The Official Newspaper of The RFU and RFUW

October 2012Issue 150

1

BMW PERFORMANCE ACADEMYAt BMW’s training academy in Wokefield Park, Stuart Lancaster, alongside Andy Farrell and Rob Andrew, launched the BMW Performance Academy. As part of its new long-term partnership with the RFU, it will ensure the continued development of the next generation of English players.

An initial pool of more than 30 players has been selected by the England coaches from across the existing elite age-grade development programme, through to those close to breaking into the senior squad. The initial group includes Maro Itoje, Anthony Watson, Kyle Sinckler, and Brett Herron who all attended the launch.

Working closely together, their age grade coach, club coach and the player will create an individual development plan, which sets out their personal goals and development areas for the season. For players to progress they need both a team environment and individual coaching – whether that’s skills, fitness or lifestyle choices.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “The BMW

Performance Academy will help equip our promising young players with the skills needed to succeed at the highest level. We’re working hard in conjunction with their club coaches to give them the individual support they need both on and off the pitch as we work towards the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and beyond.”

BMW will be using its expertise from the worlds of business and sport to support England’s young players. For example, it will facilitate knowledge sharing with its array of BMW ambassadors, Olympians, TV personalities and industry leaders to impart knowledge to Academy members on a range of topics, starting with London 2012 gymnast Louis Smith on the art of “Coping with Pressure.”

It will offer members of the new Academy a variety of work experience opportunities across its factories, dealerships and other businesses in the UK, to help deliver wider life skills, as well as adapting relevant modules from its own internal staff training programme.

ENGLAND WOMEN TAKE ON WORLD CHAMPIONS

ENGLAND CONNECTEDDrybrook RFC in Gloucestershire, a club that embodies community rugby, recently played host to the eagerly anticipated Canterbury kit launch. Hundreds of members of the local community and national press turned out to see England captains, Chris Robshaw, Katy McLean, Rob Vickerman and Michaela Staniford, reveal the new England home and change kits.

During a training session with the captains, as well as former Drybrook and England players Natasha Hunt and Danielle Waterman, girls’ and boys’ teams from the club were put through their paces by the players. The juniors made the most of the hands-on advice on technique and training, before picking up some personal memorabilia in the autograph signing session. Drybrook won the chance to host the event by demonstrating what rugby means to their local area.

The England jersey is a huge source of passion and pride for players. The Canterbury kit combines the traditional styling that has been the mark of England Rugby since 1871, together with the technical construction that the company is known for.

The shirt represents the dreams not just of those who wear it but of the millions who support England. The inside of the sleeve of the seniors, women’s and sevens shirts bears the slogan ENGLAND CONNECTED – a real reminder of the rugby family.

To mark the unveiling of the new kit, and its partnership with the RFU, Canterbury also launched its England Is All campaign, featuring a series of iconic images by world renowned English photographer David Bailey. It celebrates the togetherness of all involved in England rugby across the whole game, from coaches to players, backroom staff to RFU officials, fans, and everyone involved in the English rugby community.

Chris Robshaw taking part in the action at Drybrook RFC

England Women take on old rivals France and World Champions New Zealand over four international tests this autumn, with Twickenham Stadium hosting the series finale on December 1st.

England play France on November 3rd at Esher RFC in a one off test match. The two sides were equal last season, each winning two matches but England were victorious at Stade Charlety in Paris and went on to a Six Nations record win. They also beat France in the European Cup Final.

Four-times World Cup winners New Zealand return to England in November to take on England over three matches: on November 23rd at Esher RFC, on November 27th at Aldershot’s Army Rugby Stadium and finally following the QBE International England v New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on December 1st. The last match will be live on Sky Sports 1 HD and there will be free entry following the final whistle of the men’s game.

England last played New Zealand 11 months ago, defeating them twice and drawing in the final clash. England also became the first side ever to nil the world champions and inflict two consecutive defeats on them.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “We are really looking forward to four tough matches in a relatively short period. France are getting stronger all the time, with the incentive of the Rugby World Cup at home in 2014, and this will also be a great opportunity to give some of our younger players a chance to make a statement before the New Zealand tests. New Zealand will certainly be smarting after last year’s results and it’s really important that we improve on our performances from last autumn.”

Julia Hutton

Nicola Marshall

Nicola Marshall

Continued on page 2…

2 Touchline – O C T O B E R 2 01 2

PEARSON JOINS SIX NATIONS

No match floodlights, no verdant pitch, just 110,000 Lady Gaga fans, many in weird and wonderful outfits, declaring they were On the Edge of Glory over the two nights of Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September.

Lady Gaga’s stunningly theatrical shows at Twickenham Stadium at The Born This Way Ball showcased her talent as singer, musician, dancer and pop culture phenomenon. With characteristically colourful language and revealing outfits, this wasn’t one for the faint hearted, but the set was amazing and the performance from the Lady and her dancers wowed the crowd. They were Twickenham’s 17th and 18th concerts, since the first in 2003 featuring the Rolling Stones.

Said Stadium Director Richard Knight, “The set was among the most impressive that we’ve seen. Fans came from far and wide and production company Live Nation, Lady GaGa, and her warm up acts, The Darkness and Lady Starlight, made sure they had a terrific time. The Born This Way Tour added real power to our concert portfolio and we look forward to welcoming more leading artists in the future.”

English referee Dave Pearson has become the first Elite Referee Coach appointed by the Six Nations. He has spent 10 years in the RFU’s Professional Referee Unit, taking charge of over 300 senior games including 29 Tests, and joins the Six Nations this month (October).

Jon Davis, Six Nations Tournament & Operations Director, said: “Dave’s primary role will be to raise the standard and quantity of elite referees across the Six Nations. He will work closely with Donal Courtney (European Rugby Cup Referee Manager) working towards a common philosophy for coaching elite match officials across the Six Nations.”

Dave Pearson said: “Referee coaching is where I always saw myself going after refereeing at the top level and this is the perfect job for me. Although it has perhaps come a little sooner than I had anticipated, I’m extremely excited about taking the new role on and working for the Six Nations.”

RFU Head of Professional Referee Development Ed Morrison said: “While never anticipating Dave Pearson moving from active refereeing at this early stage, the referee coaching role within the Six Nations affords him a wonderful opportunity move to the next stage of his working life. Dave brings with him a wealth of refereeing knowledge, having operated at the highest level of the game for some years. He will be missed by all his colleagues here at the RFU but everyone will join me in wishing him every success in this exciting new role.”

THEY ALL WENT GAGA

SSE HELP CLUBS SAVE MONEY ON ENERGY BILLS

Official Energy Partner of English Rugby and a National Community Partner of the RFU, SSE launched SSE Rugby Energy in September which will see clubs up and down England benefit from a bespoke energy package based on their requirements. SSE Rugby Energy has been developed alongside the RFU and Utility Aid with an understanding that clubs don’t necessarily have the time or resources to monitor energy efficiency or research the best tariffs.

SSE Rugby Energy could save clubs on average between 8%-10%; Utility Aid will negotiate this on behalf of the clubs and secure the best possible energy tariff at the best possible prices. As well as advising individual clubs, Utility Aid will be working to move all the clubs that are on supply with SSE to the same buying cycle over the next three years. This will see clubs strengthen their buying power as a collective and reduce costs further.

SSE will also provide end-to-end energy solutions to help maintain club facilities; from initial monitoring and reporting services, to improvements in power, heating and lighting through using energy efficient equipment.

SSE Club Care will offer carefully engineered solutions to meet the clubs needs and help them become energy efficient.

Steve Grainger, RFU Rugby Development Director, said: “The RFU is committed to helping clubs save money and run cost efficiently. The partnership with SSE is helping to achieve this goal, firstly by identifying what clubs need and then delivering the most prevalent – saving on energy costs – through SSE Rugby Energy. We are confident that SSE Rugby Energy will help clubs make real savings that importantly, can be invested back into the community game which is a central priority for the Union.”

Every club that signs up to SSE Rugby Energy via Utility Aid will be entered into a monthly prize draw to win training kit, match balls and more. Plus for the first 10 that sign up, SSE is also offering a free energy audit which will provide guidance on how clubs can save money and become more energy efficient.

Based on the success of the reward scheme SSE Rugby ran for clubs last year, everyone who registers with www.SSErugby.com will have the chance to win even more rugby rewards, like England tickets and signed shirts.

Nicol McClelland

ENGLAND WOMEN TAKE ON WORLD CHAMPIONSContinued from page 1…

The England Sevens team will also compete in international sevens tournaments in Spain, France and Dubai and Street acknowledges, “We will be juggling the XVs and sevens programmes, especially with the IRB Series in Dubai clashing with our final game against New Zealand at Twickenham. We are, however, really confident that the work done over the last couple of years has really given us strength in depth.”

Tickets for England’s Autumn International Series www.ticketmaster.co.uk

England Women Autumn International Series: Nov 3, 2012 – England v France – Esher RFC – KO 6pm Nov 23, 2012 – England v New Zealand – Esher RFC – KO 7.30pm Nov 27, 2012 – England v New Zealand – Aldershot Army Rugby Stadium – KO 7.30pm Tickets www.ticketmaster.co.ukFree entry after men’s final whistle – England v New Zealand – Twickenham Stadium – KO 5pm (Live on Sky Sports 1HD)

It’s three years until Rugby World Cup kicks off in England. The 2015 tournament promises to be the biggest and best to date with over 2million tickets on sale and over 400,000 visitors expected from overseas. To sign up for all the latest news and details on tickets and how to volunteer join The Front Row, the official RWC 2015 ezine, at www.rugbyworldcup.com/signup/

Twickenham – three years to go

3O C T O B E R 2012 – Touchline

WETHERBY RFC EXPANSION COMMUNITY BOOST

CHANGES FOR NATIONAL U20 COMPETITION

ENGLAND WOMEN IN INAUGURAL SEVENS SERIES

This season sees the National U20 Competition change to embrace the Championship and the Shield. Pool matches will be played to determine quarter and subsequently semi-finalists, instead of the semi-finalists being decided by regional organisers.

Organised by the RFU Tournaments &

Competitions Department, matches will be played in reserve weeks and the changes will ensure that Constituent Bodies can enter an appropriate level of competition, with meaningful competition and player welfare the key focus. Players in CBs with a high proportion of National Clubs Association clubs should play fewer games

at CB level due to the number of high intensity games they are involved in at club level.

The Championship and Shield will each have a pool and the knock-out stage, the latter comprising four quarter-final matches, two semi-final matches and a final. Quarter-final matches will be played on

7th April 2013. The semi-final matches will be an open draw and played on 21st April, with the final matches on the weekend of 4th May 2013.

Details of pools and dates are available on rfu.com through the Fixtures and Results page.

Wetherby RUFC has been awarded a grant of £99,950 by the RFU towards the cost of creating six new changing rooms and refurbishing the clubhouse at the club’s Grange Park headquarters. The total project cost is £660,000, with the RFU component in line with the Union’s 09-13 Whole Sport Plan and its contribution to Sport England’s Strategic Outcomes of Grow, Sustain and Excel.

While the enhancement of the facilities at Grange Park represents a major step forward for the Yorkshire Division Four club, the terms of the financial package are conditional upon the bricks-and-mortar element leading to a measured increase in participation across

the rugby spectrum. The target for new male members aged 16 and above over the next four years is an increase of 78 to 180, the creation of an Under 13/18 female section of 30 players and an increase of 30 coaches, volunteers and referees.

Said Grange Park Chairman Roger Stocker: “We have had enormous help from Ted Mitchell, the RFU Funding & Facilities Manager for the North, and, closer to home, from Alex Bowden, the RFU Rugby Development Officer for Central Yorkshire. Their guidance has helped us to acquire grants in excess of £300,000 from other bodies and the new development will make a fantastic difference to the community.

“While it is only three years since we first

sat down with Ted and Alex to discuss our ambitions, it seems a long time ago now that they were pointing us in the right direction. It’s hard to believe that in a little over six months we will have a new clubhouse. It’s great that the RFU took the lead and helped drive this through for everyone at Wetherby RUFC and our partners Kirk Deighton Rangers Rangers JFC and Wetherby cricket club.”

Nor is the clubhouse development the only expansion project. Far from it. Chairman Stocker recently signed off a contract that will increase the overall acreage at Grange Park Sports Club, from 13 to over 30 acres. That will provide the clubs with enough land for 12 pitches, the beauty of the terrain being that much of the new land needs no more than a

spot of feed and a mower running over it to become a playable rugby/soccer pitch.

“We were running out of space for our junior rugby and relying on bar profits to finance running costs and development was no longer viable. We needed to embrace a multi-sport operation that would enable us to draw down support from other sports to go ahead with the new clubhouse. Now we have the land to expand and the scope to offer an even better sporting facility to the whole community. Young people need to try lots of sports and if they come to Grange Park we can provide that option and cater for a learning process that will give them the chance to discover what they are good at and what they enjoy.”

The England Women’s Sevens squad will be competing in the newly announced IRB Women’s Sevens World Series to take place in four global destinations: Dubai, Houston, Guangzhou (China), and Amsterdam. The series sees each 12-team event feature six core teams, of which England is one, and six teams invited based on regional tournament rankings. The other core teams are: Australia, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand and USA.

Said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset, “For the past 13 years the top sevens athletes in the men’s game have competed in a world sevens environment and now all women players can aspire to compete at the same level.”

Julia Hutton

Tony Simpson

Guy Fawkes Night is a time when many rugby clubs host organised firework and bonfire displays and while these are great fund raising events, they also pose significant health and safety risks. Minimising those risks, to ensure a fun and safe time is had by all, means taking sensible precautions, including:• Carrying out a thorough risk assessment to

identify hazards to employees, volunteers, members and others involved or attending the event

• Making sure adequate first aid facilities can be provided and giving the emergency services details of the event, including details of emergency vehicle access

• Putting in place plans for spectator control – including controlling entrances (preferably via a ticketing system), insisting children under 18 are accompanied by an adult and providing at least one steward per 250 guests

• Ensuring the bonfire is a manageable size and built at least 50m clear of buildings, overhead cables, trees and long grass; never using

accelerant to light the fire and ensuring a water supply is easily available

• Only buying fireworks marked BS 7114 – this is the British Standard that all fireworks should meet. Even then, ensuring they are inspected prior to use and handled only by designated members or ideally, engaging a specialist contractor to manage the display. The most important action of all is to always

notify your insurance broker or provider that you are hosting an event and they will help manage your insurance programme for you.

Marsh is the official insurance broker to the RFU and has developed insurance policies specifically to cover your rugby club’s needs. To find out more please call Marsh on 01444 335392 or visit www.rfu.com/ManagingRugby/Insurance.

Marsh Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for insurance mediation activities only.

© Copyright 2012 Marsh Ltd. All rights reserved

REMEMBER, REMEMBER 5TH NOVEMBER

4 Touchline – O C T O B E R 2 01 2

LANCASTER IMPRESSED

NEW COACHING TEAM AT WEDNESBURYSale Sharks spread their coaching net into Cumbria when

Tom Brady and Henry Thomas joined in a three-day Land Rover sponsored coaching programme at Kirkby Lonsdale. The camp attracted 60 youngsters and with support from the Sharks coaching team and the Cumbria Community Rugby Coaches was pronounced a great success.

Two Kirkby youngsters especially pleased with the Sale input were Jamie Simpson and Frank Konczynski, awarded places at a Premiership Rugby Academy for them and a friend, courtesy of Land Rover. Both won their prize in recognition for their involvement as volunteers at Kirkby Lonsdale RFC and they will now have the opportunity to be coached by professional Premiership Rugby players and coaches.

Said Jamie: “It’s great to have been chosen and it’s

going to be amazing to be coached by some of the Premiership players I watch on the TV. I’m sure I’ll learn some new skills!”

Laura Schwab, Marketing Director of Land Rover UK, said: “We are delighted to offer places on Premiership Rugby Academies to children involved in Premiership Rugby’s community coaching programmes. The Academies allow these children unique access to be coached by top players and we are proud to offer young aspiring rugby players the chance to attend them.”

Land Rover are Official Sponsor to Premiership Rugby Academies, there are over 200 courses countrywide throughout the year and in 2011 over 180 professional players attended camps to answer questions and pass on expert advice to the young players of the future.

Wednesbury RUFC have high hopes for the season, having appointed a new coaching team. Head coach Adam Blackford is joined by backs coach Tom Huggins and team manager Matt Hardcastle.

Adam’s playing career, cut short by injury, included nine years as a first team player with Dudley Kingswinford. He also played for North Midlands at under 16, 17 and 18 and is an RFU level three coach, RFU coach developer and is head coach of Dudley MBC. He has also coached Wolverhampton University, Kings Edwards College and been the Black Country U14/15 Director of Rugby.

Tom also joins from Dudley Kingswinford, where he played for a number of years from junior to first team, as well as playing for Hereford & Worcester Colts and North Midlands Colts. He has an HND in sports coaching and management and is an RFU level two coach. He has been an RFU Community Rugby Coach for the past three years and coached the Black Country U14/15. Matt is a Wednesbury player of long standing and is stepping up to team management.

Said Adam, “With Tom and Matt I’ll be looking to develop our existing players, attract new ones and hopefully help Wednesbury’s league status. It is a great club, very much at the heart of the local community, and we would welcome newcomers of every level for what promises to be a very exciting season.”

For further information contact Adam on AdamBlackford@rfu.com or 07718 706578

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster recently visited Malton & Norton RFC, officially opening a new £340,000 clubhouse redevelopment and watching his son Dan take part in an inter-club coaching/training session.

“I was very impressed with the changes that have been achieved with support from the RFU and the other agencies,” said Lancaster. “When this kind of development is driven by the success of the junior section, it’s all the more satisfying, especially for the club volunteers who are obviously doing a great job for the club and the community.”

The new clubhouse work has created four en-suite rooms and space to extend the kitchen area, with a referees’ changing room included in the scheme, all built to the latest RFU/Sport England specifications. The funding package included an RFU grant of £85,000 and a Rugby Football Foundation loan of £100,000. Sport England supported the project by contributing £50,000 from the Inspired Facilities Olympic Legacy fund and local backing came from Ryedale District Council (£25,000) and The Earl Fitzwilliam Charitable Trust (£2,000).

An expanding junior section was the catalyst for the redevelopment and the junior element was prominent in the opening celebrations, with a special practice session involving Malton & Norton U12s and West Park Leeds U12s as well as a host of other activities involving young boys and girls.

“We thought that an inter-club coaching get-together would typify exactly why the club needed the new facility and represent the value we place on that section of the club” said David Asquith, Malton & Norton Mini & Junior Chairman. “We had Under 12s training along with all the other mini age groups, an East Yorkshire Girls Cluster Development session, an Under 16 Yorkshire Cup fixture and both Junior and Senior Colts playing at the club on that day.”

Tony Simpson

LAND ROVER LEND A HAND AT KIRKBY LONSDALE Tony Simpson

5O C T O B E R 2012 – Touchline

Mosborough RFC from South Yorkshire have no excuse for not being the smartest team in Yorkshire Division Four this season after taking delivery of new laundry equipment and a new storage facility to house the washer and dryer they won in a competition involving the RFU and AEG.

Thanks to the Coal Board Regeneration Trust and the RFU, Mosborough were able to take delivery of their new storage and laundry unit, which is has become an important addition to their headquarters at Mosborough Miners Welfare.

Rapid expansion in recent seasons, particularly the junior section, had stretched the club’s storage capacity to the limit and the arrival of the new laundry equipment meant that the new unit was a crucial addition to the club’s capability to handle the weekly needs of four senior and six junior teams. And if you fancy turning out in the freshest and smartest strip at either junior or senior level, Les Newman on 07974 377687 or Mick Addey on 07875 109198 are the people to get in touch with.

LANCASHIRE RUGBY TUNES IN TO HOSPICE PROJECT

CLEAN MACHINE MAKES MOSBOROUGH SHINE

ALNWICK BUOYED BY COMMUNITY SUPPORT

KENT COACH GETS ALL BLACK CAP 23 YEARS ONKent County RFU’s latest step in their playing and coaching development programme was an exciting summer tour to New Zealand during which a young squad and three county coaches were tutored by Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry.

The squad, with an average age of 21, won all their four matches but the main aim of the trip was to sample and learn from the cultural and rugby ethos of New Zealand. Players were billeted with local families for some of the tour and on other occasions were together in a Maori hostel in Auckland and at a school in Oamaru, North Otago.

County coaches Chris Wilkins (Kent Player Development Manager), John Gallagher and Taff Gwilliam planned meticulously for a tour that included Henry’s coaching session in Auckland, a visit to the city’s Eden Park stadium, attending two Super Rugby matches in Auckland and Christchurch and a presentation and discussion by Jamie Hamilton and Robbie Fruean of the Crusaders.

In Wellington the coaches also attended a full Hurricanes training session with coach Mark Hammett and All Black scrum coach Mike Cron as well as an Under 16 Development session coached by former internationals Dave Loveridge and Steve Bachop.

At his old club Oriental-Rongotai in Wellington, former New Zealand full back Gallagher – now headmaster at Colfe’s Preparatory School in south-east London – was presented with an All Black cap that has been waiting since his last rugby union Test appearance 23 years ago.

David Corry, chairman of Club Kent and outgoing county president, said: “We were enthusiastically received everywhere we went, establishing firm links with the clubs we played as well as places where we trained such as Christchurch Boys’ High School and Waitiki High School, Oamaru. The tour featured on national TV and in the New Zealand national and local press.”

All the players received constructive feedback from the coaching team, development points were emphasised and all their club coaches were kept informed. Corry said: “The coaching team of Chris Wilkins, John Gallagher and Taff Gwilliam were outstanding and the players responded magnificently both on the field and off where they were widely praised by all our hosts. They have been a credit to the County.”

Kent Development Squad results, summer 2012 tour: Won v Auckland Marist 38-10, Oriental Rangotai 39-10, Geraldine 29-10 and North Otago 30-29.

Tony Simpson

Rugby union in Lancashire has been supporting the Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley for a few years and one of the stalwarts of that connection, Fylde Director of Rugby Mark Nelson, is currently helping to drive a fund-raising project to be staged at the Municipal Theatre in Colne.

The event, entitled Songs from the Neighbourhood 2 following a successful pilot last year, will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2012 and is a nine-hour production involving musicians with close links with East Lancashire.

Pendleside Hospice in Reedley will share the proceeds with Derian House, with all the entertainers performing voluntarily to support the two charities.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for associate (£100) and main sponsorship (£750), with tickets priced at £10 going on sale in late September from the Municipal Theatre box office. Further information from Mark Nelson at mark.nelson@fylderugby.co.uk or on 07736 427111, facebook at f/sftnlive and website on www.sftnlive.co.uk

Tony Simpson

Alnwick RFC’s recent events at Greensfield underlined the strength of the bond which exists between the rugby fraternity and the town. It took a combination of ambitious plans to expand their operation to accommodate a burgeoning girls and women’s section with a natural catastrophe inflicted by unprecedented heavy rain to provide the mechanism that allowed the community and club to unite in an extraordinary fashion.

The deluge which submerged parts of the club added real weight to the need for a major fund raising effort and it was all hands to the pumps in a quite literal sense at one stage as the restoration and expansion project got under way.

Given the need for a spot of good, old-fashioned ‘showbiz’, an attempt on one of the many rugby achievements contained in the Guinness Book of Records became the event to give Alnwick celebrity status. The challenge was to secure the most goal kicks achieved by a 15-man team in 12 hours, an entry previously held by a Braintree RFC Under 15 team, who set the benchmark 10 years ago with a very creditable 1,782 successes. Alnwick, however, managed a mighty 3,501 tally in less than 12 hours and they are now awaiting verification from the Guinness people.

That successful effort laid the foundation for another major event later in the day when the 77 lots in a charity auction made a massive £26,000, which allied to a very healthy sale of bricks for the extensions took the tally for the day to beyond £40,000 and the overall total to £65,000. The ultimate target to complete the re-furbishments is £85,000 and with the local farming community being encouraged to donate a bucket scoop of grain and a lamb, indications point to the target soon being reached.

Penny Stewart, Chairman of the project committee, said: “It was an incredible day and the lads did a fantastic job in the world-record attempt. We had around 300 people at the club in the evening and we’ve been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.”

Hugh Godwin

6 Touchline – O C T O B E R 2 01 2

Old Halesonians were recently presented with a defibrillator by the grandfather of Luke Chapman, a talented 15 year old from the club, who died playing for his school, Haybridge HS, in March. The defibrillator was donated by The Hearts of England Association and presented by Alan Chapman, a member of the organisation. Club coaches and first aiders will be trained to use the equipment, kept at Old Halesonians’ Wassell Grove headquarters.

“After the tragic loss of Luke we all became aware of the need for more research into young sudden cardiac death,” said John Wragg, chairman of Old Halesonians’ Mini & Juniors section.

The club’s Mini & Juniors have also donated £500 to the Luke Chapman Fund from recent fund-raising events. Further fund-raising is planned with Haybridge HS staging an inaugural Luke Chapman Memorial Under 16s tournament involving seven other local schools. Old Halesonians are also hosting an annual Under 16s tournament next March. So far fund-raising for the Luke

Chapman Memorial Fund has raised around £10,000. The money will be divided between local charitable causes and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

CRY was founded in 1995 to raise awareness of the conditions that can cause young sudden cardiac death and works with expert cardiologists to help prevent the incidence of young cardiac death, primarily through its pioneering screening programme. CRY works with leading bodies such as the RFU, FA and LTA to ensure that screening is widely accessible to high endurance sportspeople and, over the past five years, has screened more than 1,000 elite athletes.

In the surrounding area, The Hearts of England Association have also donated defibrillators to Halesowen Cycle and Athletics Club and Moseley RFC. The Association is a West Midlands Charity run by a small team of volunteers and their supporters raising money to support specific projects identified by the cardiology departments of our local hospitals. Over the past 12 years they have donated £220,000 for the benefit of cardiac patients, nursing and medical staff.

Gloucester full back Rob Cook has agreed to lead training sessions for Malvern RFC this season. Liam Hughes who became Director of Rugby at Spring Lane this season said “We’ve known Rob since his days at Worcester University, from where he went on to play at Nuneaton, then made his mark at Cornish Pirates for three years, scoring over 1000 points in the RFU Championship. Rob went to Kingsholm this season and has already featured in the Aviva Premiership. He will bring considerable experience and an added dimension to coaching the squad.”

COOK SPICES UP MALVERN COACHING MENU

HEARTS OF ENGLAND HELP LUKE’S CLUB

Paul Bolton

Old Streetonians recently teamed up with BuyMyFace.com, an innovative advertising movement, in an effort to recruit new players. Started by two young graduates with student debt, BuyMyFace.com uses their faces as online billboards.

Old Street sent them, faces painted, to the Premiership double-headers at Twickenham. Budding entrepreneur Ross Harper, co-founder of BuyMyFace.com said, “BuyMyFace.com has taken us to some weird and wonderful places but watching the matches at Twickenham has to be one of the highlights.”

FACE OFF AT TWICKENHAM

Toby Perkins, the Labour MP for Chesterfield, swapped his business suit for a tracksuit when he helped to coach Chesterfield Panthers RFC’s Under 15 side recently. Perkins, a former Chesterfield player, lists sport and youth involvement among his political interests and was back at his old club to help assist the youth coaches with the training session.

“It’s great to see so many young people getting involved in the sport they love. Clubs like the Panthers are an important part of the Chesterfield community and have so much to offer young people,” Perkins said. “I have a lot of admiration for the coaches who give up their free time to inspire the young people in our town and I wish

them all the best for the new season.”The training session followed a visit by Perkins to Chesterfield’s

new ground development at Dunston. The £1.9 million project will see the creation of Chesterfield’s first multi-use floodlit training facility comprising three rugby pitches, a gym, games area and multi-sport training pitch.

“There is no doubt that the facilities being developed in Dunston will be a coup for sport in Chesterfield,” Perkins said. “I hope they help to encourage a new generation of people to become involved in sport and help the sports clubs in Chesterfield to thrive in the spotlight of the Olympic legacy.”

MP TURNS COACH

SALOPIAN COACHES BACK IN COLLEGE

7O C T O B E R 2012 – Touchline

More than 70 coaches attended the inaugural S12 Shropshire Coaching Conference held at Harper Adams University College near Newport, where Paul Westgate, England Students head coach, was key note speaker and all but two of Shropshire’s 12 clubs – hence the title’s S12 – were represented.

Young players in four age groups from the Newport, Shrewsbury and Telford Hornets clubs were at the conference and said Shropshire RDO Simon Hincks, “We believe this is an important building block for bigger and better things in Shropshire rugby. Next year we hope that coaches from neighbouring Constituent Bodies will attend because everyone felt that it was a useful and enjoyable event. The players from the age group teams who attended worked very hard and also enjoyed the day.”

Other sessions at the conference were delivered by Martyn Longhurst, a North Midlands youth coach, local Community Rugby Coaches Adam Blackford and Scott Sturdy, Simon Hincks and Darren Gourley, the RFU Regional Talent ID & Development Officer.

The conference was organised and delivered by the Shropshire Rugby Development Group and sponsored by Wace Morgan Solicitors and sports clothing and equipment suppliers Sportsjam. Thanks to the generosity of the sponsors all 72 delegates were given a memory stick of the conference presentations and a T-shirt.

Nicol McClelland

FLANKER LIGHTS BRISTOL FIRES

Paul Bolton

SHARK IN CLASSThis term, Sharks Community Trust has started the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme in the Salford area. The Aviva sponsored programme develops grassroots rugby in schools and teaches tag rugby to Year 3 students. And Sharky is now top of the class!

When Bristol Rugby’s James Merriman isn’t making his mark in the RFU Championship, the flanker is helping his father Andrew to run their successful firewood business – Hopshill Firewood – in Saundersfoot.

Born and bred in Wales, 28-year-old Merriman has captained Wales U21 and featured in the sevens team that won the 2009 Rugby World Cup sevens. So how does the flanker manage his family business and rugby commitments?

“My dad looks after the day-to-day business when I’m in Bristol. He’s good at talking to people and selling, whereas I’m the hands-on man. I’ll go back on a Wednesday afternoon after training and help with processing the logs. It’s important to make sure there is always enough wood in stock.”

As with most professional sportsmen, Merriman recognises the importance of having a skill outside his sport, saying:

“I’ve invested some of my savings into the business in the hope that when I finish my rugby career, I’ll have something to go back to.”

On top of qualifying for chainsaw certificates in tree-felling, and being a full-time player for Bristol Rugby, Merriman and his father also provide tree care during the summer months.

“Demand is highest from September to March,” he said. “That’s when people require logs. The rising price of oil and electricity means that a lot more are installing log burners – which is great for us! We’ve gone from a cow shed to having purpose built sheds and machinery to cope with demand. We’re definitely moving in the right direction.”

To find out more about James’ company Hopshill Firewood visit the website at www.hopshillfirewood.co.uk or follow them on Twitter at @HopshillLogs.

TAKING THE CAKEWe would like to apologise for retitling the Beccles team the Eccles team in last month’s Touchline. The editor was on a sugar low!

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Mansfield continue to set high standards in volunteer service having passed their Investors in People review with flying colours.

Mansfield, who were the first amateur sports club in the country to become an Investors in People organisation back in 2000, have continued to set such high standards that they are now being used as a case study for IiP marketing. Mansfield are now working with working with an Investors in People Specialist from emb-x, the organisation that delivers the Investors in People service for Central England.

“Being an Investors in People organisation has reinforced our commitment to strong leadership, communication and good business practice” said Mansfield chairman Andy Foster.

“If someone feels that what they are doing is worthwhile, they are much more willing to contribute and to contribute with a happy demeanour. Our volunteers are very passionate about what they do and it is our job to fuel that passion.”

Mansfield have 56 volunteers filling 93 positions in the club’s organisation. “So you can see that some of us have more than one job,” says Andy.

Mansfield’s recent successes include successfully staging the annual club barbecue which was attended by more than 2,000 people despite miserable weather.

“The annual event is a massive night for the club and it’s all hands to the pump. Over 100 volunteers helped us on the night and in clearing up afterwards,” Foster said.

“The amount raised from the barbecue will take a while to be finalised and although the wet weather means it will be less than last year, it all helps. We really do have a great team here – players and non-players.”

Investors in People, which was launched in 1991, is the UK’s leading people management standard. It specialises in transforming business performance through people.

“We felt Investors in People as an industry standard of excellence would be the perfect vehicle for us to show our sponsors, supporters and members that we are serious about rugby in Mansfield. This highlights our belief that the club deserves to be managed in a manner that should always seek to provide the best possible facilities, training and coaching that we can,” Foster said.

“It has given us the credibility that we felt we needed – especially when applying for funding.

“One of the first things that Sport England, the RFU or any funding body looks at is how, as a club, you provide a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play rugby at all levels. Investors in People reinforces our commitment to delivering that.”

When RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie made his first fact-finding trip to the North West, Didsbury Toc H RFC was one of the clubs he visited and excited talk at the time was of ambitious plans to expand the operation.

That project has now received the green light from all the agencies involved, after initial work by the rugby club in conjunction with Ted Mitchell, the RFU Funding & Facilities Manager for the North and Phil Clarke, RDO for the City of Manchester.

In addition to Toc H RFC, the new development will also benefit football and cricket, with the Football Foundation and the England & Wales Cricket Board in partnership with Sport England, the Environment Agency and Manchester City Council all making major contributions to the project, which will create the new Didsbury Playing Fields Association sports hub.

The new sports pavilion will comprise ten new FA & RFU standard changing rooms, plus two further refurbished changing rooms, along with a new changing room for referees, introducing disabled access, a refurbished club room, lounge and bar and catering facilities.

“The Rugby Football Union has been a partner in a number of multi-sport projects and this collaboration is especially pleasing in that it had its origins in an approach by Didsbury Toc H RFC,” said Ted Mitchell, the RFU Funding & Facilities Manager for the North. “While the RFU has contributed significantly to the overall funding of the project, perhaps more important was the support we were able to provide in helping to create a successful partnership which will now benefit a range of sports and the Didsbury community as a whole. Construction work is scheduled to begin this Autumn and should be completed by Spring 2013.”

MANSFIELD A SHINING EXAMPLE

The Yorkshire contingency of the RFU Championship – Doncaster, Leeds and Rotherham – recently unveiled the Yorkshire Regiment Trophy, now contested between them as part of the RFU Championship season.

Supported by the Yorkshire Regiment, who kindly donated the trophy, it will be won by the team recording the most wins over their Yorkshire counterparts. Speaking at Cliffords Tower in York, hosted of the Yorkshire Regiment Trophy launch, Doncaster Knights captain Matt Challinor said: “I’m from Rotherham and have played for Leeds, Rotherham and now Doncaster, so the Yorkshire Regiment Trophy is of particular importance to me. It’s great to see the county celebrating having three teams in the RFU Championship which should encourage people to come along to the games.”

The Yorkshire Regiment Trophy kicked off at Stuart Lancaster’s former club, with Leeds Carnegie facing Doncaster Knights at Headingly. Said Stuart, “The Yorkshire Regiment Trophy is another fantastic way of recognising the strength of rugby in the North, and in the RFU Championship. The quality of rugby on show in the second tier is advancing year on year – no more so than we’ve seen this season – and the introduction of the Yorkshire Regiment Trophy should definitely add some extra competitive rivalry between the Yorkshire contingency. I’m very proud of my Yorkshire connections so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the competition.”

GREEN LIGHT FOR EXPANSION

NEW TROPHY FOR NORTH CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS

Tony Simpson

Nicol McClelland

9O C T O B E R 2012 – Touchline

BCA, based in Maidenhead, recently joined forces with Aviva Premiership club London Irish to give youth rugby players the opportunity to combine education and rugby.

The college timetable allows students to maximise their time both in and out of the classroom and the course aims to develop players both physically and academically, while encouraging players to continue representing their regular club teams.

Successful applicants need to be accepted onto a Level 2 or 3 Sport or Public Services course and the programme can offer: daily rugby sessions with a highly qualified coaching team; competitive fixtures in a variety of competitions; support from and player links with a professional premiership rugby club; an individual programme and nutritional advice; regular strength and conditioning sessions; a dedicated tutor for the duration and a London Irish kit package.

Students can live on site or for those choosing to travel from home every day, BCA runs an extensive transport network stretching over five counties, making it easy come to college every day.

If you would like to apply, book a presentation for your school or club, or be provided with more information, then please contact Dean Rogers on 01682 827598 or email drogers@bca.ac.uk.

BCA COMBINING RUGBY & EDUCATION

GIRLS TEAM AT HIGH WYCOMBE JOINT EFFORT

After summer taster sessions, a group of girls arrived at High Wycombe rugby club, where they are keen to create a girls’ team to allow those introduced to rugby at school to play at the club and eventually to start a senior women’s team.

The initiative began thanks to parent power, with Adrian and Elaine Black, whose daughter is a student at the Sir William Ramsay School, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, having to drive to Reading so that their daughter Megan Wallace could play club rugby. They approached the school’s PE teacher Kelly Swift to see if a squad could be established at High Wycombe.

Soon Kelly and two PE department colleagues, Emma Le Count and Steven Bryant, were coaching the girls each week, with Adrian, supported by Elaine, becoming the U15 girls’ manager.

The numbers at training are increasing weekly and there are hopes

to play some initial friendly matches soon and subsequently to enter a league and have squads across other age groups. They would also like to start a competition for girls at local schools, with the club hosting the finals.

They already have one girl who plays for the county and those new to the sport are really enjoying their rugby. Says Kelly Swift, “There was a clear need for girls to be offered a nearby club team once they had experienced rugby at school. The emerging squad are very keen and great to coach and we are hoping to attract more girls to play regular matches.”

Training takes place every week at 7pm every Wednesday at High Wycombe club. For more information contact: Adrian Black on 07703 721576.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF ON THE WIRRALAfter years of planning and fundraising, rebuilding work was recently completed on changing facilities at the Old Parkonians Association – home to Oxton Parkonians RUFC and the Old Parkonians Cricket Club.

Based in Birkenhead on the Wirral, the Association was founded in 1928 by the late H. Martin Curphey, after whom the ground is named. Oxton Parkonians play their senior rugby in South Lancashire/Cheshire Division 3 and have a thriving junior section.

The Association took specialist advice on fundraising, which resulted in £50,000 as an interest free loan from the RFU and a £50,000 grant from Biffa, based on landfill taxes that are used to assist community based projects. Work by local firm, Wirral Builders, began last March and was completed on time in July.

The original 1960s changing rooms were replaced with 21st Century facilities meeting RFU and Sport England standards. Details of the work, plans and photographs showing the development from start to finish can be seen on the Association’s web site at www.oldparkonians.org.uk/development.

Last month (September) saw the facilities opened with guests including the oldest Parkonian, Cliff Crozier, aged 97. Oxton Parkonians were also celebrating their recent award of RFU Club Accreditation. The Association aims to give players of all abilities the chance to learn rugby and cricket and to progress to the best of their individual ability. Some 150 local youngsters turn out every Sunday, many eventually making the transition to senior rugby.

Said Richie Beckett, Chairman of Rugby “A great deal of hard work by our volunteers has all been worth it now that we have both the facilities and accreditation status that the club merits. Our club is a central part of the community and we are very lucky to have local sponsors who ensure that as many as possible can enjoy sport in their own neighbourhood.”

Visit oldparkonians.org.uk for more information.

INSURANCE BROKERS & CLUB PUT FAMILIES FIRSTCastleford RUFC have been helped by the generosity of an old Pontefract family company. Donald Schofield (Pontefract) Insurance Brokers, have helped the club to buy new kit for their ever-growing and successful Under 17 boys’ rugby squad. This comes at a time when the club are investing in their youth players by helping them in their rugby coaching careers.

The new sponsors have been treated to great performances thus far and said partners in their family firm, David and Paul Schofield, “These are very exciting times for the club. There is a real buzz about the place and everyone is committed to moving things forward. We wanted to do our bit to help out when we found that they’d grown out of the last shirts. The club puts family at the top of their priority list and that fits nicely with our business ethos. It’s a great match in every sense.”

Mike Connell, Castleford RUFC’s Hon Treasurer added, “Like David and Paul, we want to make a positive contribution to the future of the local area and investment like this helps us build a firm base from which we can get local players coming through the junior ranks.”

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LANCASTER AT CLIFTON COLLEGE FOR HISTORIC INTER-SCHOOL FIXTURE

RFU’S BEST HELP DEVELOP NAVY’S REFEREESAt their recent start of the season development day, the Royal Navy Referees welcomed Luke Pearce and Paul Bridgeman to the busy Naval Air Station at Yeovilton. Luke, with his international and Aviva Premiership experience, is used to blocking out background noise of vociferous crowds so the constant drone of helicopter operations proved little distraction as he worked with the referees on greater understanding of the tackle and ruck. Using both theoretical and practical exercises proved a great success, prompting lively debate throughout the day’s programme.

The second session looked at consistency of interpretation when seeing foul play. With the RFU’s current trial on extending the powers of the Television Match Official, the Navy referees were afforded the opportunity of being in the TMO hot seat. They discovered that, even with video technology, reaching accurate decisions quickly is not easy.

The final session brought questions and answers where Paul Bridgeman’s wide experience helped the referees understand both the art and the science of officiating and hopefully ensure that decisions will remain appropriate to the game being managed.

Navy Referees’ Chairman, Cdr Andy Cole, presented the Society’s two annual awards, the first to Referee Newcomer of the Year, Steve Overvoode, the second to Ian Seaton who received the Admiral Royds Trophy as the Navy’s Referee of the Year. Ian’s excellent performances on the field included refereeing the Navy Cup Final between HMS Seahawk and HMS Sultan. The trophy is named after former RFU President Admiral Sir Percy Royds, who also authored the book “History of the Laws of the Game’

Said one experienced referee, “This was the most educational Training Day that I have attended. Luke and Paul were both excellent and honest. The many debates certainly gave us plenty of food for thought and the sessions provided some very lively exchanges!”

The latest chapter in what is claimed to be the oldest inter-school fixture in English rugby was written as teams from Clifton College and Marlborough College locked horns for the right to lift the Governor’s Cup.

England Rugby head coach, Stuart Lancaster, was guest of honour at the event on the Close at Clifton College, where a series of rugby and hockey matches celebrated Clifton’s 150th anniversary.

Despite winning the last four matches between the sides, Clifton lost 5-13 to Marlborough College in the Governor’s Cup, which is played between the 1st XVs of the Upper Schools.

In other matches, the Old Cliftonians were presented with the OC v OM Cup by Stuart after beating the Marlborough Malones, and Cheltenham Junior School won the Colleges’ Cup, said to be the oldest inter-school English junior rugby fixture, after beating Clifton Prep School 32-14.

The Governor’s Cup was first played in 1864 – the year Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge was opened – with the match ending in a brawl, but this year’s match was a far more friendly affair. In front of 3,000 spectators Marlborough scored two tries through Jack Bradby and Hugo Harris, but Clifton rallied late on and pressed hard for a score, Ben Gomples finally breaching the Marlborough following a lineout.

A number of distinguished guests including Rugby Football Union Vice President, Bob Reeves, and ITV Sports Editor and Clifton College old boy, Steve Scott attended the day, with the Governor’s Cup match officiated by Rugby World Cup referee, Tony Spreadbury.

Northampton Saints have established an exciting partnership with Samuel Whitbread Academy in Bedfordshire to launch the Northampton Saints Rugby Development School for post-16 students. Talented young rugby players will now be enabled to combine dedicated study with a chance to further enhance their ability in the sport.

The concept was created by former Bedford Blues player Rich Candlin who approached Ross Stewart, Elite Player Development Manager at Saints. Candlin, now head of P.E. at Samuel Whitbread Academy, says, “We offer students a chance to complete three A-levels from a wide range of subjects at the biggest sixth form in the area, alongside five hours of timetabled rugby a week. This is a great opportunity for students to continue their academic development whilst at the same time embarking on a designated programme of rugby delivered by top-level coaches.”

As part of the project, Level 3 coach and current Bedford Blues player Ben Gulliver has been recruited by the school as head coach, and with specialist skills sessions in strength and conditioning, nutrition and sports psychology run by Northampton staff, the scheme seeks to deliver training from the top.

The project not only focuses on talented sixth form rugby players but aims to build the sport in the community. Rugby is planned throughout the Bedfordshire East Schools Trust with Saints coaches overseeing tag rugby sessions and tournaments in all Lower Schools and Ben Gulliver offering specialist coaching across middle schools. In addition, the school will link with Biggleswade RUFC as a pathway to senior rugby and coach education.

SAINTS HELP SECURE ALL ROUND EDUCATION

TRIATHLON EFFORT FOR INJURED PLAYERSTwo RFU Community Rugby Coaches recently took part in their first triathlon recently to raise money for the RFU Injured Players Foundation. Ant Collins and Dan Osleton, from Warwickshire, competed in the event in Stratford upon Avon having inspired by attending the Olympic triathlon in Hyde Park in August.

Collins, who plays for Old Coventrians, and Osleton, who plays for Bournville, despite limited preparation time did well for triathlon novices with Collins clocking with 1.23.12 and Osleton not far behind Dan with a time of 1.27.14.

“We hadn’t thought of doing it for charity until we were at Twickenham for an orientation day and during one of the conferences we visited the RFU Injured Players Foundation stall set up to raise awareness of the great work that they do,” Collins said. “People have been so generous with their donations we have raised a lot of money in such a short time and are still hoping to get more in over the next month.”

The RFU Injured Players Foundation supports people who sustain a catastrophic injury whilst playing rugby. The charity provides help and

Paul Bolton

support for both players and their families in the early months of these injuries as well as in the long term. In addition, the charity takes a conducts and supports research and education aimed at preventing injuries and identifying how injured players can be helped more effectively.

Referee of the Year, Ian Seaton

11O C T O B E R 2012 – Touchline

IKRAM COLLECTS POWER 100 AWARDDual code rugby international, Ikram Butt was recognised in the Power 100, promoting the most influential Pakistani men and women within Britain. Ikram was honoured in the Trailblazers category and was nominated amongst leaders from a wide range of areas including media, business, arts, sport, public sector and charity.

He said, “It is a wonderful honour to have received this award and would not have been possible without the tremendous support of many people.”

Mark Pawsey MP for Rugby and Chairman of Commons & Lords Rugby Union FC, added “I was delighted to be at the Pakistan Power 100 event to see Ikram receive his award.”

Khalid Darr, Chairman of Pakistan Power 100, added “Ikram’s contribution to bringing about a positive change for the future of Pakistan, its people and its perception has been outstanding and he is deservedly one of the Pakistan Power 100 Trail Blazers.”

Ikram became the first British Asian to represent England at either code of rugby during the 1995 European Championships. He has spearheaded a number of initiatives including the formation of the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) which develops sporting, educational & cultural links between the UK and the South Asia region.

In a mammoth month for volunteering in the Richmond and Twickenham area, the Rugby Football Union is assisting almost 200 local youngsters to complete their National Citizen Service this September.

The RFU is one of the first franchisees of The Challenge Network, the largest provider of the National Citizen Service (NCS), a government initiative for 16-year-olds in the summer after their GCSEs.

The Challengers have been busy with dozens of volunteering and fundraising activities to help them develop personally and to participate more fully in their local community.

Naturally rugby is at the heart of the RFU’s franchise, and some of the 180 youngsters have been working with four local rugby clubs: Grasshoppers, Twickenham, London Welsh and Teddington.

They have also volunteered for many rugby and non-rugby charities and the summer’s intense activity is culminating in the delivery of 15 projects locally each weekend throughout September, including:

• Challengers leafleted and ran a bucket collection for the RFU Injured Players Foundation at the London Scottish v Newcastle Falcons rugby match, raising £360;

• For the Tag Rugby Trust, Challengers assisted the ‘Rebels and Titans’ project – which works with long-term unemployed from the inner city – to deliver a tag tournament for under-8s at Richmond FC;

• Challengers went on a seven-mile river walk to Teddington to support and raise awareness of the Just a Drop charity;

• Decorating the new premises of Stepping on Out, a charity that works with disabled adults to create and sell greetings cards to fund more independent living.

These and many other projects have seen the Challengers meet and be inspired by professionals and volunteers inside and outside the game of rugby.

Pete Ward, RFU Inclusion Officer, has led the cooperation

BIG MONTH FOR RFU’S CHALLENGERS IN NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE

with the National Citizen Service, and said: “This initiative has been enthusiastically supported by the rugby community from professional clubs to local youth sections.

“While the clubs and rugby charities have gained from the fundraising and volunteering, they have also given the young volunteers a taste of the game’s enthusiasm and commitment from a passionate volunteering base, and illustrated not only how much an individual gets from volunteering, but also how much society gets from that individual’s commitment too.

“More broadly, Twickenham Stadium and the RFU is a huge

presence in the area, and our involvement in this scheme lets local charities and services feel connected with the organisation and the sport, giving us the opportunity to contribute directly to the wellbeing of local people.”

Volunteering took pride of place on the first weekend (September 8/9), followed by fund-raising (15/16), campaigning on a local issue (22/23) and the Big Action Weekend (September 29/30): three 60-young person regeneration projects.

For more information contact Pete Ward, RFU, PeteWard@rfu.com or 07850 166465

COLUMBIAN YOUNGSTERS VISIT TWICKENHAMA delegation of eight youngsters from the city of Buenaventura in Columbia visited the Rugby Football Union to learn first-hand the sport and the rules of the game. During their visit to Twickenham Stadium, the students enjoyed a rugby lesson with one of the RFU coaches.

Their trip to London is part of the Integral Prevention Plan: Boys, Girls and Adolescents with Opportunities, an initiative on sports diplomacy of the Columbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This programme aims at promoting sports to foster personal development in children and teenagers that come from vulnerable regions and are at risk of becoming delinquent.

Rugby is a small but growing sport in Columbia. Currently, 6000 people practice it in six departments of the country but mainly in the department of Antioquia. Two years ago, the first synthetic rugby field was built in the city of Medellin in a marginalised area of the city. Rugby has been increasing its scope in Columbia as a medium for social inclusion and all efforts are currently in place to raise more awareness and interest in this sport and also to have a qualifying rugby sevens team for Rio 2016.

ON A WING AND A PRAYERWidden Old Boys hosted a packed out fund raising night recently to provide a new patio area at The Don clubhouse. Based on the Travel Channel show Man vs Food, the otherwise healthy eating players and members were challenged to take on either a 4.5lb burger, fries and a pint or the Nine Storm Wings Challenge, with some of the hottest sauce around.

Confidence was high for the seven burger challengers. However, most quit before the half way stage of the hour-long test and none actually finished. Warren Godsell was declared the winner, having consumed half his bread and chips on top of three patties.

In the Nine Storm Wing Challenge, the battered hot wings were dipped in a ridiculously hot sauce. Nicky Godsell’s streaming tears were dried by his loving mum before he gave up at seven wings. Topper Wilkes astounded all by finishing the wings in 10 minutes, Steve Burnham finished in 15 minutes. There were winners’ T-shirts and less complimentary failure shirts and a count up of funds, while the contestants rolled home.

Hugh Godwin

TOUCHLINEEditorial input with pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia MowbrayEmail: patriciamowbray@rfu.com Direct Line: 0208 831 6514

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

Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates Email: 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.com

Photography courtesy of Getty and Touchline contributors.Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and CBs for contributions.No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the RFU. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the RFU or PPL Group. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions. All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners.

The England rose is an official registered trade mark of the Rugby Football Union and is the subject of extensive trade mark registrations worldwide.

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The Rugby Football Union wishes to express its gratitude to the following who generously support the game in England

A fantastic 50th anniversary reunion took place recently at Hilsea Playing Fields when the entire squad from the 1962/3 Portsmouth Grammar School First XV arrived from across the globe to reenact their team picture.

From Australia, Canada, America, Kuwait, Prague, France and every part of the UK they travelled and were even joined by two of their former coaches from that year, John Hopkinson and Peter Barclay.

They may have been more grizzled, with knees creaking somewhat, but the squad’s abiding passion is rugby union, some are referees, all are avid fans. The event was filmed on ITV News and covered by the local newspaper.

THE CAP STILL FITS AFTER 50 YEARS

PARALYMPIANS HELPED BY IPF

Making a very special presentation recently at Twickenham’s World Rugby Museum were members of Osterley RFC, among them eight Past Presidents and six club captains. Richard Evans and Geoffrey Upsdell, Osterley Past Presidents, presented a shirt of one of the best ever All Black full backs, Bob Scott, to Museum Curator, Mike Rowe and Chairman of the Museum’s Committee, John Douglas. The event was organised by Les Evans from the Museum.

Quite a story lay behind the Middlesex club possessing the shirt. The Kiwis, a touring side of New Zealand servicemen stationed in Europe at the end of World War II, were held up by a dock strike when heading home. They were offered a game by Osterley and accepted and although some Kiwis changed sides at half time they still won 47-3. Then Scott and Fred Allen stayed on to coach some of Osterley’s younger players before eventually returning to New Zealand but not before they had given Osterley Bob’s shirt as a thank you. Sir Fred, as he later became, captained the All Blacks and coached them to 14 wins out of 14 from 1966 to 68.

TOM GETS GOLD

Richard Hale School in Hertfordshire’s Head of PE, Tim Saunders, handed over a hooded sweatshirt and volunteer’s gold award to pupil Tom Bryan recently. He had done sterling service officiating at school, club and festival matches before heading off to Bournemouth University.

Three RFU Injured Players Foundation supported paralympians were involved in the historic 2012 London Paralympics.

IPF client Claire Harvey captained her women’s sitting volleyball team to the semi finals but lost in the bronze medal match. However, as the team only formed some two years ago, she could be rightly proud. Claire was encouraged to get back into team sports by the IPF’s injured player welfare officer, Dave Phillips, and has gone from thinking that her sporting days were over when injured in 2008 to leading her team at London 2012.

The wheelchair rugby was massively popular and IPF clients Andy Barrow and Ross Morrison played before packed houses every match. They were in a strong group in the preliminaries and didn’t qualify for the semi-finals as hoped. However, the team achieved fifth place overall beating Belgium and Sweden in the place play-offs.

The event got huge coverage because of its full-contact nature. England captain Chris Robshaw was there to enjoy the spectacle and also tweeted about the support the IPF gives to injured players and other spectators included many IPF clients and celebrities.

It was the “hot ticket” after the stadium and aquatics centre. All three athletes used Twitter and other social media to thank the IPF for their support in preparing for the Games. Claire has said that she is hoping to carry on to Rio in 2016, and tweeted the IPF after the closing ceremony:

“Hey. Wanted to say a big thank you. Without support of you guys I wouldn’t have just had the best experience of my life!”

Andy and Ross both have weddings imminent and so have not planned their future beyond their big days.

OSTERLEY GIVES ALL BLACK SHIRT TO MUSEUM