Learning to be leaders

Season 2014-2015 issue 3
Gloucestershire
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
RUGBY
FOOTBALL
UNION
SPONSORED BY GLEVUM CONSERVATORIES
Learning to be leaders
– the Academy is back!
Academy graduate Rez Aminnia
Last year’s Leadership Academy graduates
The Leadership Academy is back in Gloucestershire next season, with the
RFU now running this groundbreaking initiative every two years instead
of every three.
It means that the county RFU can now continue
to train and develop the next generation of leaders
within our clubs and the county.
Gloucestershire RFU chairman, Peter Williams,
said: “Rugby World Cup 2015 is only six months
away and everyone is getting excited about hosting
this global event.
“I would encourage clubs to plan ahead now; think
about the management team in the club and decide
who would benefit most from some excellent
professional training.
“The Leadership Academy will start in early
November 2015 after the Rugby World Cup and
run through to April 2016. Like any course of this
nature, you get out of it what effort you are
prepared to put in.
“The time commitment is not too onerous with
most sessions lasting two to three hours and there
are 2 full day sessions during the course, which will
be tailored to individual needs.”
The formal training sessions offered as part of the
Leadership Academy include: Academy induction;
up to three sessions with a mentor; up to five formal
learning sessions; up to five challenge and support
group sessions; informal activity based on the
individual and academy review.
There are core elements of the training, while the
remaining modules will be decided by discussion and
the results of a personal training needs analysis. The
main topics covered will include:
Leadership: creating an inspiring vision; setting
goals and defining roles
Understanding Your Facility Needs and Making
Them a Reality
A Practical Approach to Risk Assessments
Management modules on offer depending on
candidate requirements include:
Developing Commercial Revenue
Organisational Structures
Understanding Club Finances
Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers
Creating a Marketing Strategy
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In addition, Gloucestershire RFU will be offering a
couple of additional modules for delegates to
complete. These are
A County Orientation – What does GRFU do and
how does it do it?
Understanding your club’s facility needs and
making them a reality
A practical approach to risk assessment
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The whole package of training will come at no
cost to the club. Delegates’ course fees are paid up
front and clubs receive a 100% refund on their
successful completion of the Academy.
Rez Aminnia, who graduated from the Leadership
Academy a year ago, said: “The biggest single benefit
to me was that I am still friends and am in regular
contact with other graduates.
“The support/network structure has been a
massive plus in helping me navigate through the
various challenges I have faced in my coaching
development as well as aiding me in my new role as
GRFU communications chairman.
“It is most comforting to know you have on ‘speed
dial’ an entire spectrum of knowledge in every facet
of Rugby Union administration. The development I
found most helpful was the ‘How to Manage
Change’ CPD that was delivered by former and
serving Royal Marine Officers.
“In the world of grass roots rugby, volunteers are
the real cogs which keep our sport going. Knowing
how best to manage them while implementing
necessary changes is a very transferable skill set to
possess and I now put that into practice most every
day.”
Peter added: “We are seeking delegates with some
knowledge of a rugby club, ideally having served
some time in a management role, who are ready to
take the next step in their personal development.
“Now is the time to identify your next generation
of club leaders and take positive action to get them
trained using the Leadership Academy. A formal
calling notice for delegates will be issued in the
summer, but now is the time for planning.”
More detail on the Leadership Academy can be
found
at
www.englandrugby.com/myrugby/volunteers/leadership-academy/
You can also contact Peter Williams (07866
747878) or your RDO for more information.
COUNTY OFFICE NOTICES ARE AVAILABLE AT www.gloucestershirerfu.co.uk/county_office_notices
Festival of Rugby 2015 launched to
celebrate rugby’s biggest year
England Rugby 2015 and the
Rugby Football Union (RFU)
have announced the ‘Festival of
Rugby 2015’; a new programme
enabling events across the UK to
celebrate rugby’s biggest year.
It will provide clubs, schools,
community groups, organisers of
sporting events and the wider
nation with the opportunity to
take part in the celebration of
rugby in 2015. The Festival of
Rugby is open to any event
hosted between 10 June and 31
October 2015, that includes a
rugby element in its theme. This
can be as simple as a link to a
rugby team, song, through
catering, visuals or cultural
elements of the game.
From bake sales to national
sporting events, everyone across the country
is invited to join in by registering their
existing event, or creating an event to be
part of the programme. The new dedicated
website www.festivalofrugby2015.com will
also allow people to locate and attend
events in their area with a postcode search
feature launching later this year.
All events registered as part of the Festival
of Rugby 2015 will have access to the
Festival of Rugby brand, enabling them to
produce items including bunting, t-shirts and
Glevum are delighted to be supporting
Gloucestershire RFU and wish them all
the best for this season.
Just a couple of the reasons you should entrust your
windows, doors or conservatory to Glevum...
promotional tools to use at their
events. Each event will also have
access to their own event page at
www.festivalofrugby2015.com.
RFU Rugby Development
Director Steve Grainger said:
"We are delighted to be
supporting and promoting the
Festival of Rugby 2015 and look
forward to engaging thousands of
people across the country in
rugby related activities. Whether
it's a playing opportunity for
youngsters at a local community
centre, a rugby themed music
festival at a school or an
exhibition of rugby artwork, the
Festival of Rugby will demonstrate
what a truly inclusive sport Rugby
Union is and will showcase the
values of our sport. We’re
looking forward to seeing a wide range of
projects in the Festival, with the rugby family
reaching out to more communities to
welcome many more potential players,
spectators and followers to our great game.”
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2 – April 2015
Gloucestershire Rugby News
Contact us:
GLOUCESTERSHIRE NEWS
is published by the
Gloucestershire Rugby
Football Union.
CHAIRMAN
Peter Williams
E: peter.williams2754@googlemail.com
COUNTY OFFICE
Tricia Perris
County Administrator
Gloucestershire RFU
Old Stone Cottage
Orange End
Inglestone Common
Badminton
South Glos
GL9 1BP.
T: 01454 299215
admin@gloucestershirerfu.co.uk
Twitter:@GloucsCountyRFU
Facebook:GloucestershireRugby
County Office is open from
9am-1pm Monday-Friday.
EDITORIAL
Emma Smith
Please send articles and
pictures in the first instance to
E: cb-honsec-glos@therfu.com
ADVERTISING
County Ofice
admin@gloucestershirerfu.co.uk
T: 01454 299215
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Gloucestershire Rugby News
RUGBY WORLD CUP Inside:
TROPHY TOUR
9
COMES TO COUNTY!
The Webb Ellis Cup is coming
to Gloucestershire as part of the
Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour
this summer.
Starting on 10 June, 2015,
the Trophy Tour is a continuous
100 day tour, which will see the
Webb Ellis Cup visit Scotland,
Northern Ireland, the Republic
of Ireland, Wales and England
before arriving at Twickenham on 18 September for the Opening
Ceremony.
During the tour, there will be many opportunities for the public to see
the Webb Ellis Cup, for local clubs and schools to participate in linked
events, and for all to celebrate rugby.
The Trophy Tour will be in Gloucestershire on 14 July visiting Bristol.
It will include an event at South Gloucestershire & Stroud College, Filton
- one of the Rugby World Cup 2015 Official Team Bases.
There is a second event being planned in the Bristol area, before the
day culminates in a dinner for the local rugby community and club
network in Bristol and from the surrounding area, in the Great Hall at
Bristol Grammar School.
The next day, 15 July, the Trophy will be in the north of the county.
Firstly at Kingsholm with Gloucester Rugby, where four of the pool
matches will be played. It will then head to Hartpury College, another
official Team Base, before returning to Kingsholm in the evening for a
local community dinner for rugby affiliates in Gloucester, Cheltenham,
the Forest and Stroud Combinations of the Gloucestershire RFU.
On 16 July, Gloucester city hosts the Trophy Tour with events being
planned at the Docks, the Cathedral and the City Museum. It will finish
up that evening with a visit to Cheltenham RFC, another official Team
Base.
Hartpury College Principal, Russell Marchant, said: “We’re now busy
planning for a series of exciting events in the build-up to the Tournament
that will get local people of all ages involved. This will give them the
opportunity to build unforgettable memories as part of their own Rugby
World Cup 2015 story.
“Being a Team Base for the Tournament and having the Trophy come
to Hartpury is an incredible opportunity and one we are determined to
make the most of. We’re training students up as Rugby World Cup
ambassadors and honing their coaching and refereeing skills and working
with local schools.”
Full details on the events will be released in the coming weeks and
you can stay up to date at rugbyworldcup.com/trophy-tour
UNDER-SEVENS HAVE FUN IN
SUN
10
SPECIAL GUEST AT
DURSLEY!
11
TEWKESBURY'S ADE HONOURED
GLOUCESTERSHIRE RFU GET
OUT AND ABOUT
Gloucestershire RFU has recently held a series
of club forums to begin the planning of its
Annual Delivery Plan for 2016-17
The Forest Combination forum was held at Berry Hill
RFC, while Gordon League RFC hosted the Gloucester
Combination clubs. Twenty clubs attended one of these
two forums.
Each evening had a number of sessions in small
groups with clubs setting out their needs against the six
key drivers.
Each evening culminated with a presentation on the
opportunities that Rugby World Cup 2015 will bring
clubs over the coming months and beyond.
The records of the various discussions will now be
combined with those from the other four club forums
held in the other Combination areas.
These trends will be analysed and will form the basis
of the Gloucestershire RFU Annual Delivery Plan 201617 that will be published in July 2015.
The RDOs and CRCs will also follow up on specific
issues at their clubs.
This is the first time GRFU have held these club
forums to begin the planning of its annual delivery plan.
Feedback from attendees at all the forums felt that
they were very beneficial. They enabled clubs to provide
Gloucestershire RFU with their requirements against the
key drivers, listen to issues and ideas from neighbouring
clubs, and receive an update on Rugby World Cup 2015
opportunities.
April 2015 – 3
ANDY AND MATT HONOURED BY RFU
AS ‘REAL RUGBY HEROES’
Two key players in the Gloucestershire rugby community have been
recognised by the RFU, who have picked them as ‘Real Rugby Heroes’.
This scheme is run in partnership with England Rugby Schools Union and
NatWest to reward teachers and school staff who go the extra mile. Each of
the Real Rugby Heroes nominated over the past five years of the scheme's
lifetime have sacrificed their own time to support the benefits of taking part in
rugby union.
The winners receive four match tickets to England versus Barbarians on
31 May, 2015, as well as VIP hospitality and a special pitchside presentation
of their award at the NatWest Schools Cup Finals Day at Twickenham
Stadium. On that day, they will be presented with their award, two
certificates - one for the school and one for them - and an exclusive Real
Rugby Hero pin badge by the President of the ERFSU.
One of the winners was Andy Blaylock from Thomas Keble School, who
organises all fixtures, training and coaching for boys and girls.
Employed at the school for more than 10 years, Andy has been an
inspiration to staff and students thanks to his dedication and passion for the
sport.
His development of girls rugby at the school has been significant. The girls
Under-13s team are current district champions and were county runners-up.
The senior girls are also improving and Andy regularly gets more than 30 girls
to training every week.
Kirsty Roberts from the school, who nominated Andy, said: “The girls at
Thomas Keble absolutely love rugby thanks to Andy's commitment. It has
been a pleasure to observe the girls’ enjoyment and desire to participate.
Andy has worked hard to ensure rugby is played in all years and across the
genders.
“He has helped change the girls’ attitude and approach to contact sports.
They are positive and full of self-confidence.
“He has also invested in making sure they all have the best possible
opportunities to make progress at club and representative level. We now
have girls playing or training for the county every year.”
Gloucestershire’s other winner was Matt Leek from Brunel Academy for
his work in setting up the Cabot Learning Federation scheme and developing
this programme for the past three years.
Cryptians celebrate
link with university
University of Gloucestershire students currently on work placement at Old
Cryptians (left to right): Hollie Sims, Hannah Cox, Lauren Hooper, Monika
Fraser and Jack Haines.
Old Cryptians RFC celebrated five years of partnership with the
University of Gloucestershire’s work placement students.
The programme has seen many students pass through the
doors of the club and this year’s students are pictured with Adrian
Henley-Davies, Coaching Co-ordinator with Old Cryptians RFC,
and Gloucestershire RFU Community Rugby Coach, Stuart
Bradfield.
All of the students will soon become RFU Rugby Ambassadors.
4–
April 2015
Matt gives up his time
to plan, create and
deliver highly skilled
training sessions on a
weekly basis. He
regularly has more than
40 students from across
six Bristol Schools attend
his sessions at 7am,
which look at developing
the holistic side of the
students.
The focus of the
scheme is on
participation in rugby,
developing links and
Andy Blaylock from Thomas Keble School has had his
encouraging many
commitment to youth rugby rewarded
players to sign up and
play at local schools and the performance side. A team has been entered into
the British Colleges League.
Matt has worked hard on grass roots rugby in East Bristol for the last three
years, traditionally a tough area with little rugby interest. With careful
planning, hard work and dedication, Matt has increased substantively student
uptake of the sport in the area, attracting students from a vast array of
backgrounds and challenges.
Matt has initiated and built around him a team of professionals to help to
unearth future stars of the game through his links with Bristol Rugby and
beyond.
Speaking about the scheme, Lee Bailey, Senior Marketing Manager at
NatWest, said: “NatWest is committed to supporting rugby from the
grassroots up to the England team and we are honoured to partner with the
ERFSU in supporting the Real Rugby Heroes awards, which recognise the
unsung heroes of the game.
“Their effort, time and dedication is an irreplaceable component of the
success that you see on the rugby pitch in schools up and down the country.”
Don’t be a Headcase
The RFU's concussion education campaign has stepped up a gear with the launch of
three online concussion training courses aimed at coaches, match officials and players.
Available at www.EnglandRugby.com/Headcase, these 30-minute modules take you
through why it's important to manage concussion properly, and how we all have a
role in protecting players and helping them through their recovery and return to play
if they do get injured.
Based on the “4R’s” - Recognise, Remove, Recover and Return - these online
courses reinforce the messages that have been delivered through the Headcase
website, Rugby Ready courses and promotional materials over the last 18 months.
World Rugby and leading brain injury charity Headway have given their backing to
this latest initiative from the Rugby Football Union, which is aimed at educating
players, coaches and match officials across the community game.
The aim of the online courses is to improve the understanding of concussion and
the behaviour needed to manage it effectively in a more accessible way.
The resource explains what concussion is, what it feels like and how to recognise
the injury. It includes videos, real-life examples and questions to check learning – all in
an interactive way. The courses also highlight the potential and serious consequences
of the injury.
Dr Mike England, the RFU Community Rugby Medical Director, said: “We are
committed to reinforcing the message that concussion is an injury to the brain and
needs to be taken seriously. Players need time to recover fully before returning to
play and young players in particular need to be managed more conservatively than
adults.”
Top names from across England Rugby have supported the launch with Chris
Robshaw, Tom Wood, Sarah Hunter, Tom Mitchell, Stuart Lancaster and Wayne
Barnes – the top international rugby referee from Bream - among others contributing
to a concussion awareness video.
If you or any clubs/volunteers have any questions, please either refer to the
Headcase website http://www.englandrugby.com/headcase or e-mail
health@rfu.com
Gloucestershire Rugby News
One-point defeat condemns county’s young
guns to heartbreaking Championship exit
Jack Beck running in for the first Gloucestershire try
Gloucestershire bowed out of the National Under-20s Championships as they lost a close game
11-10 to Devon at Cinderford’s Dockham Road.
Despite outscoring the visitors on tries,
Gloucestershire were outplayed by the Devon pack,
who dominated the line-out and breakdown,
denying the home side valuable possession.
Knowing nothing less than victory would suffice, a
confident Gloucestershire started well and went
ahead after five minutes. After turning over Devon
on the visitors’ 22, the ball was moved quickly across
the three-quarter line to Jack Beck for the Longlevens
wing to score by the corner flag. The conversion
was blown wide by the strong gale.
Devon then began to take control as
Gloucestershire’s forwards struggled to secure clean
ball. With the wind at their backs, Devon took play
into the Gloucestershire half and spent most of the
remainder of the first half there.
Fly-half Luke Simmons of Okehampton opened
Devon’s account with a penalty after 13 minutes.
Then, with Gloucestershire skipper Angus Hodges in
the sinbin, William Castleton of Newton Abbot
kicked a penalty close to half-time to put Devon
ahead 6-5 at the break.
The gloom was lifted somewhat when the
floodlights were turned on as the second half started.
The crowd had an improved view as Devon took the
game by the scruff of the neck and dominated the
second half.
Play was scrappy and the Gloucestershire pack lost
virtually all line-outs to the tall and well-organised
Devon eight; the home defence, however, was
excellent.
Devon went further ahead when, after concerted
pressure on the Gloucestershire line, the home
defence finally cracked and Exmouth number eight
Ben Hawley burrowed over. The conversion missed
but Devon were well worth their 11-5 lead.
The restart enabled Gloucestershire to enter the
Devon half for the first time in the second half but it
was a short-lived experience for the home side. They
lost the ball in the tackle and good continuity and
accurate passing enabled Devon to return to the
home 22’.
A fine cover tackle from Pate's Grammar School
Gloucestershire Rugby News
student Mac Dale prevented a certain try as Devon
looked to score again.
As the match neared its conclusion, a rare attack
from Gloucestershire took play deep into the Devon
half. Gloucestershire threw everything into attack
knowing a converted try would put them ahead but
the Devon close defence was well-organised.
After several drives by the forwards, the ball was
moved wide for replacement Richard Webster to
score. With Ollie Locke in the sinbin, it was left to
centre Joe Carolan to attempt the touchline
conversion. The kick fell short, as did
Gloucestershire, and Devon prevailed by the
narrowest of margins.
Devon thoroughly deserved their win. Their ball
retention was superior to Gloucestershire and their
passing was more accurate, but the biggest difference
between the sides was the line-out.
Gloucestershire’s didn’t function and Devon were
able to read the calls and monopolise possession.
Although their defence was impressive,
Gloucestershire had virtually no possession and, for
the first time in many years, failed to reach the
quarter-final stage.
Gloucestershire Under-20s: Mac Dale (Pate's
Grammar School); Ashley Kocerhan (Gordon
League), Joe Carolan (Loughborough University),
Shay Morgan (Coney Hill), Jack Beck (Longlevens);
Oliver Locke (Old Centralians), Ollie Young
(Cheltenham and Cardiff University); Luke Panting
(Thornbury & University of Gloucestershire), Ben
Gompels (Bristol University), Ashley Challenger
(Avonmouth Old Boys), Angus Hodges (Cinderford
and University of Gloucestershire) (c), Haydn
Jennings (Old Patesians), Dan Broady (Coney Hill),
Harry Brown (Lydney), Dale Lemon (UWE Bristol).
Replacements: Wayne Mulhern (Coney Hill), Jack
Sterry (Lydney), Richard Webster (Weston-SuperMare and Hartpury College), Jasper Frost (Old
Patesians and University of Gloucestershire), William
Hunt (Cirencester), Ewan Bulger (Weston-SuperMare and Hartpury College), Callum Wyman
(Lydney).
CLUB NEWS
IPF Club Quiz
Clubs are being offered resources to
run a quiz night. In 2013, more than 70
clubs ran an IPF ‘2003 World Cup
anniversary’ quiz which raised almost
£12,000 for the IPF.
It also helped bring people into
community rugby clubs across the
country for a great night of competitive
fun (and taking a lot of money over their
bars!).
Clubs are able to get a free quiz pack
from the IPF which has everything they
need to run a quiz night - video
questions from World Cup winners,
picture rounds and general knowledge
are all included and clubs can win great
prizes too. Tickets for the quiz would
be charged at a minimum of £5 per
person to raise money for IPF.
It’s a great way for the club members
to engage with each other no matter
their age, gender and ability and raise
funds for the club as well as the IPF - the
official charity of England Rugby, who
support and protect the rugby family.
Apply now at ipf@therfu.com for
your free fundraising quiz pack
containing video highlights, questions
asked by the 2003 RWC legends,
promotional materials and quizmaster
instructions.
Plus:
* Every club that raises £250 for the IPF
will receive two free first aid kits
* Every club that raises over £500 will
receive two free first aid kits and 5
rugby balls.
* Every club that raises over £1,000 for
the IPF will receive 2 free first aid kits,
5 rugby balls and will be put into a
draw to win one of five Stuart
Lancaster signed England Rugby
Shirts.
Coffee Offer for clubs
The RFU has worked with Rijo 42 to
create a range of offers for the provision
of high quality ‘bean to cup’ instant
coffee machines for rugby clubs.
These special rugby club packages have
been devised to provide a high quality
offer to club members and visitors alike,
but also provide an opportunity for
clubs to generate revenue.
More information is available via
www.englandrugbydeals.com
Groundsmen Connected
Nationally, there has been a great
response to the newly launched Rugby
Groundsman Connected Programme
with 284 Groundsmen now registered.
The brand new and unique online
training and education programme for
all groundsmen registered with Rugby
Groundsman Connected launched
in March 2015.
You can register by emailing
groundsmenconnected@rfu.com with
your Club name, Groundsman’ s name
and email address.
Information is also available on twitter
via @rugbygroundsmen or by
contacting your Rugby Development
Officer.
April 2015 – 5
Girls rugby experiencing massive g
works with clubs and schools to
Girls’ rugby in Gloucestershire has been given a
major boost thanks to the new RFU Pitch up and
Play initiative.
The scheme, which focuses on the Under-13s girls age group, provides
an alternative to league rugby and ensures that girls have regular competitive
playing opportunities at club level without the need to travel too far.
The idea first came about after the RFU, working with schools and clubs
across the county, recognised there was a chance to increase the
opportunities for girls to play rugby at their local clubs. The events are
managed by the RFU Community Coaches.
RFU Community Rugby Coach, Dave Barley, said: “Pitch up and Play
events are held at a local club with teams coming along and playing either
touch or contact rugby, depending on what suits them best.
“This reduces the pressure on individual clubs to field a full team and
enables girls to compete against players of similar abilities.
“On the back of running these events, we have had teams join up with
each other to ensure girls get some playing time, which is what the whole
programme is about.”
Simon Jones, from Old Richians RFC, said: “We were the first club to host
one of these Pitch up and Play events and we feel it is a great way for the
girls to get regular rugby matches.
“It’s also a great way for coaches to network and meet potential teams
who they wouldn’t necessarily have been aware even had a side to play.
“Our girls have improved through playing matches and participating in the
RFU coaching sessions. As the season has progressed, so have all of the girls.”
The Pitch up and Play programme has been running on a monthly basis in
Gloucestershire since October 2014. The first session was held at Old
Richians RFC with six teams and two of them joining up to make one team.
At an event recently at Drybrook RFC, there were 10 teams from across
Gloucestershire who attended the day.
Barley added: “When we first came up with the concept, the idea was
solely about getting more girls to play rugby on a regular basis. A huge thank
6–
April 2015
Gloucestershire Rugby News
growth in Gloucestershire as RFU
o get girls to Pitch up and Play!
you goes to the coaches and the clubs who have worked incredibly hard to
get teams playing regularly.
“The programme has seen a number of new teams form. This has come
about from the work the RFU is doing with schools, Gloucester Rugby and
club coaches to engage more girls to play rugby and create school-club links.”
Jon Keating, from Old Bristolians RFC, said: “At our club, the Under-13s
girls squad has grown from two players a year ago to about 12 now.
“Only one or two girls had played rugby before and several come from
families that are new to the game. The girls have played in several
competitions organised by GRFU and these have been tremendously helpful
to their development.
“These events have enabled us to develop good connections with other
clubs, in particular Bristol Telephones, who have been extremely supportive.
The squad is still in the development stage, and most of the girls will still be in
the Under-13s band next year, but the improvement over the season has
been considerable and encouraging.”
The Newent girls team only started up in the October 2014 half term,
when eight girls attended a training camp over two mornings.
Now the team trains every Saturday morning from 9am to 10am and 14
girls are involved.
“The team is still in its infancy,” said Barley. “But the club link with the
school is constantly strengthening and more girls are getting involved.
“They have only attended the Drybrook event so far but the girls played a
lot of rugby and learned a lot. This was a great experience for the girls to be
inspired to continue practising and improving and has also spurred on
more girls to come and play.”
Newent have now arranged a friendly with Berry Hill and, with
some of the girls moving into the Under-15s, they are hoping to
form an Under-15s team for the 2015-16 season. The eventual aim
is to have a complete girls section as a feeder to the newly-formed
ladies XV.
Steve Harvey, from Bristol Telephones, said: “The Under-13s festival
structure has formed the bedrock of our playing experience this season.
“The regular sessions have a dynamic that suits new players and it’s a very
safe and enjoyable experience for the girls.
“The support of Gloucestershire RFU, Schools RFU and RFU goes a long
way to ensure retention, because both parents and girls see commitment
from the governing bodies and the personalities they see on a
regular basis.
“Although we take part in both Somerset and Gloucester events, the
overall festival structure has helped us get quality playing experience for the
girls and an enjoyable time for the parents; without whose support we
would be stuck.
“We’ve gone from a group of first timers to a great playing unit. If, like us,
you only have a few dedicated players, the opportunity to pair up with other
clubs to get game time is essential. We currently have girls from two other
teams that play under our banner because we all suffer with lack of
numbers.”
Barley added: “Next year, we are looking forward to working with the
clubs again to develop the Pitch up and Play events so that we can get even
more girls playing rugby.”
Gloucestershire Rugby News
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April 2015 – 7
SEVEN-TRY HARTPURY SEAL STYLISH SIXTH TITLE
Hartpury's Under-18s kept up with tradition as they secured a
sixth straight AASE Championship title, emphatically beating
Filton College 50-0 at Saracens’ Allianz Park.
Hartpury racked up a half-century of points, scoring seven unanswered
tries and 15 points through the boot of centre Robbie Faulkner. In a ruthless
Hartpury team display that included both physical and tactical superiority,
Filton were unable to unearth their own brand of attacking, running rugby
that had seen them cause upsets all the way to final.
Hartpury finally settled on the 15 minute mark, after a mazy run to return
a loose kick from winger Harry Robinson. Protheroe fed captain and flanker
Sid Blackmore who crashed over in the corner with a powerful carry. The
extras were missed.
Hartpury began to control the game with authority. A second try soon
followed, Blackmore’s destructive back row partner Zac Xiourouppa getting
the finishing touches on the back of a rampant driving maul. Faulkner hit the
post with a tricky conversion from wide out.
Executing well-constructed exit strategies Hartpury found good territory
deep in the Filton half. Now disciplined at the breakdown, Sean Marsden’s
side won three penalties which were all converted into points by Faulkner to
give Hartpury a deserved 19-0 half-time lead.
After claiming the ball from their own restart a bobbling ball allowed
Faulkner to burst through a gap, quick ball was recycled and scrum half Myles
Churcher burrowed over. Faulkner duly added the extras.
Hartpury’s next score oozed patience and precision. Spreading the ball to
one touchline through centre Robbie Smith before multiple phases saw
Robinson finish on the opposite side of the pitch for a great team score to
take the score to 31-0.
Smith bagged a try of his own crashing over after incepting from first
phase, while replacement number eight Gareth Jones showed great strength
to muscle over in the process of cleaning up Filton scraps.
Chanted home by noisy travelling
classmates the last act of the game was to
fall to the classy Protheroe, outpacing three
Filton defenders in an obligatory long range
effort from 70 metres out, Faulkner’s
conversion brought the final score to 50-0.
Captain Sid Blackmore was delighted to
finish the season on a high. He said: “The
boys have been faultless all season with
their performances and we are over the
moon to back it up with a win to retain the
AASE title.”
Under-15s girls event a big success
The RFU organised the Under-15s county Level 3 schoolgirls event hosted
at Old Richians.
There were seven teams with more than 90 girls playing the game.
A big thank you must go to the University of Gloucestershire, Hartpury
College and Old Richians for their help and expertise in running this very
successful event.
8–
April 2015
World Cup glory in touching
distance for student rugby
star Goddard
Hartpury student Anna
Goddard will cap a whirlwind
two years with a World Cup
spot as her England touch
rugby team travel Down
Under.
Goddard, 17, has
represented England Women’s
Under-18s touch side before,
despite having only picked up
the sport a short time ago. She
will be making her debut as
part of the senior set-up
though at the World Cup event
held in Australia at the end of
April.
“I never imagined myself
playing touch at this level,” the
scrum-half said.
“I was at college and my PE
teacher played for England and she told me to go along and play for my
local side. I wasn’t sure at first but she told me it would be good for the
development of my rugby union game. From there, she got me involved
with the Under-18s and I got the chance to play at the European
Championships, which was a great experience.”
The A-level student will be looking to follow in the footsteps of
England women’s rugby stars Alex Matthews, Ceri Large, Natasha Hunt
and Danielle Waterman and become the next women’s rugby starlet
from Hartpury to win a World Cup competition.
And she will be looking to go one better at the tournament than
when her Under-18s side lost out to Wales in the final of last year’s
European Championships. This is the 17-year-old’s first time as part of
the senior set-up and she’s really noticed the step up in class.
She added: “Being part of the women’s set-up for the first time is
going to be of huge benefit to me – the standard is even higher and I’ve
already learned so much from some of the more experienced players
I’m playing with.
“If you’re going to go anywhere for a Touch World Cup, Australia is
the place to go. I’m hoping that I’ll learn a lot about the game from being
there which I can take forward in my future development.”
Goddard, who is part of the women’s rugby AASE academy at
Hartpury, has found that the newer format of the game is helping her
improve her skills in the 15-a-side format.
“The game is a lot tougher on your fitness than 15s due to the sheer
amount of running involved,” she added. But at the same time there are
a lot of transferrable skills like passing, movement and footwork which
transition well between the two games.
“I would love to carry on playing both forms of the game moving
forward. Being involved in touch has helped improve my rugby skills
massively and I just want to continue to get better.”
Gloucestershire Rugby News
Under-sevens have fun in the sun at Painswick
All of these photos and many more from the Painswick Under-sevens
Fun Day are available to be purchased online at www.dephoto.biz
More than 300 children just starting out on their rugby journey had a fantastic first
taste of tournament rugby at the Under-sevens Fun Day Sunday at Painswick rugby
club.
The Fun Day is run annually to give children who have just started playing their first
experience of a tournament against other teams but without the pressure of
competitive rugby.
Gloucestershire Rugby News
Competition organiser, Gloucestershire RFU’s Lesley Gomer, said: “It was
probably one of the best Fun Day festivals that Painswick have run with more than
329 of the youngest players in the county having a fantastic time.
“The rugby was excellent and the sun came out to play along with 47 teams from
clubs throughout the county.”
April 2015 – 9
Secretary of State pays
Dursley Rugby a visit
Dursley Rugby welcomed a special guest to the club recently.
The Rt Hon Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport,
paid the club a visit to see how the RFU's grant scheme is being used by
grass roots clubs to prepare for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.
Dursley received £10,000 from the RFU last summer and, along with an
additional investment of £40,000 from the club’s own funds, they have
upgraded their social spaces ready for the big tournament.
Representatives of Dursley RFC and Dursley Running Club, including Bill
Grant, Ken Eales, Glendon Lloyd and Dave Durden, showed the Minister
the refurbished clubhouse and went on to explain the ethos of the club and
its commitment to sport for all.
Bill then showed Mr Javid the plans for the new changing rooms,
explaining the club’s desire to build a facility that not only meets RFU
specifications but will also allow them to expand and increase the usage of
the clubhouse.
Finally, the Minister was presented with his Ton Up Club membership,
complete with beanie hat and signed certificate.
Ken then took the opportunity to promote the club’s fundraising efforts
and the current opportunities for members to contribute to the club's future.
Mr Javid seemed genuinely impressed with the efforts of the membership
and praised the community ethos of the club and the clear desire within the
club to make a difference and leave a legacy for future membership.
Sign up for Sevens!
Hartpury College and 7 Bamboos Rugby are inviting local teams to the
Hartpury Sevens 2015 to be held on 16 May.
Staged around the outstanding Hartpury Sports Academy facilities, 16 men’s
and eight women’s squads will compete at the event with a great
atmosphere guaranteed.
The participating teams can look forward to attractive cash and
equipment prizes as well as great entertainment on the day.
At a price of only £60 (£5 per player) for university teams and £72 (£6
per player) for club/social teams, this offers some of the lowest priced entry
fees of all tournaments in the UK.
In order to enter a team, become a tournament sponsor or attend the
Rugby Business Network, just contact 7 Bamboos Rugby by e-mailing
mail@7bamboosrugby.com or visit the tournament website
www.7bamboosrugby.com/hartpury-sevens-2015
Chairman bestows honour
on hard-working Crypt
Old Cryptians RFC were presented with their RFU Accreditation award by
Gloucestershire RFU chairman Peter Williams recently.
The achievement is in large part down to two young rugby ambassadors Lauren Hooper and Charli Norman – who both gained invaluable
experience in being the influential driving force in delivering the accreditation
award. This was a good demonstration of the RFU policies delivering to
grassroots.
The award was attained to support a funding project to upgrade the
match floodlights, which celebrated their 25th birthday recently.
Saints trio keep it in the family
and defeat Dings
Three generations of a St
Mary’s Old Boys family all
played in the same game
against Dings Crusaders
third team recently.
Martin Polson played in the
fixture alongside his son Matt
and his grandson Martin.
Club spokesman, Kip
Holbrook, said: “It’s great
that Matt and Ollie have
returned to the Bristol area
and picked up where they
left off with a win against
their old rivals.
“Martin played originally for
Saints over 30 years ago
while Matt played for the
junior section, when his
nickname was captain.
“Ollie is also playing rugby
for Welsh Exiles but loves
listening to the stories of his
grandfather’s exploits at St
Mary's and wanted to turn
out for the game so that the
trio could all play together at Left to right: Matthew Polson, Martin Polson,
the same time.”
Ollie Polson.
Guest coach spot thrills club juniors!
Come and play ball with the Badgers
After a very successful tournament last summer, Brockworth rugby club will
be once again be hosting the Under16s Badger Sevens Festival on Sunday,
21 June.
Festival organiser and Brockworth RFC youth development manager,
John Seddon, said: “We will be carrying on with the theme of exciting fun
rugby with 12 like-minded local Under-16s rugby clubs being invited to join
us for the day.
“This will once again give the young players a taste of the fast moving
exciting game of Sevens rugby.
“This year we are also very pleased to announce we have the support of
7 Bamboos Rugby, who will be on hand to offer Sevens coaching sessions
during the day, so each team can make sure they get the most from their
matches.
“I would recommend any local rugby club to host and get behind this
festival concept as it will bring some much-needed revenue into the club in
the summer months and also encourage more boys and girls to participate;
perhaps even increasing the profile of your club in the area and attracting
more players or members.”
For more information, please contact Brockworth RFC on 01452
862556.
10 – April 2015
Thornbury Under-eights recently had an incredible experience as they were
coached by Rob Higgitt – the former Bristol, Scarlets and Worcester centre
who is now the Thornbury first XV coach.
Club spokesman, Dave Fox, said: “Rob stepped in and seemed to enjoy
the coaching session as much as the under-eights did! These lads could end
up being the Thornbury first XV of 2020!”
Gloucestershire Rugby News
Tewkesbury’s unsung hero
Adrian receives top honour
Tewkesbury Rugby Club’s Adrian Bishop has been honoured
for his services to rugby.
Bishop’s dedication to sport in the community was recognised at
the 52nd annual Torch Trophy Trust Awards in London.
He was presented with his award by the Countess of Wessex after
being nominated by the RFU for his unstinting commitment to
Tewkesbury Rugby Club and junior rugby.
A club spokesman said: “Adrian is described as in every sense what
we think of as a clubman at Tewkesbury RFC. Currently the junior
committee chairman, he has contributed to the wellbeing of the club
from the first time he came down in 1974 while still in junior school.
“In 1987, while still training and playing for the club, he took up
responsibility for the club’s pitches when it relocated to its current
home at the vineyards in the centre of Tewkesbury.
“His duties and bond with the club extended when he became the
right-hand man of Bram Lane, the club treasurer and go-to person
for nearly all physical work on or in the club.
“Following the tragic loss of Bram and his son Christopher in the
2007 floods, most people would not have blamed Adrian for perhaps
taking a step back from his duties. Courageously, Adrian has
continued his close association with the club.
“Adrian has continued to serve on the management committee and
when not playing (he turned out for all three teams over the
2013/14 season), he is always working behind the scenes to ensure
the club is operating to its highest standard.
“His sense of duty has seen him tend to the pitches, run the
touchline, act as sponge man to each team, as well as putting out the
pitch furniture.
“He has even taken on responsibility for the club kitchen, cooking
post-match meals on numerous occasions.
“Through his efforts and example, Adrian has brought to the club
the Whistler Referees’ Trophy – best county hosts – on a number of
occasions.
RFU thank Thornbury for the
Vunipola brothers
“His recognition that the game needs referees and ensuring they
receive the best treatment and respect the club can provide is a
sterling example of how the game should be played, both on and off
the field.
“The area where it is felt Adrian deserves special recognition is his
commitment to junior rugby and the promotion of the game through
young players.
“Adrian has been a junior coach for the club for over 25 years and
has been on the juniors’ management committee for all the years that
the club has had one.
“For the last five years he has been the juniors’ committee
chairman and has worked tirelessly at linking the club into the local
schools.
“These efforts have led to the point where Tewkesbury School
now run their big games for all ages from the club, as well as
establishing a junior schools annual tag tournament, including marking
the pitches, putting out the furniture, managing the referees and
cleaning up afterwards.”
Torch Trophy Trust chairman Paul Dimond said: “Every year, the
trust is overwhelmed with the stories of local volunteers who give
their time so willingly and Adrian is undoubtedly a worthy recipient."
The Torch Trophy Trust was founded in 1962 and recognises and
supports volunteers in sport and recreation.
Minch growing touch rugby
Mako and Billy Vunipola with Thornbury’s Mike Burnard at Pennyhill Park.
Thornbury RFC have been presented with commemorative plaques
recognising their contribution to making England rugby players of the
Vunipola brothers.
The Rugby Football Union recently presented the plaques to Thornbury
committeeman Mike Burnard at England’s training camp at Pennyhill Park,
Bagshot.
Mako and Billy Vunipola played for Thornbury Broncos when at The
Castle School, Thornbury before moving from the area and attending
Millfield and Harrow schools respectively.
Mako made his England debut in 2012 before touring with the British and
Irish Lions the following year. While he was in Australia with the Lions, Billy
made his England debut in Argentina.
Gloucestershire Rugby News
Minchinhampton RFC have been getting involved with the RFU’s O2
Touch Programme.
The club have been able to use the support resources to help grow
touch rugby in the area with not just existing players but new players to
rugby.
During the winter months, the club used an indoor all weather pitch
several miles from Minchinhampton, where they had over 70 people
registered with an average of 35 attending each week on a Thursday
evening.
The club offer free initial sessions to help encourage newcomers to
come along and give it a try. There are a range of abilities, ages and
male and female players involved. The club hope to increase
membership further once they can return to the club’s home ground in
the Spring.
To find out more about Minchinhampton’s O2 touch programme,
contact the club or to find out more about O2 touch and how to
become an O2 Touch Centre, speak to your RDO.
April 2015 –
11
Hartpury players “buzzing with excitement”
after training with England Rugby’s finest
Hartpury RFC players were “buzzing with excitement” after
being given the chance to test themselves against England Rugby
recently.
A squad of 25 players and the RFC’s coaching staff were invited to take
part in a training session with Stuart Lancaster’s senior England side at
Pennyhill Park. After a light breakfast and a briefing from the England head
coach, they were put through their paces by England and Hartpury’s
coaching staff.
England used the session to prepare for their Calcutta Cup clash with
Scotland on Saturday, March 14th – the penultimate game in their RBS 6
Nations campaign.
And they came up against a number of Hartpury RFC players looking to
follow in their footsteps in future, including England Under-20s back or
second row Joe Batley, and fly-half Mat Protheroe, who put in a man of the
match performance for England Under-18s recently, scoring 11 of their
points in a 21-5 victory over France.
Hartpury Director of Rugby, Alan Martinovic, said: “Our guys absolutely
loved it! It was a beautiful morning and that made it all the more physically
demanding, but we were able to rotate the players around to share the
workload and they are still buzzing with excitement about it.
“Coaching wise, it was great for us to be able to talk to the England Rugby
coaching team and wider support staff and share our challenges and
experiences.
“As a squad, I think we stood up pretty well and Stuart Lancaster and Mike
Catt were both complimentary about the skills of our boys and the shape of
our team. It was an incredible opportunity for our players to be able to test
themselves against players of that calibre.
“It might have been a training session but you’re still up against the best
players in the country and that’s a demanding exercise. It’s an experience
these players never thought they would have.”
Director of Elite Sport at Hartpury and former England Rugby captain, Phil
de Glanville, said: "We’d like to thank England Rugby for giving our squad the
opportunity to train with them. So many of our talented young rugby players
are working hard to one day have the opportunity to pull on an international
jersey like so many Hartpury products have before them; and this trip to
Pennyhill Park will be an inspiration to them.”
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12 – April 2015
Gloucestershire Rugby News