ENGLAND EAGER TO RETURN TO TWICKENHAM AFTER OPEN

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The Official Newspaper of The RFU
February 2016 Issue 187
ENGLAND EAGER TO RETURN TO
TWICKENHAM AFTER OPEN TRAINING
NICOL McCLELLAND
The England senior team recently hosted a Twickenham
Stadium training session for 15,000 of their biggest supporters.
There to watch the England team train together at the
Home of England Rugby for the first time under new Head
Coach Eddie Jones were 313 RFU affiliated schools from
across the country.
Grassroots clubs, local Twickenham residents, England
Rugby Supporters Club members, Debenture and box holders,
commercial partners and the RFU’s Try for Change charity
partners were also there to listen to a Q&A with new captain
Dylan Hartley and players Jack Nowell and James Haskell.
Said Eddie Jones: “The open training session was a really
important moment for the whole England team. Every player
started rugby either at school or with their local club and now
they are playing for their national side.
“I hope seeing the team train at Twickenham has offered
inspiration to any young players out there. A lot has been
achieved in joining the senior squad with the wider game
and we want to ensure that continues, while showing our
appreciation for all the support as we go into the RBS 6 Nations.
Continued on page 2
RFU & OLD MUTUAL WEALTH
LAUNCH KIDS FIRST RUGBY
READY FOR A FEAST OF RUGBY?
CHARLOTTE HARWOOD
VERITY WILLIAMS
The RFU and Old Mutual Wealth
recently launched Old Mutual Wealth
Kids First Rugby, a new approach to
rugby for the U7 to U13 age groups.
England Head Coach Eddie
Jones joined Old Mutual Wealth
Ambassadors and England players
Alex Goode and Sarah Hunter at a
special launch event at Grasshoppers
RFC. They took part in a coaching
session with 60 youngsters from the
club and surrounding schools.
Eddie Jones said: “It’s so important
for players to develop core rugby
skills from a young age – learning
about passing and how to look for
space. I think this new approach
will ensure that kids playing rugby
get more opportunities and time on
the ball.”
Continued on page 2
Take a look behind the scenes at the official photo shoot for this year’s nationwide
HSBC London Sevens advertising campaign. Watch the video by clicking here
The campaign, which features seven of the England Sevens team’s most talented
players, celebrates the world-class rugby and incredible food that will come
together to transform Twickenham Stadium into a Feast of Rugby on Saturday 21st
and Sunday 22nd May 2016.
Tom Mitchell, Dan Norton, Dan Bibby, Alex Gray, Phil Burgess, Warwick Lahmert
and James Rodwell spent the day with food photographer, John Carey, to bring to
life the excitement of this year’s Feast of Rugby theme.
Continued on page 2
TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
1
Continued from page 1
ENGLAND
EAGER TO
RETURN TO
TWICKENHAM
AFTER OPEN
TRAINING
“After the session, I’m sure the
players are more eager than ever to
return to Twickenham when we face
Ireland on February 27. I’d like to
thank everyone who came out and
showed their support for the team.
It means a huge amount to each and
every one of us.”
With an original target of 10,000
spectators, the event was expanded
to allow for the overwhelming
demand for places with residents,
school children, rugby club members
and fans all wanting to see the new
look England team take to the field
for the first time as a group in their
preparations for the RBS 6 Nations.
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
Old Mutual Wealth Kids First becomes “the game” for clubs,
schools and players at Under 13 and below. This new approach is part
of a wider review of Age Grade Rugby, led by the RFU, which begins
in September. We are asking clubs and schools to commit to:
•Put children at the heart of everything they do and all decisions
they make
•Encourage fun on the pitch, through equal opportunity and
realistic expectations of children
•Develop children’s confidence and character as players and as
people, challenging any behaviour that conflicts with this
•Build adults skills to provide a safe, healthy, respectful and
enjoyable environment for children
•Champion rugby’s core values, inspiring a lifelong bond between
children, adults and rugby
Carey has worked with some of the world’s biggest chefs
and well-known food industry names. With the players he
created a series of striking images to tell the story of the
HSBC London Sevens 2016.
For the first time ever, Twickenham Stadium will be
converted into a festival of rugby and food, populated
by local and artisan food vendors. Fans will have the
opportunity to celebrate the gastronomy of the competing
nations while taking in all that the competition’s climax has
to offer on the pitch.
With live DJs, children’s entertainment, hands-on
culinary demonstrations and more, make sure you don’t
miss out on the action by buying your weekend pass. Prices
for a combined Saturday and Sunday ticket start at just £45
with this offer lasting until the end of February 2016.
For tickets click here
RFU & OLD MUTUAL WEALTH
LAUNCH KIDS FIRST RUGBY
RFU Head of Education Development Mark Saltmarsh explained
the new approach: “Old Mutual Wealth Kids First is about enhancing
the rugby experience for kids through an approach, on and off the
pitch, that is centred on them. It’s all about helping kids develop and
learn the game at their own pace, and making sure they have plenty
of fun while playing.”
The RFU will provide additional resources and support to clubs and
schools that sign up to and deliver Old Mutual Wealth Kids First,
helping them to run an improved programme and to be recognised
for doing so.
Michelle Andrews, Marketing Director, Old Mutual Wealth, added:
“We are thrilled to be title sponsors of Kids First, and we look forward
to playing our part in developing the future of the game.”
READY FOR A FEAST
OF RUGBY?
For more information click here
ENGLAND WOMEN BUILD TOWARDS 2017
TURIA TELLWRIGHT
Since lifting the World Cup in 2014,
England Women have been on a journey.
This month (February) they face their latest
test with the arrival of the 2016 Six Nations.
At the 2015 Six Nations England finished
fourth in the table, winning two of their
five games. However, head coach Simon
Middleton is quick to underline the positives
which came out of those results.
He said: “We went home more encouraged
than the placings reflected with wins against
Scotland and Italy, who the team beat 39-7,
and narrow defeats to France and eventual
champions Ireland, only losing out to a
penalty with two minutes left on the clock.
“The focus was on developing new
talent and this was successfully achieved
with eight new caps running out during
the campaign.”
England provided a number of exciting
emerging players with vital international
experience and it’s these who will be
fundamental to England’s hopes when the
team enters the 2017 World Cup in Ireland
next year as title holders.
One such player is Darlington Mowden
Park Sharks second-row Abbie Scott.
Following the retirement of experienced
lock Jo McGilchrist, one of the real
specialists within the World Cup-winning
squad, Abbie’s development is being
specifically accelerated with 2017 in mind –
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TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
Women’s Player of the Year 2015.
Middleton added: “There’s a lot to look
forward to from England this year with last
year’s crop of young players 12 months
into their international development and
the emergence of several more new talents
from the newly formed National Academy.
The 2016 Six Nations will again present
challenges, but by playing some of the best
teams and building on the performances of
last year, England can be in with the best
chance of retaining their world title in 2017.”
Their first home game of the
championship will be held at Twickenham
Stadium, as part of a double header and
kicking off immediately after the men’s
game, when the women take on reigning
title holders Ireland. There will be free entry
to the stadium following the final whistle
of the men’s game, with kick off at 19:15.
The game will also be livestreamed on
EnglandRugby.com. Their only other
home game will be held at the Twickenham
Stoop against Wales on Saturday 12
March at 18:05, with tickets available via
Harlequins here. The game will be broadcast
live on Sky.
not just physically on the pitch but also as
a leader within the squad. By getting more
international experience, Abbie, alongside
players such as Amy Cokayne and Vickii
Cornborough, will learn from the likes of
Rochelle Clark, the Sunday Times England
WATCH SARAH HUNTER AT THE SIX
NATIONS LAUNCH
RFU WELCOMES
INCREASED
TWICKENHAM STADIUM CHARITY PARTNERSHIP
WITH SSAFA
SECURITY – PLEASE
ARRIVE EARLY
The RFU will be increasing security measures for the upcoming RBS 6 Nations games held at
Twickenham Stadium. Additional security checkpoints and measures, including bag searches
and pat-downs, will be in place at all entrance points to the stadium.
Match day ticket holders are advised to arrive at Twickenham Stadium earlier than usual to
allow for security checks to operate efficiently. Spectators are asked not to bring large bags,
sports bags or rucksacks into the stadium on match day.
The RFU is working closely with police and security forces to ensure the safety of those
attending Twickenham Stadium and thanks the public in advance for their co-operation.
WASPS LEGENDS HELP
BETSEN ACADEMY
Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation have issued a small grant award of £2,500 to the Serge
Betsen Academy, adding to a £2,500 small grant awarded in 2015.
The Serge Betsen Academy works to relieve child poverty, sickness and distress in Cameroon by
providing children’s centres providing education, healthcare and sports facilities. The small grant
will be used to help fund a new centre in Bangangté.
Odile Prévot-Mussat, Chief Executive Officer for the Serge Betsen Academy said: “The work we are
doing in Cameroon is very important to us and to Serge in improving the lives of the children.”
For more information on the Serge Betsen Academy, please contact Jenna Delmas Jalabert on
[email protected]
The Rugby Football Union has announced
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, as its
military charity partner for 2016. The RFU
is committed to commemorating the armed
services community, veterans of war and
remembering those who have lost their lives
as a result of war or conflict.
SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone
who is currently serving or has ever served
in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air
Force and their families. Each year, SSAFA’s
professional staff and network of more than
7,000 volunteers help 100,000 people, ranging
from veterans to the families of young
servicemen and women wounded or killed in
modern conflicts.
Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive Rugby Football
Union said: “The RFU is proud of its long
history commemorating the dedication and
sacrifice of our service men and women.
We are delighted to welcome SSAFA as the
RFU’s military charity partner for 2016. As we
remember those who lost their lives in
the Great War at this time of centenary,
SSAFA are a very apposite partner, the charity
having supported the Armed Forces for over
130 years.”
Commenting on the launch of the RFU
partnership with SSAFA, David Murray, chief
executive, SSAFA said; “Established in 1885,
SSAFA was the leading national military
charity supporting the armed forces at the start
of World War One and so it is a great honour
for the charity to work with the RFU as it
commemorates those who lost their lives in the
Great War. I would like to take this opportunity
to thank the RFU for choosing SSAFA as its
charity partner and also acknowledging the
vital support the charity gave the families of
those who went to fight within days of war
breaking out.”
The RFU will support SSAFA to connect the
rugby family with the charity through various
fundraising initiatives, including their Big
Brew Up 2016 click here and SAFFA Ride to the
Somme 2016 click here
For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, RFU
Algernon Rutter
Imagine rugby matches played to rules
decided by the captains before kick-off. It was
like turning up for a game of pool and deciding
how to pot the black.
Until 145 years ago, when the Rugby Football
Union was born, London played rugby to
different rules to the likes of Cornwall.
The Football Association was set-up in 1863
to devise a unified code but not everyone was in
agreement. In particular, those who adhered to
the rules of football as played at Rugby School.
During one meeting this contingent, led by Mr
Campbell of Blackheath, “politely withdrew”.
Scotland then issued a challenge in December
1870 for a match against England played “in
accordance with rugby rules” and in 1871, at a
popular watering hole and restaurant in Pall
Mall, no longer in existence, 21 clubs met.
They included: Richmond, Ravenscourt Park,
West Kent, Marlborough Nomads, Wimbledon
Hornets, Gipsies, Civil Service, The Law
Club, Wellington College, Guy’s Hospital,
Flamingoes, Clapham Rovers, Harlequin F.C.,
King’s College Hospital, St Paul’s, Queen’s
House, Lausanne, Addison, Mohicans, and
Belsize Park.
There’s a common story, much loved by
Wasps fans, that the Wasps contingent went to
the wrong pub and carried on drinking there.
At that Pall Mall pub the RFU was founded,
Algernon Rutter becoming the first President
and sub-committees drafting the first Laws of
the Game and selecting an England 20 to face
Scotland at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh in 1871.
England lost by 1 goal and 2 tries to 1 try.
A lot of beer has flowed out of the tankards
since then. Among major changes were 22
clubs from Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire
ceding from the RFU in 1895 to set up the
Northern RFU, later professional Rugby League.
A disagreement over ‘broken time payments’
(paying players who had to take time off work)
being the main cause of the split.
In 1907, the RFU bought the land for
Twickenham Stadium, completed in 1909, and
in 1995 the game was declared ‘open’, with
paid professional players running out onto the
hallowed turf ever since.
TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
3
REAL RUGBY STORIES
FREEZE A JOLLY
GOOD FELLOW
What do you do when the -3 degree temperature through the
night in the North East results in icy ground and a cancelled
U16s match?
Well, if you are at Rockcliff RFC and, in particular, keen
U16s coaches Karl Briggs, Noel Mather, Steve Bowart and Neil
Thornton, you take the squad along to Longhands Beach in
Tynemouth and get the boys braving the wind chill on the sand.
Last month (January), despondency set in with the cancelled
game but soon the coaches and CRC Jack Lambert had set
up their session on the sandy beach. Despite the freezing
temperature, players were eventually treated to bright sunshine
and took full advantage of the chance to develop their handling
skills. The sand started the session deep and crisp and even
but by the end the players found their boots sinking and
muscles aching.
It all contributed to the enjoyment of the morning, particularly
when determined try scorer Joe Lose face planted, swallowing
enough sand to fill a small play pit. One hardy soul, team
captain Travis Bowart, also insisted on playing in his
vest throughout.
Coach Noel Mather said, “We had a great attitude and work
rate and, despite the sand making it pretty tough to run, they
really put the effort in. This group are always up for a challenge
and have also really improved and that’s why we try to offer
these fantastic young players the opportunity to play, wherever
that may be. This time it was an unseasonal trip to the beach!”
Rockcliff RFC have been working with CRC Jack Lambert
regularly this season and he used the beach session to help with
coach education, followed by a meeting to plan the rest of the
season with the coaches, team manager Alyson Balding and
some of the senior players.
The club has really developed rugby for young players.
Having had no junior or mini section ten years ago, they now
field teams from U6 to U16, as well as having a girls section with
U13, U15 and U18 teams.
They are currently working closely with the RFU to ensure
the U16 players have every opportunity to continue playing the
sport, with the aim of the boys staying involved and moving up
to the Rockcliff RFC senior rugby section. Despite the North
East chill, there’s no freezing their enthusiasm!
Featuring regularly on englandrugby.com, as well as in Touchline, our Real Rugby Stories celebrate the
achievements of those involved in the grassroots game. Whether it’s supportive mums or medics,
chairmen taking clubs places, or children with inspirational stories, let us know about your remarkable
people by emailing: [email protected]
FYLDE’S HERO SCRUM HALF TO THE RESCUE
Fylde’s 1st XV had plenty on their minds as they began their
journey from Preston station to London to face National
League 1 leaders Richmond in January. Several close defeats
had left players and coaches eager to begin 2016 afresh.
For scrum half and doctor Greg Nicholls, however,
all thoughts turned to a woman who collapsed and was
unresponsive on the platform. Nicholls and the club’s two
physiotherapists, Greg Littler and Megan Stuart, rushed to
begin emergency CPR to try to establish a pulse.
“Luckily there was a defibrillator at the station and our medical
team always carry an oxygen supply, which was crucial,” recalls
Nicholls who is a surgeon at Lancaster Hospital. “Both Greg and
Megan have been through training to deal with these situations
so we all worked together to treat her.”
Nicholls was able to establish a pulse and kept the woman
alive until paramedics arrived to take her to hospital. He then
managed to get the next train to Euston and, perhaps most
impressively, played in the match that afternoon with Fylde
losing 22-21 in another close defeat.
“There was a sense of euphoria amongst the team when Greg
joined them and they heard what he had done,” says team
manager Ian Cosh. “It had been a shock for all of us to see but
knowing Greg and the physios had given her a chance helped
galvanise the squad.”
Unfortunately, the team were informed a few days later that
the woman had died. “Her family were really grateful for what
we had done as it gave them a chance to see her,” says Nicholls.
According to head coach and player Paul Arnold, Nicholls’
actions at the station are testament to his character. “He’s
someone who has balanced a medical career with being a
professional player and now often trains and plays for us having
just finished a shift at the hospital, he’s an ideal role model for
any up and coming player.”
Growing up on the Fylde Coast, Nicholls played for Sale
Academy and England U19 before beginning his degree at
Bristol University. He played for five seasons in the Premiership,
gaining 80 first team appearances before playing for London
Welsh and Plymouth Albion while completing his studies.
He is now back with his childhood club while working as an
orthopaedic surgeon.
“It definitely takes quite a bit of organising,” he says. “Luckily
the club have been very accommodating to my schedule at
the hospital and are understanding whenever I can’t make a
training session or match.”
So what next for Fylde’s scrum half and doctor? “I’m settled
back here in Fylde and enjoying playing for them so I see
myself here for a while. I want to continue to progress as a
surgeon and, at the club, it’s important to me that we build some
consistency over the rest of the season and turn these close
defeats into victories.”
RUGBY JOURNEY WITH A DIFFERENCE
Mohammed ‘Mo’ Mustafa, a Palestinian
refugee turned professional player, is proof
that there are many rugby journeys. His
story begins in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where
he was raised for the first few years of his
life. “My parents were refugees from the
Gaza Strip. I was living in Mecca when
my dad got a job as a doctor in the UK,”
says Mo.
Mo and his family moved to Jordan to
live with his grandparents until he was
four and they joined his dad and settled in
Middlesbrough. “I went to school in quite a
rough area. I was bullied quite a lot and was
really struggling to fit in. Not only was I a lot
bigger than everyone else (Mo was already
6’2” in his teens and over 100kg) but I was
also foreign and it became a problem.
“By the time I was 15 I had got myself in enough trouble that
the headteacher expelled me halfway through my GCSEs. I felt
completely disillusioned with the opportunities available to me
and was struggling to find my place.”
Mo’s parents decided to send him to Yarm School in Stockton
where he was introduced to rugby. “I didn’t understand the rules
so when I saw the ball at the back of the ruck I picked it up and
hid it under my top. While the rest of the players tried to find it
I casually walked under the posts and scored a try. The ref sent
me to the sin bin.”
Within six months Mo had been picked at prop for his county,
followed by the North of England team and was then invited
to England U16s trials. He continued to play while studying
at Yarm and was accepted into Liverpool University to follow
his dad and study medicine. It wasn’t long before he was
spotted again.
“Sale saw me playing at university and asked me to play in
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TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
an academy game against Leicester with the
likes of George Ford and Manu Tuilagi playing
against me. It was my first exposure at that sort
of level and I was given Man of the Match.”
He was picked to play for England Students
against France Universities in 2011, a significant
moment of pride for both Mo and his family.
“Being a refugee I never thought I would get
this chance. My family all came to watch and
it was amazing, if a bit surreal. My dad told me
after the game that he was proud of me, it’s the
first time he had said that and it meant a lot.”
Mo was offered a professional contract at
Leeds where he played for a year in their 1st
XV while continuing his
training as a doctor. Mo was
135 kilograms when he arrived
at Leeds earning him the fans’
nickname ‘the beast from the Middle East’.
His remarkable rise through the ranks came
to a halt when he had to make the decision
to commit entirely to professional rugby or
complete his medical degree and chose the latter.
The decision was clearly a difficult one for Mo,
particularly as he credits the sport for helping
get his life in control. “When I arrived in England
I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere. When I
went back to the Middle East they saw me as an
Englishman and here people saw me as a refugee.
Rugby was the only thing which gave me a sense
of belonging.
“I became part of a team and the culture of the
sport meant that I fitted in somewhere for the first
time. My size actually became a good thing. I was
accepted and respected and that was huge for me.
It taught me the discipline to pursue my education and I turned
everything around from being expelled at 15 to becoming a
doctor like my dad.”
Mo has now qualified as a doctor and is working at the Royal
Infirmary in Glasgow. Rugby is still a big part of his life and
he plays whenever he can. He’s also helping the development
of his younger brother who is following in Mo’s footsteps.
“Ever since my parents saw how much rugby gave me they’ve
encouraged my brother to play. He’s only 15 but he’s almost as
big as me!”
So what next for Mo? “Now that I’m qualified I’d like to work
in refugee camps as a doctor. I want to help people who are in
the same position as I was when I was a child.”
GAME SENSE
With referees specialising earlier and having
shorter playing careers, Tony Spreadbury,
the RFU’s Head of Professional Game Match
Officials, is intent on building top officials’
understanding of the players’ rationale so that,
in turn, players benefit from more consistent
officiating and fans from a more seamless game.
It is all about mutual understanding and
Spreadbury recently appointed Rowly Williams
who, with over a decade of experience coaching
in the Premiership and Europe, to work as a
consultant with the RFU’s professional referees
both in a group and one to one capacity.
Williams now takes part in group reviews
and works with individual referees, watching
their games and discussing in detail playing
patterns and technical aspects, alongside
game sense, decision-making and player and
match management.
Elements of the game, like the breakdown,
bring a variety of potential offences and
questions over whether the ball is being played
legally or illegally. The player may believe
that he’s on his feet and merely competing for
the ball, while the referee may determine that
he’s not supporting his bodyweight, simply
‘jackaling’ illegally. The player on the ground
may believe that he is simply in the process of
placing the ball, while the referee may blow up
for holding on.
Whether to blow or not to blow the whistle is
sometimes a vexed question and game sense is a
precious commodity.
Williams has already worked with senior
referees within the group, as well as with Sara
Cox ahead of her officiating in the Women’s
Six Nations.
Rowly Williams
“For me, the important thing is helping the
referees to understand what the players are
trying to achieve. Hopefully, this in turn will also
help players to understand referees’ processes
and decision making,” he says.
“Having a much younger group of highlyqualified officials brings advantages but they
may have more experience of refereeing than
playing which sometimes leaves gaps in
understanding. I’m hoping to help fill those
gaps, they’re an open minded and extremely
hard working group, which all helps this
process” he added.
“With over 20 years of coaching, much of it
at Premiership and European Cup level, I have
a pretty good understanding of what coaches
and teams are trying to achieve. If referees and
match officials can see things from the player
perspective, and be better able to determine
intent, while of course ensuring a fair contest,
then it will hopefully help to achieve more
coherent and consistent officiating, which is
what all players want. Spreaders has an excellent
team of referee coaches at his disposal, and I’m
pleased to be part of that group adding my own
experiences to it.”
Having coached with the likes of Harlequins,
Wasps, Bath, The US Eagles and Wigan
Warriors, Williams was latterly working
across the professional and community game
for the RFU to help with the exchange of
knowledge between the two. His new role makes
him available to all the RFU’s professional
officiating team.
Said Tony Spreadbury, “We are pleased to
have someone of Rowly’s experience to work
within the Professional Game Match Officials
team to pass on experience and knowledge of
current trends and techniques teams are using.
We are also working with the grassroots game
to assist aspiring future professional ref’s game
understanding in their early days.”
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO APPLY FOR NATWEST
RUGBYFORCE
CHARLOTTE HARWOOD
The first round of applications for NatWest RugbyForce 2016
closed on 14th February, but it’s still not too late to apply to give
your club the TLC it deserves.
Now in its fourth year, NatWest RugbyForce helps grassroots
rugby clubs across England to attract new members and become
stronger and more sustainable for the future.
If you apply before 22nd June 2016 your club can still take part
in the annual NatWest RugbyForce Weekend which will take place
on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June, where rugby clubs up and
down the country bring their members and the local community
together for a weekend of DIY. If you apply before 22nd June, your
club will also receive regular hints and tips on how to run your
club as a successful business, as well as keeping you up-to-date on
special England Rugby deals that will run up until 26th June 2016.
For more information and to register, click here
PACK TO FAMILY
Every rugby club depends for its existence on volunteers, who are rightly said to be the lifeblood of
the game and a tremendous unpaid resource.
The Rugby World Cup presented a fantastic opportunity to get new volunteers involved. The RFU
wants to make sure that enthusiasm and excitement endures. That’s why they are working with
the 1,500 world tournament Pack volunteers who say they want to stay involved in the game at the
grassroots, providing links between them and their local clubs.
If your club wants to take advantage of this tremendous resource, why not specify the roles you
need to fill so that new volunteers in your area can see what’s on offer?
All you need to do is look at the gaps in your volunteer workforce, write brief role descriptions and
send them to [email protected] and this may be your lucky day!
Laura Wychgel, a physiotherapist, had always been interested
in rugby and loved being part of the Pack and the spectator
experience team at Stadium MK. Rather than walk away from
the game at the tournament’s end, she welcomed an approach
from Towcester RFC, met their Chairman, Andrew Burley, at
the club and began helping their physio team straight away.
“I qualified for Pitchside First Aid to be able to assist on match
days,” says Laura, “and was then also asked to help the East
Midlands U15s and U18s women’s teams. Now I’m sometimes
with Towcester on a Saturday and East Midlands on a Sunday.
It’s great fun and I look forward to it continuing.
“Yes, it’s very different from being part of the Pack and getting
involved in stadium entertainment, being part of a massive
conga, but I’d certainly recommend volunteering in local rugby.
It has not only helped me gain more experience in pitchside
physiotherapy, but has also brought involvement in a friendly
rugby community. I’d advise anyone looking for contacts and
new skills to get involved with their local rugby club.”
Photo credit: Brian Tempest
TOWCESTER GAINED
A MEDIC
PIRATES, LADIES & FIZZ
When the Cornish Pirates played Ealing Trailfinders in the Greene King IPA Championship,
champagne corks were popping as the event doubled up as Ladies Day. Specially
commissioned shirts were up for auction and funds raised were destined for The Mermaid
Centre, Cornwall’s Specialist Breast Care Unit, and the club’s Player Development Foundation.
Because it was Ladies Day it was also wholly appropriate that a young lady led the team out
onto the field. Accompanying skipper Aaron Carpenter was Rosie from Newlyn School, one of
two mascots, with Kia, the second mascot, emerging from the tunnel with centre Tom Riley.
TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
5
ENGLAND DEAF
BRIDGE GAP
GEMMA COBB
England Deaf Rugby took on Wales Deaf Rugby at Fylde RFC
recently after being presented with their playing shirts by RFU
Chairman Bill Beaumont, there to cheer on the team at his old
rugby club.
The home team dictated play, their powerful front row
Peter Altham, Tom England and debutant Kevin Osbourne
dominating the scrum. Half time saw England Deaf with an 8-6
Jack Hunt receives his shirt from Bill Beaumont
lead before they elected for a scrum close to the Wales line, a
converted try giving them a 15-6 lead.
However, Wales Deaf’s experience showed in the last 10
minutes as they secured an unconverted try in the corner
making the score a tight 15-14. In the final minutes, England
made some crucial errors, leading to a penalty kick by Wales
that closed the match 17-15 in their favour.
ORRELL LINKS WITH CRICKET
CLUB FOR BEST SPORTING FUTURE
Orrell RUFC and Winstanley Park CC have joined forces to
develop a new Community Sports club, signing a 99-year
lease for the 13-acre site next to Winstanley College. This
will provide a permanent home for both organisations and an
opportunity to boost their thriving junior sections.
Playing a key role in the local community, the new location
will be available to other community groups, with a particular
focus on providing a sporting outlet for children, and will
feature two rugby pitches and a cricket pitch with clubhouse
and changing rooms.
The new family orientated facilities will become home to
Orrell RUFC, ten years after leaving their Edge Hall Road
ground. Winstanley CC will leave their current ground where
they have been since 1878.
A full planning application is currently being prepared,
supported by local architects and building consultants NPS
Ltd, and the plan is to phase the development as funds allow,
starting with the preparation and seeding of the land, allowing
the pitches to be used as soon as possible.
The clubs have invested a significant amount into the
project, designed to be built in three phases, and are looking
to raise considerably larger sums to enable its completion.
For more details contact Tony Havlin at
[email protected]
NOT SO OLD
Old Halesonians RFC in the West Midlands know that the club’s
way forward lies in developing mini and junior players to make the
transition into the club’s senior teams.
The club’s Youth Development Manager Matthew Williams says: “To
be sustainable for the future we are investing time, energy and resources
into our Colts and U16s and have already reaped the rewards in seeing
our young players run out for the first and second teams this season.”
When Touchline went to press Old Hales were in contention for
promotion thanks to the strength in depth of the squad compared to
previous years.
Matthew Williams explains: “We have been working hard not only
give to our young players the skills to play for our first and second
teams but also manage and develop the individual player in all areas
of development, making sure they are supported in their transition into
senior rugby”.
Jamie Keen, Worcester AASE U18 scrum half, has been with the club
since he was seven and is currently a first XV player, with two starts at 9
and two wins. Kieran Haynes, BMET College U18, has been at Old Hales
since the U14s and recently made three appearances in the back row for
the first team.
Old Hales has seen a huge shift in young players getting opportunities
in both the first and second teams, with eight involved in starting
positions and 22 involved in 1st to 3rds level.
Ollie Taylor, Community Development Manager, says: “What Matthew
has done this year, and has set up for the next two years, is inspiring our
mini and junior players and shows them that by working hard our local
talent can play for our first team. We would like to invite anyone that
wants to try rugby to come and have a go at Old Hales.”
The future is certainly looking bright for Old Hales, at the time of
writing their U17s were top of the league, their U16s the only Black
Country club left in the North Midlands Cup quarter final and their U18s
in the Midlands Plate quarter finals
For more information click here
6
TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
Sean Fletcher, England Deaf Head Coach, said “We have
massively bridged the gap and gave this game away rather
than being dominated by the Welsh. We have shown that we
are a team on the up and a team who can beat Wales. We know
what we have to improve and we will.”
LEGACY PROGRAMME REWARDED
The Rugby Football Union recently won an award for encouraging more people to
take up rugby in London. The London Sport award for Harnessing the Power of Elite
Sport was given for the RFU’s Lead Up and Legacy programme as part of hosting the
Rugby World Cup 2015.
Through All Schools, supported by CBRE, 53 new schools in London are now playing
rugby, while across the country over 400 schools have taken up rugby as a result of
All Schools.
In London, the RFU worked closely with the Darussalam Mosque to promote the
game and its values to the Muslim community. It was identified that around 60 pupils
from Cranford Community College, part of the All Schools scheme, were unable to
make the transition from school to club rugby due to a lack of parental consent.
The Mosque’s Chair of Trustees became an important partner to the ongoing
success of the project with young teenage Muslims now playing club rugby and, more
importantly, their parents supporting from the sideline. The community of Darussalam
are forming their own rugby development team to grow the game within 10 further
London boroughs.
A further example of the legacy work in London is
Streatham-Croydon RFC, a partner club in the All Schools
programme, who worked with local church groups, charities
and businesses to offer services and opportunities for both
playing and volunteering, to their community.
The club’s facility improvement plans have also been
specifically developed to reflect their current and potential
membership, taking into account religious and cultural
considerations when looking at changing facilities and
social spaces.
The judges said: “Your dedication to grassroots sport in
London is helping London to become the most physically
active city in the world. Without your hard work, we wouldn’t
be able to work towards getting 1,000,000 Londoners more
physically active by 2020.”
GRANDMA GETS HER BOOTS ON
To encourage more women and girls to actively participate in
rugby, a group of experienced Warwickshire players joined forces
last July forming a new ladies section at Kenilworth Rugby Club.
They now have some 40 players training over two nights a week
and Maureen Geaney, aged 67, is one of them. She says it’s never
too late to start playing rugby.
Maureen has lived in Coventry for 15 years and says, “Rugby is in
the family. I’ve always supported my sons and grandsons who have
played since childhood. My grandson Finlay, plays for the Under
13s and Rudy plays for the Under 9s at Kenilworth Rugby Club.
I support them at every fixture, home or away. I’ve also followed
local Coventry teams and Wasps in recent years. I just enjoy it.
“Liz, my daughter in law, found Kenilworth Rugby Club when
searching for a club for Finlay and Rudy to join. Their friends from
Kenilworth School play there and I discovered the ladies team
after Ladies Day last October. They made me feel welcome. There
was talk of joining the beginners training on Monday nights and I
thought: ‘I could do that!’ I’ve been going ever since.
“My husband, Barry, washes my kit when it’s filthy! The family
are used to me doing things like this – I started skiing at 60. It’s
‘Nan doing her thing!’ I know how far I can go. If I thought there
was anything too difficult then I wouldn’t do it – it’s about common
sense. I’ve really enjoyed what I have done so far. If training put me
off I would have gone by now.
“It’s good fun! It’s different. I never thought I’d run around in the
mud but I look forward to Monday even if it’s raining or freezing
cold. I haven’t done the same thing twice. It keeps me physically
and mentally fit. I’ve realised that rugby isn’t just about being
physical – it’s a thinking game too.
“I would say anyone thinking of taking up rugby for the first time
should just go along and try it. If you go with an open mind and
listen to what the coaches have to say you’ll be surprised – trying
something new is not as challenging as you might think. Never
think that you’re too old. If you enjoy rugby – go for it!”
Maureen’s grandchildren, Finlay (left) and Rudy (right)
DEACON GIVES
MOSELEY
LINEOUT A LIFT
Moseley’s Director of Rugby Kevin Maggs recently welcomed
former Leicester and England second row Louis Deacon to the
club’s coaching staff.
Louis will primarily focus on supporting the forward coaching
activities, with a particular emphasis on lineout play. He brings
with him exceptional experience of rugby at the highest level
during a playing career which saw him make 274 appearances for
Leicester Tigers, including winning six Premiership finals, two
Anglo-Welsh Cups and lifting the Heineken Cup twice. On the
international stage he won 29 England caps, and was part of the
2011 World Cup Squad in New Zealand.
In February 2015, Deacon was forced to retire from playing due
to injury but has remained active in rugby as an Ambassador for
the Matt Hampson Foundation, while working as an Assistant
Coach to the Spanish national team.
Kevin Maggs said: “We are extremely pleased to bring
someone with Louis’ vast knowledge of the forward game at
the highest level to Billesley Common. His command of lineout
play over 14 years at Leicester will prove invaluable in the club’s
Championship campaign during the second half of the season. I’m
sure he will become an invaluable member of the coaching team.”
TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
7
RUGBY RATED BY AUDENSHAW BOYS
In a Manchester football hotbed, Audenshaw School have
played every season of school rugby since opening in 1932.
The state boys comprehensive school has also over the years
grown the rugby programme, playing both midweek and
Saturday fixtures between September and March and in 20
sevens competitions across the age groups.
Player development and strong links with local clubs like
Aldwinians, Ashton and Dukinfield have ensured that pupils
stay engaged with the game, more than 40 running out for
nearby clubs. The level of competition also adds to their
enthusiasm, with opponents including Manchester Grammar,
Bolton School, Merchant Taylor’s, St Anselm’s, Stonyhurst,
Lymm High School and St Ambrose College.
Regular appearances in Lancashire Cup finals and six
Lancashire Plate successes in four age groups in the past five
years help to tell the Audenshaw story, together with no less
than 23 old boys progressing into professional clubs in both
codes of rugby since 2010. Among their former pupils are
former England Captain Eric Evans, Dean Schofield formerly
of Sale Sharks, Toulon, Worcester Warriors and England and
MANCHESTER BUSINESSES GATHER FOR
WORLD RUGBY U20S CHAMPIONSHIP
NICOL McCLELLAND
Members of the Greater Manchester business community gathered at
the Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel on Tuesday 19 January to discuss
the potential mutual benefits involved in the city’s hosting of the World
Rugby U20s Championship in June.
The very best young rugby players from across the world will compete in
the world tournament, giving fans the chance to see the next generation of
stars in action.
Hosted by the RFU, the tournament will take place at AJ Bell Stadium,
home of Sale Sharks and Manchester City’s Academy Stadium from
7 June, offering back-to-back international rugby in the North of England.
The breakfast gathering saw representatives from the Manchester
Evening News and the City Council, as well as a host of local businesses.
Speaking at the event, RFU Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “We’re
delighted to see so many local businesses turn out in support of the World
Rugby U20s Championship.
“The Championship offers a fantastic opportunity to be associated with
a premier world rugby tournament which will showcase the best rising
talent in the sport. There are a range of programmes with which interested
parties can become involved, whether that’s the trophy tour or team
welcome ceremonies. We want to ensure all teams and supporters enjoy
their time in this great city and that Manchester benefits from hosting
the tournament.”
For further information, or to discuss ways in which you can be
involved with the tournament, please email
[email protected]
NORTHUMBERLAND GAINS
YOUNG REFEREES
More than 30 school pupils from across Northumberland were
at Druid Park recently to complete the Level 1 young referee
training course. Students were selected by their school but had
to be connected to a local rugby club to ensure that they would
be able to volunteer in different settings.
The course was led by Simon O’Neil a local Rereee Coordinator
and the Northumberland RFU delivery team. The young referees
really enjoyed the course and Simon will stay in touch and help
engage them with the local young referee community. The
youngsters then attended an RFU Rugby Festival and used their
newly-acquired skills to referee games and run touch, with more
than 30 teams playing 10-a-side.
The young people were also offered the opportunity to join the
new Young Rugby Ambassadors scheme which enables them to
log their voluntary hours in either a school or club setting online
to gain recognition.
8
TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
Warren Spragg of Calvisano and Italy, all helping to inspire
today’s players.
Says Chris Rose the school’s director of rugby, “We work
tremendously hard to develop rugby union within our school
and community in what is a heavily football dominated area.
The boys compete in all levels of competition from district
matches to the NatWest Schools Cup and in most of North
of England sevens tournaments and, most importantly, really
enjoy their rugby and representing the school.”
PAUL’S A YOUNG
REFEREE WITH
REAL PROMISE
At 15, Paul Adderley is one of the Warwickshire Society of
Referees’ youngest and most enthusiastic officials, so it was
great to see him handed the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ trophy in the
annual Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sports Awards.
Paul, now in his second season, has demonstrated an amazing
appetite for the game, and has received many plaudits for his
skills, not only at junior clubs and schools in Warwickshire, but
also at the Sainsbury’s School Games, last September, at the
Rosslyn Park Schools 7s and at the Barnstaple Rugby Festival.
Part of the successful Warwickshire Young Whistlers academy,
he picked up the BBC Coventry and Warwickshire sponsors
trophy and the CSW trophy during a glittering awards evening at
Wasps’ Ricoh Arena attended by 300 guests.
Paul, a pupil at Coventry’s Coundon Court School and a member
of the Barker Butts club, received his award from Clive Eyken,
BBC CWR sports editor.
Paul said, “I am really enjoying my refereeing and to win this
award is a great honour for myself and for my Society. I was
thrilled to be at the Ricoh Arena presentation among such an elite
band of Warwickshire sportsmen and women.”
Peter Tolan, WSOR’s chairman of the Young Whistlers
committee said, “It’s a well-deserved award for Paul. He is
extremely keen to learn and develop his skills and should have a
great future as a referee.”
Want to discover more about refereeing? Click here
Paul with Andy Goode
YOUNG PLAYERS WANTED FOR SOMME
CENTENARY
LEST WE
FORGET
An U16/Colts tournament is being organised in Amiens,
France, around October 2016 half term as part of the
Somme Centenary.
Any English schools or clubs taking part would
be playing alongside French schools and club
teams, all remembering the allied rugby
players who died in the Great War. The event
is planned over four days, with a two-day
tournament, a major act of remembrance and
a presentation dinner. Training facilities will
be available and educational resources and
fully guided visits will be provided.
Also one more team is needed to attend
a Veterans Rugby event on May 21/22 at
St Quentin.
Please contact John Dennison via
[email protected] for
further information.
Among the many rugby players who died on
the Somme was John Abbott King, known as
John Abbott King
Jack, the shortest England player at 5ft 5in (1.65m)
but with a 46 inch chest, earning him the nickname of
Pocket Hercules.
Many British troops, among them club rugby players, took part
in each of the Great War’s three battles in the Aisne, in 1914, 1917
and 1918.
A monument is planned next to the Basque Memorial at
Craonnnelle on the Chemin des Dames and rugby clubs are asked
to please search their records for players’ names for this ongoing
project. Currently the names gathered, with dates of death include:
John Thomas Atkinson
Edward Fenwick Boyd
Claudius Basil Ash
Charles Augustus Button
Harold Sugden
Norman Ingleby
Harold Field
Blackheath
Blackheath/
Oxford University
Rosslyn Park
Rosslyn Park
Skipton
Hull Ionians
Baildon
OLNEY’S TRAILBLAZING LADIES
15 Sept 1914
20 Sept 1914
20 Sept 1914
27 May 1918
27 May 1918
27 May 1918
27 May 1918
Please send information on any of your players you believe may
have died in these battles to [email protected],
copying in World Rugby Museum Curator
[email protected]
RORY
RARING
TO GO
He attended Giggleswick School, later playing for
Headingley and captaining Yorkshire, for whom he
played 46 times. He also played for the Barbarians
and 12 times as a forward for England in 1911 to
1913, the last season being England’s first as
Grand Slam winners.
He volunteered for military service on 6
August 1914, leaving his sisters to run the
family farm near Ilkley. With the 1/10th
(Liverpool Scottish) Battalion, the King’s
(Liverpool) Regiment, he joined the
Battle of the Somme, as part of the British
attacks near Guillemont. They met fierce
resistance on the first day (8 August) but
attacked very early the next morning when
King was killed in action.
In his last letter home Jack King wrote “So
long as I don’t disgrace the old Rugby game, I
don’t think I mind.”
Fellow England international Lancelot Slocock
was killed on the same day, in the same battle, also
fighting with the Liverpool Scottish.
Left to right – Karen Smith, Helen Hacker and Kath Middleditch
Three women from Olney RFC have become
the first women in the club’s 138 year history
to be awarded the club’s prestigious cerise and
french grey blazers in recognition of their years
of playing and volunteering for the club.
Helen Hacker, who gained representative
honours for England A and East Midlands,
played for the club for over 20 years only
recently retiring; Kath Middleditch captained
the ladies’ team for many years, helped to
establish the club’s 7s tournament and worked
as the Club Development Officer helping Olney
achieve its Clubmark status. Karen Smith played
for the ladies team for many years and has been
very active off-pitch taking on the important
roles of publicity officer and sponsorship officer
for many years.
The blazers are awarded by a committee
decision, to players who have performed at
a very high level in the 1st XV for a period,
committee members with more than 10 years
continuous service, and to those who have made
a significant contribution to the club off-pitch.
7S TOURNAMENT - 10TH ANNIVERSARY
The hugely popular Olney 7s event is back on Saturday 25 June for its 10th anniversary with three men’s tournaments: all
involving cash prizes. There are vets’, girls’ and women’s contests as well and a social tournament for those over 30 or in lower
level sides. With a big social bash and camping on offer, the event is set to be another smash hit with something for everyone.
Registration is now open, for more details click here or direct enquiries to [email protected]
DEBENTURE HOLDER & AMAZING AUNT
SHAY WATERWORTH
England U20s kicked off their Six Nations campaign against
Scotland. Their new Attack and Backs Coach Rory Teague, who
joined from Saracens, was looking forward to the action.
Teague played one game for Gloucester during his playing
career before enjoying spells at Grenoble and Bristol, but his
coaching career is going from strength to strength.
He began coaching at Harrow School where he guided Maro
Itoje from a young age, before moving to Wasps and then
Saracens as an Academy Coach.
“The boys are very much focused on working hard for each
other, playing for each other and making each other shine,”
said Teague as he drove back from his first England U20s camp
in Loughborough.
“We’re going to see a team that is very adaptive, we’ll play to
whatever the opposition throw at us and I think we have the
ability to play with a high tempo and throw the ball around.”
“I’m very, very confident that come the Six Nations the boys will
be there putting on a show for everyone back home.”
Teague’s cousin is former England and British and Irish Lion
Mike Teague, who earned 27 caps for the Rose in the back row
from 1985-1993 and 30 year old Rory speaks fluent French thanks
to his playing days across the channel.
England’s new recruit believes his greatest day in rugby was
helping coach Saracens to their LV=Cup title in 2015 but nobody
will let him forget missing a kick against Downside School to take
Hartpury College through to the quarter-finals of the Schools Cup
in 2002.
Among the guests at England’s open training at Twickenham
Stadium were 1,800 debenture holders, 180 were seated in the
Royal Box having been drawn out of a ballot of those applying for
the event.
Pat Durban was there with her 15-year-old niece Hattie Stephens
who plays for Winscombe RFC and Kings of Wessex Academy,
Cheddar. Hattie was very happy to be back at Twickenham as a
VIP with Aunty Pat. She played for her school on the hallowed turf
in the Girls National Showcase for qualifying schools nationwide,
coming third twice and winning last year before the Army v Navy
match kicked off.
“This is fantastic,” said Hattie. “I’m loving my rugby and want to
have a career in sport. Playing here at Twickenham was amazing,
everyone went crazy about it and it’s great to watch England train
here today.”
Hattie’s mum, Angela, like many a rugby mum spends countless
hours driving to and from training and matches. She was
particularly glad when Aunty Pat got 32 tickets for Hattie’s team
and parents to the England v Samoa match and they all travelled
to Twickenham on a coach.
TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
9
PRIDE OF PETERBOROUGH LIONS
Peterborough Lions, having been crowned East Midlands
champions last season and making the step up to
National 3 level, have drawn up plans to make substantial
improvements to the grounds from which they operate
thanks to funding from a local company.
As well as their successful first XV, the club also has a
thriving development, social, academy and youth scene, with
more than 150 youngsters involved each week. The existing
changing facilities are, however, limited and certainly
insufficient for further expansion.
Bretton Park, the council owned premises, are now set to
undergo major renovation thanks to local business Mick
George Ltd, one of the leading suppliers to the construction
industry in East Anglia and the East Midlands. This will bring
new dressing rooms, toilets, showers and storage areas and a
dedicated area for mini and junior players.
Andy Moore, Chairman of Peterborough Lions Rugby
Club said: “Peterborough Lions are immensely grateful for
the grant from the Mick George Community Fund. It will
make a huge difference not only to the players at the club,
but also for the wider community as we will be able to host
other sports and events at the site, as well as increasing
player participation for the rugby club. The grant will
provide us with a facility for sport and leisure for current and
future generations.’’
The new changing facilities are part of a five-year
regeneration programme extending the current provisions
and adding netball, basketball and tennis courts to the site.
Jon Stump, Finance Director at Mick George Ltd, said: “Our
business is associated with a number of local sports clubs in
various ways. This is our first venture into the world of rugby
and we are particularly proud to be involved with the sport.’’
NATWEST CUP SCHOOLS A STEP CLOSER TO TWICKENHAM
Jonny May, Rob Andrew and Sky Sports’ Alex Payne did the
honours at the draw for the quarter-finals of this season’s
NatWest Schools Cup which culminates in finals day at
Twickenham on Wednesday 16 March.
Andrew, the RFU’s professional rugby director, and Jonny
May, England and Gloucester wing, carried out the task in a
special ceremony at Twickenham which was screened live on
EnglandRugby.com.
“For the lucky ones, an appearance at Twickenham is the prize,”
Andrew said beforehand while May described his sixth-form days
at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire as where his rugby career
became serious. “It’s your first taste of proper knock-out rugby and
I still remember the excitement of the games,” May said.
The draw ceremony also mapped out the semi-final ties for this
national knock-out competition which attracts over 1,000 teams
who compete at under-18 and under-15 levels.
Stay up-to-date with the latest NatWest Schools Cup news,
fixtures and results by following @SchoolsCup on Twitter.
BILTON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS LOVING CLUB RUGBY
Old Laurentians Rugby Club and their chairman Dan Volkman are keen
to get women and girls playing and being a fundamental part of the club.
For the first time, they and their locality have a girls’ contact rugby team,
with some very keen new players.
Through their work in All Schools, supported by CBRE, the club have
formed strong links with Bilton High School, in the first year of the
programme. Last September saw the start of an after school club, which
was so successful that a number of the girls needed little persuasion to go
down to the club.
10
TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
Community Rugby Coach David Lote says: “The club and the girls are
full of enthusiasm and there were 15 girls at club training on the very first
week. The young players warm up with the women’s touch team and they
are really keen to move into contact rugby and have fun playing alongside
their friends.
“The club has been determined to offer women and girls rugby and
the chairman Dan has been to lots of pitch up and play events in South
Warwickshire. The girls have all had a great time and really positive
experience. It has been a great start to 2016.”
HARROGATE COACH HUGELY
PROUD TO BE ONE OF THE 2,015
The Keep Your Boots on campaign saw 2,015 Level 2 coaches
qualified by 2015 thanks to the QBE Coaching Club. Not only
are they proving a fantastic resource but many say they are also
getting tremendous enjoyment out of their role.
Among them is 46-year-old Robert Blanden whose son plays for
Harrogate RUFC U13s. He played hooker and blindside flanker
since his days at King Edward VII School in Melton Mowbray.
As a boy he was inspired by watching the likes of Dusty Hare
and Les Cusworth when his grandfather took him to watch
Leicester Tigers.
Like many former players and even lapsed coaches Rob “took
a break to get married and start a family.” Having played for
Botswana Vultures in 1994, two years before their inaugural
international against Zimbabwe in 1996, Rob returned to the
UK and helped out at Old Brodleians in Halifax, where he was
UNIVERSITY OF SURREY
SITTING PRETTY
DON McDERMOTT
Although rugby is already a major sport at the
University of Surrey, the club and the University are
determined to increase numbers and performance.
The rugby club has grown from 100 to nearly
130 members, and all three men’s teams and the
women’s team have been successful in the first half
of the season.
Chris Doherty, one of two chairmen for the men’s
side of the game, said: “We’re fighting for four
promotions. It’s an ambitious goal but to achieve
big things you need to aim high; and should you
fail, learn from it. Everybody in the club is extremely
pleased with our mid-season positions.
“The committee sat down at the beginning of the
academic year and discussed specific goals,” Doherty
said. “One was retention and making everyone in the
club feel they were being developed.”
As a result, the drop-out rate has been much lower
than in previous years. Those who had never played
the game before have stayed with the club.
Doherty said: “It was necessary to engage this
group of individuals to ensure they were happy and
to find out what more we could do. I’ve yet to receive
negative feedback and the vast majority of this
group are still turning up to training, with some even
competing for our lower end BUCS team.”
That 3rd XV men’s team are doing well in their
league, sitting in second place with a record of 2-1-1,
and the women’s side have picked up two wins from
four matches and are just one point behind Reading
for third place.
But the top two men’s XVs have been even more
impressive. The 1st XV have dominated, compiling a
6-0 record with four bonus-point wins. The men’s 2nd
team sit just two points off first place with a record
of 4-2.
Doherty said: “We’ll have even bigger support
from Team Surrey and assistance in recruiting some
high performing individuals into the club in coming
years. We’ve already been contacted by U18 academy
players for premiership teams.”
forwards coach for the u13s team from 1998 to 2001.
With his son playing for Ashville College in Harrogate and
Harrogate RUFC U13s, Rob says, “I decided I wanted to be
more than just a spectator and get back involved with rugby. I
completed my coaching courses – Play It Safe (Safeguarding),
Emergency First Aid, Rugby Ready, IRB Laws Test (online), Scrum
Factory, Entry Level Refereeing Award, Introducing Children to
Rugby Union Level 1 and Coaching the XV a side Game Level 2.
“The biggest challenge was finding time to do the courses and
committing the time to train mid-week and attend matches at
weekends. It meant simply making time in my busy work and
family schedule for the commitment I had made to my son’s team.
Coaching at any level isn’t something you can do half-heartedly!
“I was supported on my coaching journey by Harrogate RUFC
and my fellow coaches. My Level 2 Coach Educators, Andy Gair
and Nick Gandy, certainly motivated me to become a better coach.
“Now I am spending quality time with my son as he develops as
a player and love watching the enjoyment of all the U13 boys at
Harrogate when they play rugby. I am hugely proud to be one of
the QBE 2,015 Level 2 coaches for 2015 and have now started my
journey to become a Level 3 Coach.
“Coaching has broadened my leadership and organisational
skills beyond rugby as well as allowing me to give something
back to the game for the next generation of players. I’d certainly
recommend it to anyone who wants to stay involved with
the game.”
If you would like to keep your boots on click here
WOMEN AND
GIRLS PITCHING
UP TO PLAY
Rugby Clubs around the country are once again hosting free
Pitch Up and Play sessions to introduce women and girls to
rugby union. Open to women of all abilities, the sessions include
skills, fitness and simple match play.
Whether brand new to rugby, a sofa supporter or a returning
player, those pitching up for the tailored sessions are helped by a
qualified coach with a strong emphasis on fun and fitness.
You can find out where your nearest session is taking place
click here
CHLOE COMES HOME
Chloe McMorran, the new Rugby Development Officer for
Suffolk and Norfolk recently returned to her home town of
Beccles, where she attended the John Leman High School.
Previously she was a College Sport Maker, City College
Norwich and has been involved in sports development for
10 years, with local authorities and Suffolk Sport. In 2012
she was involved in organising a pre-Olympic Games
training camp at Lowestoft’s Waveney Gym Club. A hockey
player for Lowestoft Ladies who had England trials, she has
coaching qualifications in both rugby and football and says
“I always enjoyed watching rugby, more recently at Beccles,
and want to get more people playing the game and those
who previously played back into the sport.”
YORKSHIRE DOUBLE HEADER
FOR SKY SPORTS
NICOL McCLELLAND
For the first time since the
competition began in 2009,
Sky Sports will broadcast two
Championship fixtures back-toback involving the league’s current top four teams.
Doncaster Knights will kick-off the Greene King IPA
Championship double-header on Easter Sunday as they host
current table toppers Bristol Rugby at 1:45pm. Attention will then
turn to Headingley as Yorkshire Carnegie take on Bedford Blues
in a battle between the current third and fourth placed teams. But
between now and Easter weekend it could all change ahead of the
Yorkshire double header.
Head of Rugby Union at Sky
Sports Gus Williamson said:
“With all four of the teams that
currently occupy the play-off
positions in action, it’ll be a
great opportunity to showcase the competition. I’d like to thank
the clubs for their co-operation, and particularly to Doncaster for
moving the fixture from Saturday to accommodate Sky Sports on
what will surely be a fantastic day of Championship rugby.”
SUNDAY MARCH 27
Doncaster Knights v Bristol Rugby, kick-off 1:45pm
Yorkshire Carnegie v Bedford Blues, kick-off 4:00pm
TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016
11
#ENGLANDRUGBYONLINE
CALUM McLAGGAN
From grassroots rugby stories to breaking news from the
England camp, fans everywhere can stay connected with
England Rugby on social media.
England Rugby’s digital following has almost doubled over
the last 12 months, with more fans than ever before wanting to
join the online community. Over 1.6 million fans are already
enjoying exclusive behind the scenes content on England
Rugby’s official Facebook page, and there are a number of ways
to get involved, including Snapchat which was launched for this
year’s RBS 6 Nations.
Facebook InstagramSnapchat
Search for
England Rugby
EnglandRugby
England_Rugby
Type of content Behind-the-scenes content, Selection of the best
Fun, light hearted behind
images, videos, news.
images and short clips.
the scenes images and videos
Twitter
@EnglandRugby
Breaking news as it
happens, live commentary.
Vine
@EnglandRugby
Six-second match action, behind the scenes clips.
YouTube
England Rugby
Bringing all aspects of the
game to life through video.
If you’re already following England Rugby online, here are some of the key hashtags to use / look out for:
#CarryThemHome
share your message of support for the England Men’s team
#SendHerVictorious
share your message of support for the England Women’s team
#RedRoseChat
join in the key debates around the England Men’s team
England Rugby is also constantly looking to share the best fan-generated content, so make sure you tag us if you think your photo, video or blog could be of interest to the wider rugby community.
Whatever social media platforms you use, make sure you’re part of the online conversation and follow England Rugby.
RISE ABOVE THE CROWD
AS A VIP FOR THE DAY
Win the chance for you and a guest to visit the BMW Lounge
at Twickenham Stadium’s West Fan Village on match day.
Join England players and BMW brand ambassadors, like Joe
Launchbury and Owen Farrell, for pre- and post-match analysis
while enjoying complimentary refreshments.
If you are coming to the match, enter your details at
englandrugby.com/BMWlounge for your chance to win.
THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION WOULD LIKE TO THANK
THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT THE GAME
TOUCHLINE
Editorial input with pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray
Email: [email protected] Direct Line: 0208 831 6514
Correspondence to:
Patricia Mowbray, Touchline Editor, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House,
Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA.
Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates
Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 831 6762
Touchline is published by PPL Group, on behalf of the Rugby Football Union,
the national governing body of the game in England.
Also available on the RFU website: englandrugby.com
Photography courtesy of Getty and Touchline contributors.
Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and CBs for contributions.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the RFU.
The views expressed are not necessarily those of the RFU or PPL Group. While every care has
been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or
omissions. All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners.
The RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trade marks of the Rugby Football
Union and are subject to extensive trade mark registration worldwide.
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TOUCHLINE – FEBRUARY 2016