The Official Newspaper of The RFU

TOUCHLINE

TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014 1

RFU INVESTMENT IN RUGBY GROWS FOR FOURTH YEAR

The RFU 2014 Annual Report & Accounts published on November 14th shows investment in rugby at all levels growing for the fourth consecutive year.

The total investment into rugby was £75.3m, up 13% on 2012/13 with a substantial proportion of this growth focussed on the RFU’s commitment to building a lasting Rugby World Cup legacy across the whole sport.

The commitment to maintaining growth in rugby investment results in a planned loss for the year of £9.5m, comfortably accommodated by the RFU Group’s profit and loss reserve, which remains at a healthy £10.2m.

Group revenue for 2013/14 reached over £150m, down only £2.3m from 2012/13, despite the low match profile year, largely due to to a 26% increase in sponsorship income and the non-match day growth of hospitality and catering revenues.

The RFU’s long-term financial position is further strengthened by the purchase of an additional 7.5% shareholding in Twickenham Experience Ltd (TEL) on 30 June 2014.

The drawdown against the £50m RBS revolving credit facility, used to fund the upgrade of Twickenham Stadium, peaked at £40m during the year, but was reduced to £37m by 30th June and will be fully repaid before the end of November.

November 2014 Issue 173

GARETH MILLSThis season sees major changes to the way the risk of concussion is managed across the professional game in England.

The Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players Association have worked together to focus specifically on concussion awareness and education, game day management and the graduated return to play for players who have suffered a concussion.

A new mandatory online concussion awareness module must be completed by all registered professional players, coaches and referees. All male registered Premiership Rugby and Championship players over 18 and contracted England Sevens players and all England Women representative players over the age of 18, coaches and referees have to complete the course.

The objective is to improve the understanding of concussion and the behaviours needed to manage it effectively. The interactive module explains what concussion is, what it feels like and how to recognise it. It also highlights the potential consequences of the injury and the protocols that need to be followed to manage it effectively. Independently reviewed by subject experts, it is a major advance in concussion education in professional sport. There will be automatic fines for non-completion and a player or coach could be ineligible to play or coach until it is completed.

All Premiership Rugby and Championship medical staff will also undertake additional mandatory concussion management training as part of the annual Immediate Care in Sport (ICIS) programme. The head injury and concussion

section has been updated to reflect recent changes in concussion management.

The Head Injury Assessment (HIA) process will again be used in Premiership Rugby and England matches in the 2014/15 season and cases of confirmed or suspected concussion will continue to be permanently removed from the field of play. Two components of the assessment tool have been expanded, with the memory test strengthened and the balance test altered, and the period for assessment has been extended from five to 10 minutes.

At all Premiership Rugby grounds and at Twickenham Stadium, doctors will have access to live TV feeds and replays when conducting a Head Injury Assessment. There also will be an independent review of on-field management and all assessments during Premiership Rugby and

England matches. They will be conducted by two experienced independent medical practitioners. The review process is linked to the RFU disciplinary process.

For the past two seasons, Bath University have evaluated the return to play processes followed

The stadium upgrade project is on track to provide a world class facility ready to host the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

All year 2 Strategic Plan priorities have been delivered, and the long term objectives of delivering sustained and growing investment in rugby up to and beyond the Rugby World Cup in 2015 is well on track.

Said Chief Financial Officer Stephen Brown, “This significant

success and fourth consecutive year of rugby investment growth is in line with the strategic objectives we set in 2012.

“It is underpinned by turnover of more than £150m, despite Twickenham hosting fewer matches than in 2012/13. Sponsorship, with an already strong base, grew by 26% year on year and our single largest revenue stream, hospitality and catering, continued at around £37m, thanks to attracting non match-day business.”

Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive Officer, added, “Investing in the game means investing in all of our people and all the places that rugby is played and enjoyed.

“This has never been more important and we are committed to creating a real and lasting legacy from Rugby World Cup 2015. In the past year we significantly increased our investment in both professional and development rugby, with a record £75.3m

invested directly with clubs and in operating the English game at all levels.”Among the highlights for the year were:• Investment in rugby grows for fourth successive year

driven by a commitment to RWC 2015 legacy• Investment in rugby as a whole rose 13% over previous year• Strong revenue performance at over £150m despite low match

profile year• On track with delivery of all strategic priorities• Additional 7.5% share in Twickenham Experience Ltd

bought on 30th June 2014• During the season 1,104,754 seats sold for

Twickenham matches • Commercial partnerships extending from

England team to the grassroots game• Continued investment and preparation for

Rugby World Cup 2015• Second year of Lead Up & Legacy work • UNITY project working with 17 nations to support growth

of the game across Europe• Twenty years’ endeavour sees England

Women become World Champions • England U20s win second consecutive IRB Junior World title• England U18s win third consecutive FIRA/AER

European Championship • England Qualified Players agreement with clubs for World Cup season

To see the full report click here

CHANGES TO CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

Continued on page 2

2 TOUCHLINE – OCTOBER 2014

The RFU Lead Up and Legacy Strategy was set three years ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2015 final. Now, with only a year to go, the latest report shows real progress across all seven priority areas.

“In the past two years a great deal of work has been done and significant investment made in both time and resources,” said Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger. “This report gives a flavour of that work.”

One Year To Go: 2015 & Beyond, outlines all the work underway to deliver a lasting and meaningful rugby legacy. You can read what has been achieved so far and what is yet to come. Click here

Headlines include:• £27.5m of facility improvements in rugby clubs the length and breadth of the country,

including pitches, floodlights, changing rooms and clubhouses • 300 more state secondary schools playing rugby as part of the All Schools programme,

with more than 150,000 students now involved• 16,000 people playing O2 Touch rugby in over 230 Touch centres in clubs, colleges and

universities• £1m plus invested in new coaches and match officials with record number of course

attendances• Young people becoming more engaged in rugby clubs and schools as volunteers and

future leaders• Innovative and interactive Schools Resource website to bring RWC 2015 and rugby to life

across the curriculum• Six Regional Legacy groups working hard to support the delivery of legacy projects across

the country

There’s no doubt that it is, as RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie says, “an exciting time for the entire game in England, from the U8s playing in grassroots clubs to Stuart Lancaster’s England squad running out at Twickenham and the fans tweeting messages of support.”

ONE YEAR TO GODelivering a lasting rugby legacy

950,000 tickets to England 2015 were sold in the September 2014 general sale, after a record level of demand for tickets to a Rugby World Cup. Tickets went on sale between September 12 and 29, and England Rugby 2015, the Organising Committee for next year’s showcase event, received more than five million applications for tickets, leading to demand exceeding supply at every price category for 23 of the 48 matches.

All remaining tickets will go back on sale at the end of November and there are still some great match tickets available. Those who did not receive tickets in the ballot will receive priority when tickets go back on sale later this month. Fans should only buy tickets from official sources and all individual match tickets will go on sale through the official Rugby World Cup 2015 ticketing website: tickets.rugbyworldcup.com

CHAMPIONSHIP XV BEAT CANADA AT SIXWAYSNICOL McCLELLANDMartin Haag’s Championship XV clinched a thrilling 28-23 victory against their international opposition, Canada, at Sixways at the start of this month.

Kyle Gilmour and Gordon McRorie tries gave the Canadians the advantage in the first half, London Scottish’s Mark Bright going over for the hosts, before the Championship side turned it around in the second half. Bright’s Exiles team-mate James Phillips clinched the win, adding to tries from Bristol pair Jack Tovey and Marco Mama. Bedford Blues’ James Pritchard was on form with the boot for Canada while McRorie had grabbed a second try. The Championship held on for a memorable win.

Nottingham boss Haag said: “To beat an international team is no mean feat. I’m hoping that 15 years down the line they’ll still be thinking about this game, still be friends, and enjoying the experience.

“When you look at the array of talent we started with and brought off the bench, we could probably have picked another XV as well because the Championship is that strong.”

Rugby’s values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship are what makes the game special for those who enjoy the environment and culture they create. They define the game and define England Rugby.

And now the RFU has created a film celebrating rugby’s core values and the everyday heroes who live them every day. The film will help to recruit new rugby followers and engage existing ones, allowing the audience to identify with sentiments relevant to them.

While remaining true to the roots of what makes the game so special for existing supporters and

participants, the film will appeal to new audiences, creating new fans. It covers the breadth and diversity of the game, with five scenarios focusing on one key hero in each whose involvement with rugby brings the core values to life.

The heroes’ stories include those of: Nine-year-old Molly Stapleton from Surrey off to the Marriott London Sevens at Twickenham with

her two sisters, baby brother, and parents. Fancy dress, family breakfast, travelling to Twickenham, playing rugby in the car park enjoying the action in the stands, two sisters asleep in the car home and finally Molly sleeping too in her bed, clutching her ‘Ruckley Rocks!’ ball.

England Rugby Supporter’s Club member Jenny Hale, a lifelong Bath fan, supports local rivals Bristol when her South African-born great nephew arrives at the club. She and her family, complete with Jenny’s ‘Come On Nic’ banner, cheer on Bristol on a cold and wet evening. Though it isn’t Bristol’s night, Jenny proudly embraces her star player beside the pitch after the final whistle.

Cecily Moore, a Physiotherapist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, works a very long day but the enjoyment she gets from playing and coaching O2 Touch with friends makes a big difference. As an England Touch Rugby triallist, Cecily displays a competitive spirit on the pitch but also loves socialising in the pub after a great touch session.

Adnaan Rashid Cranford School’s Year 10 rugby captain and team-mate Ramash Arib meticulously plan a training session for other pupils whenever they have a moment in the school day, before encouraging them through their drills and skills. Both boys, having discovered the sport at Hounslow’s Cranford, part of the RFU All Schools programme, now also play for Grasshoppers Rugby Club.

Ben Blondrage captains Brixham’s Under 12s and is up at 7am preparing his kit. He meets team-mates in the dressing room, listens to the coach’s team talk, scores a great individual try before being substituted. Disappointment turns to cheers as his replacement scores and at the whistle Ben runs to congratulate the team and thank the opposition, before the two boys walk arm in arm through the tunnel of applause.

Click here for video

REMAINING TICKETS SET TO GO ON SALE

WHEN A HERO COMES ALONG

by Premiership Rugby and England players after concussion and will this season monitor and report on the Graduated Return to Play.

Simon Kemp, RFU Chief Medical Officer, said: “These significant changes were driven by the Professional Game Board Medical Advisory Group review of the 2013 Concussion Forum and continue our work over the last ten years on concussion. Working closely with Premiership Rugby and the RPA, we believe this will provide a comprehensive package of processes designed to enhance all elements of professional player concussion management.

“Importantly, these changes are consistent with the Recognise, Remove, Recover, Return message, relevant to all levels of the game. Following the initial roll-out of the module our aim is to make a version of it available to all levels of the game.”

The RFU Headcase resource for the wider game, developed with brain injury charity Headway and independent neurology experts, is an online resource with bespoke sections for players, coaches, referees, schools, parents, and health care professionals. Over 200,000 resource cards have been distributed to volunteers, with 19,000 caps, whistle lanyards and beanies circulated at Rugby Ready, ELRA and Level 1 & 2 coaching courses. Concussion guidance has reached 230,000 in the Rugby Ready coaching course since 2008 and is an integral part of coaching, refereeing and rugby medics’ courses.

Continued from page 1

www.englandrugby.com/headcase also links to the IRB online concussion education courses that the RFU helped to develop.

TOUCHLINE – OCTOBER 2014 3

After a qualifying process involving over 200 matches and more than 80 nations, the road to Rugby World Cup 2015 qualification culminated in Montevideo last month with Uruguay clinching the 20th and final qualifier spot after a 57 – 49 aggregate victory over Russia.

Uruguay join England in Pool A, alongside Australia, Fiji and Wales and will face the tournament hosts in Manchester on October 10, 2015.

You can see the full match schedule on rugbyworldcup.com

LED LIGHTS ADD TO TWICKENHAM SHINECHARLOTTE TRUSSONRugby fans heading to Twickenham Stadium to watch the Barbarians take on Australia were the first to experience the benefits of the new LED floodlights.

Twickenham became one of the first stadiums in the world to adopt this low energy and low maintenance solution. The system by Musco Lighting is the latest improvement as part of the RFU’s long-term strategy to ensure the Home of England Rugby is a world-leading facility and at the forefront of new technology.

The floodlights can be centrally coordinated with the stadium’s LED boards, the recently added huge video screens and the public address system, improving spectator experience and match day atmosphere. The instant on/off/dimming controls enable the stadium to feature special effects lighting for games and other major events like concerts. It also provides an enhanced HD broadcast quality for fans watching games on TV.

The system significantly reduces energy consumption from the prior metal halide floodlights. Players, spectators and the surrounding area benefit from the floodlight’s advanced optic controls that provide lighting with pinpoint precision,

dramatically reducing spill light and glare. Musco’s complete solution uses high-quality structural, electrical, and lighting components for performance and reliability. The new floodlights will light the QBE International between England and Samoa, a night-time fixture.

Richard Knight, Stadium Director, RFU said: “Continuing our aim of being at the forefront of new technology, the Musco LED floodlights will see Twickenham become one of the first stadiums in the world to have them installed. They are a low energy and low maintenance solution that will improve spectator viewing and significantly enhance the quality of TV pictures.”

Jeff Rogers, President of Musco World said: “Musco is proud to have worked with the RFU and ME Engineers Inc. to provide a state-of-the-art lighting solution for this iconic centre of sports history. This sustainable solution will light a stage for some of the world’s greatest athletes with uncompromised light control, quality, and efficiency.”

URUGUAY SECURE FINAL QUALIFICATION SPOT

Five unsung heroes were selected from grassroots clubs which have produced future England internationals. They all watched England train at their Penny Hill Park base in Surrey, as well as meeting coach Stuart Lancaster and receiving a plaque for their club from the England players who started their careers there.

The clubs involved were Fylde, where Kieron Brookes of Newcastle Falcons and Richard Wigglesworth of Saracens began their careers; Dursley, first club of Gloucester’s Ben Morgan; Warlingham, Harlequins’ Chris Robshaw’s club; Salisbury, where Mike Brown of Harlequins set out and Westoe RFC, first club for David Wilson of Bath.

The five unsung heroes recognised were:• Warren Atkinson (Fylde) – for recruitment and retention

of players• Laura Price (Dursley) – for her work with the junior section• Tony Doe (Warlingham) – for his work with the club’s

senior team• John Palmer (Salisbury) – for publicity and photography

activities• John Pickering (Westoe RFC) – for work on junior coaching

Robshaw, the England captain, said: “Playing for England is a huge honour; it’s also a huge responsibility. It’s because of people like these five that there are opportunities to be part of the rugby family. It’s great that the squad recognises its regional connection. Rugby has given me so much and I’m proud to be able to give a little back.”

The event formed part of the England Connected initiative, which has seen elite players and coaches lend a hand to grassroots clubs, strengthening the link with elite rugby and acting as a further reminder of the unique benefits of joining the wider rugby family.

UNSUNG HEROES HONOURED AT ENGLAND TRAINING

AGE GRADE SEVENS COMPETITIONSRecognising concerns and in response to a number of questions about age grade sevens competitions, this note is intended to clarify the RFU position on weight limits for players.

RFU Schools & Youth Governance and ERFSU have agreed that weight limits should not be adopted as they can preclude children from playing rugby with their peers, and may force them to play with groups that they are not socially, physically or emotionally ready to play with. It also removes the pressure for players to ‘make the weight’ and the issues associated with weighing-in prior to tournaments, and helps to ensure that they get maximum enjoyment from playing rugby.

Rugby is an inclusive sport and age-grade rugby has been developed to be progressive and to develop skills in a more manageable, safe and child-centred way. The RFU believes that teachers and coaches working with their teams are best placed to assess any potential risk to their players and make the appropriate decision as to who should or should not take part. This should always be done with the best interests of the players in mind. In conjunction with ERFSU, organisers of the HSBC Rosslyn Park 7s have agreed that no weight limits will be imposed for the 2015 festival.

4 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014

Canterbury, the Official Kit Provider for England Rugby, is giving fans a chance to stock up their wardrobes with £500 of Canterbury stash.

All you have to do is wear your new Canterbury England shirt with pride on match days during the QBE Internationals.

Share a photo with Canterbury on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram of you

wearing the England shirt on match day for a chance to win. Make sure you use #EnglandIsAll when entering.

For fans heading to Twickenham on match day and wearing the new England home or alternate shirt, Canterbury will be stopping and rewarding England fans at random. ‘Team CCC’ will also be handing out collectable wristbands and providing a

chance to win tickets to an RBS 6 Nations match of your choice.

For more information join the community at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Facebook: Canterbury, Twitter: @CanterburyNZ, Instagram: @CanterburyNZTerms and conditions can be found at Canterbury.com

CANTERBURY REWARD FANS WEARING THEIR ENGLAND RUGBY SHIRT

SKY PARTNERSHIP EXTENDEDWILL CHIGNELLThe RFU and Sky Sports have extended their partnership with a new five-year broadcast deal which will also see Sky Sports become a top level RFU partner, with a range of partnership rights for the first time.

The agreement strengthens one of the longest running broadcast partnerships in sport, taking it until the end of the 2019/20 season, and the relationship between the RFU and Sky Sports into its third decade. The deal will help to further raise the profile and interest of rugby union and take the sport to new audiences. It will also continue to enhance the RFU’s ability to invest in all levels of the game.

The new deal, which begins in July 2015, provides a continued commitment to cover rugby union in England at all levels and comprises: • Exclusively live coverage of England’s autumn QBE Internationals from Twickenham,

QBE Internationals before the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and 2019, plus the annual England spring fixture

• At least two live England Women’s matches a season, as well as additional England Under 20, Under 18 and England Saxons fixtures

• A minimum of 11 live Greene King IPA Championship matches • An in-match clips package, which will enable near live match updates to be delivered

across RFU and Sky Sports’ websites and social media channels Sky Sports is now consolidated as a major RFU partner and will work closely with the

governing body to develop opportunities to support and cover grassroots rugby throughout the country.

RFU Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Sophie Goldschmidt (above) said, “We have a long term, trusted relationship with Sky Sports and are delighted that it is continuing. They have an acknowledged reputation as a premier worldwide broadcaster, who always look to take sport to new levels both editorially and in terms of innovation. We are looking forward to not only showcasing our England teams in the best possible way, but also to exploring opportunities to support the grassroots, so the whole game benefits further. The RFU is fortunate to have a group of modern, forward thinking, progressive partners and Sky clearly reflects these attributes as we look to the future.”

Sky Sports Managing Director, Barney Francis, added: “This new deal builds on our already successful partnership with the RFU. It offers our viewers even more live England rugby from the men’s, women’s and age grade game, and includes additional rights to enable us to support the game from the grassroots up to the elite level. At Sky Sports, we share the RFU’s aims to grow the sport before and after next year’s World Cup by investing across the game, and innovating with our coverage to reach new audiences.”

VOTE FOR ENGLAND WOMEN

Last month (October) Rugby Groundsmen Connected was launched by the RFU, linking rugby club groundsmen across the country with speedy guidance from experts at the RFU.

Rugby Groundsmen Connected is an accessible, two-way communication network between the RFU and all those out there making sure matches are played and training takes place. It will now be the main communication channel for the RFU to provide information and advice to groundsmen and will also have special offers and exclusive benefits for members.

Registration is free. Anyone interested should just email groundsmenconnected@rfu.com confirming their name and the name of the club or school that they are involved with. If they are not on email they just need to send a note with the same information to ‘Rugby Groundsmen Connected’ at Rugby House.

Ted Mitchell, who is co-ordinating the scheme says, “This initiative has real potential for people who put in such hard graft while not having a truly official role within clubs and schools. We at the RFU will be in touch with them directly and they can reach us at any time. Getting relevant information and advice to our groundsmen has been a challenge in the past but is important, and urgent when they are faced with conditions like flooding or drought.”

Keith Kent, Twickenham head groundsman, will be the figurehead of the scheme and said, “I love getting out and providing advice and support to grassroots rugby clubs. Now, through Groundsmen Connected, we‘ll be able to help them more efficiently. Whatever else is achieved in clubs and schools, if pitches are not looked after properly there’s no rugby. In the worst possible conditions it’s the groundsman who saves the day and we want to help them all we can.”

The first 100 people to sign up will go into a draw to win a Twickenham match day on the pitch with Keith.

GROUNDSMEN - WHY NOT GET CONNECTED?and spend a day on the hallowed turf with Keith

England Women have been named in the shortlist of finalists for The Sunday Times and Sky Sports Sportswomen of the Year Awards 2014 – give them a boost by voting for them in the public ballot. Vote for them here: http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/public/sportswomen/article1474175.ece

They are up against the England cricket team, GB athletics 4x100m relay squad and rowers Helen Glover & Heather Stanning. Voting will close on Tuesday 11 November and the awards will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on the evening of Wednesday 19 November.

Emily Scarratt and England Women have also received nominations for prestigious annual (since 1949) Sports Journalists’ Association awards in the Sportswoman and Team of the Year categories.

IN THE SUNDAY TIMES & SKY SPORTS SPORTSWOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014 5

The RFU recently unveiled a new animated video explaining the fundamentals of rugby union in a fun and accessible way.

An educational resource for RFU field teams and for anyone tuning in on social media and YouTube and keen to understand the sport, it uses a combination of hand-drawn animation and video clips to explain everything from scrums and lineouts to rugby’s values.

Anyone who doesn’t know a maul from a ruck can get clued up by watching and downloading from www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/players/rugby-basics/

ENGLAND RUGBY BENEFITS FROM LATEST SAMSUNG TECHNOLOGYSUZI MURRAYThe RFU has agreed long-term partnership with leading electronics provider Samsung. The three-year agreement will see Samsung become a key technology supplier as the Consumer Electronics & Smartphone Partner and Official Home Technology Partner to the RFU and England Rugby Team.

As the UK’s leading manufacturer of large format displays, Samsung will have installed over 700 state-of-the-art digital screens throughout Twickenham Stadium, with further displays integrated into England Rugby’s training ground at Pennyhill Park. The Samsung Smart Signage products will significantly enhance the fans’ experience and benefit elite and grassroots player levels, reflecting the growing importance of technology in the game.

The agreement will also benefit over 2,000 RFU affiliated grassroots rugby clubs across the UK, giving them a unique purchase offering with access to Samsung’s Smart Signage and other coaching technologies.

As Official Partner to England Rugby, Samsung will also benefit from an extensive range of sponsorship rights including match day branding rights, hospitality packages and category exclusivity in consumer electronic & smartphone products.

Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, said: “There are natural synergies between Samsung and the RFU, as sport and technology become increasingly intertwined and we both strive to be at the forefront within our specialty areas. This partnership importantly supports both the elite and grassroots levels. In 2012 we committed to invest £76m into the development of a modern, connected stadium, and the partnership with Samsung is another stepping stone to achieving our goal.”

Andy Griffiths, President of Samsung Electronics UK, said: “Samsung has long been committed to sport, both in the UK and globally, and we take pride in bringing fans closer to their passions and creating unforgettable experiences through our technology. Partnering with the RFU and England Rugby team is a very exciting step for us ahead of what will undoubtedly be a fantastic year for the nation. The installation of leading Samsung technology at Twickenham and Pennyhill Park will not only support the England team, but will bring fans closer to the game than ever before, ensuring that they don’t miss a single kick, try or tackle.”

England Rugby and Samsung have teamed up to celebrate the best tries scored around the country every month.

Whether it is a team try through a dozen set of hands, a rolling maul, or an individual bit of brilliance, we want you to send us your tries.

Each month, we’ll ask an England legend to judge the competition and decide who is the winner of the Samsung Try of the Month.

The winning club, school or University will receive £1,000 worth of Samsung technology to upgrade their facilities. There is also a Samsung smartphone for the person that enters the winning try.

Who can enter: Any age from minis to vets men and women. Any level from tag or touch to National League 1. How to enter: Visit www.englandrugby.com/samsung-totm Prize for the club: Win £1,000 of the latest Samsung technology to upgrade your clubhouse or school. Prize for the entrant: The winning entrant will also receive the latest Samsung smartphone.Closing date: Entries will close on the last day of each month.

SAMSUNG TRY OF THE MONTH

Tupton RUFC in North East Derbyshire was chosen by the RFU to become a Lead Up and Legacy Centre for Rugby World Cup 2015 and a grant of £70,000 which, together with further funding from Sport England, Viridor, Veolia and Tupton Parish Council totals £475,000 will see a new clubhouse built for members and the local community. The Club has appointed DJ Atkinson Construction to design and build the clubhouse.

The RFU has committed a £10m investment to create a network of over 500 Lead Up and Legacy Centres and said RFU Area Facilities Manager Peter Shaw. “The new facilities will improve the quality of the rugby experience for everyone using the site and provide more playing opportunities, especially for local people in the 14-24 age-group.”

Club Chairman, David Brignull, said: “We are delighted that our project won approval following its original identification by Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire RFU. We will now have some of the best facilities in the area that local people from Tupton and the surrounding area can use during the week.”

“This investment by the RFU is excellent news.” said MP Natascha Engel. “The club has had an enthusiastic group of hard-working volunteers and this funding will enable them to do even more for young people in the community in the future.”

Tupton RUFC is one of many clubs across England benefitting from investment through the RFU Lead Up and Legacy fund.

To find out more go to englandrugby.com/betterfacilities

RFU LEAD UP AND LEGACY GRANT FOR TUPTON

ANIMATED BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RUGBY UNION

6 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014

RFU Chairman Bill Beaumont has been paying tribute to rugby players who died in the Great War and those who returned having lost so many team mates. His own grandfather, Lieutenant Harry Beaumont, was awarded the Military Cross for a significant part played in one of the most epic battles, the defence of the Diyalah River pocket in Mesopotamia in 1917.

“He was later shot by a sniper and treated in India, before returning to the UK at the end of the war to teach and coach rugby at Blackpool Grammar School,” said Bill. “Like most men of his generation, I don’t remember him talking about the war and, sadly, his medal was later stolen in a house burglary.

“If you go to any of the older rugby clubs and there will be a roll of honour for players who died. You just cannot imagine what it was like for them or the survivors who came back to their clubs, tried to pick up the pieces, with so many of their team mates gone.

Of the 1914 England team only five ever played for the country again. They included Sydney Smart, Bruno Brown, Cyril Lowe, who had the highest number of tries until Rory Underwood broke his

record, John Greenwood, known as Jenny, and William John Abbott Davies, who everyone called Dave. Davies later captained England to two Grand Slams.

“It is easy to forget that 100 years ago these players were at their peak when careers were curtailed and lives lost. We owe them huge respect and should all pay tribute to their sacrifice.”

It was at a Lancashire Infantry Museum function that Bill asked about his grandfather, an officer in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. In March 1917 a British force pursued retreating Turks up the line of the River Tigris in what is now Iraq. The Diyalah River was the enemy’s last line of defence, just eight miles from Baghdad.

Members of the North Lancs were cut down in waves as they tried to ferry pontoons across the river. Harry Beaumont led the largest party to get across and some 100 men and three other officers, gathered around him and an epic battle of endurance ensued.

For more than 30 hours they fought off attack after attack and, having used up all their bombs, hurled back those thrown by the Turks. When relieved, the remaining force of 35 men and four officers, many of them wounded, were down to their last rounds of ammunition.

The following day the British Army entered Baghdad. Harry, who led the main body in the Diyalah crossing, was awarded the MC for courage in the face of the enemy. His diaries chronicling the action are being transcribed to be added to the Lancashire Infantry Museum’s archives.

“My granddad died when I was eight,” said Bill. “I remember him well. He and my grandmother were educationalists, among those they tutored was Stanley Matthews’ son. While other children went to Blackpool for a holiday, my sister and I went to their home there and did our homework! Education and rugby were very important to my granddad. But until recently I never knew why he was awarded the MC. His bravery was matched by so many of our rugby players who are being remembered in this Centenary at clubs across the land. ”

SO MANY TEAM MATES GONE

Lord Wandsworth College was delighted to welcome three England Rugby 7s players as Sam Edgerley, Callum Wilson and Jack Walsh arrived to coach the U15, U14 and Junior boys.

Despite rain, the boys couldn’t wait to be out on the field with the players and trained hard. They focused on defence, rucking over the ball and working as a team. A lively and engaging Q&A session followed.

Soma Singh, Director of Sport at Lord Wandsworth College, said, “The boys were really inspired by Sam, Callum and Jack and enjoyed the hands-on coaching session. They came away with lots of good tips and advice which we look forward to incorporating into our game.”

SIR’S A PE & SCHOOL SPORT WINNER

Stuart Manifold the head of PE at the Manchester Enterprise Academy was awarded the Contribution to PE and School Sport Winner 2014 at the Manchester Sports Awards last month (October).

Stuart has received this award for his contribution to rugby union development at the Academy over the last 12 months. The Academy is part of the RFU All Schools programme. He received his award from Nathan Hines of Sale Sharks and Paul Hitchen Belle Vue Coaches Manchester, the event sponsors.

ENGLAND 7s PLAYERSAT COLLEGEGUIDE DOG

TO BE NAMED AFTER WEBB ELLISEarlier this year Carlisle RFC organised a Sportsman’s Dinner to raise funds for the club. The guest speaker was Jeff Probyn and the event raised circa £5K of which £2.5K was donated to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The donation was sufficient to name a guide dog puppy, and in recognition of the rugby connection, the club have been advised that the dog will be named ELLIS after the founding father of the game.

The club, and Guide Dogs are grateful for the excellent support that the dinner attained and would like to thank most sincerely, all those who attended or donated auction and raffle prizes.

David Morton, secretary of the Carlisle club is himself registered blind, hence the close connection with Guide Dogs.

Gilbert’s MATCH-XV ball was making its international debut in the England v New Zealand QBE International before going on to be used in top level Test matches throughout 2014 and 2015, meaning the world’s best players will have plenty of time with the ball before Rugby World Cup 2015, where it will be the official match ball.

A modern classic, the MATCH-XV is the latest in a succession of balls stretching back to 1995 to be engineered by the industry-leaders and is packed with innovation. It is also the most-tested Gilbert ball in history.

An extensive two-year development process has delivered a new surface compound to enhance grip without compromising subtlety or durability. The surface design has also been improved to enable quicker water dispersion. The MATCH-XV represents the pinnacle of rugby ball technology.

MOST TESTED GILBERT BALL KICKS OFF QBE INTERNATIONALS

TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014 7

A member of England’s triumphant women’s squad is earning her coaching badges at Bloxham School in Oxfordshire. The 23-year-old graduate sports coach combines playing for Bristol and England with working at the school where her duties include looking after the Under 15s who compete in the NatWest Schools Cup.

“I’m very busy but it is a tremendous opportunity to get a teaching career underway,” says Reed whose family is steeped in the game, including uncle Andy, the former Scotland and Lions lock.

Her own sports career not only includes rugby but has brought county honours for Gloucestershire at cricket and hockey for Bristol. And her all-round ability is reflected in her also coaching netball, athletics and cricket at the Banbury school. She was also a very decent footballer and took up rugby when a pupil at Colston’s.

“I’m indebted to the work of Ben Berry. He coached the girls’ team at Colston’s and introduced a number of us to the sport. Another big inspiration was Jo Yapp at Exeter University. She has done an amazing job there in bringing players through and a lot of us have benefited from her experience as a player.”

Reed hopes to add to her 18 England caps including in the women’s World Cup campaign last summer.

“The whole experience in France was a huge thrill and just to be involved was a big honour. To win the Cup at the end was a huge reward for a lot of hard work by a lot of people.”

As for the coaching and her under-15s rugby team, Reed admits, “I’m always a little tense just before a match kicks off. You want your team to do well, to get something out of their matches and to progress.”

The maroon and black of Beccehamian Rugby Club was put in the shade by the Scarlet red coats of eight Chelsea Pensioners recently. They were at Sparrows Den for the annual lunch held by Club President, Clive Putner, attended this year by 100 club members, including a contingent from the successful Ladies Team to whom the Old and Bold took a particular shine.

Beccehamians are forging a close relationship with the Pensioners and have adopted the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, as their charity for this year.

Club Vice-President Ken Ellis, who organised the lunch, said “As a rugby club, we recognise the enormous debt we owe to these men and their colleagues and we are delighted to welcome them back. They are great company and fantastic ambassadors for the Hospital.”

Following lunch, the Pensioners were treated to an exciting 1st team game in which the home side overcame top of the league Old Williamsonians.

As he left on the trip back to Chelsea, In-Pensioner Nick Clarke said, “ This is a really friendly club. We can’t wait for next year’s visit.

HASTINGS AND BEXHILL ARE THE BESTHastings and Bexhill RFC recently won the best sports team in Hastings and Rother community award, having been nominated by the local hospice for their sportsmanship on and off the pitch and the amount achieved within the community, raisings funds for good causes including the hospice.

The ceremony saw the trophy collected by the three senior team captains. Jimmy Adams, Chris Pillow and Alan Dugan, as well as committee member and second team manager Frances O’Gorman.

Said the club’s social secretary Cinnamon McManus, “I’m really proud of our members’ and it was great to show the club’s younger players that giving back to your community can be rewarded and thanked in so many ways.”

CHRIS HUDSONJim Dixon of Rotherham Clifton RUFC was the big winner at the South Yorkshire Volunteer Evening.

Jim was recognised for almost 20 years of dedicated work supporting junior rugby in Rotherham. His award was collected by his son Tim at the gala evening last month.

Other winners included Craig Neil of Thornesians RUFC, who was presented with the Services to Coaching Award.

When eight-year old Tabitha McLoughlin arrived for her first training session with the Loughborough RFC Under 9s, the St Mary’s Catholic Primary School pupil was, thanks to a minis open day, greeted by enthusiastic coaches, team-mates, members of the men’s and women’s 1st teams. To complete her first rugby session at Derby Road she also met Loughborough Women’s and England Under 20s player Scarlett Cooper-Wall.

With first team players, Head Coach Leon Pohe, Senior Coaches and Chairman Dan Hatjiosif welcomed new recruits and took part in coaching. Scarlett then told Tabitha about when she started playing at the club aged six and was the only girl among a group of boys. She hoped Tabitha would have as much enjoyment has she was having in the sport.

GREATRUGBY WELCOME

AMBER LIGHTS UPIN COACHINGROLE

SPECIAL GUESTS ON BECCEHAMIAMS SPECIAL DAY

CELEBRATING IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE

8 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014

TIM MARKSThe new-look RFU National Youth Council recently held its inaugural meeting at Twickenham Stadium, aiming to get more young people excited by rugby. The Council of 12 young people from across England set four key objectives for the next year: - To enable player retention of 16 – 24s via research and project-based activities.- To be a sounding board and youth insight group across the business.- To be ambassadors for rugby and attend events and conferences - To aid the development of the Young Rugby Ambassador programme

Council members met Jason Leonard, England’s most capped player, 2003 World Cup winner and RFU President for the 2015/16 season, who told them: “I’m extremely impressed by the drive of the Youth Council to help grow the game. As a cross-section of extremely bright young people from a variety of different backgrounds you all have one major thing in common, a love of rugby. I’m very positive that the National Youth Council will be a huge success story in the lead-up to and legacy of the Rugby World Cup 2015.”

The six young men and six young women chosen to represent their peers to help grow the game are: Eleanor Trezise, 23, from London; Chair and Dave Lote, 21, Staffordshire; Vice Chair; Dan Fay, 18, Hertfordshire; Jack Stacey, 18, Bedfordshire; Kate Marks, 17 Devon; Louise Smale, 21 , London; Lucy Moore, 20, Berkshire; Richard Pulsford, 22, Surrey; Sam Alderson, 24, Surrey; Sam Strickson, 21, Nottinghamshire; Tuesday Platt, 17, Yorkshire and Yasmin Proctor-Kent, 20, Yorkshire.

Sam Alderson, 24, from Surrey said: “I want more people to play the game of rugby and keep playing it. It has given me friendships that will last a lifetime, and experiences I’ll never forget. We all want to give something back and this is a great opportunity for young people to be involved, have a voice and be heard within the RFU.”

Jenny Box, RFU Volunteer Engagement Manager, added: “One of the RFU’s key legacy strands is to engage young people more effectively, particularly between the ages of 16 and 24, and what better way of finding out how to do that than actually speaking to people in that age group.

To follow the National Youth Council’s activities on Twitter, it’s #RFUNYC

RFU NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL

SUZI MURRAYTwickenham Stadium’s World Rugby Museum is featuring a new exhibition; ‘Old Streetonians: Life, Rugby and Art in Shoreditch’. It tells how a group of friends and artists in Shoreditch founded Old Streetonians RFC, and eventually progressed up the league pyramid.

Featuring work by members present and past, the exhibition covers a diverse range of contemporary artwork from artists of worldwide renown. Combining art and sport; the exhibition shows how the two passions have captured the spirit of a place and time.

Exhibiting artists include Billie Lee, Charlie Allen, Dan Gardiner, Joshua Compston, James Dean, Kate Hawkins, Mark Woods, Mick Kerr, Gordan Faulds, Hamish Patel, Henry Stringer, Houston Morris, Nic Clear, Ollie Naylor, Patrick Colhoun, Rebecca Scott and Samantha Denny.

World Rugby Museum curator, Michael Rowe said: “The exhibition is an exciting mix of works of art, sculpture and also audio visual elements, coming together to tell the unique story of how Old Streetonians rugby club was founded. The exhibition space has a distinctive look and feel where we have recreated a typical Shoreditch artist’s loft to set the scene. A lot of time and preparation has gone into curating this exhibition and we are delighted to be opening it for the public to enjoy.”

For further information visit http://www.rfu.com/twickenhamstadium/worldrugbymuseum museum@rfu.comTel: 0208 892 8877@wrugbymuseumwww.facebook.com/worldrugbymuseum

WORLD RUGBY MUSEUMOld Streetonians: Life, Rugby and Art in Shoreditch24th October 2014 – April 2015

ENGLAND WOMEN SIX NATIONS 2015 FIXTURES Wales Women v England Sunday 8th February 2015 Swansea RFC, kick-off 2:30pm

England v Italy Sunday 15th February 2015 The Twickenham Stoop, kick-off 2pm Tickets available via: www.ticketmaster.co.ukand ticketsquins.co.uk

Ireland v England Friday 27th February 2015 Ashbourne RFC, kick-off 7:30pm

England v Scotland Friday 13th March 2015Darlington Mowden Park, the Northern Echo Arena, kick-off 7:35pm (after England Men’s U20s v Scotland U20s, kick-off 5:30pm)Tickets Office: 01325 350267

England v France Saturday 21st March 2015 Twickenham Stadium, kick-off 7.20pm (after England Men v Scotland, kick-off 5pm)Free entry after England Men v Scotland

WATCH ENGLAND WOMEN’S SIX NATIONSJULIA HUTTONEngland Women will play Italy, Scotland and France at home this season in the Six Nations Championship with Twickenham Stadium, the Twickenham Stoop and The Northern Echo Arena in Darlington hosting the 2014 Rugby World Cup champions.

England, who finished second in the 2014 Six Nations, will play their first international XVs game since becoming world champions in August away to Wales at Swansea RFC on Sunday February 8, kick off 2:30pm. Seven days later and the Twickenham Stoop will host

England’s first home game of the championship against Italy at 2pm on Sunday February 15. Tickets for the match are on sale via Ticketmaster and Harlequins.

Ireland await England in the third round of the Six Nations at Ashbourne RFC on Friday February 27th at 7:30pm. England last played Ireland in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals with Gary Street’s side taking an impressive 40-7 win to book their place in the final against Canada. Ireland finished fourth overall at the World Cup.

England’s home run then resumes with the side making their international debut at the 27,000-seater Northern Echo Arena against Scotland on Friday March 13 at 7:35pm. The match will be part of a double header with the Men’s U20s side taking on Scotland earlier at 5:30pm also in their Six Nations championship. Both matches will be televised live on Sky Sports.

Twickenham Stadium will then welcome

England on Saturday March 21 for a double header against France alongside England Men. France, who finished third at their home World Cup this summer, are the reigning Six Nations champions after a Grand Slam winning campaign in 2014. Kick-off is at 7:20pm and rugby fans can watch the match for free with free entry to the stadium after the men’s RBS 6 Nations clash. The match will also be broadcast live on BBC Sport.

Gary Street’s side last lifted the Six Nations trophy in 2012 after a third place finish in 2013 with Ireland taking the honours and France keeping England to a second place finish this year. With three different winners over the last three years, this season’s Six Nations is set to be a thriller.

Street said: “The success of the World Cup has really stimulated the public’s interest in women’s rugby and that coupled with three of

the four Rugby World Cup semi-finalists playing in the Six Nations sets this tournament up to be the most exciting yet. We are really pleased to be playing at some great venues and to take England on the road to the Northern Echo Arena, a fantastic stadium.”

SHARKS SNAP UP GIRLSSale Sharks recently linked with the RFU to provide a free development day for girls in the North West. This was the first step in working together around the funding provided to Premier Rugby specifically around girls rugby development.

Sale Sharks Community Rugby Coach Darren Lamon hosted the day which saw some70 girls aged 10 to 18 put through their paces by Sharks players such as Nathan Hines and Hendrie Fourie. Girls attended from Sandbach, Winnington Park, Northwich, West Park St Helens, Manchester, Longton to name but a few. And obviously they all had their picture taken with the World Cup.

TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014 9

The Northumberland Rugby Union has appointed Drew Robertson as their new Player Development Pathway Coordinator. Drew will look after the development of players from U13 to U20. He brings a wealth of experience from elite-level rowing, having also established development programmes at both Newcastle and Durham universities.

As an international rowing coach and Team Manager for the Great Britain Under 23 Rowing Team Drew also worked with the Olympic Team in the lead-up to London 2012. Currently, he is coaching age-group rugby at Percy Park RFC. Drew will be joined on the programme by Jack Lambert as Coaching Coordinator and James Mullins looking after player analysis and analytics.

Drew said “This is a really exciting time to be associated with rugby especially with the World Cup approaching in 2015. To be given the opportunity to work with coaching staff to develop players from grassroots rugby who could be the next county, professional or even international stars is something I am really looking forward to.”

Chairman of NRU Mr Andy Thomson added, “Bringing in a coach with Drew’s experience from another sporting discipline and especially one which relies on a team-based approach, will provide new ideas of benefit to all participating players and coaches in the Player Development Pathway, and who, on returning to their individual clubs, will pass on new-found knowledge for the benefit of all those participating in grassroots rugby at clubs and schools in Northumberland.”

SOUVENIR FAN CUPS SAVING WASTETwickenham Stadium is even more green with new eco-friendly fan cups. At all Twickenham bars fans simply pay a £1 deposit, and can keep or return cups to get the deposit back. At the London Double Header using the eco cup resulted in waste plastic being reduced by nearly 5 tonnes. For a major international this could reach 8 tonnes and will be monitored through the QBE Internationals.

NatWest Rugbyforce is back and this year it’s uniting clubs nationwide to ‘Get Behind England’, as well as running the DIY weekend.

NatWest RugbyForce 2015 will be helping rugby clubs the length and breadth of the country to get ready to open their clubhouses and be the place to watch England take on the best in the world.

This is an opportunity to get behind England, help clubs attract new members and become stronger and more sustainable for the future.

The programme has been extended to run

from 9th October 2014 to 31st October 2015 and we want to have a record number of clubs taking part.

All clubs that register for NatWest RugbyForce 2015 can look forward to receiving a host of exciting rewards and benefits, from online toolkits, to marketing and communications advice, access to special offers and attractive food and beverage deals – all to help you ‘Get Behind England’ and show your support!

Registrations opened on Thursday 9th October and there has already been a very good

response. It does pay to register by 11th January to be in with a chance of being selected as one of 350 clubs attending the new and improved programme of free workshops. All clubs attending workshops will receive £500 to go towards your NatWest RugbyForce 2015 project as well as ‘Get Behind England’ material. You could be one of 35 clubs selected on the basis of your project plan to receive additional support of £1,000, with £500 on offer to another 35 clubs.Visit www.englandrugby.com/NatwestRugbyForce for more information.

DREW SPLASHING OUT IN RUGBY

ARE YOU SIGNED UP TO NATWEST RUGBYFORCE 2015?

PAUL BOLTONDerbyshire club Long Eaton have opened a £300,000 extension to the changing rooms at their West Park headquarters which was part-funded by grant from the RFU Lead Up and Legacy fund.

The RFU contributed £80,000 towards the cost of Long Eaton’s project which was officially opened by Jessica Lee, the Conservative MP for Erewash, and Kewal Athwal, the Mayor of Erewash.

Further funding was provided by an MOD Community Covenant and Sport England with Long Eaton raising money themselves and persuading local companies to donate materials needed to complete the project.

The project has provided Long Eaton with four new changing rooms, two officials’ changing rooms, a new room for a sports therapist, new toilets, disabled facility as a new committee room.

Long Eaton hope that the extension to their existing clubhouse will benefit the club’s 300 playing members and provide facilities that can be used by the local community.

RFU LEAD UP AND LEGACY FUNDING HELPS DERBYSHIRE CLUB

At the recent Sports Officials UK Awards at Staverton Park, Daventry, which began with questions and answers with Wayne Barnes (RFU) and Richard Illingworth (ECB), and a special guest appearance by Howard Webb MBE, among the seven officials shortlisted were the RFU’s Peter Tolan (Officials Developer of the Year) and Rhys Davies (Young Official of the Year)

Sports Officials UK (SOUK) represents and supports officials across all sports in the UK and helps to address some of the common problems and recruitment issues encountered by sports and share examples of good practice.

If you want to stay involved in the game but no longer play, the RFU’s Keep Your Boots (KYBO) initiative can help you start refereeing or coaching. Sessions are held at rugby clubs across England and bring players together to stay in the game Don’t hang up your boots! Take a look at the videos here.

CLEAR AS A WHISTLE

Ray Stephenson, a Rochford Hundred RFC player, was driving past Rochford Primary School a quarter of a century ago and persuaded rugby coach Chris Richardson to let his son Ryan join the schoolboys’ training. Soon Chris and Ray, joined by Pip Wright and his son Mark, had moved the set up to the club.

At the end of their first season they went on tour to Cornwall, the visitors beating Penryn, Cambourne and St Ives. Many of that team went on to play senior rugby for the Rochford Hundred first team and 11 of those 12 ‘originals’ were guests of honour at a recent League Lunch

before Rochford’s 1st XV played. They also helped to coach some of the 200 strong mini section, assisted by the U15s.

Their legacy is that Rochford have one of the best youth setups in Essex, with many youth players following in their footsteps and playing not only for the club but for also for others, as well and playing representative rugby at various levels.

Youngsters wishing to join are very welcome, with a FREE three week taster of offer. For more information www.rochfordrugby.com

ROCHFORD HUNDRED YOUTH LEGACY

10 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014

At Iffley Road, Oxford, a remarkable man was honoured by Oxford University RFC and Edinburgh University RFC. Andrew Widdowson, now President of the club, played for Edinburgh in the late 1970s, including annual games home and away against Oxford. Then at St Catherine’s College for a teaching training year, Andrew suffered a catastrophic neck injury in a college game, which left him in a wheelchair.

Showing the remarkable courage for which he is now well known, he went on to a teaching career at Felsted School, retiring last year and returning to his native Edinburgh. Andrew was elected a member of Vincent’s Club in Trinity Term 1981 shortly after leaving Stoke Mandeville Hospital to resume his studies. Since the installation of a lift during club refurbishments, to which he contributed, Andrew has become a welcome visitor.

Since becoming President of EURFC he has worked with his friend and former OURFC opponent Reg Clark to resurrect rugby contests between his two universities and this resulted in the game between the Oxford Greyhounds and Edinburgh for the Andrew Widdowson Trophy, unveiled before the game in the Iffley Road Pavilion, which ended in a 24-24 draw thanks to a last minute Edinburgh try.

Russell Earnshaw has been appointed RFU International Performance Coach reporting to John Fletcher, National Development Academy Manager and IPD Coach. He will work with both John and Peter Walton in talent identification and player development across the national and international programmes from U15 – U19.

Russell is currently teaching Economics at Eastbourne College, as well as coaching the 1st XV rugby side, and will take up his new role in July, 2015.

An RFU Level 4 qualified coach and a Cambridge Blue, Russell worked with the England Sevens side between 2007 and 2013 and also held the position of Director of Rugby at Birmingham Solihull Rugby Club between 2007 and 2012.

He represented England Sevens at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and won the European Cup with Bath that same year.

WHEELCHAIR RUGBY STARS AT CANTERBURY LAUNCHStars of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby helped make history in Canterbury recently when the Paralympic sport staged the first ever game played in the city.

The landmark event, at the Canterbury High Academy complex, was opened by the city’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Ann Taylor and marked the success of a Canterbury Rugby Club community initiative set up less than 12 months ago.

Great Britain and London Club stars Steve Brown, who captained the GB side in the 2012 Paralympics, Steve ‘Archie’ Palmer, Dave Goddard and Matt Hignett an exhibition game against 1st XV able bodied players, followed by games between Canterbury Wheelchair teams, which Steve Brown has been coaching, and Woodbridge Warriors from Suffolk. The Canterbury Rugby Club Wheelchair section has been organised by the club’s vice-chairman Jonathan Marsh.

ANDREW WIDDOWSON TROPHYA FITTING TRIBUTE

EARNSHAW TO BECOME INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE COACH

NOMINATE VOLUNTEERS NOW!The RFU President’s Awards 2015 opened for nominations on 3rd November and closes Sunday 1st February 2015Last year an impressive 241 entries arrived across the 7 categories – this year let’s get it to at least 300!The overarching theme is to identify and reward outstanding teams of volunteers, although nominees for Category 7 – the President’s Choice, ‘Beyond Rugby’ can be an individual or a group. Categories 1 - 6 embrace the key areas which together contribute to a successful, vibrant club and help to deliver opportunities in all areas of the game.

The categories are:

1. LAYER RECRUITMENT The team of volunteers receiving this award will have worked creatively to recruit new players from different backgrounds.

2. PLAYER RETENTION This team of volunteers will have used all formats to keep players enjoying rugby.

3. PEOPLE POWER This will be an exceptional group of volunteers using innovative ways to recruit, retain and recognise coaches, referees and volunteers.

4. CLUB MANAGEMENT The winners of this award will be a volunteer team using effective and efficient club management and development, modernising the running of their club.

5. BETTER FACILITIES These volunteers will have developed fantastic facilities to transform their club environment for everyone who visits.

6. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The winning team will have forged links with schools, colleges, universities, businesses, community groups and people that traditionally have had little contact with the game.

7. PRESIDENT’S CATEGORY - ‘Beyond Rugby’This award will go to the person or people who have used the game as a vehicle for social change. The winner or winners will have used rugby to transform lives or communities.

Please note that anyone can make a nomination.

www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/volunteers/the-presidents-awards/

TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014 11

VICKY CHANThe first ever London University Merit League Festival this month (October) went down a storm. Organised by the newly appointed London University Merit League coordinator, Vicky Stahle, the festival was held at Ruislip RFC. Players from 11 London-based institutions came together for an afternoon of friendly 11-a-side games.

Pioneered by the RFU University Rugby Development Officer, Jamie Traxon, the Merit League is aimed at new and developing rugby players at university clubs. No previous rugby experience is necessary and coaching stations alongside the games proved ideal for beginners to transfer skills straight into a game.

Players are also given the opportunity to referee games at the festivals. Refereeing courses are funded by the RFU to encourage university clubs to bring their own referees to festivals and to help their members understand the game better.

Jamie Traxon said: “It was a massive success. It was great to see non BUCS players playing on a Wednesday afternoon. There were over 170 players – seven men’s teams and four women’s teams – most completely new to rugby.”

The Merit League promises to continue to grow rugby at universities by providing fortnightly opportunities for less experienced players in a no-pressure environment.

LONDON UNIVERSITY MERIT LEAGUE KICKING IT

Newton Abbot RFC, The Devon All Whites, with three adult male teams, ladies, girls and every age group in minis and youth, needs to get all of its ageing facilities in good working order to keep everyone involved.

Having committed, in its successful RFU Re Accreditation, to engage even more with its local community to encourage locals to play or volunteer at the club, they formed a great relationship with Pinnacle People, who provide placements for those trying to get back into work.

Keith MacLean Club Chairman said: “They are doing a great job around the club, helping more and more players to be able to

enjoy the rugby experience. We are hoping they will stay involved even after their placement is over.”

Michael Uhlman of Pinnacle People says: “Pinnacle People are an innovative skills and employment provider delivering solutions to help people to gain the skills, experience and support that they need to secure sustainable employment.

“In partnership with Newton Abbot RFC, we are delighted to be supporting local unemployed customers to gain vital work experience and job search support that will help lead them closer to securing a job.”Click here

The RFU has been commended for an innovative approach to managing communications with its staff. In the last year, the organisation launched RFU Connected – a new ‘social intranet’ – which allows the 600-strong employee community to communicate with each other more effectively, sharing documents, news and success stories from around the country.

Built on Microsoft’s latest SharePoint technology and incorporating its own private social media service, the organisation has made a step change in how information is shared internally.

Receiving a commendation in the global Step Two Intranet Innovation Awards 2014, RFU Internal Communications Manager, Toby Jones, said: “Everything we are doing at the moment is focussed on maximising the opportunity of RWC 2015 and giving our staff the right tools to do their jobs more effectively and will ultimately benefit the game for the future.

“It’s great to be recognised for some of the behind-the-scenes work going on and being a global awards scheme, it shows the RFU is up there with the best in how we are doing things.”

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR RWC 2015

PHIL McGOWANThe World Rugby Museum’s Phil McGowan has authored an official publication that takes us on an illustrated tour of the long and illustrious history of Twickenham Stadium. Home of England Rugby. Twickenham is the largest stadium in the world to devoted purely to rugby, the second largest stadium in the UK, and the third largest in Europe.

Phil McGowan, author, sporting and social historian, documents the story of Twickenham Stadium’s history, featuring some of the legendary players that have trodden its hallowed turf, the matches that have taken place, and the history that is woven into the fabric of the ground.

Education and Interpretation Officer at the World Rugby Museum Phil said: “Twickenham Stadium is steeped in history, from its original construction to the legendary players who have had the honour of representing England. There is no question that 2015 will be the greatest Rugby World Cup there has ever been and that Twickenham Stadium, its heritage and sporting legacy, will be its most iconic monument.”

Lavishly illustrated with images and memorabilia from the World Rugby Museum’s archive in full colour, this is a tribute not only to the history of the stadium, but to rugby union itself.

‘Twickenham – The Home of England Rugby’ retails at £20 and is available from the RFU store online and at all major retailers.

‘TWICKENHAM THE HOME OF ENGLAND RUGBY’

NEWTON ABBOT REACH PINNACLE

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: englandrugby.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 RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trade marks of the Rugby Football

Union and are subject to extensive trade mark registration worldwide.

12 TOUCHLINE – NOVEMBER 2014

THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT THE GAME

HANNAH HIRSTBristol University’s Coombe Dingle Sports Complex hosted the annual South-West Freshers’ Festival marking the start of the 16th season of competitions for institutions within the region. Over 400 hundred first-year students involved in 18 men’s and six women’s squads from across the region experienced their first competitive rugby for their respective universities, following pre-season training camps and trials. The quality of play along with team organisation was testament to the effort and structures in place within the clubs involved. Now the challenge will be to develop the huge pool of rugby-playing talent while maintaining numbers keen to be involved.

The women’s competition (run by Universities Development Officer and England World Cup winning Women’s Vice-Captain Sarah Hunter) was played as a touch rugby tournament with many girls in their first competitive games. Squads were entered from the universities of Bath Spa, Bristol and Exeter and from Hartpury College.

The men’s competition was run as five pools with clubs playing against each other on a round-robin basis. Games were refereed by qualified student referees from the Bristol University Society, plus members of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Societies. Yet again officials included the evergreen John Carr and John Masters, both of whom represented Bristol University and Bristol RFC as players back in the day! In addition, Bristol University First Aiders ensured all pitches were covered for medical back-up.

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

Now begins a programme of Grand Prix tournaments and local Merit Table competitions with an event to be hosted by Exeter University. Each of the region’s larger institutions will then host similar events. The Grand Prix series will culminate in Grand Finals Day. After the Christmas and exam period break, competition will resume with local 3G competitions followed by 10s and 7s events.

FRESHERS FROM SOUTH WEST START UNI RUGBY

VERITY WILLIAMSPrince Harry recently joined teachers and student volunteers for a training session to remember at Eccles RFC in Greater Manchester, alongside Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Sarah Hunter.

This was Prince Harry’s second visit in his role as Patron of All Schools, England Rugby’s programme to help more state secondary schools start playing rugby. Launched in September 2012 in partnership with the Rugby Football Foundation, All Schools 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.

The event followed the announcements of 2003 World Cup Winner Jonny Wilkinson as an All Schools ambassador and leading commercial property and real estate services advisor CBRE as Principal Partner of All Schools.

During his visit, Prince Harry took part in a training session with teachers from 12 All Schools in the area including St Patrick’s, St Mary’s and Fred Longworth. He joined teachers as they learnt how to coach safe and effective scrum and tackle techniques and chatted to them about the impact rugby is having in their schools.

Prince Harry also worked with 20 student volunteers from St Patrick’s School training under the All Schools Young Leaders programme. He chatted to them about rugby’s core values and what leadership means to him, before joining them on pitch as they coached younger students from local schools in a rugby festival.

England Women’s Rugby World Cup Winner Sarah Hunter, who was passing on tips and advice to the teachers and young leaders said: “Seeing so many teachers, young leaders and students getting involved in rugby and embracing the core values that make the sport so special has been really rewarding. Rugby is relatively new to them all and yet already they are getting so much out of the sport. I think having Prince Harry here as well has been really exciting for them – it was also great from a personal perspective to meet him today.”

Bill Beaumont, RFU Chairman, said: “It was brilliant to see Prince Harry getting stuck into the action with the teacher training session and chatting to the Young Leaders about what rugby means to him. I think everyone has had a really memorable experience and one that I hope will encourage them to carry on enjoying rugby. Prince Harry is really passionate about the game and that certainly came through.”

All Schools is generously supported by Canterbury as an Official Partner who deliver bespoke kit design workshops for every school in the programme. Gilbert, OPRO, Comic Relief and ICAP also support the programme.

A keen sportsman and rugby fan, Prince Harry is also Vice Patron of the RFU and Patron of the RFU Injured Players Foundation.

For more information about All Schools visit www.englandrugby.com/allschools

PATRON PRINCE TRAINING WITH ALL SCHOOLS