NICOLA MARSHALLIn his new role as Patron of All Schools, Prince Harry recently gave students from across England a rugby coaching session they are unlikely to forget in a hurry at Twickenham Stadium, alongside Rugby World Cup winner Jason Robinson.

All Schools was set up by the Rugby Football Union to help more secondary state schools start playing rugby. The students were from schools in their second year of the programme, travelling from as far as Tyne and Wear and Hull for the experience.

The RFU Annual Report & Accounts show Group revenue for 2012/13 reaching over £150m for the first time in the RFU’s history and record investment in rugby as a whole rising to just under £64m, up 15% on 2011/12.

Said CEO, Ian Ritchie, “This was an outstanding year in which continued growth allowed us to make record investment directly with clubs and in operating the English game at all levels. We have made significant strides across the board allowing us to invest an additional £3.5m in grassroots rugby, largely thanks to a busy calendar of Twickenham events.

“Our unsecured loan granted by new banking partner RBS is allowing us to upgrade Twickenham Stadium in readiness for our hosting of the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and there is much to look forward to throughout the game.”

Chief Financial Officer Stephen Brown added, “We have successfully concluded the first year of our Strategic Plan and

look forward to achieving our objectives through sustained and growing investment in rugby up to and beyond the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

“During 2012/13 revenue increased by £42.9m, from £110.6m to £153.5m, driven by the full match programme and increased sponsorship. Hospitality and catering remains our single largest revenue stream and increased by £9.9m, due to the number of major international matches, increased attendances at other matches

and additional concerts and non-match day events. “The retained profit for the year of £3.8m was achieved after

delivering significant growth in rugby investment. The RFU’s profit and loss reserve now stands at a very healthy £20m which, together with strong financial projections, enable us to comfortably accommodate the fluctuations of the four-year Rugby World Cup match cycle whilst maintaining investment in all levels of the game.”

The Official Newspaper of The RFUNovember 2013 Issue 162

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Continued on page 2…

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RFU RECORD REVENUE AND GAME INVESTMENT

PRINCE HARRY PASSES ON PASSION FOR RUGBY

Last year’s programme generated huge amounts of resourcefulness in the 400+ clubs and 8,000 volunteers who took part in the DIY weekend in June. This year’s NatWest RugbyForce will take place from Saturday 21st to Sunday 22nd June 2014 and promises to be another great weekend.

Dave Attwood said: “Every member of the squad started out at a local rugby club - it’s where your passion and love for the game is built.

PAULA ROWE

England teammates Joe Marler, Christian Wade and Dave Attwood joined forces earlier this month to host a quiz night at Bracknell rugby club to kick off NatWest RugbyForce 2014.

Now in its second year, NatWest RugbyForce is a nationwide programme designed to make rugby clubs stronger businesses by improving and renovating their facilities with the support of volunteers and the local community.

Stephen BrownIan Ritchie

ENGLAND PLAYERS QUIZZED ON NATWEST RUGBYFORCE

In summary the highlights for the year were:

• Record £153.5m revenue

• Investment in rugby as a whole rise of 15% over previous year

• Publication of five-year Strategic Plan

• Twickenham Experience Ltd highest ever net profit to the RFU of £4.9m

• The hosting of 25 event days, with nine completely sold out

• Five concerts hosted for the first time during a financial year

• Commercial partnerships refined making them more meaningful across the game

• Continued investment and preparation for Rugby World Cup 2015

• First year of Lead Up & Legacy work

• UNITY project launched helping development of rugby in 17 European nations.

• The first season of complete integration of the women’s game into the RFU

• Professional Rugby Review facilitates creation of Professional Rugby and International Performance Departments

YOU ARE THE TEAM’S INSPIRATION TWICKENHAM TELLS FANS For the QBE Internationals, England Rugby called on fans to get behind the team by tweeting their messages of support using the hashtag #carrythemhome.

To unite the team with their fans, selected tweets from those cheering them on at home and in the stadium appeared on the mid-tier LEDs at Twickenham. Good luck tweets from both last season and this were displayed on the tunnel walls as the players walked out, and fans were given the chance to enter a Twitter competition to deliver their message of support in person and watch the team train ahead of the final match against New Zealand.

A 55-strong male choir in the stadium bowl and England flags given to fans, as well new stadium branding helped to create a white wall to represent England’s support and heighten noise and atmosphere of the crowd to inspire the team.

The emphasis on boosting the fan experience also included the creation of a new weekly video, The Tale of the Test, released on a Monday after the match to tell the story of the weekend. This included player interviews, tunnel cam and highlights from all the action on the pitch. In addition, Stuart Lancaster’s press conference every Thursday to announce the team was streamed live on RFU.com and YouTube and England Rugby launched its first Google+ page, displaying rugby content.

Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’ve developed new ways to connect fans with the team, whether they are watching the match at home, in their local club, or here at the stadium. We know that their support can go a long way to inspire the team on the pitch. Through our digital channels we want to continue to give viewers further behind the scenes access into life inside the camp and reach new audiences with our content.”

2 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013

On October 31st, to mark two years to go to the final of Rugby World Cup 2015, hundreds of Young Rugby Ambassadors were getting together to highlight their commitment and importance to rugby union’s long term success.

Rugby clubs the length and breadth of England are being asked to nominate 16 to 20 year olds to become Young Rugby Ambassadors, whose role will be to inspire other young people in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup 2015 and beyond.

These young ambassadors will be working in their clubs to pass on the latest news on RWC 2015, raise awareness of rugby in their local area and also help to get 16-24 year old former players from their community playing rugby again.

RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger said: “We are committed to support the development of young people as volunteers and future leaders in our clubs at all levels. This programme provides an opportunity for them to take their first leadership roles in clubs, using the inspiration of Rugby World Cup 2015 to engage current club members and recruit new ones.

“These young people represent the best of their generation and they will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the development and long term success of our sport in clubs across the country.”

The young volunteers and their mentors took part in workshops in the 10 English Host Cities chosen to stage matches during RWC 2015. They discussed ideas for community projects to inspire people about rugby, explored different leadership and ambassadorial styles and shared information about the world tournament.

All Schools promotes the idea that rugby union is a game for All Schools - everyone can play it and every school can teach it. It forms one of the RFU’s major legacy strands for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, to deliver the greatest participatory boost for all levels of the game. In partnership with the Rugby Football Foundation, it supports state secondary schools over three years to help them start and sustain playing rugby union, with kit and equipment, coaching, young leaders training and links to a local club.

Prince Harry refreshed his coaching skills from his previous experience with the RFU’s regional team nearly 10 years ago, as he joined 50 students on the pitch. He chatted to students taking part in the programme about the impact rugby is having on them both on and off the pitch, as well as teachers and the RFU’s regional staff responsible for delivering All Schools at a local level.

Former England Captain, Jason Robinson who was passing on tips and advice to the young players said: “It’s great to see so many students from up and down the country taking up the game and embracing the core values that make the sport so special. They have only been playing rugby union for just over a year and I’m sure that having the opportunity to meet Prince Harry and play on the famous pitch at Twickenham will inspire them to keep playing for many years to come.”

Over 50 students from schools in the South East were also taking part in a kit design workshop at the stadium run by Canterbury, Official Partner to All Schools, when Prince Harry paid them a surprise visit.

Each school taking part in the programme attends a workshop to design their own team rugby shirt. The session explores what rugby means to them, whilst teaching pupils about the core values

Continued from page 1… PRINCE HARRY AND RUGBY NATWEST RUGBYFORCEContinued from page 1…

Events like this launch are a great way of recognising how important grassroots rugby clubs are to local communities and schemes like NatWest RugbForce will help to make sure clubs like Bracknell RFC are around for many years to come.”

Through workshops and online tools the programme provides guidance for clubs on operating as small businesses and become stronger and more sustainable through improved facilities.

Steve Grainger, Rugby Development Director at the RFU added, “Hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2015 offers an exciting opportunity to grow the game across England and inspire thousands to take up rugby. The preparation, to ensure we are ready for the increased demand, is well underway. NatWest RugbyForce is about creating the right facilities with the right environment to both welcome new players and enhance the experience of current club members.”

“NatWest RugbyForce is a fantastic opportunity for communities to get together and support their local rugby club,” said Martyn Wilson, Senior Sponsorship Manager at NatWest. “Last year’s campaign was very

successful and we’re really looking forward to building on this as we continue to show our commitment to supporting grassroots rugby clubs in the UK.”

Clubs can register for NatWest RugbyForce 2014, with 175 of those who sign up before January 17th selected to take part in a project planning workshop.

There will be 35 free workshops across the country and clubs attending will each receive a grant of £500 towards the NatWest RugbyForce Weekend.

Following the workshops, clubs will be asked to submit a more detailed project plan for their weekend to be in with a chance of receiving additional support towards their NatWest RugbyForce weekend. Two clubs from each of the 35 workshops will then be selected to receive enhanced support of £2,000 or £1,000 on the basis of their project plans.

After the NatWest RugbyForce weekend, support for clubs will continue with the 175 invited to attend a business support seminar designed by NatWest.

To register your club for NatWest RugbyForce go to: www.rfu.com/natwestrugbyforce

of the game, the pride associated with the England shirt and the importance of colours, logos and emblems. Canterbury then turns these drawings into final bespoke designs to be proudly worn by the school’s rugby team on the pitch. To date 100 schools have received their own uniquely designed team shirts, and an additional 100 schools will benefit from the workshops initiative in 2014.

Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive, RFU commented: “It was fantastic to see Prince Harry getting stuck into the action on the pitch with the students and chatting to pupils as they designed their shirts. Judging by their reaction they all had a truly memorable experience and one I hope will encourage them to continue enjoying rugby. You can see his love for the game shined through which clearly rubbed off on the players.”

In another visit to Twickenham, Prince Harry also attended the first QBE International against Australia as a guest of the President. He was supporting two of his charities, the Injured Players Foundation and Walking with the Wounded. Before setting off on the Walking with the Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge, his expedition team mates stood alongside England management as the national anthems played.

YOUNG VOLUNTEERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

At Villa Park in Birmingham, for example, they heard from Rugby World Cup 2003 winner and England Rugby 2015 ambassador, Will Greenwood. Paying a surprise visit with the Webb Ellis Cup, he said: “I want Rugby World Cup 2015 to act as a catalyst to get more people finding out what their local rugby clubs can offer in terms of a community and a support base. A rugby club is a great place to be all through the week. It can be a real anchor; not just in terms of health and fitness

but also in having a social life and developing friendships.

“There is no better way to do this than to work with young people in the clubs who are hugely passionate about the game. Two years out from the tournament, the Young Rugby Ambassador programme sets the foundations to get clubs fully involved in Rugby World Cup 2015 and it is so exciting to see such enthusiasm across the country.”

In Exeter, Young Rugby Ambassador Jack Daniels (17) from Swanage and Wareham RFC, said: “I feel privileged and proud to be chosen to be a Young Rugby Ambassador. I hope to learn new skills and taking these back to rural clubs like ours is really important.”

His mentor, John Constable, agreed: “It is important to get young people involved in all aspects of the game.”

Emma Thomas (19) from Liskeard Leopards in Cornwall said: “The rugby club is like my second family. I am passionate about rugby

and want to get more girls playing and involved in the game.”Over the next two years Jack and Emma and the others involved

last month will be joined by hundreds more young people who will take a leading role in their clubs as the story of Rugby World Cup 2015 unfolds.

There will be up to four Young Rugby Ambassadors from each rugby club, together with adult mentors providing advice and guidance.

PAULA ROWE

NICOLA MARSHALL

TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013 3

ENGLAND CONNECTEDTONY SIMPSON

STUART Lancaster’s policy of strengthening the bonds between the England players and the junior players from the grass roots received another ringing endorsement during the team’s training camp in Yorkshire.

It came at Wetherby RUFC, where, ironically, a brace of Lancastrians delivered the message that Lancaster’s philosophy has found a receptive ear amongst his men and the clubs they interact with.

Chris Ashton and Joel Tomkins gave up their time after a busy training camp in Leeds to visit Grange Park and spend time with a mixed group of 30 youngsters from Wetherby High School. And both had sharp memories of their own early brushes with the sporting celebrities of their fledgling years.

“Club presentation nights were when we first had a chance to meet our heroes,” said Tomkins. “I remember Andy Farrell coming to Wigan St Pat’s when I was in the Under 10s. It was a great moment for us all and the memory is still there.

“Growing up as a rugby league fans, these people were our heroes, the people we aspired to be. To meet somebody like that in person at such a young age was fantastic.

“Ever since I’ve been involved in professional rugby, I’ve really enjoyed coming to clubs like this and seeing kids develop. Events like this, with plenty of youngsters involved, can only be good for the sport because they give kids a taster of what they might be able to achieve further down the line.”

While both players revealed in a Q & A session after the workout that Jason Robinson was their most inspiring player, Ashton

instanced Gary Connolly and Kris Radlinski as the players who had made a significant impact on him as a seven year old when they did the honours at an Orrell St James ARLFC presentation night.

“It definitely made an impact – I can still remember it clearly,” said the England wing. “I think our interaction with the kids should be just the same. There’s a real feel-good factor when you see kids listening and taking in what you are telling them. You think it might make a difference and who knows – we might have one of these youngsters playing for England one day.”

One man who agrees wholeheartedly with the concept is Nick Nightingale, PE Teacher and Master I/C Rugby at Wetherby High School. He points to the very first England outreach work in Yorkshire two years ago as the catalyst for his school bringing rugby union onto the curriculum for the first time –

and for the creation of the team in action at Wetherby.“A night session in the rain at West Park Bramhope two years

ago with the England players and a group of clubs from across Yorkshire was the acorn which has grown into what we have today,” says the former Northampton Academy player.

“The uptake and conversion across to rugby has been fantastic and you can really start to see the tremendous improvement in some of the lads who have progressed to district level.

“It’s the product of a big combination of what we’re doing within school and also the RFU coming in to deliver sessions, not just for the lads, but also for the girls. The partnership with the Wetherby club and the coaching support has also been great for both organisations and the students.

“The visit of Chris and Joel has been massive for us. The expressions on the students’ faces when we told them the England lads were coming was just tremendous. You teach PE to inspire and when you get the chance to give the students that kind of news and see them grow in front of you – it’s a phenomenal experience, it really is.”

And a final word from Jonathan Hirst, Chairman of the Junior Section at Wetherby: “I’m sure the England boys will have inspired all the youngsters. I delighted that they could make it after a busy training camp. I particularly like the fact that the RFU are spending time coming out to clubs and supporting the engagement between schools and clubs. That’s something we’re very passionate about.”

THIRD ANNUAL RFU ANTI-DOPING REPORT PUBLISHEDTHE THIRD RFU Anti-Doping Annual Report showed a sport in good health, highlighting the extent of testing, education, deterrent and research deployed to keep rugby clean in England.

There were 617 in and out of competition tests in season 2012-13 with no test failures recorded at the elite level of the game. At National League level and below there were five positive test results, two for the banned stimulant Methylhexanamine (MHA), one for Cannabis and Cocaine, one for Dianabol, and one for 19-Norandrosterone and Clenbuterol.

The last two cases highlighted the potential risks of steroid use by young players and as well as continuing the Academy testing implemented last season and a wide-ranging education programme, the RFU has commissioned academic research into attitudes towards supplementation and doping among young players. The results of that research will further inform education

and deterrents in this area. A further 345 tests took

place as part of the Illicit Drugs Programme, which conducts out of competition tests for common illicit drugs with the objective of protecting the health and welfare of players and the image of the game.

There were five positive results recorded and the cases concerned are treated confidentially with a ‘first strike’ fine and access to assessment, rehabilitation and counselling.

Roy Headey, Chair of the Anti-Doping Advisory Group said: “This report demonstrates the positive work undertaken by the RFU and its partners in the fight against doping in rugby and there are many reasons for confidence in our programme. However, the anti-doping rule violations coupled with the Illicit Drugs Programme violations demonstrate more than ever the need to continue to adapt and respond to the changing threats to the game and its players.”

Phil Winstanley, Rugby Director of Premiership Rugby said: “The collaborative approach to managing the risk within rugby in England is a model of good practice. The proactive programme from the RFU, the Aviva Premiership Rugby Clubs and the players, who are genuine advocates for the core values of the game, provides the best possible chance of keeping the sport of rugby union clean and fair. We will continue to report annually since, in our opinion, openness about doping is the only basis for drug-free sport.”

David Barnes, Rugby Director of the Rugby Players Association said: “It is reassuring to see another season concluded with no systemic doping amongst the senior elite players in England. They continue to be role models for the wider game. A small number of adverse findings via the Illicit Drugs Programme is a reminder that we can never assume the anti-doping job has been ‘done’.”

Education is a key component of the anti-doping programme and in 2012-13 sessions were delivered to a wide range of levels and age groups including England squads, Aviva Premiership Rugby, Greene King IPA Championship and National League one clubs, regional academies, further education providers and schools.

The RFU’s anti-doping staff also presented at seminars for teachers, parents, coaches, team managers, medical practitioners and player agents. Further outreach campaigns include taking the anti-doping message to the world’s largest schools rugby festival, the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens, which attracts 7,500 boys and girls aged 13 to 18.

BY SIMON MILLS

MALVERN MAKE HOME CROWD HAPPYA passionate home crowd always makes a difference and so it was when Malvern hosted Barkers Butts last month (October). Spurred on by a large crowd, Malvern at last hit the form earlier promised overcoming both torrential rain and a spirited Barkers Butts fight back to take maximum points at Spring Lane with a 41 – 10 victory.

Roy Headey

MIGHTY OAK AMONG ACORNSOld Brentwoods RFC in Essex were proud hosts to Richard Hill MBE, England World Cup winner and RFU Council Member, and Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark Reed to officially open the club’s Acorns Youth Section.

After 10 months of developing ‘Project Acorn’ this marked the start of regular mini, midi and youth rugby at Old Brentwoods. Both guests joined in with some passing drills and Richard answered

questions from the youngsters on his rugby career. Senior clubmen showed their support and formed a traditional tunnel applauding the Acorn players from the pitch.

Acorns will be running sessions on Sundays from 10am and are looking for more players to join the club based at Ashwells Road in Brentwood.

4 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013

ENGLAND WOMEN’S SIX NATIONS 2014 JULIA HUTTONEngland Women will play Ireland and Wales at home this year in the Six Nations Championship, with Twickenham Stadium and the Twickenham Stoop hosting the seven-times Six Nations winners.

England, who finished third in the 2013 championship, open their campaign against 2014 Rugby World Cup hosts France at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble on February 1, kick off 7:55pm GMT. The game will be broadcast live on France 4 TV. Eight days later and they are in Aberdeen to take on Scotland on February 9, kick-off 2pm.

Twickenham Stadium awaits England on February 22nd and England will be looking to turn the tables on 2013 Grand Slam winners Ireland who defeated England 25-0 last season. Kick-off is at 6:30pm and rugby fans can watch the match for free with free entry to the stadium after the men’s RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland.

On March 7th England return to the Harlequins Stoop for their final home game of the championship where they take on fierce rivals Wales at 7pm and tickets for this match go on sale on November 14th. England’s final game is against Italy on March 16th March, kick off 2pm GMT at the Stadio Giulio e Silvio Pagani in Rovato.

England head into this season’s tournament after a gruelling 2012/2013 season. Street’s side nilled the World Champions New Zealand in a series whitewash just over a year ago but the Black Ferns recently reversed that result on New Zealand soil in July. England also finished third in the 2013 Six Nations. England will also play France and Canada in the Autumn International Series on November 9 at Twickenham Stadium, kick off 5:05pm and November 13 at the Harlequins Stoop at 7pm.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “The Six Nations championship is always incredibly exciting and I certainly don’t think this season’s tournament is going to be any different, especially in a World Cup year.

“Results didn’t go our way last season, and we were disappointed to finish third but our young squad learned a lot and we are certainly looking to come back out fighting in February and do all we can to regain our Six Nations crown. That certainly isn’t going to be easy, especially with our first game away in France, but we are up for the challenge.

“We are also really excited about playing our two home games at Twickenham Stadium, against the reigning Six Nations champions Ireland, and at the Twickenham Stoop against our fierce rivals Wales. They are going to be two fantastic matches.”

England Women Six Nations Fixtures:

• February 1 - FRANCE v ENGLAND, Stade des Alpes in Grenoble, kick off 7:55pm GMT

• February 9 - SCOTLAND v ENGLAND, Aberdeen Grammar Rugby, kick off 2pm

• February 22 – ENGLAND v IRELAND, Twickenham Stadium, kick off 6:30pm. Free entry to Twickenham Stadium following England Men v Ireland. Live on BBC Sport.

• March 7 – ENGLAND v WALES, the Harlequins Stoop, kick off 7pm. Tickets are available from Thursday, November 14, at at 9am, via www.ticketmaster.co.uk (0844 847 2492) and www.quins.co.uk (0208 410 6000). Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for Under 16s.

• March 16 – ITALY v ENGLAND, Stadio Giulio e Silvio Pagani, Rovato, kick off 2pm GMT.

HUGH GODWIN

Maggie Alphonsi

TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013 5

WATERLOO RUFC proudly showed off their newest team recently when the Girls Under 15 played their first fixtures in a mini-tournament against Tyldesley and Birkenhead Park/Ellesmere Port prior to Waterloo Ladies taking on Novos.

After five months recruitment through successful Girls Development Days, Waterloo have a squad of 12 girls who have honed their skills from training sessions delivered by Merseyside’s RFU Coach Martin Powell, Club Member Helen Duggan and members of the Ladies team.

Those skills were put in to action with matches against Tyldesley and a combined Birkenhead Park/Ellsemere Port team, with CRC Powell commenting: “To see the girls playing a competitive fixture was so rewarding after watching them practicing so hard over the last few weeks. To see them in positions and working together on the pitch was great to watch.”

The progression achieved from all the players through both games was huge as they grew in confidence, made tackles and took the ball into contact, with some of the off-loading skills exceptional for a fledgling group of players.

The squad, from Deyes High School, Range High School, Savio School and St Michael’s School, all enjoyed plenty of game time and the post-match smiles of all the players confirmed their enjoyment of the day’s activity.

With a successful women’s team well established at Waterloo, the club can now look forward with confidence knowing that the future of women’s rugby in is safe hands as the Under 15 team expands the opportunities for girls to try rugby.

Said Powell: “The long-term aim is to have Under 13, 15 & 18 teams at Waterloo to compliment the huge successful Ladies team. The new Under 15 team is just a start, but what a start it was!”

For any girls in the 11-17 age group interested in playing rugby union, training take places on Thursdays from 5.30-6.30pm at Litherland Sports Park. The Ladies 18 and over train at 7pm at Litherland Sports Park and the Girls Under 11s train with the Mini/Junior mixed teams on Sundays, 10am at Waterloo RUFC. For more information contact Martin Powell on MartinPowell@RFU.com or 07894489418.

HALL OF FAME FOR LEVEL FOUR COACH WIDDOWSONPAUL BOLTON

NOTTINGHAM-based rugby coach John Widdowson has been inducted into the Sport Nottinghamshire Coaching Hall of Fame. Widdowson, who recently qualified as an RFU Level Four coach, joins the likes of Mick Newell, Director of Cricket at Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, among the county’s elite sports coaches.

Having played all his rugby in the Prison Service, Widdowson began his coaching career at the Swinfen Hall Young Offenders Institute near Lichfield where he introduced rugby. He progressed to Burton RFC where he was appointed colts coach then first team coach before taking charge of Staffordshire Under 18s.

Widdowson has also coached the Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire senior county teams and is currently Director of Coaching at National Two North club Hull. He also coached Nottingham’s academy for six years and is currently the Sport Academy Manager at Central College in Nottingham.

“It has been a long old journey and this honour was something that I didn’t expect,” said Widdowson who has Tongan ancestry, has also helped to coach Tonga youth sides at Junior World Cups in Wales and Scotland.

“To be included in a Hall of Fame alongside someone like Mick Newell is a great accolade. Coaching has provided me with the opportunity to work with many players and support the development of young players like Charlie Davies

(Wasps), Ryan Hough and Tom Calladine at Nottingham and Phil and Chris Murphy.

“Without the support offered by Central College Nottingham, NLD and Nottingham and family, friends, players and coaches over the years, the possibility of achieving a lifetime’s work would have been impossible. I hope my story will help to inspire other coaches to develop themselves and others to bring the enjoyment of rugby to a whole new generation of young players.”

RHINO PUSH PAST QUARTER CENTURYEMMA KENNEDY

RHINO RUGBY has been the Official Supplier of scrummage machines, contact and training equipment to England Rugby for over 25 years and the RFU has announced an extended partnership.

Over the next four years Rhino will continue to exclusively supply training products to all England squads from the senior men and women to the U16s and will work closely with the RFU in a new process of research and innovation. As one of the world’s leading sport brands, Rhino is committed to investigating and producing equipment where there is a need for bespoke items to be used exclusively by the squads.

The relationship continues to bring benefits to all levels of the game with a discounted product range available to community rugby clubs. Rhino has also become a partner of the

Club Benefits Guide which was recently released detailing the support available to clubs such as grants, specialist advice and preferential rates, including those offered by Rhino.

With the world’s best-selling scrum machine, the Premiersled, the highly acclaimed Dictator and the ground breaking Collision King in its range, Rhino has always strived to stay at the forefront of scrum and contact training equipment and to ensure that all England teams have the best equipment available.

Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU Chief Commercial Officer said: “Rhino has a strong rugby heritage and in priding itself on reliability, integrity, and team spirit its priorities are closely aligned to ours. They have been a valued partner for a quarter of a century and are committed to rugby at all levels, ensuring the best technology and equipment is available to players and coaches. ”

Graham Rowntree, England Forwards Coach added: “Rhino has been great to work with over the years and I’m pleased that the relationship is set to continue. They understand the demands of rugby and the need to create quality and innovative equipment which develops the right technique for players and ensures the training ground replicates match conditions as closely as possible.”

Rhino Rugby Managing Director, Anthony Locke said: “We are very pleased to have renewed our arrangements with the RFU and look forward to continuing to work closely with all England representative teams and to supply the equipment that the senior side need to prepare for the 2015 World Cup and beyond. We’re also excited to be involved in the RFU’s drive to make first class equipment more accessible to clubs.”

WATERLOO EXPAND GIRLS RUGBYTONY SIMPSON

John Widdowson

SEVENS EVENT BOOSTS SPOON AND PLAYER NUMBERSRugby charity the Wooden Spoon was boosted by a fund-raising day jointly staged by Tunbridge Wells RFC in Kent and their major sponsor AXA-PPP Healthcare, whose head office is in the town.

With two qualified referees on hand, Tunbridge Wells hosted a Social Sevens tournament, predominantly for organisations who do not play rugby regularly.

This included teams from AXA-PPP Healthcare, DLA Piper (a London and UK Based Law firm) and The Rose and Crown Public House (mostly footballers) together with scratch sides from Leigh RFC – the ‘Layabouts’ – and Tunbridge Wells RFC’s ‘The Royals’.

The tournament was won by the Layabouts with the plate competition won by DLA Piper but more important than the results was the enjoyment of those taking part. So much so that a number of players lost to rugby signed up for the coming season with Wells, while others were keen to help with setting up either a Business House Sevens league or a touch tournament.

The afternoon included a range of fund-raising initiatives with over 20 local sponsors supplying all the food and drink as well as draw and auction prizes and after some outdoor fun the entertainment moved to the clubhouse in the evening for Arron Hudd an acoustic singer songwriter, ‘9 Pints Later’ a talented cover band and a mixed audience of Spoon supporters, the Wells Vets in fancy dress after a tournament at Ashford and returning players from a pre-season match at Thanet.

All this raised over £1,500 for the Spoon with the proceeds of an auction still to come. The event provided a model for combining charity with securing returning playersfor the game – one of the key legacy strands of Rugby World Cup 2015.

6 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013

ALISHA LEADS THE WAY AT PETERBOROUGHEarlier this month Alisha Hearn made her East Midland debut v Notts Lincs and Derbyshire in only her second full game of rugby since, as a complete novice, joining Peterborough Girls Rugby a year ago.

Alisha is one of the founding members of the squad and after her first full game of rugby two days earlier, when her U14 team played a German touring squad, she pulled on her boots for East Midlands U16s .

Verity Swinscoe, Peterborough Ladies Rugby Team said, “We are extremely proud of our achievement with the girls’ squad in such a short period of time. Alisha has worked extremely hard, taking on extra gym sessions and training with the ladies team to reach where she is today. At the game she held her own despite little game experience. Her dedication is also reflected in the rest of the girls’ squad who are working hard at training and in gym sessions in hope that in the next couple months they will all get the chance to experience real games a Peterborough Girls Rugby.”

Peterborough Girls train Sunday mornings from 10am at Fortress Fengate, Peterborough. All U18s are welcome.

For more information contact Jo Britchford 07999 934181 or email jobritchford@yahoo.co.uk

SOUTH WEST FRESHERS FESTIVALThe 15th season of the South-West Freshers League opened with the traditional festival at Bristol University’s Coombe Dingle Sports Complex. With around 400 first-year students involved in 19 men’s and six women’s squads from across the region, competition at this early stage suggests the student game continues to flourish in the south west.

The women’s touch rugby competition was run by Universities Development Officer and former England Women’s Captain Sarah Hunter, with several girls involved in their first competitive games. Two squads were entered from each of Bristol University, Exeter University and Hartpury College. For Hartpury this was their first venture into women’s rugby at freshers level.

The men’s competition saw five pools with each club playing each other on a round-robin basis in 15 minute each-way games. The majority of games were refereed by qualified student referees from the Bristol University Society, Bristol alumni and officials from the Bristol Society. All pitches were covered by Bristol University first aiders and medical students.

Participating squads were: Bath University A & B, Bristol University A, B & C, Bristol University Medics A & B, Exeter University A, B, C & D, Hartpury College A & Barbarians, Reading University A, University of Gloucestershire (Cheltenham) A & B and University of West of England A, B & C.

Although weather conditions were atrocious spirits weren’t dampened and there was plenty of high-tempo, full-commitment student rugby. The event has provided clubs with a first competitive outing following trials and training camps, with a full season’s programme of Grand Prix tournaments and local Merit Table competitions to come. This will culminate in Grand Finals Day when all clubs will be invited to participate in March 2014.

For further information please contact: paulabsolom@hotmail.com (Mob: 07917010770)Sarah Hunter (University Rugby Development Officer – South West) 07912541858 sarahhunter@rfu.com

ORWELL PARK POCKET ROCKETOrwell Park School demonstrated that rugby is a game for all shapes and sizes when they recently took on Woodbridge School U13 As and came away with a decisive victory.  For the home team it was all about ball retention, scrummaging, movement and speed. Rufus Byrne Hill (pictured) rocketed on through his much bigger opponent’s tackle and made it across the line for the third of three first half tries.  Two more tries in the second half saw Orwell Park celebrate four wins in a row.

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TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013 7

KENT GIRLS KEEP TITLEWhen Kent U15 girls successfully defended the London & South East Divisional Champions at Westcombe Park only one player remained from the winning squad of the 2011-12 season, last season’s event having been cancelled due to bad weather.

This was the first competitive rugby played by most of the girls this season. So it was no surprise that the first game against Hampshire started tentatively, while the girls found their feet. Kent opened the score but Hampshire came back in the second half, shipping the ball out wide, catching Kent out as and touching down to draw the game 5-5.

The second pool game was against Hertfordshire, always a fixture both teams look forward to; Kent only winning by three points at their last meeting. Kent had certainly found their feet as they dominated play and won 20 – 0. The third pool game saw a brave decision by the Kent Coaches, Steve Oram and Gareth Nicholl, to totally change the starting line-up and use some of the younger, developing players, rewarded with a 25 – 0 victory.

The Final saw Kent v Surrey, the defending champions living up to the county motto of ‘Invicta’ (Undefeatable) as they secured a 15-0 victory to become London & South-East Champions again, only conceding one try all day against four county teams.

HEATH GETS UNSUNG HERO AWARDPAUL BOLTON

ASHBOURNE club stalwart Sam Heath has been awarded a Derbyshire Dales District Council Unsung Heroes Award for outstanding volunteer service to sport over many years.

Heath, who has been involved with Ashbourne RFC and Muggington Cricket Club, has been involved in local sport in Derbyshire for more than 30 years.

He started playing rugby and cricket while he was at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Ashbourne and has served the rugby club as captain, chairman and now president. He was also president of Derbyshire three years ago.

An injury brought Heath’s playing career to a premature end but he has still continued to devote his free time to both of his beloved sports clubs, cooking hot dogs and burgers at the rugby club’s stall at Ashbourne’s Christmas late night shopping and helping get Muggington’s cricket square ready for next season.

Heath was unable to attend the council’s awards ceremony at Matlock Town Football Club so the award was collected on his behalf.

Heath, who was one of four recipients of the award, was then presented with his award, a beautifully engraved glass trophy donated by Derwent Glass and a certificate, at Ashbourne’s headquarters by club chairman Martin Fryer.

WARDEN CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE AT FYLDEWarden Construction Ltd have sponsored Fylde RFC’s Mini and Junior Section for three years to ensure that some 250 youngsters in ten age group teams can make the most of their rugby and wear the Kirkham-based company’s logo in their games at the Woodlands, across the north west and further afield.

Fylde’s commercial and sponsorship lead David Campbell said: “This is a fantastic step forward for the club in its efforts to encourage young people on the Fylde Coast to play rugby. The significant funding provided by Wardens will enable us to support increased youth participation. Fylde Rugby Club

has a long and distinguished history of Mini-Junior rugby which has produced thousands of fine players, a number going on to Premiership and international honours. More importantly, we provide a safe and well-organised environment for youngsters of all levels of ability to play rugby and embrace the values of the greatest of team sports. We are especially delighted to partner with Warden Construction, a leading north west company, to enable us to expand and improve youth rugby in the area. Wardens have a great track record of supporting various local sports and we are proud to be working with them.”

Richard Kenworthy, Managing Director of Warden Construction Ltd, said: “Fylde Rugby Club is a famous brand name and we are delighted to be able to assist the Mini-Junior Section in getting more young people out playing rugby on a Sunday morning across the region and building excellence in the game. As a company we take our community role very seriously and we are committed to helping youth sport. Fylde’s Mini-Junior Section is such a great venture, from five and six year olds up to 16s, each with its volunteer coaches and managers helping the development of these young people, and Wardens are proud to be associated with this.”

8 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013

BARNARD CASTLE BROTHERLY TRADITIONTONY SIMPSON

BARNARD Castle School has long been a familiar name in the rugby world and the school was delighted to be asked to host this year’s Independent Schools Lambs Northern Trial.

The Independent Schools Rugby Football Club, known as The Lambs, was set up in 2006 to provide rugby opportunities for talented young players. For the trial, independent schools in the North were asked to send up to three representatives for the Under 11 and Under 13 age groups.

The aim was to select two teams to attend a National Festival at Rugby School in March, where teams from the South-West, the South-East and the Midlands will also be competing.

Barnard Castle was fortunate to have all six of its nominated players selected for the Festival and in true ‘Barney’ fashion there are two sets of brothers following the tradition of sibling success.

In previous years the Underwood brothers (Rory and Tony), the Tait brothers (Mathew and Alex) and the Dickson brothers (Karl and Lee) have honed their skills at the school and two current sets of brothers will be hoping to follow in their wake, Edward and Freddie Lockwood from Driffield and Guy and Max Pepper from Eggleston.

Edward and Guy have been selected for the U11s and Freddie and Max for the U13s, while alongside them, Archie Thompson from Barnard Castle has been selected to represent the U11s and Caleb Ellis from Darlington the U13 team.

Master in Charge of Rugby Luke Monument said: “We pride ourselves on developing junior rugby through offering competitive fixtures and quality coaching. It is a delight to offer our pupils the chance to further their development with representative rugby. Gaining experience away from school will inevitably make our boys and subsequently our teams stronger.”

Dorking RFC’s player development is certainly bearing fruit, with no less than six recent top junior players playing in the Aviva Premiership.

Currently sitting at the top of National League 3 London & South East, Dorking also have another old boy playing in the Greene King IPA Championship, one playing professional cricket and their top female player of recent years now England full back with 21 caps.

The former Dorking players in the Premiership are Jake Cooper-Woolley (London Wasps), George Kruis (Saracens), Chris York (Newcastle Falcons), Eliot Daly (London Wasps & England Saxons), Greg Bateman (Exeter

Chiefs) and Tom Bristow (Leicester Tigers). Matt Keyte is playing for London Welsh and former 1st XV player Jason Roy is a 20-20 and one-day specialist at Surrey CC, while Kay Wilson plays for Bristol Ladies, England and England Sevens.

Club Director of Coaching Richie Andrew said: “The production line of quality players produced at Dorking is remarkable and the whole club are extremely proud that so many are now playing at Premiership level. Three were part of a successful junior side that won the National U17 Cup in 2007. “

Armand Roux, Dorking’s 1st XV captain said: “The players now in the Premiership from Dorking

DORKING DELIVER RFC stayed with the club until they got the chance to play at that level, which is testament to the development efforts of the coaches.

“These players have natural talent but nurturing them and providing a stepping stone is exactly what the club aims to do. Over the past five seasons Dorking has fielded on average 12 players in the 1st XV match day squad who have come through the mini and youth set-up. This could never have been achieved without a very good mini and youth structure and bringing through home-grown talent.

“The senior setup at Dorking is very much development-orientated too and there is no greater honour than having one of your players scouted by a club in the Championship or Premiership. It’s my belief that there are five or so players at the club who can definitely put their hand up at Championship level should they get the opportunity. “

TONY SIMPSON

WOMEN and girls rugby players from both ends of the age scale in Durham have been in the news, with experienced players and complete novices both claiming a share of the spotlight.

Setting a very high benchmark is 33-year-old Philippa ‘Pip’ Bell, enjoying her 25th season as a player and recognised by a Special Achievement award in the Hartlepool Mail Sports Awards for her contribution to the women’s and girls’ game.

The Teesside University Sports Development Officer notched up the first 20 years playing in Hartlepool, starting out at ‘West’ as an eight year old and moving on to the ‘Old Boys’ at 18. A decade with the ‘Old Boys’ was followed by a move to Darlington RUFC, where she is still playing.

“My whole life and lifestyle choices have been developed around playing the game.” she said. “I was very lucky to get involved at an early age, especially when I see girls and women coming into the game later in life, really enjoying the experience and regretting how much they missed by not starting sooner.

“When Hartlepool Ladies folded we were devastated, but some players wanted to retire and others were going on to higher things, so we simply couldn’t raise a team. Now women’s and girls’ rugby in the North East is going from strength to strength and with Hartlepool being such a strong rugby town it would be nice to have a women’s team back in action.”

AWARD WINNER PIP A BEACON FOR THE YOUNGSTERS

Confirmation that the early enthusiasm which took ‘Pip’ into the game is still alive and well in the area comes from Stockton Rugby Club, where a new girls’ section has been created which coincides with the Norton club’s 140th anniversary.

The club has opened its doors to local schoolgirls after over 50 girls in Years 7, 8 and 9 at Ian Ramsey C of E and Our Lady and St Bede RC in Stockton began participating in PE lessons overseen by Durham RFU coaches. The popularity of these sessions prompted some of the youngsters to ask about playing rugby outside of school.

The enthusiasm was such that the club, with help from Durham RFU Community Rugby Coach Jon Benson, launched a girls’ junior section. Fourteen youngsters have been training each week and recently took part in the first club cluster competition involving girls’ teams from across Northumbria, Durham and Cumbria at Ryton RUFC.

“The creation of a girls’ junior section opens participation to the whole community.” said club Chairman Graham Newton. “Stockton is a family club with a proud heritage and we look forward to watching the girls develop their skills and ultimately enjoy playing rugby union with the many new friends they will make along the way.’’

As someone who knows about these things, ‘Pip’ Bell will heartily endorse that ambition.

Photograph courtesy of the Hartlepool Mail and www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO WANTS YOUR MOBILEEveryone’s got an old mobile phone handset or two knocking around their homes – under beds, gathering dust in the “man drawer”. In fact, it’s estimated that there are well over 68 million unused phones in the UK alone.

Now, former England star Lawrence Dallaglio has teamed up with mobile network O2 to put those old phones to a good use – all in the name of rugby.

During November, O2 will donate all the proceeds from old phones and gadgets that go through its O2 Recycle scheme to the Dallaglio Foundation Rugby for Change so that it can continue its Rugby Programme. The Programme uses the sport to give self-belief, opportunities and support to young people from all backgrounds, especially those affected by gang culture.

What’s more, as well as making a massive contribution to supporting Lawrence’s work, O2 Recycle will give you the cash value of your phone – anything up to £260 for some handsets. O2 Recycle will even take old iPods, digital cameras, SatNavs, tablets or games consoles.

To get involved and make a difference all you have to do is go to www.o2recycle.co.uk and send off your old gadgets – you’ll get your payment in the post and O2 will make a massive contribution to the Dallaglio Foundation.

You can also go to an O2 store during November or you can even bring your old gadgets to a game. The RFU will be collecting phones at England’s QBE International matches so keep an eye out for the bins and get involved.

For more information go to www.dallagliofoundation.com

TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013 9

CANTERBURY RFC CELEBRATESLast month (October) saw a day of massive celebration for Canterbuiry RFC when the then Minister for Sport and Tourism, The Rt Hon Hugh Robertson MP, performed the official opening ceremony of the new changing rooms.

The project was the culmination of an improvement programme which over the past four years has seen Canterbury invest more the £274,000 in on-field and off-field facilities. The changing room upgrades was made possible by a five-figure Olympic Legacy grant from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities fund.

Hugh Robertson, who was born and raised in Canterbury, said his memories of first stepping into the clubhouse 30 years ago were “When it was more like a shed” He was, he said, delighted at all the work that has been done.

“With the World Cup coming to England and rugby’s return as an Olympic sport there is a real sense that it is a game on the move,” he said.

He also praised the work of Sport England whose funding scheme had brought the benefit of improvements to 1,400 clubs and signed and presented the recently awarded Club Accreditation to Safeguarding Officer Mick O’Reilly.

He also met representatives from principal sponsors and changing room builders Cardy Group and project managers Jackson Rowe.

The visit to the club became even more appropriate as it proved to be one of his last engagements before he was promoted to a new role at the Foreign Office.

As part of a very successful day, a cheque for more than £3000 was presented to Kent Air Ambulance by Mark Jones in recognition of the vital role they played in his own emergency health problems at the club earlier in the year.

RETURN TO VALE OF LUNETONY SIMPSON

VALE of Lune celebrated an association dating back some 50 years when a presentation was made by President-Elect Norman Hailes to Lancashire RFU President David Hodgson at a recent home game against local rivals Kirkby Lonsdale.

David, a former pupil at Lancaster Royal Grammar School, played for the Vale’s second team in the early sixties before moving to Blackburn, where he became first-team captain from 1966 to 1969. A career move took him to the Midlands where he began a long

association with Worcester as a player, a coach and then as President. On his return to Lancaster in 1997 David renewed his contacts

with ‘Vale’ and Blackburn and also became very much involved with Lancashire RFU, coaching the Under 20’s team in 2000 and in 2007 became Manager and Chairman of Selectors for the Senior county team, playing an important role in guiding them to a historic sequence of victories in the County Championship.

In 2011 David stepped down from his duties and was appointed as a Senior Vice-President, his term of Presidential office commencing in June 2013. Between carrying out his official duties David and wife Linda are frequent visitors to the Vale of Lune and attend the club’s social events on a regular basis.

NICOLA MARSHALL

An extension to the RFU’s partnership with Gilbert Rugby for another seven years was recently confirmed. Expanding its breadth of support for the game, the Official and Exclusive Ball Supplier of England Rugby will equip all levels and RFU competitions, including All Schools.

Gilbert were already supplying balls to Rugby School when William Webb Ellis is reputed to have picked up the ball and run with it in 1823. They have now also become an Official Supplier to All Schools, the RFU’s programme which helps more secondary state school children play rugby, an essential part of the RFU’s legacy plans for Rugby World Cup 2015.

Since All Schools was launched in 2012, over 200 schools have been involved and the aim is for 750 new state secondary schools to participate by 2019. Gilbert will be providing a package of balls and equipment to each school, as well support to help to maximise their rugby development.

Gilbert Rugby balls will continue to be used by players at all levels of the game from those starting their rugby journey at All Schools to the England team. Access to the representative squads will be facilitated for product testing and development, ensuring that the highest standard of ball remains available.

England Attacking Skills Coach Mike Catt said: “With something as critical as the ball, it’s crucial to the coaches and players that we have the best balls available. The Gilbert ball is widely regarded as the best there is and its reputation is second to none. Its consistent high quality means that we are delighted that the partnership continues.”

As an Official Supplier to the Greene King IPA Championship, Gilbert will provide training and match balls to the league. All RFU competitions and fixtures at Twickenham will use a Gilbert ball and they remain the Official Clothing Supplier for referees officiating from the Aviva Premiership to SSE National League Two.

The partnership brings benefits for local rugby clubs as an allocation of balls remains available for the RFU’s Community Rugby Coaches who assist clubs, schools colleges and universities in developing players and growing the game.

In an all-encompassing partnership the England Rugby Supporters Club will also have Gilbert balls to reward and thank members through competitions and prizes.

RFU Chief Commercial Officer, Sophie Goldschmidt, said: “Our relationship with Gilbert is a great example of how we now work with our partners across all levels of the game. Gilbert understands the invaluable opportunity that comes with hosting the Rugby World Cup to leave a lasting legacy and All Schools is a key pillar within our plans to deliver this.”

10 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013

PRESIDENTS GALOREWhat’s the collective noun for a group of Presidents? How about a benevolence (the inclination to do good). One thing is certain, the Past Presidents of Cumbria have given up so much of their time for the good of others and the good of the game that benevolence is an apt description.

In recognition of all the years of effort put in they are awarded an annual dinner and last month (October) saw the 40th take place at the Skiddaw Hotel Keswick. Ronnie Green of Keswick who first put forward the idea would be impressed that it has continued to the present day.

To mark this landmark anniversary, two special guests were invited. Paul Murphy, the Immediate Past President of the RFU and James Clarke, the Radio Cumbria Rugby Commentator. Radio Cumbria is also 40 years old this year.

CALLING ALL YOUNG WRITERSNICOL McCLELLAND

Continuing to recognise upcoming talent both on and off the field, LV= is looking for the next young rugby writer following the success of the competition last year.

The LV= Young Reporter Competition invites young writers under the age of 16 to submit a 200 word review of any LV= Cup pool fixture online at http://www.rfu.com/youngreporter by 5pm on the Thursday after the pool stage. One winner will be selected per round, with the overall winner then chosen from the four finalists before the knock out stages.

The 2013/14 LV= Young Reporter will receive four VIP tickets to the LV= Cup Final, as well as an opportunity to interview LV= Ambassador and former England captain, Lewis Moody.

GILBERT AT EVERY LEVEL OF THE GAME

QUORN – A HEALTHY OPTIONPAUL BOLTON

THE Leicestershire village of Quorn has its first rugby club which has been established by local enthusiasts.

Quorn intend to play only friendly matches and have arranged 18 for the club’s first season. Half of Quorn’s opening six matches have been won, with the victories coming against Leicestershire rivals Birstall, Leicester University Freshers and Nottingham Casuals thirds.

Nicky Morgan, the Conservative MP for nearby Loughborough was the guest of honour at Quorn’s historic inaugural match against Birstall.

Quorn play their home matches at the Rawlins Academy in the village and use the White Horse pub for their pre and post-match hospitality.

“There were a few players who lived in the village who were playing for other clubs and we were travelling long distances to play league rugby on Saturdays,” said Quorn spokesman Nathaniel Holden. “We decided to set up a club to play local fixtures within easy reach and friendly matches only. We are having a great season so far. It’s going much better than we probably envisaged.

“We have been getting around 20 players to training regularly and we have attracted quite a few players who were at Loughborough Grammar School as well as a few newcomers to rugby. We play a match every two weeks which means that players can have a week off to do all the other things that they need to do on a Saturday and it also means that we can guarantee them game time.”

Last year’s winning report, penned by Gloucester’s Sam Durham, described the match between his home team and Bath Rugby in a West Country derby. Chosen by a panel of Rugby Football Union, LV=, Premiership Rugby and Welsh Rugby Union representatives, as well as a national newspaper rugby journalist, Sam attended the Final at Sixways where he interviewed Lewis Moody on pitch. The interview was then broadcast on the big screen during half-time, while he enjoyed the game from the comfort of VIP hospitality with his family.

Sam said: “Winning the first ever LV= Young Reporter competition was a fantastic experience for me. Being able to interview a player like Lewis Moody on the pitch at the LV=Cup Final was something I’ll never forget. The experience is great so it’s definitely something all budding young sports journalists should get involved in.”

As well as receiving four VIP tickets to the LV= Cup Final and recording an interview with Lewis Moody, the winner will also be invited to attend the post-match press conference and write a match report of the game which will be published on rfu.com, lv.com and premiershiprugby.com. The two runners up will also receive four tickets each to the final. All winners must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.

LV young reporter Sam Durham with Lewis Moody

TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013 11

Mars supported Castleford RUFC recently with a donation to help them establish a ladies’ open age rugby team. The club made an application to the Mars in the Community programme for assistance with the costs of kit and the club were delighted to receive £350. Shirts, designed by the players themselves, were purchased with the grant funds.

The ladies squad now trains every Thursday evening at the club’s Willowbridge Lane headquarters at Whitwood in Castleford and welcomes new players.

Castleford RUFC’s Honorary Secretary, Steve Ball, said, “We want to widen the scope of club membership and having a ladies squad who train regularly was a logical extension. We are grateful

COLOMBIAN KIDS AT CAMBRIDGEYASMINA BENHAMOU

The School of Hard Knocks charity and Cambridge University Rugby Football Club hosted a group of Colombian schoolchildren as part of a Sports Diplomacy Programme. As well as coaching at the famous Grange Road rugby ground, the youngsters were given a tour of Trinity College and had a question and answer session with charity trustee Andy Gommarsall

The group was chosen from children who excelled at school but were also considered ‘at risk’ of crime or poverty. Aged between 15 and 17, the youngsters arrived for a morning’s training from

College Development Officer and former Community Rugby Coach, John Naylor, and the Hard Knocks team. Translating “Look for spaces, not faces” into Spanish proved tricky, but otherwise the session went smoothly!

The team was shown around Trinity College and Andy Gommarsall brought the day to an end talking to the group about his own experiences and the importance of hard work, desire, perseverance and values, themes which had been prominent throughout the exchange.

“This was a fantastic programme, which will spread the game of rugby and its values to South America,” said Ken Cowen, CEO of the charity. “When the RFU asked us to support we jumped at the opportunity and we were really pleased that CURUFC was able to help out as well. It was a great day and one that we hope will stay with the children involved for a long time.”

The School of Hard Knocks charity runs social inclusion courses across the UK, using the values of rugby and boxing to change people’s lives. Discover more at www.schoolofhardknocks.org.uk

BOURNVILLE COLLEGE BAG HONOURSPAUL BOLTON

BOURNVILLE College won the first North Midlands FE Colleges Sevens Series event of the season at Five Ways OE’s ground at Hopwood on the southern outskirts of Birmingham.

The event was the first of three tournaments that will be played this season organised by the RFU’s team of Community Rugby Coaches in Birmingham. This is the third year that the FE Sevens Series has run in North Midlands. The Five Ways event, which was preceded by an open training day for the city’s colleges at Kings Norton RFC, attracted a record entry of eight FE colleges.

Bournville beat Birmingham Metroplitan in the final with Stourbridge College finishing third. The other colleges who took part in the Five Ways tournament were: Aston University Engineering College, Park Hall, King Edward Sheldon Heath, Barr Beacon and, Streetly Academy.

The next tournament will be staged at Birmingham & Solihull’s Portway ground on November 29 from 11.30am to 3.30pm.

MARS HELPS CAS PLAY for the assistance of Mars as the purchase of kit helps to give a new squad an immediate identity and sense of purpose.”

Sam Zubrzycki, Castleford’s Ladies Player-Coach said “ My son plays at the club and I wanted to get back to playing rugby. We needed to get interest from other ladies at the club and beyond and we are succeeding. We want absolute beginners as well as experienced players to come and join us. I am proud to be a member of a club like ours that encourages participation in sport and gives opportunities to all sections of the community to be more active. ”

The Mars in the Community programme is an integral part the company’s corporate responsibility strategy. Their investment in local communities is a long-term commitment and seeks to add practical help and value to meet the needs of communities and reflects their company values.

TOUCHLINEEditorial input with pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray

Email: patriciamowbray@rfu.com Direct Line: 0208 831 6514Correspondence to:

Patricia Mowbray, Touchline Editor, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA.

Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates Email: gameinvestment@therfu.com Tel: 0208 831 6762

Touchline is published by PPL Group, on behalf of the Rugby Football Union, the national governing body of the game in England.

Also available on the RFU website: rfu.comPhotography courtesy of Getty and Touchline contributors.

Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and CBs for contributions.No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the RFU.

The views expressed are not necessarily those of the RFU or PPL Group. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions.

All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners.The England rose is an official registered trade mark of the Rugby Football Union

and is the subject of extensive trade mark registrations worldwide.

12 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2013

THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION WISHES TO EXPRESS ITS GRATITUDE TO THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT THE GAME IN ENGLAND

DARTFORDIANS READY FOR MORE MEMBERSHUGH GODWIN

Having served their local community for 90 years, Dartfordians RFC in Kent was awarded the RFU’s Club Accreditation. Jarrod Lawrence, Dartfordians’ chairman, said: “Accreditation has confirmed the club’s commitment to the development of rugby as a major sport and its standing in the community as a respected club, where enjoyment comes first and everyone is welcome to take part in whatever way they are able.

“The club is dependent on a small but dedicated band of volunteers, most undertaking more than one role and giving a considerable amount of their time to providing an affordable and enjoyable rugby experience to the local community. We are also very lucky to have local sponsors including Roseville and RTS. With a home Rugby World Cup in 2015 we expect to attract even more members. This is a great time for our sport and anyone getting involved at Dartfordians will have a marvellous time and make lots of new friends.”

BMW DRIVING LOCAL PERFORMANCEVERITY WILLIAMS

The start of the 2013/14 season has seen BMW encourage dealers across the country to build partnerships with local clubs to help support rugby in the local community and drive their teams’ ultimate performance.

Last month (October), rugby coaches from clubs partnered with their local BMW dealers were invited to attend an exclusive coaching session with two of the England

Senior Coaching team at West Park Leeds RFC. Forwards Coach Graham Rowntree and Defensive Coach Andy Farrell spent the afternoon sharing coaching tips gained from their extensive international experience.

The afternoon brought an intensive interactive training session designed to make the local club coaches assess their own coaching processes using a number of drills and then an informal

Q&A session. While Andy Farrell ran a drill designed to demonstrate how to increase players’ awareness of their handling, particularly while offloading, Graham Rowntree oversaw a hands-on scrummaging master class.

Rowntree explained how best to coach the correct technique in light of the new scrum laws, turning back the years and getting involved himself to get his point across. The session

then finished with Farrell running an exercise demonstrating the importance of correct defensive alignment and how to make it easily understandable for younger players in particular.

The group returned to the clubroom at West Park to ask any questions they had remaining from the training session, as well as to quiz Graham and Andy about their experiences with the British & Irish Lions.

With Brighton one of the hosts of Rugby World Cup 2015, young players from Balfour School, Brighton & Hove, were playing an exhibition match against Stanley Primary School, Teddington, before the QBE International England v Australia kicked off at Twickenham, the two teams having reached the final of Tag to Twickenham at Rugby School.