass and scorched under the posts for a try converted by Rodman.

After a sustained spell of possession St. George’s England U18 full back Anthony Watson

went over for an unconverted score. His team seemed on the brink of staging a recovery when scrum half Eoghan Sweeney strolled in under the posts after Matt Bennett’s clean break, Hanson kicked the extra two points to make the score 23-21. However, Solihull replacement Jack Hobbs’ try in the last play of the match ensured that his side would to the take the trophy home.

sAFFRON wALdEN U15 vAsE vICTORy saFFRon Walden County High School put on a superb exhibition of attacking rugby claiming the U15 Daily Mail RBS Vase courtesy of a 32-14 win over Harrogate Grammar School.

The Essex side’s centre Dan Procter crossed for a try converted by Ivan Karsten on 12 minutes. Karsten extended Saffron Walden’s lead to 10 points five minutes later with a penalty, before captain Ed Low embarked on a 60-metre dash to make the score 15-0. Wing Joyal Gurung went over in the corner on the stroke of half time.

Saffron full back Hamish Richie scored his side’s fourth try just 42 seconds into the second half but Harrogate’s Toby Hall bludgeoned his way over the whitewash to offer the Yorkshiremen faint hope, with James Finney adding the extras for a 25-7 score.

With seven minutes left, Harrogate’s Finney scored and converted a solo effort from 80 metres but two minutes from time Saffron’s Sam McReynolds galloped down the left wing from halfway and touched down for five points that, along with Oli Bennett’s conversion, sealed a deserved victory.

FEsTIvAL ATmOsPHERE AT NATIONAL sCHOOLs 7s

WiTh a new sponsor in HSBC, the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s Tournament saw Wellington College win the Festival for the tenth time after an all Berkshire final against Eton College, in the fianle for the first time.

Tonbridge School, last year’s Festival winners, won the Colts (U16) Tournament, defeating Dulwich 19-5. London Oratory ran out victors over Whitgift School (19-0) in the Juniors

and the Preparatory Schools Competition was won by Bromsgrove School with 27-0 against Bedford School.

The the Open and Girls finals were played in glorious weather on the Friday, with Filton College defeating Hartpury College by 14-5. The Girls contest was won by Hartpury, having beaten Moulton College 24-12.

Teams from Denmark, Romania, Kenya and Spain competed and several international came along adding to to the general festival atmosphere. Trophies were presented by the Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson MP.

wHITgIFT RETAIN U18 CUPWhiTgiFT sChool scored five tries as they became only the fourth school to win the U18 Daily Mail RBS Cup for two consecutive years, overcoming a plucky Oakham School 45-24 in the Twickenham final.

Olly Dickerson opened the scoring after five minutes following a break by centre Sam Cooke, with England U20 international Elliot Daly kicking the conversion followed by a monster penalty from inside his own half to increase Whitgift’s lead to 10 points.

On 22 minutes Oakham centre De La Rey Veenendaal released winger Sam Tipper after a scrum deep inside Whitgift territory. They drew level as Veenendaal sliced through the defence from a scrum on the halfway line to touch down in the corner.

Penalties either side of half time from Daly edged Whitgift back

in front at 16-10, but a converted try from his former England colleague Charlie Walker after a clean break and sidestepping finish saw Oakham take a 17-16 lead with half an hour remaining.

Whitgift regained the lead through full back Chris Crane.. Another three points from Daly initiated a period that saw the Londoners register 24 points in a quarter of an hour, as a short-range, burrowing try from hooker Simon Hugkulstone, an opportunistic effort from captain Tommy Nicholls and a 50-metre dash from replacement George Smith ensured that Whitgift would take the trophy back to South Croydon. Oakham grabbed a consolation score just before the final whistle through Veenendaal, a try that Walker converted.

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EAsT yORks sCHOOLs TRy FEsTTony Simpson

WiTh oveR 300 playeRs and 19 teams from across four divisions, the East Yorks Emerging Schools finals at Driffield RFC comprised Year 7, 8, 9 and 10s playing entertaining rugby.

Wolfreton School won the Year 7 competition with some clinical displays; South Hunsley School claimed victory in the Year 8 competition with an amazing points difference of plus 171 from three games; Driffield School came from behind in a tense final game with Winifred Holtby to finish top of the table for the Year 9s and Cottingham School were proud winners of the Year 10 competition having not conceded a point.

“The event showcased rugby union as an exciting sport to play and watch.” said Community Rugby Coach Patrick Tasker: “The schools, teachers and volunteers made it the most successful tournament to date.”

kINg’s HAvE ALL THE ACEs

The JunioR king’s CanTeRbuRy 1sT Xv squad celebrated an unbeaten season in their regular fixtures list, reached the last four in the National Prep Schools Rugby Tournament in March and won The Foster Cup, the annual 7s competition for prep school teams across Kent.

Their successful season saw King’s concede just 56 points and score a school-record breaking 528 points. Andy Jamieson, Director of Sport at Junior King’s said: “It was not just the fact the team won all of our inter school fixtures, it was the nature of those victories. Rarely did we score fewer than 40 points and often pushed scores into the 50s even against larger schools.”

PARk COmmUNITy sCHOOL’s wINNINg wAysTony Simpson

paRk CoMMuniTy sChool from Barnstaple in Devon had their names inscribed on the South West Division Schools Union U14 Non Selective State Schools Championship trophy for the first time after beating Theale Green Community School, from Reading in Berkshire..

The Southern SW Divisional Festival was held at North Petherton RFC where the County Champions of Cornwall (Penryn School), Devon (Park School), Somerset (Priory), Bristol (Castle School) and Gloucestershire (Farmors School) were in competition. Park clinched a place in the final against the Northern festival winners.

That Festival took place at Cokethorpe School, where Berkshire (Theale Green), Bucks (Beaconsfield), Oxfordshire (Marlborough) and Dorset/Wilts (Gryphon) contested the honours with Theale Green emerging victorious. The fifth final of the competition at the University of Bristol Sports Ground ended with a new name on the trophy when a powerful finish in the last quarter by Park proved conclusive.

East Yorkshire Schools celebrate en masse

skINNERs’ sOUTH AFRICA TOUR JUsT REwARdskinneRs’ undeR 14 rugby squad have had another great season. In years 7 and 8 they recorded wins against the likes of Whitgift, Dulwich, Dartford, Eastbourne and Judd, achieving two years undefeated..This season saw them enter the Kent Cup for the first time. With some new opposition and some old ones to face, the team reached the finals with an outstanding win in the semis

away to Kings Canterbury, 58-0.The final against a spirited Dulwich side brought the Skinners’ side

their first taste of defeat but also determination to return next time to secure the silverware. Year 9 was a tough season but saw some of the squad’s best rugby. Touring South Africa in July promises a great end to the season and reward for their commitment.

gIRLs RUgby IN LONdON NORTH sCHOOLsThe FiRsT stand-alone festival for girls’ schools rugby in the london north region was a great success attracting almost 400 young players to bishop’s stortford RFC, where they met england Women’s Maggie alphonsi and england a fly half sarah Mckenna.

The festival for year 7 and 8 girls, from around essex, hertfordshire, Middlesex and eastern Counties showed the growing level of interest in the area. presdales school won the Trophy in the main competition and breckland won the shield but the emphasis was on fun

and participation as 25 schools comprising around 375 players played in eight matches each. The number of girls playing more than doubled the previous year’s event held alongside a boys’ competition.

in the shield final acton high were edged out by breckland school, while in the Trophy the other finalists were William edwards from grays in essex. presdales went on to an exciting nationwide get-together at Twickenham stadium before the army v navy match, playing against schools from seven other regions.

Maggie Alphonsi, England Women’s flanker and London & South East talent development officer, with some of the girls.

NORTH sCHOOLs AT sEvENs ANd TENsTony Simpson

ellesMeRe College from Shropshire carried off the honours at this season’s 23rd North of England Sevens at Birkenhead Park, while Filton College from Bristol emerged victorious at the Sedbergh Tens event. On Merseyside, 40 teams took part and quality sevens was the order of the day.

Ellesmere qualified for the final with a 12-5 win over Hymers College from Hull, while Bromsgrove had a more emphatic 34-5 semi-final victory over Kings School Worcester. Ellesmere then went on to take the Bowring Trophy winning the final 22-5.

In the Plate section, Ampleforth and

Durham School had a close tussle before the East Yorkshire side got home 21-17. Both finalists had comfortable semi-final successes, Ampleforth beating King’s Macclesfield 26-0 and Durham enjoying a 42-19 victory over Stonyhurst.

In the women’s section, Giggleswick carried off the trophy by beating King’s School Macclesfield.

Sedbergh had a field of 16 teams for their annual 10s tournament, with Filton and Barnard Castle meeting in the final after both teams emerged unbeaten from their group matches. Filton took the final 24-12, while the Plate went to King’s School, Macclesfield, who beat Manchester Grammar 35-0 in the final.

sTUdENT sEvENsTony Simpson

LEEDS University took the women’s honours and Newcastle University were men’s winners when the British Universities & Colleges Sport RU Sevens regional qualifying competition was held recently at the University of Northumbria’s Bullocksteads ground.

Also qualifying for the National BUCS finals, to be held at Preston Grasshoppers in May were Durham Men’s team and Newcastle Women’s team, who finished runners-up in the regional finals.

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ipfsPRINg gLEANINgspRing has brought with it a growing number fundraising events for the injured players Foundation, as the rugby community enjoys some fun in the sun for the ipF.

among the fundraisers have been: £10,000 from the Rbs 6 nations match, when the ipF was the official match charity; £3,000 from didcot RFC’s Martin llewellyn Memorial Cup game, with ipF ambassador Xv captain bill beaumont in attendance; and £820 From the ipF’s dr Mike england (below Right), who with his brother david canoed 120 miles non-stop from devizes to Westminster.

sIgN UP NOw!Great British Bike Ride – July 5-9

Have you got what it takes to ride from Land’s End to Twickenham Stadium where you’ll receive the appreciation of thousands of rugby fans at the Middlesex 7s? Rugby World

Cup winner Phil Vickery MBE will be leading the pack on the 5-day 330-mile challenge, so why not join him and cycle to the Home of England Rugby?

*Rugby Club Special Offer* – Enter a team of four and pay for only 3 – Visit www.rfuipf.org.uk for more information

ON THEIR bIkEs FOR INJUREd PLAyERsPaul Bolton

TWo Midlands rugby players will be cycling 3,500 miles down the west coast of america from vancouver to Mexico this summer to raise money for the RFu injured players Foundation.

Thomas Morris and adam Wood, both former students at york university, want to complete the gruelling ride in 32 days calling in at rugby clubs along the way. They aim to raise £2,500 from the ride inspired by ben smoldon, one of the ipF clients, who suffered a serious injuries playing for sutton Coldfield Colts in 1991.

smoldon has remained an inspirational figure at sutton Coldfield, Morris’s own club and his elder brother simon will greet the cyclists when they arrive at the burnaby lake club in vancouver.

“ben is still at the heart of everything that goes on at sutton,” Morris said. “i got chatting to him about all the good work that the RFu injured players Foundation does and decided to help. i’m off to medical school in september, adam is at law school in nottingham so we both have a bit of spare time.”

To promote their charity ride Morris was cycling to four rugby clubs around sutton Coldfield and north birmingham, starting at sutton and taking in spartans RFC, aston oe and veseyans.

details about the charity ride are available at: www.ruckingandrolling.blogspot.com and donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/Thomas-Morris1

vIRgIN LONdON mARATHON 2012Why noT join the ipF Rugby Runners team and take part in the world’s greatest marathon in the year of the london olympics. visit www.rfuipf.org.uk for more information about all the races you can take part in for ipF.

COmINg sOON!soMe intrepid fundraisers are taking on big challenges for the IPF. IPF Ambassador and Bath rugby legend Dave Barnes is leading his trek team up Mt Kilimanjaro,. Bikes are back with two Sutton Coldfield players cycling 3,500miles from Canada to Mexico, calling at clubs on the way . Dominic Webster is taking on the National 3 Peaks and walking the 500 miles between them as well! And Ilkeston RFC are aiming to get 30 club members around the 3 Peaks in 24 hours. Add to this Brockworth RFC’s fundraising day on 29 May and Harpenden RFC choosing the IPF as their charity of the year and Spring has certainly sprung for the IPF.

If you or your club want to fundraise for the RFU Injured Players Foundation please contact Ian at ipf@therfu.com or sign up for the enews letter listing events at www.rfuipf.org.uk

dURHAm TAkE THE HONOURs IN bUCs mEN’s FINALduRhaM and UWIC played out an epic BUCS final encounter at Twickenham with a very open game only decided by a last minute penalty. It was Durham who prevailed with the final score 23-22.

UWIC struck first from a penalty. After missing his first attempt, Rhys Roberts stepped up to convert after Durham had come in from the side. Durham hit back, scoring the first try in the 12th minute through Guy Sears, converted by Mike Ward.

Only two minutes later UWIC retaliated with another penalty from Roberts, followed by a try after a great solo run by Dan Bibby. The game swung back in Durham’s favour as David Haigh scored Durham’s second try, bringing the score to Durham 12 – 11 UWIC. UWIC took the lead as Nick Halse and Josh Jacas scored two quick tries, the latter converted by Roberts to bring the game to 12 - 23 in UWIC’s favour at half time.

Durham took the first points of the second half with a penalty by Mike Ward, bringing the gap

back to eight points, after a deliberate knock-on by a UWIC defender. With only nine minutes left, UWIC looked to have scored the winning try but play was brought back to the half way line for a knock-on. Durham capitalised , bringing the game back to within one point as captain Rob Malaney scored under the posts, converted by Alex Graham. Graham scored a last minute penalty to take honours for Durham.

UNbEATEN LEEds mET CARNEgIE wIN bUCs TITLElasT yeaR’s runners up, Leeds Met Carnegie women’s team secured the BUCS Championship title at Twickenham Stadium defeating Exeter 34 – 5

Leeds Met won a penalty in the first two minutes, the kick from Jana Evans unsuccessful, but only 60 seconds later she touched down for the first try. Emily Ferry then doubled Leeds Met’s advantage with a well taken try in the 10th minute, Evans adding the extras. Leeds Met’s third try came in the 34th minute, with Rose Jay handing off three defenders to touch down in the corner, making it 17-0 at the break.

Two minutes into the second half Leeds Met extended the lead with a try from Claire Garner after some great work from Jay, before England’s Emily Scarratt, added her name to the scoresheet with a superb solo try. Vicki Pinks took the score to 32-0 as Leeds Met started to run away with the game, Claire Garner converting.

Exeter came into the game pushing Leeds

Met back to their own try line and would have scored but for a knock-on. In the next ten minutes Exeter tested Leeds Met’s defence with some strong play and rewarded when Donna Downes broke through to score under the posts. The final whistle saw Leeds Met taking home the silverware and ending the BUCS season as Champions, Northern Premier League winners and unbeaten throughout the campaign.

HARTPURy RETAIN AAsE TITLEStefan Curtis

haRTpuRy College defended their advanced apprenticeship in sporting excellence (aase) league title this season, after beating oaklands College 25-13 in the final at Twickenham on april 27.

The gloucestershire school, who last year featured current england u20 regulars Ryan Mills and dan Robson, looked in control of the match throughout, while oaklands were left to rue several missed penalties early on.

england u18 and oaklands lock Tom Jubb said after the match that playing at Twickenham was a memorable experience, despite the result:

“it’s always tough to lose any match, but to lose a final hurts that little bit more. having lost with england u18 against ireland in the FiRa/aeR Championship final a few days before – it’s been a pretty tough week, but hopefully it will make me a stronger person and a better player.

Jubb added: “it was a amazing to play at

Twickenham though, and running out of the tunnel was awesome. Credit to hartpury as well, they’re a great team and finished top of the league table, so you can’t begrudge them the win.”

Leeds Met Carnegie celebrate Durham delighted

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 11

chaMpionshipCHAmPIONsHIP CLUbs ENCOURAgEd TO PROdUCE ENgLANd PLAyERs

Nicol McClelland

RFu ChaMpionship clubs will, from next season, be funded only for producing english Qualified players.

The scheme, similar to that in the aviva premiership, will see the 12 clubs receive their share of £2.3m from the Rugby Football union if they have an average of 14 eQps in their 22-man match day squad over the season. This will rise to 15 in 2012-13 and 16 in 2013-14.

in addition, the clubs will receive a further payment under the terms of the eight-year RFu agreement with the pRl, funding from the RFu under its five-year broadcasting agreement with sky, while the RFu will also under-write £250,000 worth of sponsorship for the Championship clubs while continuing to assist in finding a sponsor for the league. in total, the RFu Championship clubs will receive over £300,000 in central funding on top of their own revenue streams and sponsorship investments.

RFu Chief executive John steele added: “We recognise that these are hard economic times for all rugby clubs which is why, in the absence of a sponsor, despite ours and the club’s own efforts to secure one, we have agreed to support the RFu Championship with additional funding.

“This means that the RFu is now delivering all the investment promised in the original agreement and we hope that this, along with the additional money from sky’s coverage, and the increased exposure that brings, will help clubs to develop their businesses.”

The structure for the 2011-12 season has also been agreed with the clubs to continue with the current play off structure. The season will kick off on the weekend of september 3 and include a two-legged semi final for the first time.

The british & irish Cup structure has also been agreed with the Welsh, scottish and irish unions which will see six pools of four teams play across groups in the same format as the lv= Cup.

Championship structure 2011-12Stage 1 of 22 weeks starting September 3, 2011Stage 2 play-offs of 6 weeks for top eight and bottom four1 reserve weekend for postponed matches1 blank weekend between Stage 1 Round 22 and play-off Round 1Semi-finals staged over 2 legsFinal staged over two legs

British & Irish Cup structure 2011-12Played over 7 weekendsStructure to follow LV= Cup format i.e. 6 pools of 4 teams and each team will play the 4 teams of their neighbouring pool giving 4 pool matches (2 home, 2 away)

Each pool to consist of 2 RFU Championship clubs, 1 Welsh Principality club, 1 Irish province or Scottish club

All-Championship ties played mid-weekQuarter-finalists will be 6 pool winners plus 2 best runners-upSemi-finals staged over 1 legFinal staged over 1 leg

bUTTs gIRLs LEAd by ExAmPLE Paul Bolton

WaRWiCkshiRe are expanding a successful pilot scheme in Coventry encouraging girls to take up rugby to other parts of the county.

Ant Collins and Dan Osleton, two of Warwickshire’s Community Rugby Coaches, set up a girls’ team at the Barkers’ Butts club to encourage girls in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 to continue playing rugby.

The scheme has been so successful that Barkers’ Butts now compete in the Midlands West Girls Tag League alongside Earlsdon, Bournville, Old Yardleians, Old Saltleians, Kenilworth and Shipston-on-Stour. A similar pilot scheme will start in Rugby at Old Laurentians RFC, providing rugby for girls who have been introduced to tag in school.

“There are lots of tag programmes running in schools in Coventry but few girls teams at clubs,” said Mark Richardson, Warwickshire Rugby Development Officer. “Rather than having teams starting up here and there we decided to put in some structure and aim for continuity by setting up the team at Barkers’Butts, providing quality

coaching and entering the Tag League to give them fixtures. It’s been a huge success and Ant and Dan are now rolling out a similar programme in Rugby.”

The Barkers’ Butts team have been provided with shirts through a sponsorship deal with GJ McCabe Ltd, a local firm of bar fitters, shop fitters and joinery contractors, and the generosity of parents Kevin and Marie McGullion. The majority of players come from the Cardinal Newman, Nicholas Chamberlain, St John’s Junior School and Christ the King Junior schools.

sHEFFIELd U19s CLINg TO vICTORyTony Simpson

sheFField RuFC U19s had a few anxious moments before time ran out on their challengers Old Brodleians, from Hipperholme near Halifax, in the final of the Yorkshire Under 19 Cup. The Abbeydale side emerged 23-18 winners, but their visitors clawed their way back from a 23-6 deficit in the final quarter.. Man-of-the-match went to Sheffield full-back Henry Bradshaw-Smith, who fielded high balls superbly all day, using that possession to maximum effect. Centre and captain Liam Wallace also earned a mention in despatches for his excellent cover defence and organisational skills.

AsHTON sHEddINg LIgHT IN LANCAsHIRETony Simpson

bRian ashTon’s reputation has not diminished since he returned to his roots in lancashire and Fylde RFC. his ansdell colleague Mark nelson, who heads up the lancashire County development Centre project, has not been slow to draw on that world-class resource. a series of seminars was held recently at blackburn RuFC, with head coaches from sedgley park, liverpool st helens, Waterloo, preston grasshoppers, Fleetwood, Trafford Mv, Wigan and blackburn listening to ashton’s rugby philosophy and revealing their own ideas.

“We had senior coaches from our clubs and county representative teams for what proved to be a very stimulating evening.” said nelson: “The feedback has been fantastic. brian has a clarity of vision about the game and the ability to deliver that vision to the players. This is key to taking the game forward in the county and this event is a positive step.”

england Counties forward coach dave baldwin added, “The session engaged all the coaches with lot of interaction. brian didn’t simply talk to us and ask questions – he invited us to think for ourselves about a range of topics. Thought-provoking is a good description of what brian brings to a discussion.”

cBs

TOUCHLINE – MAY 201112

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

TOUCHLINEeditorial input with jpeg pictures to:Touchline editor, patricia Mowbrayemail: patriciamowbray@rfu.comdirect line: 0208 831 6514

Correspondence to: patricia Mowbray, Touchline editor, Rugby Football union, Rugby house, Twickenham stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7ba.

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Touchline is published by ppl sport, on behalf of the Rugby Football union, the national governing body of the game in england.also available on the RFu website: rfu.com

photography courtesy of getty and Touchline contributors.Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and Cbs for contributions.

no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the RFu. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the RFu or ppl sport. 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.

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rfuw referees

ENgLIsH REFs FOR RUgby wORLd CUPWayne baRnes and Dave Pearson will referee at the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand in September and October. They are included in a panel of 10 referees for the 48 matches and will be joined by assistant referee Stuart Terheege and television match official Graham Hughes.

RFU Head of Elite Referee Development Ed Morrison said: “I am delighted for all of them. They deserve enormous recognition for their hard work and dedication. It is credit to the Elite Referee Unit overall that they have been chosen alongside such a select group of officials. No man is an island and they have all had great support from everyone within the team.”

Before RWC 2011 Barnes will referee Scotland v Ireland at Murrayfield on August 6 and Australia v New Zealand at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on August 27 while Pearson will officiate at the Churchill Cup to be played in England during June and referee the Scotland v Italy game to be played on August 20. Fellow RFU officials Greg Garner and JP Doyle will officiate at the IRB Junior World Championship in June and Andrew Small at the Nations Cup in Romania. Terheege is one of seven specialist Assistant Referees selected who will assist during the tournament’s pool stages. Hughes is one of four highly experienced television match officials.

Barnes and Pearson will be joined in New Zealand by Ireland’s George Clancy, who will take charge of the opening match between hosts New Zealand and Tonga at Eden Park on September 9, Alain Rolland (Ireland), France’s Romain Poite, New Zealand’s Bryce Lawrence, South Africa’s Craig Joubert and Jonathan Kaplan, Nigel Owens of Wales and Australia’s Steve Walsh. The appointments for the 40 Pool matches will be announced in August while appointments for the knock-out matches will follow a performance review after the pool phase when 10 of the 21 match officials will be retained.

LOOk TO LONdON FOR bETTER REFEREEsHugh Godwin

The london & South East region swept the board in the Better Referees category of the 2011 RFU President’s XV awards..

Ealing Trailfinders RFC, from Middlesex, won the top Better Referees prize of £500 and a trophy with Chobham RFC, Surrey, and Rosslyn Park FC , Roehampton, the runners-up. Each has a Club Referee Co-ordinator (CRefC), and between them they have developed dozens of referees to look after mini, youth and senior rugby.

Ed Turnill, the RFU’s Referee Development Manager in London, is delighted at the region’s recognition in the awards, supported by QBE, the specialist business insurers. “The RFU are determined to improve the quality of experience at rugby clubs, and refereeing has a big part to play in that,” said Turnill.“Having a qualified referee who understands the game and knows the laws is particularly important to players at a young age.

“Refereeing has so many benefits, both to the individuals who take it up and to the clubs to

which they are attached. Becoming a referee enables people to stay involved with the game they love and helps everyone understand the game better.”

Ealing have carried on building on their ground-breaking success and this year have got more young people involved with a special course for 14 to 16 year old referees. Rosslyn Park are in their second season with a club referee section. Club Referee Co-ordinator Jason Hunter, who has a son playing at Rosslyn Park, started out by wanting to qualify as a referee to stay involved with rugby and keep fit. He joined the London Society three years ago and consulted Ealing’s Pete Paterson on setting up a club section. The RFU has

been supportive with England’s top Test referee Wayne Barnes visiting to speak to the section and Turnill running practical sessions at the club’s ground.

Barnes also presented the runners-up award to Chobham, who established a club referee section under their own steam and run their own referee education sessions led by James Davies, the CRefC, with the support of director of rugby and referee, Harry Norman-Walker.

“There isn’t a big club that wouldn’t benefit from having an active Club Referee Co-ordinator,” said Turnill. We have now begun using Ealing as a coaching centre for referees not attached to the club and I am hopeful that the other clubs out there with huge mini and youth sections will soon take a similarly positive approach to refereeing.”

PresXV2011_RossPkreferee: Ed Turnill and Dave Broadwell, RFU referee development managers, present Rosslyn Park FC’s club referees’ section with their runners-up prize in the 2011 RFU President’s Xv Awards, Better Referees category.

yOUNg REFs TAkE CHARgEseven young ReFeRees from the london society academy whistled at the hsbC Rosslyn park national schools 7s in april. aged between 14 and 19, they took charge of matches throughout the tournament, which saw more than 7,000 under-13 to under-18 players from more than 500 schools and colleges playing.

Coached and mentored by senior members of the london society, they all helped make the competition a great success. ed Turnill, the Referee development Manager for london, said: “This was a great opportunity to increase their experience of rugby and they all rose to the challenge well, refereeing with great composure.”

The six young men and one young woman received encouraging feedback from their peers, tournament organisers and competing schools. it’s hoped that the players at the event might consider taking up the whistle having seen the young referees on duty.

To find out more about refereeing visit www.rfu.com/takingpart/referee or www.londonrugby.com

RICHmONd LAdIEs CROwNEd PREmIERsHIP CHAmPIONsRiChMond ladies were crowned RFuW premiership champions for the second successive season.The london club won 1 3 of their 14 premiership clashes, losing their only match in their last outing of the season against lichfield.

Richmond, who boast an array of international stars including england’s becky essex, Rachael burford and Rowena burnfield, clinched the title ahead of Wasps who were 11 points adrift after the final rounds of games. Meanwhile lichfield’s surprise 5-33 victory elevated them to a third place finish in the table.

Richmond head Coach karen Findlay said: “This has been a great season – we didn’t want to be one hit wonders! and it has been tough because we were coming into the season on the back of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and we had a lot of injuries from that.

“however, the squad have done a fantastic job. all the players have really stood up and i couldn’t have asked for more from them. The women’s premiership is at a fantastic level now and every weekend has been really tough, so for us to win the title for a second season is a real testament to this squad.”

at the other end of the premiership old albanians fought off bath ladies in the RFuW premiership play-off match. bath were hoping to take the next step up the league ladder after winning the north versus south Championship 1 clash but they were unable to topple old albanians who triumphed 22-7.

NEw AgE bANd FOR gIRLs RUgby

FRoM September 1st 2011 the RFUW will introduce a new Under 13s age band for girls’ rugby to provide more competitive and constructive rugby for girls under the Under 15s age bracket. after extensive research and consultation throughout the game.

Previously, Under 15s and Under 18s age bands were introduced in 2007/2008 to increase players at youth level and provide sufficient competitive outlets. Since then the game has developed with more girls playing rugby. Minor amendments have been made to accommodate changes within the schools environment and the need to develop competitions for girls. However, several Under 15s age bands were still struggling for numbers, reflected by more clustering of clubs and a lack of players in many Constituency Body squads.

The RFUW are confident that introducing the new Under 13s age band will provide girls with a better development route, reduce the perception

of size differentials as well as encouraging girls to stay in the game. This is especially important with the popularity of tag rugby in primary schools.

David Rose, the RFUW’s Head of Development, said: “The RFUW is committed to developing as many opportunities as possible for girls to play rugby. We have taken notice of the feedback received from schools and clubs and this has resulted in the new age band. The Under 13s age band will assist in girls making the transition from primary schools where tag is a hugely popular game for girls. We are excited about the opportunities the additional age band will provide the RFUW to further develop participation.”

To make the age band change, coaching and teacher training will be delivered by the RFU’s coaching department and distribution will be through the RFU delivery teams, English Schools Union and County Schools Union, together with supportive resource material.

Club referee co-ordinator Jason Hunter receiving the Trophy