Rugby Strategy - Cardiff University

Rugby Development Strategy - Cardiff University:

A Strategic Plan for the direction of all stakeholders involved in the Continued development of Rugby at Cardiff University:

Development areas were to be concentrated on winning new recruits to our game and to put inplace a structure where new and former players are encouraged to become involved in the game ofRugby Union and Cardiff University Rugby Club for “life”.

Much Work remains to be done but I am heartened by the enthusiasm and united approach fromthe Rugby Club and its head of rugby. If this desire to work in partnership can be replicated withthe Students Union, the University, NGB and identified Club partners then Cardiff University RugbyClub can look forward to a very vibrant and prosperous future.

The Rugby Club has developed at an incredible pace in recent years to a level unrecognisable asrecent as a decade ago. In the capable hands of the Head of Rugby we can work together toestablish Cardiff University Rugby Club as one of the strongest Rugby playing Institutions in the UK.

“OUR” Club is open to all Old & New, with additional support from our partners we can lookforward to building a Stronger Club for subsequent generations that will be envied by all.

Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University

Foreword: Gareth Davies: Wales & British Lion.

When I was first encouraged to put my candidacy forward for considerationby the Cardiff University Head of Rugby Martyn Fowler for the office of Cluband FPA president in late spring 2009 I stated that I did so in full agreementthat all efforts would be made to ensure the further development of rugbyat Cardiff University Rugby Club.

environment and to encourage more students to play the game and where appropriate further develop their skills in the semi and professional ranks in Wales and beyond. The growth targets outlined in this document are ambitious but with co-operation between the Athletic Union, the University, its partners, local Authorities and funding agencies the targets are realistic and achievable. At the heart of the strategy is the support structure and resource provided by the Rugby Clubs partners and the ability for all involved to work together for the common goal in order that they can offer sustainable ever developing structures to keep the students, particularly new students, involved in rugby and its rugby club for life.

The WRU is committed to improving the lifestyle and health of Students and developing their potential within the game – whether as enthusiastic club player or within the elite professional ranks.

Good luck to all involved in achieving the targets outlined in Rugby Development Strategy forCardiff University Rugby Club.

Joe Lydon: WRU High Elite Performance Manger.It gives me great pleasure to endorse the Cardiff University RugbyDevelopment Strategy and support the work of all partners todevelop the game of rugby at Cardiff University. One of the WelshRugby Unions key priorities is to grow the game within the HE&FE


Introduction:

The purpose of this strategic plan is to provide the “direction” for all stakeholders at CardiffUniversity that have a responsibility for ‘Growing the Game’ of rugby at Cardiff University. This

document recognises the effort by many at Cardiff University to develop rugby and it’s Rugby Cluband this strategy is designed to build upon this hard work.

Moving forward we have to ensure that we make best use of the valuable limited resourcesavailable, avoiding overlap, and ensure that good practice is built upon and shared for the benefitof the whole rugby community at Cardiff University; Men’s Medic, Ladies and College Cup teams (apotential of 15 squads).

Rugby at Cardiff University varies from other clubs under the AU umbrella;•Cardiff University RFC has a (in line with ALL of its peers at other BUCS Premier rugby playingUniversities) a recognised Head of Rugby.

•Cardiff University RFC are one of the three stakeholders in the annual Welsh Varsity Match, nowplayed at the home of Welsh Rugby, the Millennium stadium, broadcast live on national televisionto an audience of 2.5 million (135 minutes of PR opportunity). The largest stand alone studentsporting event in Wales.

•CURFC has its own Former Players Association (FPA).

•CURFC has several partnerships in place; Welsh Premiership clubs Bedwas, Pontypool and severalexciting partnership in the developmental process; London Welsh, Gwent Dragons and HarvardUniversity Rugby Club.

It is proposed that Cardiff University Rugby Club establish itself as the first Club in a series of ElitePerformance clubs at Cardiff University leading the development of Premiership teams competingin the BUCS framework as part of a “AU&CU Elite Performance Seal of Approval” programme.

There are still challenges ahead but positive signs from CURFC teams performing to increased highperformance levels in the last 6 successive seasons with pride and passion winning 6 promotionsand 4 Varsity Matches. CURFC is now leading the way with club and player development, forgingpartnerships with Regional, Premiership and (Cardiff in London) Clubs, Schools, Local Authorities(LA’s) and accessing external funding streams.

It is proposed that the Club become self sufficient with reference to funding within a five year timeframe, again a first of a series of many AU & CU Premier level teams to do so whilst working incomplete partnership with the Athletic Union and Cardiff University.

This document could not have been created without the input from all the stakeholders in the Clubboth past and present.

Thanks to the many FPA members.


Teams & Numbers:

Teams: League: Members:

CURFC 1st XV Premier A. 30

CURFC 2nd XV West 2A. 30

CURFC 3rd XV West 2A. 30

CURFC 4th XV West 3A 50

CU(L)RFC 1st XV Premier (S). 75

CU(M)RFC 1st XV Premier B. 25

CU(M)RFC 2nd XV West 2A. 25

ENGIN College Cup. 40

MASTS College Cup. 25

SAWSA College Cup. 25

CARBS College Cup. 40

PHARMACY College Cup. 25

BIO SCI College Cup. 40

STOMA College Cup. 25

LAW College Cup. 25

Total Students potentially playing Rugby at Cardiff University: 540.


The strategic plan has four main strategic goals:

1. Winning and retaining the Welsh Varsity and sustainable “Professional Team Performances” in

the BUCS Leagues (from Premier A to Western 3A).

2. Integrated and Thriving Rugby Community at Cardiff University.

3. Long term financial security.

4. New Performance Culture.

With the integrated and multi dependant nature of sports development at the University a strongrugby community at Cardiff University will contribute to all of the above goals; but the strategicgoal with the most relevancy to ‘Growing the Game’ is an Integrated and Thriving RugbyEnvironment.

The internal targets for this goal and how rugby development will be measured are as follows:•100% Increase in FPA Membership.

•To be financially self sufficient;• 3 external sports marketing agencies have all provided feedback that CURFC has a worthof in excess of £50,000 in marketing revenue based on all domestic and internationalcompetition on an annual basis.•Investigate opportunities to plan, organise and deliver a 160 UCAS tariff points rugbycoaching foundation degree in in partnership with the Student Union and Cardiff Universitythrough Lifelong learning. In addition to increased revenue potential the opportunity toutilise the course to recruit potential players in line with our peers in the Student rugbyenvironment would prove invaluable. Additionally this model would allow Cardiff Universityto diversify into the local community utilizing the course to deliver coaching through theDragons and Blues regions and local community networks.

•25% increase in the number of Students playing competitive BUCS League rugby, including 50%increase in the number of adult females from 50 – 75.

•Develop FPA Partnership/Vice President opportunities.

•Plan, organise and oversee the delivery of a College Cup programme (participating Post BUCSLeague closure) AU president to be responsible for College Cup programme sign off.

•50% increase in the quality & quantity of student coaches at Cardiff University and provideopportunities for the students to work in community game.

•30% Further engagement with the NGB to increase in referee training opportunities at CardiffUniversity active within the NGB club and referee societies.


•Further engagement with the NGB to increase external referee training opportunities at CardiffUniversity to be in the first instance active within the NGB club and referee societies framework.Once trained the referees to be made available to officiate through the College Cup programme.

•Establish Partnerships (Playing & Support based);•Establish Regional Partners•Establish (Cardiff in London) = London Welsh Partners.•Establish Welsh Premiership Partners.•Establish Schools & Colleges (Daily mail & agreed CU target institutions)

Implementation:

Following this Strategy which will be implemented and monitored by the the” StrategicDevelopment Team” (SDT) made up of Head of Rugby, AU President, SU General Manager andHead of Sport, there will be specific monthly “Area Action Plan” meetings with the Clubs majorstakeholders; The Students Union (membership & democracy) and Cardiff University (facilityresource and specific areas of sports development expertise).

These will be driven by 2 Rugby Development Groups; BUCS Performance (BUCSPG) and CollegeCup Participation (CCPG).

BUCS Performance and College Cup Participation groups being a group of “STUDENTS” responsiblefor the implementation and monitoring of their respective development areas in conjunction withthe SDT and ultimately responsible for the development and growth of all aspects of the game ofrugby at Cardiff University. These groups will be driven by the Head of Rugby (HOR) and made upof influential, respected, knowledgeable, solution focused students.

These students and staff members will be identified by the HOR and represent the followingstakeholders: Cardiff University - Cardiff University Students Union - Cardiff University RugbyClub - Cardiff University Medics Rugby Club - Cardiff University Ladies Rugby Club - College CupCaptains.

In order to achieve the targets Cardiff University Rugby Club recognises that a network of externalprofessional staff (sports & non sport specific) with clear roles and responsibilities will contributeto the success of all proposed development goals. The following persons have been identified asbeing pivotal to this process; WRU Community game Manager: Mr. Jason Lewis - UKCCDevelopment Manager - Local Authority Sports Development Manager - National RefereeDevelopment Manager - Welsh Women’s Rugby Union Community Manager – President FPA -Millennium stadium CEO – BUCS Rugby representative – Friends of CURFC group.


Implementation:

RefNo:

Area ofDevelopment:

Task: Who: Time Cost:

1.1Increase number of High Performance capable players capable of playing in the Welsh Varsity Match and in BUCS Premier A League.

Continue to raise profile of RC through Performance opportunities at Cardiff University; The Welsh Varsity & BUCS Leagues (reference High Performance strategy doc).

Establish & further develop CURFC/AU Scholarship scheme.

Develop the new training structure (reference High Performance strategy doc).

Update Website – further develop Ladies pages.

Promote and further develop existing Partnerships.

Introduce Schools liaison policy.

SDT

SDT

HOR

RC COMMITTEE

HOR

HOR

YearLong

YearLong

July/Aug

Year Long

Year Long

July /Aug

RC running

Cost

Man Hours

£5kAnnually

ManHours

Man Hours

Man Hours

1.2

Increase Rugby playing opportunities for students at Cardiff University:

Establish an U19 team too compete in the NGB U19 League programme

Introduce College Cup Programme.

Establish in house coach development prorgamme.

HOR

SDT

HOR

July/Aug

Oct

July/Aug

NGB grant

£10kAnnually

ManHours

1.3Increase engagement with Former Players with a goal of rejoining the club as FPA Members

Re establish FPA & annual Calendar of events.

Further Develop/support CURFC FPA committee position.

SDT

HOR

Year Long

Year Long

Man Hours

ManHours


Implementation:

RefNo:

Area ofDevelopment:

Task: Who: Time: Cost:

1.4Develop a Integrated, Thriving and

Productive Rugby Community at Cardiff University.

Establish Strategic Development Group; Head of Rugby – Head of Sport –AU President –SU General Manger.

Establish the 2 Rugby Development Groups: • BUCS Performance Group;- Men/Ladies/Medics Club Captain –Chair – SDT. •College Cup Participation Group;-Team Captains –SDT.

Develop a Clear and Transparent player pathway from College Cup to Premier A.

Plan Organise & Deliver 2 end of season dinners at the SU great hall; BUCSPG (Men, Ladies & FPA) & CCPG dinners.

HOR/HOS/AUPres & SU GM

HOR

HOR

SDT/RDG

NOW

July / Sept

Year Long

Oct

ManHours

Man Hours

ManHours

£5Keach

1.5 Develop a “PERFORMANCE”Culture at Cardiff University

Develop the AU & CU Premiership Club “Seal of Approval” model and handbook: To include;

Additional training facilities:(3 sessions minimum requirement per week for Premier league status teams).

Dedicated Coach Management:Goal setting & KPI agreements

Medical provision at Training and Match days:(Treatment/Trauma & Rehabilitation)

Games videoed & Codedby recognised experts.

Strength & Conditioning provision: (Premiership teams only)

SDT July/Sept

ManHours

FOCPre 9am

ManHours

£5KAnnually

£3KAnnually

FOCPre 9am


Implementation:

RefNo:

Area ofDevelopment:

Task: Who: Time: Cost:

1.6 Long term financial security.

Utilize Sports specific External Sports Marketing Agencies (Percentage based agreement only)

3 external sports marketing agencies have all provided feedback that CURFC has a worth of in excess of £50,000 in marketing revenue based on all domestic and international competition on an annual basis.

Adopt a Commercial approach to the Welsh Varsity Match in line with best practice commercial model used by the Oxbridge institutions for the Oxford Cambridge Varsity.

Re-establish and further develop the FPA; developing an FPA gift giving and Vice Presidency scheme.

Introduce the Rugby Club 200 Club (guaranteed £14Kprofit).

Seek Long Term Partners/Sponsors: (3 to 5 year agreements).

Explore opportunities to Plan, organise and deliver in conjunction with lifelong learning and the SU a 160 tariff points Rugby Coaching Foundation course.(Ideal opportunity to gain revenue and a guaranteed player recruitment tool)

SDT

WelshVarsity Board

SDT/Alumni

HOR & RC

Committee

HOR & RC

Committee

SDTLi felongLearning

Offseason

Sept/Oct

July/Oct

Sept/OctLaunch at

Fresher's Fayre

YearLong

July 2011–

Sept 2012

ManHours

(Potential 20%)

Man Hours

Man Hours

ManhoursFinance

dept

Man hours

TBC


Conclusion: Creation of an agreed management structure:

Cardiff University: Strategic Development Team

1) Head of Rugby.

2) AU President.

3) SU General Manager.

4) Head of Sport.

Ultimate Responsibility for the creation and delivery of

Rugby development at Cardiff University.

Meeting on a monthly Basis

BUCS

Performance Group

Individual Club:

1) Chairman/President.

2) Secretary.

3) First XV Captain

Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of their respective Development

Areas in conjunction with the SDT – Answerable to SDT


College Cup

Participation Group

Individual Club:

1) Captains.

2) Student coaches

Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of their

respective Development Areas in conjunction with

the SDT-

Answerable to SDT


Welsh Varsity Board:

1) AU President:

To act as overall sports representative.

2) Operations Manger:Vital in the running of the Varsity event.

3) Rugby Club Representative:Rugby Match/event representative.

4) University Representative.

University engagement representative

Cardiff University FPA

Strategic Development team – Agreed FPA

members and CURFC committee FPA representative.


Conclusion:

In line with best practice models at the Universities that compete in the BUCS Premier leagues (includingsimilar Russell group institutions such as Bristol University). The adoption and implementation of theproposed rugby development strategy will see for the the first time in the Athletic Union and University'shistory an opportunity for its Premiership teams to compete on a level playing field with the oppositioninstitutions High Performance Teams.

There is now a real opportunity to drive rugby forward at Cardiff University. With a new proposed structureand governance the future looks more optimistic than ever.

The opportunity for all stakeholders to work together in a “coordinated manner with joint responsibility”is one that is very exciting and much needed.

Cardiff University Rugby Club Development Strategy and the 3 development groups will evolve over timeand with everyone’s input will ensure that Cardiff University rugby achieves its goals and is seen by allinvolved as part of an integrated and thriving high performanceand maximum participation environment.

Acronyms & Abbreviations:

Strategic Development team SDT Cardiff University Rugby Club CURFC

BUCS Performance Group BUCSPG Athletic Union AU

College Cup Participation Group CCPG Head of Rugby HOR

Students Union SU Head of Sport HOS

British Universities, Colleges Sport BUCS Local Authorities LA’s

Sources of information:•WRU•RFU•Bristol University Rugby Club.•Durham University Rugby Club.•Loughborough University Rugby Club.•UWIC Rugby Club.

Additional CURFC Literature:CURFC Club development plan.CURFC High performance strategy.CURFC Welsh Varsity match strategy.CURFC Club partnership strategy.

Documents

Rugby Strategy - Cardiff University