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COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP THE BILL BEAUMONT CUP CHAMPIONS 2012UNDER 20’S THE JASON LEONARD TROPHY CHAMPIONS 2012COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP THE BILL BEAUMONT CUP FINALISTS 2011COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD FINALISTS 2009COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD CHAMPIONS 2005

Hertfordshire Rugby Football UnionHertfordshire Rugby Football Schools’ UnionHertfordshire Society of Rugby Football Union Referees

Hertfordshire RFUWINTER NEWSLETTER 2015/16hertsrugby.co.uk

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Herts Rugby 2016

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DEAR FRIENDS IN RUGBY I trust you all had an excellent Christmas, followed by more of the same for the New Year. As I write this, surrounded by Christmas decorations and full of mince pies, the thermometer is nudging 14 degrees and my lawn needs cutting. The weather has been kind to us with the fixture list uninterrupted.A word of thanks to John Gregory and all involved in the Jack Marshall Honours Table. This paints a picture of Herts Rugby across the piste, and it looks well.O.A’s, Tring and Watford lead the pack, with seventeen of our twenty seven clubs having a 50% or better win percentage. Underpinning that, is a sense of optimism, with many

clubs fielding at least three sides. Running clubs remains a sense of duty, but the friendships made last a lifetime and are invaluable.Chris Rainbow and his team are already plotting the campaign for our county championship assault. We have two home games, Kent, Cornwall and an away fixture to Gloucester. Our squad are capable of competing with the best. Please come and give them support. Let’s show Cornwall they do not monopolise pride in their county side.

Whilst the Rugby World Cup went the way of the southern hemisphere, it was a great spectacle. Equally it was a profit spinner, The RFU are committed to sending a significant share of that to community rugby. Your county committee will ensure any opportunities are made known.

Good luck for the rest of the season. Remember, 1st XV league results, whilst important, are only one measure of success.

Graham WalkerPresident

DIARY DATESStags U 20’s County ChampionshipFebruary 7th Stags v Surrey @ Allianz ParkFebruary 28th Stags v Eastern Counties @ Tabard RFC KO 2.00pmMarch 13th Kent v Stags @ Cranbrook RFC KO 2.00pm

March 2nd Annual Members Dinner

March 11th Girls’ U13’s & U15’s Festival @ Hertford RFCMarch 15th Boys’ U12’s, U13’s & U18’s Shield & Trophy Finals @ St Albans SchoolMarch 16th Boys’U14’s, U15’s & U18’s Shield Finals @ Old Albanian RFCMarch 23rd Boys’ U14’s, U15’s &U18’s Trophy FinalsApril 24th Herts County Youth Finals @ Old Albanian RFC from 11.00amMay 1st County Finals’ Day @ Allianz Park

County Championship, Bill Beaumont CupMay 7th Herts V Surrey @ Old Albanian RFCMay 14th Herts v Cornwall @ Bishop’s Stortford RFC including Members LuncheonMay 21st Gloucestershire v Herts venue to be confirmedMay 28th County Championship Final @ Twickenham

Graham WalkerHertfordshire RFU President

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OUR CHAIRMAN WRITES Wishing you all a healthy, injury-free and fulfilling 2016.Huge thanks go to all my Colleagues on the Herts RFU Executive Committee and the 100+ County Volunteers who contribute so much of their time to help run all areas of rugby throughout Hertfordshire. I also take this opportunity to thank, yet again, Bob Weston and Stuart Thomas of Weston Homes plc for their continued & most generous support. Rugby throughout our “small” County is in rude health … witness the two recent excellent Finals of our Hertfordshire Schools’ Competitions (U14’s & U18’s) which

took place on 9 December under lights over at Hertford RFC with Haileybury College running out U18’s winners against St Albans and Hitchin taking the U14’s honours against Verulam. Huge thanks go to Harry Harrison for, once again, organising such an excellent competition. These Finals were closely followed by The Returning Students’ Festival which took place on 21 December under lights over at Old Albanian RFC with ten Teams competing. An absolutely fabulous evening of excellent entertaining running rugby organised by Tom Mowbray with Old Albanian Returning Students just pipping Harpenden Returning Students in the Final. A number of our Club sides are faring very well this term with Bishop’s Stortford & Old Albanian in the top three of National 2 South, Hertford lying fifth in National 3 London & SE, Tring 3rd & Letchworth 8th in London 1, and in London 2 NW Fullerians are currently 2nd with Harpenden 5th & Welwyn in 6th place with, hopefully, Tabard about to turn their season around & move up the table to safety. In London 3 NW Datchworth, Hitchin, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans & Stevenage are all in the mix and in Herts/Mddx 1 Cheshunt lead the way in 3rd place with Verulamians, Barnet Elizabethans & Royston all pushing hard. Watford currently hold 3rd place in Herts/Mddx 2 with Chess Valley only five places below. And in the Herts/Mddx Merit Tables it’s good to see The Mount, Berkhamsted, Hatfield, Weston, Black Horse, Old Ashmoleans and Cuffley all competing in their respective Leagues. Wishing all Clubs, Players, Coaches, Managers, Physios, Volunteers & Supporters all the very best for the rest of the season. The Senior County Cups are under way and another exhilarating Finals’ day out at Allianz Park on 1 May is eagerly awaited. The Hertfordshire County Youth Finals take place a week before, on Sunday 24 April, at Old Albanian RFC with the first of the Finals kicking-off at 11:00am. Please mark your diaries. Both events are very well worth attending !With your diaries already beside you, please also ensure you have the following events firmly written in : County Members’ Annual Dinner Wednesday 2 March, AGM Monday 20 June, Herts RFU Golf Day Friday 8 July. Although our Senior RFU County Championship side came up just short against the eventual 2015 RFU County Championship Winners, Cornwall, down in Redruth last May, based on our current County Club sides’ performances, we have high hopes, once again, that our “small” County can make it all the way to Twickenham this coming 29th May Looking forward to supporting more exciting rugby being played throughout the County & to meeting friends old & new. Richard MilnesChairman

Richard MilnesHertfordshire RFU Chairman

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SIX MONTHS IN THE LIFE OF A NEW COUNTY SECRETARYI thought it would be good to write what I had been doing (county rugby wise) since becoming secretary of Hertfordshire RFU. On 22nd June 2015 I was voted in the position of County Secretary at the A.G.M. It has been a steep learning curve.

Firstly I never knew there were so many acronyms to learn. To name a few G.M.S., R.D.O., P.F.R., R.W.C., P.R.L. Y.D.O. etc. etc. There was an assumption by various people from the R.F.U. downwards that one knew what all these acronyms referred to and how, therefore, what these different areas of the game were responsible for and hence how the whole thing fitted together. How wrong they are.

Since I began we have to date had four executive meeting and one forum meeting. For each of these there are agendas to prepare, documents to gather from various sources and send out and minutes to write. There have been a number of official letters I have had to write on behalf of Hertfordshire, most of which have been of congratulations to individuals and clubs on a variety of achievements. Another key role is that of ”postman”. Nearly all correspondence form the RFU downwards comes through me and needs reading and sieving through and directing to the right people with in Hertfordshire. This postman role also means that I am copied in on a wide range of communications going on between various areas of the county rugby. This does help me to build an overall picture of the game in Hertfordshire which I believe is in a healthy state.

As some will know I also have conducted a survey regarding the Forum meetings. This was after concern was shown with various parts of the county as to the effectiveness of the Forum as a method of communication with in the county. After looking at the results of a county wide survey one must conclude that how Forum representatives report back to their clubs the information given at a forum varies enormously from club to club and therefore who actually receives this feedback with in a club. This then lead to questions on how much was being reported back to clubs. I can’t emphasis enough the importance of the Forum. It is a major part of the communication structure of the game from grass roots up to Twickenham and Vica Versa. It is one of the major tools your county representatives have of gaining the clubs views and responding on your behalf, to a wide variety of issues with in the game.

Some of the things I am going to do in early 2016 apart from the continuation of duties set out above, is to look at the articles of governance (Constitution) and see if they are still fit for purpose. That is to say do they reflect the way in which the county is being governed? I don’t think this will lead to any major review but is an opportunity for someone fresh to just check them over as valid for 2016. I also hope to try and get round the clubs more. I think most people know me from the time I spent as Disciplinary Secretary but it will be good for me to see first-hand what is going on in clubs. If you do want to contact me then feel free to either e-mail me on adehrfus@btinterenet.com or telephone me on 01992538453

Adrian K SparksSecretary To Hertfordshire Rugby Football Union

www.hertsrugby.co.uk

Adrian SparksHonorary Secretary

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RFU REPRESENTATIVE REPORT...6 MONTHS AS A NEW BOY!It’s now been six months since I took over from Peter Baines as the RFU Council Rep for Herts. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously, as I am representing your views and your clubs at the RFU. To this end I have been getting out clubs twice a week to sit down hear what the problems, and good news, are, so that when I meet up with other council members and RFU staff I can take the club problems and try to solve them or at least flag them

up so that the RFU are aware of them and ensure they are discussed. From talking to the other members we all share the same problems, and there is a lot of work going on to improve the community game. These improvements range from, the competition review, the age grade review implementation, how to improve the recruitment of volunteers, second team fixtures etc.

All the other council members A lot the actual work is carried out in sub-committees these being: competitions, game development, club development, education, player development, rugby growth together with the professional game development as well. As per my December update I aim to stand for nomination to the club development sub-committee and hopefully player development as well.

From what I have seen the RFU does listen and change its mind on its initial ideas and does take seriously the views of its council members! A lot of discussion takes place outside the committee rooms, which is typical of a lot of organisations. Hertfordshire is seen as a very good county in terms of how we manage and develop all the different aspects of rugby, this is due to the work of all the clubs, and volunteers.

One of the most asked questions we get asked as an “executive” when out in the clubs is “ What do you do for us!”, Well in order to share information here’s what we do!!

THE ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CONSTITUENT BODY1. Clarity, Consistency & Collaboration’Constituent Bodies (CBs) such as Hertfordshire are a valued and essential part of the Rugby Football Union. All have CBs particular strengths and skills. The Core Purpose of a CB is “To support the strengthening of member clubs and grow the game in communities around them through effective governance and administration’ this is achieved throughi. Retain and develop current players ii. Recruit new playersiii. Retain, develop and recruit high quality coaches, volunteers and refereesiv. Effective and efficient facilitiesv. Effective and efficient management & governancevi. Integration with the local community

2. The Vision for CBsOur aim as an executive is to retain a strong and vibrant local rugby leadership across all clubs, our work contributing directly to a strong and sustainable club structure, with more people playing rugby more often in clubs, schools, colleges and universities. Promoting, recognising and rewarding the contribution of volunteers, coaches and referees, and promoting involvement in rugby as a worthwhile and fun activity is a fundamental focus for us as a CB.

David RobertsHerts RFU Council Rep

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By managing the game in an efficient and effective manner, with a planning process that both manages the present and plans for the future, CBs will support clubs to deliver activity that meets their needs and ensure that all planning and decision making is transparent and understood by all.We within Herts receive about 80% of our funding from the RFU and as such we have a plan and activities that identifies clear outcomes that benefit the game while ensuring that any partners share in this success, with CBs and clubs working together, will strengthen rugby throughout England.

We as a CB musti. Recruit and maintain a skilled and vibrant CB leadership teamii. Undertake effective communication to all our clubs and schools iii. Support and work to the RFU Strategic Planiv. Work in partnership with RFU staff and external partners v. Undertake strong corporate governance

There are a number of tasks undertaken by a CB defined within RFU Rules & Regulations:i. Secure the representation of clubs and schools on Council (RFU Rule 18.1)ii. Discipline (RFU Regulation 19.1.10)iii. Safeguarding (RFU Regulation 21.1.5)iv. Local competition administration (RFU Regulations 13.1.2(c), 15.8, 15.9.1 & 4, and 15.15.2)v. Annual review of club accounts (RFU Regulation 5.1.3)vi. Provide CB accounts to RFU (RFU Regulation 5.1.1)vii. Match approvals (age grade, tours and Sevens) (Regulation 15 and Regulation 10)

There are a number of tasks that a CB is Best Placed to Deliver, supported by RFU staff, for example but not restricted toi. Promote the Core Values of the gameii. Planning, Funding and Reporting iii. Arrange and deliver CB and Club development meetings iv. Local volunteer Reward and Recognition Programmev. Work with Referee Societies Premiership and Championship clubs and voluntary bodiesvi. CB Representative teamsvii. CB Development Squadsviii. Assist clubs to comply with any statutory obligations (e.g. incorporated status)

There are a number of tasks in which CBs Play a Part and which are usually delivered or supported by RFU staff and other specialists, for example but not restricted toi. Development of rugby in clubs, schools, colleges & universitiesii. Player Safety information and support iii. Development of club and CB volunteers for leadership rolesiv. Investment in Club Facilitiesv. Refereeing courses with Referee Societiesvi. Delivery of coaching coursesvii. Developing Player Programme (DPP)viii. Delivery of technical information from RFU specialists ix. Delivery of national programmes e.g. all Schools, NatWest Rugby Force

Within Herts we have approximately 200 unpaid volunteers who assist with the areas listed above, so you can see it’s a massive job we do, hopefully this will help you in the understanding of what we do as CB exec in Herts!

David RobertsRFU Council Rep

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COMMUNITY RUGBY Having decided that predictions are not a strength after my article in the Yearbook about the World Cup and England’s performance, it seemed more sensible to talk this time about things that have happened. As well as the massive showcase for rugby that was England 2015, it has been a busy autumn in the Community Rugby world. I always find it entertaining when I am asked “Well what does the Chair of Community Rugby do?” as I sometimes feel it would be easier to say what I do not do. The way I have summed it up to people is that I lead for the Executive on supporting clubs and schools and

how they develop rugby in Hertfordshire. I work very closely with Mel Liley the Rugby Development Officer and her team and how they target their activity. The role includes the CB Safeguarding Manager role so I spend a lot of time on ensuring the massive growth in mini & youth rugby is managed by clubs in a child-centred and appropriate way. And if that all sounds a bit earnest – I have a fun time helping clubs and schools make rugby an enjoyable sport for players and volunteers of all ages and from that enjoyment will hopefully grow participation numbers in all sorts of rugby activity.

There has been a lot going on in Hertfordshire rugby so I will just note some highlights of the season so far for me:

- The brand new touch league that is growing all the time. This keeps players who are too old or broken to play

full on rugby fit and involved at their clubs. An excellent idea from Richard Lucas at Hitchin RFC has been well received and as launched with investment from the County. There seems to be an additional nuance every week – the latest one being an over 50s competition. Dare I put my boots back on – maybe, but I would still have the Teflon handling!!

- The growth in the women and girls game. More women are playing and new teams are forming or reforming, some with considerable success. The under 13s age group is finally taking off as a concept and building numbers. County input to joint training sessions has quickly built interest from 20 players at the first session to 53 at the latest. A small amount of seed funding is producing a good harvest.

- Working with schools to introduce the New Rules of Play (NROP). This is a big change with many challenges

for schools, particularly with staffing smaller sided games and getting to grips with the Regulations. There is still work to be done but schools have been receptive. The reason for the change is so that clubs and schools are playing to the same rules on player numbers, skills used at different ages and so on. NROP is about the game being more developmental with children getting more ‘ball time’ as well as the game being safer and more enjoyable. There has had to be a lot of detailed work with schools to ensure that traditional fixtures and festivals can go forward. Matches within Hertfordshire are now going well though because all Herts schools agreed to use NROP this season. However, because NROP is not mandatory till next season for all schools, cross border rivalries have had to be managed carefully. A useful side product of this work has been better links between schools and clubs to share knowledge and how the NROP works in practice. This is all money in the bank for the future.

- The All Schools Initiative is going well in Hertfordshire. This introduces rugby into the sports curriculum

of targeted secondary schools. This is an ongoing programme that will grow until hopefully every child in a Hertfordshire school will be able to try rugby and experience its unique challenge and ethos as a sport.

- Improvement in spectator behavior at youth matches. The introduction of a pitch side barrier policy at

competitive youth matches has had a positive effect with no reported incidents. Clubs have been supported with donated barriers from the County. There was a supply problem so full implementation has been a challenge but we are just about there. Anyway, whether barriers have been present or not, matters are much improved.

Tim BonnettChairman of Community Rugby & Safeguarding Manager

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It is a relief not to get called for safeguarding advice after incidents, which felt like the case over the last couple of seasons. This is an important step as it is an essential part of the Core Values of Rugby to ensure spectators support constructively and appropriately.

Looking ahead to the second half of the season, I will still avoid predictions. I know I will busy visiting clubs, attending meetings and delivering training. I know I will see lots of great rugby being played at all levels and ages. And I know, that as busy as all this is, I will still be enjoying being a part of delivering the great game of rugby to Hertfordshire clubs and schools.

Tim BonnettChairman of Community Rugby

DISCIPLINARY MID TERM REPORT Season’s greetings to all, so far this season as we reach the half way mark the Hertfordshire Disciplinary Panel has dealt with a total of 10 Red Cards made up in the following way;Strike or Punch 6Stamp 1 2 yellow Cards 2Abuse of Match official 1

We have a cross border Citing and 1 sending off outstanding, both of which are scheduled to be dealt with in early 2016.

This a huge reduction on the numbers for the same period last season which at this stage stood at 22.I would like to thank all of the panel members who sit in the Hot Seats week in week out, sometimes at very short notice for their help in my first year. They all bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the table without which my job would be a lot harder, Hopefully the season will continue to be a quiet 1 on the Red Card front.

Paul Doyle Disciplinary Secretary

www.hertsrugby.co.uk

Paul DoyleHRFU Discipline Secretary

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£200 Coaching Development Support

As part of Herts Rugby’s on-going support of its club network, a £200 education bursary has been reserved for each club in Hertfordshire.

Aiming to contribute to the clubs’ development of coaches this £200 can be used to support the training of club volunteers, from CPD courses through to award courses such as the Level 1 or 2 Coaching qualifications. Please note this bursary can only be used for recognised coaching courses ether through the RFU and/or the coaching courses via the Herts Sports Partnership coach development week.

Invoices for a total of £200 should be e-mailed directly to the Honorary Treasurer of Hertfordshire RFU: Johngregory326@talktalk.net Please CC: MelanieLiley@rfu.com

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RETURNING STUDENTS FESTIVAL 2015 The annual Herts Rugby Returning Students’ festival took place at Old Albanian RFC on Monday 21st December 2015, and saw Tom Mowbray run his first event since joining us as a Community Rugby Coach. The festival is run for all Hertfordshire clubs looking to stay in contact with their University players, and invites them back to represent their home club in the Christmas festival. Teams are made up of mainly university or sixth form students and bolstered by young players coming into the senior club. All games are shortened and penalties replaced with free kicks and 10-a-side games to promote a fast and furious game.

The weather has always had a big influence on the festival, with arctic temperatures and snow featuring in previous year, but luckily for us we had a glorious evening and some fine rugby was played. There was a fantastic crowd of over 500 watching throughout the evening.

For this year’s festival we had ten clubs enter with two pools of five. Group A was made up of Cheshunt, OMTs, OAs, Hitchin and Tabard. Group B included Harpenden, Datchworth, Fullerians, Bishop Stortford and Tring. From Group A, Cheshunt finished 2nd and OAs finished top of the group. Group B had Bishop Stortford finishing 2nd and group winners were Harpenden.

One semi-final saw Harpenden v Cheshunt on pitch one and on pitch two OAs played Bishop Stortford. In these tight fought semi-finals, Harpenden were victorious on pitch one and OAs came out on top against a resilient Bishop Stortford.

After a long evening of some tough rugby the final saw the two neighbours, Harpenden and Old Albanians go head to head. The final was a nail-biting affair which was decided by the last play of the game with a try being awarded to Old Albanians. The final score being 19-14.

The festival demonstrates how students are keen to play rugby in a format that allows an element of flexibility (under lights, 10 a side and unlimited squad size) and sees them play alongside their friends without having to commit to paying subs, registering or sacrificing work in order to play a traditional Saturday game. We are now looking at offering a similar event at Easter.

These events are only possible thanks to the support of volunteers, and we’d like to thank Hertfordshire Referee Society for their efforts on the pitch. Off the pitch, a huge thanks goes to the volunteer managers who pulled in the students from all over the country to ensure all 10 teams were able to compete. Likened to herding cats, this is probably the hardest job on the night, and illustrates how keen clubs are to make sure their students do return to their clubs post-university clubs and schools.

Tom MowbrayHerts Community Rugby Coach (CRC)

Tom MowbrayTom MowbrayHerts Community Rugby Coach (CRC)

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HERTFORDSHIRE SCHOOLS FINALS 2015The u14 and u18 Hertfordshire Schools Cup Finals were played in front a very large crowd at Hertford RFC on Wednesday 9th December. This competition is run on behalf of the Hertfordshire Schools Union and is open to all private schools and the traditional rugby playing schools in the county.

The results in the respective finals were:

U14 CUP FINAL Hitchin 42 – 14 Verulam.This was Hitchin’s first time in one of the finals and they proved to have too much firepower for a determined and very competitive Verulam team. Hitchin have an outstanding group of highly talented athletes who had just too much pace and power for Verulam to withstand, and Hitchin ran out worthy winners.

U18 CUP FINAL Haileybury 24 - 0 St Albans SchoolThis was the third successive final appearance for Haileybury but the first time they have come out as winners, having lost to St Albans School and Bishop’s Stortford High School in the previous two seasons. Haileybury have a very strong team this season and St Albans did well to hold them to just one score during the first half. However, after the break the St Albans team started to tire and could not continue to hold Haileybury at bay.

Harry HarrisonHRFU Community Rugby Coach (CRC)

Harry HarrisonHRFU CRC

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THE MIXED ABILITY MODEL – MUCH MORE THAN DISABLED SPORT THE BUMBLES AND IMAS Back in 2009 when Anthony Brooke (a young man with Cerebral Palsy and Learning Difficulties) said he wanted to play ‘real rugby’ and not tag he could not have foreseen that five years later he would be instrumental in paving the way for a new generation of players with Learning/ Physical Disabilities within Rugby Union. In 2014 his inclusive MA Rugby Team, ‘Bumble Bees RFC’, won the Presidents XV ‘Beyond Rugby’ Award. The following year Anthony received a ‘Point of Light Award’ from Prime Minister David Cameron.

Aside from Anthony’s personal accolades MA Rugby has been ground breaking in a number of ways. Unlike Paralympic and Special Olympic sports, MA Rugby has no formal classification system for the disabled players. It is full contact Rugby Union with the only dispensation coming in the form of uncontested scrums. This contributes to the inclusivity of the sport, ensuring that all participants are treated equally.

Moving into 2016 Bumbles Players with disabilities are now working with IMAS to help grassroots clubs open their doors to new teams of players with and without disabilities. Contrary to the national trend, MA Rugby is increasing the number of people with disabilities involved in sporting activities. A knock on effect is the increase in able bodied players returning to their game having found pleasure in re-involving themselves by supporting disabled team mates.The numerous benefits to Clubs are obvious, a new inclusive status in the local community and the positive publicity this delivers, as well as increased footfall and membership. Disabled participants perceive an increase in social status by playing competitively alongside able bodied team mates whilst also moving from inactive to healthy activities. Furthermore, able-bodied facilitators benefit by increasing their time on the pitch and changing their perceptions of people the form of uncontested scrums. This contributes to the inclusivity of the sport, ensuring that all participants are treated equally.

Moving into 2016 Bumbles Players with disabilities are now working with IMAS to help grassroots clubs open their doors to new teams of players with and without disabilities. Contrary to the national trend, MA Rugby is increasing the number of people with disabilities involved in sporting activities. A knock on effect is the increase in able bodied players returning to their game having found pleasure in re-involving themselves by supporting disabled team mates.The numerous benefits to Clubs are obvious, a new inclusive status in the local community and the positive publicity this delivers, as well as increased footfall and membership. Disabled participants perceive an increase in social status by playing competitively alongside able bodied team mates whilst also moving from inactive to healthy activities. Furthermore, able-bodied facilitators benefit by increasing their time on the pitch and changing their perceptions of people with disabilities.

IMAS and the Bumbles are proud to support and share good practice with all forward thinking and inclusive clubs like Letchworth Garden City RUFC and wish all the members and volunteers of Hertfordshire RUFC a very successful 2016.

Mike HawkesRFU Mixed Ability Coordinator

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BRAVEHERTS TAKE THE NEXT STEP Letchworth Garden City RUFC Braveherts having become well established within the club took a huge step forward in terms of the side when they had their first 15 aside contact fixture at Letchworth’s Charity Rugby Day on the 19th December. This was a huge success and they will be looking for more fixtures in the New Year. Letchworth are currently working alongside the International Mixed Ability Sport (IMAS) in developing the game for people of all abilities, recognising that the world of rugby has a huge amount to offer and can extend the “family” wider. Braveherts will be presenting to Herts RFU in January to discuss some development ideas for Hertfordshire.

The concept is a simple one in that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the game of rugby, at this time Braveherts play touch, tag and now 15 aside contact rugby, the touch and tag are for both sexes and any age. At this time the youngest is a 9 year old with autism the oldest is 52. The level of ability ranges from 1 of the players with disability plays for the 4ths at Letchworth and another will be having a run out in January to two young men with a severe disability who need 1-1 support in what they do. We have a core of 4 coaches and a couple of other volunteers with no shortage of other players within the club wanting to play in the Braveherts side.

As a team we are in our 4th year now and with IMAS are hoping to be able to play in the next world mixed ability tournament, the first being held in Bradford in August this year. Bradford Bumbles reached the final but where pipped by the Irish side Sundays Well Rebels. There were teams from around the world and the event was a huge success.

Braveherts will always welcome anyone who wishes come along and try, support and see how we do it. Braveherts are currently one of only 4 teams in England who play mixed ability rugby and the only one who has no age restriction and involves both sexes.

If you want more information regarding the team and the set up please call Nick Winwood 07972417221 or email nicktheprop@hotmail.com

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HSRFURThe 2015 World Cup raised some interesting refereeing issues which are now been translated into the community game. Before the World Cup tournament began, the international refereeing panel were all instructed to pay particular attention to scrum feeds, offside at kicks, clearing a player out of the breakdown by means of the ‘neck roll’ and tackling a player in the air.

Those who watched the World Cup and are now watching the Premiership will wonder what happened to the advice about ensuring that the ball is put

in straight at scrums, something which is not seen to be a priority for the international and Premiership panel referees to say the least. However, that is something which our referees at the community level will be policing.

The ‘neck roll’ as a means of clearing an opponent out of a breakdown is illegal and should always be penalised. Players who commit this form of foul play should be aware that they are at serious risk of a yellow or even a red card. Equally, anyone who takes out a catcher while he is in the air is highly likely to receive a yellow or red card depending on the extent to which the catcher is brought to ground safely or otherwise. This doesn’t apply of course to a fair challenge for the ball where both players are genuinely attempting to play the ball rather than each other.

The ‘man off’ rules in relation to scrums and front row replacements, which were introduced in order to prevent teams neutralising the opposition’s superiority in the scrum, have been in place for some time. However, it is fair to say that those who participate in the community game may not always be fully familiar with the RFU’s detailed rules which can be read at: http://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/Governance/Regulations/01/30/44/09/RFU_Regulation_13_Appendix_2_Neutral.pdf.

The position in summary is that at in a league match at Level 5 and below (ie levels 6,7 8 and so on) each team must have at least 4 suitably trained and experienced front row players in their nominated match squad. A team at level 5 and below which cannot provide a front row replacement at the 1st first time of asking goes down to 14 players for the rest of the game which continues with uncontested scrums. However, the game is automatically awarded to the opposition who are deemed for bonus point purposes to have scored 4 tries. Every time a team is unable thereafter to provide a fully functioning front row with the result that scrums have to go uncontested, that team has to play with 14.

In cup games, the requirement is for 5 suitably trained front row players so that a team can provide a replacement at the 1st and 2nd times of asking, failing which it loses the game.None of this applies to games in the Herts/Middx Merit Tables or to youth games.The Society’s training team would be only too happy to run through this with any Herts club coach who wants clarification of the position.

On a happier note, we are delighted to report that Anthony Woodthorpe who has only been refereeing with the Herts Society for 4 complete seasons has recently been appointed to the National Panel and is now refereeing regularly in National League 2. Congratulations are due to Anthony and to the coaching team who helped with his progress. Herts also has a number of referees at level 5 who are knocking on the National Panel door.Finally, my best wishes to everyone in the Herts rugby family for a successful and more importantly enjoyable 2nd half to the season.

Peter Brady, HSRFU President

Peter BradyHSRFU President

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ANTHONY WOODTHORPE JOINS NATIONAL TEAM OF MATCH OFFICIALS

Hertfordshire Referee Society is delighted to announce that Anthony Woodthorpe has been accepted to the National Team of Match Officials as a referee. Anthony, also a Harpenden RFC member, is currently studying Geography at the University of Gloucestershire, where he is training under the watchful eye of former international referee Chris White, National Referee Academy Manager for the RFU. Anthony will now be paid to referee National 2 League games, which could include visits to Bishop’s Stortford RFC and Old Albanian RFC in the New Year. We wish Anthony all the best in his endeavours, and look forward to seeing him progress further in the coming seasons.

UNDER 13 GIRLS’ RUGBY UNION TRAINING FOR 2016Once a month, we encourage under 13 girls to get together for a group rugby training session. These sessions are open to all girls with an interest in playing rugby – whether they are already playing rugby at schools, clubs or even want to give rugby a go for the first time this is a great opportunity to signpost girls into the club environment for the first time.

Run by fully qualified coaches, and focused on promoting teamwork, confidence and enjoyment, we’d love to see you in 2016. Any girls from under 11 – 13 inclusive welcome!

Sunday 10th January 2016 Letchworth Garden City RFC from 13:00Sunday 7th February 2016 Welwyn RFC from 13:00Sunday 6th March 2016 Hitchin RFC from 13:00

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YOUNG RUGBY AMBASSADORS RE-LAUNCH WITH VINSPIRED Following the success of the Young Rugby Ambassadors in the lead up and during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the initiative is being relaunched in collaboration with vInspired, a national volunteering organisation that looks to offer young people the chance to engage in volunteering based on their interests. In a big change to the programme Young Rugby Ambassadors no longer have to be part of a club, so can include school based volunteers, as well as coaches and referees. Volunteers can join in from 14-25 years old, and will use online technology to track their hours and gain rewards for their efforts. This approach is a lot more flexible than before and hopes to engage more young people than ever– rewarding those who contribute most to rugby with some fantastic kit and event opportunities. For more information, and to get registered, visit www.englandrugby.com/YRA

www.hertsrugby.co.uk

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Lady Valerie Dixon of the Valiant Trust officially opened Hitchin Rugby Club’s new £½ million changing room complex on Sunday. NHDC Councillor Jane Gray (Executive Member for Leisure) was also present to lend her support to the club, together with representatives from the RFU and Hertfordshire RFU.

The opening marks a significant milestone for the club as it’s the completion of the first stage of a £1.2 million four-phase project to completely redevelop the site. This first phase was built with the financial support from the club’s own development fund, Sport England, the RFU and the Valiant Trust.

The new changing rooms will directly benefit all of the club’s playing membership: children, youth, ladies and men. But the greatest beneficiaries will be the Mini & Youth section of the club – with nearly 580 children playing rugby, Hitchin is the largest sports group in North Hertfordshire and accommodating all of them every Sunday was proving to be a major block to the club’s commitment to providing rugby to the youth of the local community.

With the added demand that this year’s Rugby World Cup is likely to bring, the new changing rooms will significantly ease the pressure on providing changing facilities for all sections of the club.

The changing rooms, built by Linxcroft Construction Ltd, will not only provide excellent facilities for the club, but will become a fund-raiser for the club. Significant investment has been made in solar panelling and other ‘green’ innovations. The excess power from the panels will provide an additional source of income for the club and the capture and recycling of rain water from the large roof area will

help provide the club’s water needs for irrigating their pitches.

The club’s President Tim Jeffries said, “We want to move onto our second phase building

as soon as we can. We now have a 99-year lease and we’re determined to have facilities in the centre of Hitchin that reflect the increasing popularity of rugby and the rugby club’s place in our community”.

He also thanked three dedicated volunteers who have spearheaded the project – Peter Tasko, Chair of the Business Committee, Chris Jones, Club Treasurer and Iain Charnley, the club’s project co-ordinator. The President added, “Great financial support and dedicated and hard-working volunteers is building this club into something that the whole town can be proud of”.

6

Open for business

Lady Valerie Dixon cuts the ribbon to officially open the new changing room complex

Hitchin Rugby Club opened it’s new £½ million changing room complex on Sunday.

The new changing rooms are ready to use

President in Ladies VIP changing room

Queue to view

News from Hitchin Rugby Football Club

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Lady Valerie Dixon of the Valiant Trust officially opened Hitchin Rugby Club’s new £½ million changing room complex on Sunday. NHDC Councillor Jane Gray (Executive Member for Leisure) was also present to lend her support to the club, together with representatives from the RFU and Hertfordshire RFU.

The opening marks a significant milestone for the club as it’s the completion of the first stage of a £1.2 million four-phase project to completely redevelop the site. This first phase was built with the financial support from the club’s own development fund, Sport England, the RFU and the Valiant Trust.

The new changing rooms will directly benefit all of the club’s playing membership: children, youth, ladies and men. But the greatest beneficiaries will be the Mini & Youth section of the club – with nearly 580 children playing rugby, Hitchin is the largest sports group in North Hertfordshire and accommodating all of them every Sunday was proving to be a major block to the club’s commitment to providing rugby to the youth of the local community.

With the added demand that this year’s Rugby World Cup is likely to bring, the new changing rooms will significantly ease the pressure on providing changing facilities for all sections of the club.

The changing rooms, built by Linxcroft Construction Ltd, will not only provide excellent facilities for the club, but will become a fund-raiser for the club. Significant investment has been made in solar panelling and other ‘green’ innovations. The excess power from the panels will provide an additional source of income for the club and the capture and recycling of rain water from the large roof area will

help provide the club’s water needs for irrigating their pitches.

The club’s President Tim Jeffries said, “We want to move onto our second phase building

as soon as we can. We now have a 99-year lease and we’re determined to have facilities in the centre of Hitchin that reflect the increasing popularity of rugby and the rugby club’s place in our community”.

He also thanked three dedicated volunteers who have spearheaded the project – Peter Tasko, Chair of the Business Committee, Chris Jones, Club Treasurer and Iain Charnley, the club’s project co-ordinator. The President added, “Great financial support and dedicated and hard-working volunteers is building this club into something that the whole town can be proud of”.

6

Open for business

Lady Valerie Dixon cuts the ribbon to officially open the new changing room complex

Hitchin Rugby Club opened it’s new £½ million changing room complex on Sunday.

The new changing rooms are ready to use

President in Ladies VIP changing room

Queue to view

News from Hitchin Rugby Football Club

1616

Back 2 Schoolival, a Hitchin RFC based event run by 2nd team skipper Adam Howard, was recognised for their June 6th 2015 event by the RFU on 5th September before the World Cup warm up game between England and Ireland.

Back 2 Schoolival offered the chance for ex-pupils of the local schools to reunite to form a rugby team to take part in a charity festival.

Schools taking part included Hitchin Boys School, the Priory, Knights Templar and John Henry Newman to name a few and 180 players took part on the day. The day raised £1,200 for charity, including £1,000 for Hitchin based charity the North Herts Sanctuary who provide temporary housing to those in need.

In recognition of this, Back 2 Schoolival was awarded the RFU Young Rugby Ambassador Best Event of the Year 2015.

Event organiser Adam Howard travelled to Twickenham to receive the award, with England Women World Cup Winners Sarah Hunter and La Toya Mason present to meet the winners.

Recognition from the RFU for the event means a lot to those behind Back 2 Schoolival and has spurred them on to increase their efforts for 2016. Back 2 Schoolival will return to King George playing fields in Hitchin on Saturday 9th July, when the Old Boys tournament will return

and be accompanied by a women’s 10s tournament.

Back 2 Schoolival will replicate this format at Old

Albanians on Saturday 20th August, and will also host an event on Saturday 4th June in Baldock which will take the Back 2 Schoolival ethos into the realms of football, netball and rounder’s.

BestEventof theYear

BACK TO SCHOOL-IVAL

Adam Howard shows off trophy to England Women world cup winners

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At LV=, we’re all about helping people protect and provide for the things they love. This is something we care passionately about and we hope it shows in the way we work with you

www.hitchinrugby.comDon't forget our website!

A record breaking 2,786 guests flocked to the festival at the Club on King George’s playing fields on Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th June 2015.

The pleasant weather on Friday evening brought with it a record crowd (over 10% more than 2014!), and while the weather was rather more inclement on Saturday, it failed to dampen the mood or slow the steady stream of guests through the door, and by 7pm the festival had officially sold out of beer after three amazing days.

This annual local event is organised by volunteers from the North Herts Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Hitchin Round Table and Hitchin Rugby Football Club and wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of these individuals and the event sponsors.

NEXT YEAR’S FESTIVAL DATES: 9TH - 11TH JUNE 2016

Bumper Beer Festival

SPONSORS’DINNER

Wednesday 9th March 2016

Guest speakers to include

Wasps and England‘s Jeff Probyn,

and comedian Jed Stone

Invitations to club members

will come out in the

new year

SAVETHEDATE!

Hitchin RFC Burghers

6

At LV=, we’re all about helping people protect and provide for the things they love. This is something we care passionately about and we hope it shows in the way we work with you

www.hitchinrugby.comDon't forget our website!

A record breaking 2,786 guests flocked to the festival at the Club on King George’s playing fields on Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th June 2015.

The pleasant weather on Friday evening brought with it a record crowd (over 10% more than 2014!), and while the weather was rather more inclement on Saturday, it failed to dampen the mood or slow the steady stream of guests through the door, and by 7pm the festival had officially sold out of beer after three amazing days.

This annual local event is organised by volunteers from the North Herts Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Hitchin Round Table and Hitchin Rugby Football Club and wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of these individuals and the event sponsors.

NEXT YEAR’S FESTIVAL DATES: 9TH - 11TH JUNE 2016

Bumper Beer Festival

SPONSORS’DINNER

Wednesday 9th March 2016

Guest speakers to include

Wasps and England‘s Jeff Probyn,

and comedian Jed Stone

Invitations to club members

will come out in the

new year

SAVETHEDATE!

Hitchin RFC Burghers

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Now Club Name L'gue P W D L For Ag'n % Ratio Were PRIZE1 Old Albanian Nat2S 14 12 1 1 452 231 89.29% 1.96 6 Away v Old Elthamians Won 25 - 17 £7002 Tring L1N 13 10 0 3 430 241 76.92% 1.78 3 Away v Chingfprd Won 31 - 0 £4003 Watford * † HEM2 8 6 0 2 322 113 75.00% 2.85 4 Away v Harlequins Amateur Won 26 - 10 £3004 Cheshunt HEM1 10 7 1 2 256 147 75.00% 1.74 18 Away v Hillingdon Abbots Won 30 - 8 £2005 Fullerians L2NW 10 7 0 3 293 154 70.00% 1.90 5 Away v Hammersmith & Fulham Lost 10 - 22 £1006 Hertford Nat3L&SE 13 9 0 4 363 235 69.23% 1.54 9 Home v Chichester Won 39 - 15 £1007 Bishop's Stortford Nat2S 14 9 1 4 405 242 67.86% 1.67 10 Away v Redingensians Won 27 - 15 £1008 The Mount * HMMT3 9 6 0 3 309 180 66.67% 1.72 8 Home v Hatfield Won 24 - 15 £1009 Berkhamsted * HMMT6 8 5 0 3 251 99 62.50% 2.54 1 Away v Hitchin III Lost 8 - 12

10 Hatfield HMMT3 8 5 0 3 197 86 62.50% 2.29 2 Away v The Mount Lost 15 - 2411 Datchworth L3NW 10 6 0 4 229 177 60.00% 1.29 7 Away v Wasps Won 44 - 812 Verulamians HEM1 10 5 1 4 238 172 55.00% 1.38 17 Away v Kilburn Cosmaos Lost 11 - 2013 Harpenden L2NW 10 4 2 4 270 192 50.00% 1.41 11 Away v Old Haberdashers Lost 21 - 2714 Weston * HMMT4 8 4 0 4 202 148 50.00% 1.36 24 Home v Royston II Won 44 - 515 Welwyn L2NW 10 4 2 4 273 246 50.00% 1.11 12 Away v Woodford Won 48 - 2516 Black Horse HMMT5 8 4 0 4 219 216 50.00% 1.01 13 Away v Hackney III Won 36 - 2317 HH (Camelot) L3NW 10 5 0 5 186 251 50.00% 0.74 22 Home v Old Actonians Lost 12 - 2918 Hitchin L3NW 10 4 1 5 178 289 45.00% 0.62 21 Away v Belsize Park Lost 7 - 7219 Barnet Elizabethan HEM1 10 4 0 6 154 203 40.00% 0.76 14 Away v London Welsh Amateurs Lost 5 - 4220 Letchworth L1N 13 4 1 8 190 314 34.62% 0.61 20 Home v Amersham & Chiltern Lost 8 - 4921 St Albans L3NW 9 3 0 6 187 176 33.33% 1.06 15 Away v Wasps Won 58 - 022 Royston HEM1 10 3 0 7 155 239 30.00% 0.65 25 Away v Bank of England Won 21 - 1323 Old Ashmolean * HMMT6 8 2 0 6 144 281 25.00% 0.51 26 Home v HH Camelot III Lost 17 - 3824 Chess Valley HEM2 8 2 0 6 83 324 25.00% 0.26 23 Home v Saracen Amateurs II Lost 0 - 6025 Stevenage Town L3NW 9 2 0 7 189 280 22.22% 0.68 16 Away v Finchley Lost 17 - 5126 Tabard L1N 10 1 1 8 129 282 15.00% 0.46 19 Home v Hampstead Lost 11 - 2927 Cuffley * HMMT2 6 0 0 6 66 222 0.00% 0.30 27 Home v Hertford IV Lost 3 - 57

The John Macfarlane Bowl is the prize for winning the Jack Marshall Honours Table. The Jimmy Little Trophy is awarded to the team with the best pointsratio. *Only games played qualify for the table, walkover wins and losses and agreed draws are excluded. †Expunged league matches included.

Organiser: John Gregory, 4 Caldecote, Near Stilton, Cambs., PE7 3SG. Tel: 01733-246209 e-mail:johngregory326@talktalk.net

Original concept by Jack Marshall

Hertfordshire RFU Jack Marshall Honours Table

Table 02 Weekend of Saturday 12 December 2015Last Result

The John Macfarlane Bowl: Old Albanian storm into the lead, ahead of Tring!The Jimmy Little Trophy: Watford now have the best points ratio, ahead of Berkhamsted!

MIDDLETON ROW,BISHOP’S STORTFORD

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