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The Official Newspaper of The RFU
April 2017 Issue 200
LOOKING FOR HISTORIC THIRD SIX NATIONS TITLE
England Head Coach Eddie Jones says
England are determined to be the first side
to win three consecutive RBS 6 Nations
titles, having defended their Championship
with victories over France, Wales, Italy and
Scotland, while missing out on a defended
Grand Slam with defeat in Ireland.
He will use the summer tour to Argentina to
improve the depth of the squad, but said: “We
are in a much better position than we were
12 months ago and we are in a much better
position than we were six months ago.
“I’ve learned more about the players, the
team has developed, we are more adaptable
and have greater depth. We are moving in the
right direction. At the end of the day, we have
back-to-back RBS 6 Nations trophies which is a
fine achievement.”
England’s world record equalling unbeaten
run of 18 matches came to an end in Ireland,
together with their hopes of becoming the first
side in the professional era to win back-to-back
Grand Slam titles.
Continued on page 2
Please click here for stats about England’s
record run
GRAND SLAM FOR RED ROSES
SPRINGBOARD FOR WORLD CUP
AFTER SLAM COMES JUNIOR
WORLD CUP CHALLENGE
Dean Ryan hailed England Under 20s Grand
Slam as a great achievement. The U20s –
captained by Bath back-row forward Zach
Mercer – secured their first Grand Slam since
2011 with a hard fought 14-10 victory over
Ireland in Dublin.
“Winning a Grand Slam is a great
achievement,” said Ryan, RFU Head of
International Player Development. “Everyone
deserves an enormous amount of credit, all
the coaches and all the people that work in the
programme. I think it is great for them.”
The U20s coaching staff used 37 players
across the tournament, and Ryan praised the
squad’s strength-in-depth.
Continued on page 2
TURIA TELLWRIGHT
England Women’s first Grand Slam since 2012,
courtesy of a resolute 34-7 win over Ireland at
Donnybrook, delighted their Head Coach Simon
Middleton. However, he insists his side will now
concentrate on getting even better.
“The difference between winning and not
winning in Ireland would have been huge,” said
Middleton. “The victory gives us a springboard
now and keeps our winning mentality going.
It also gives us confidence that what we’re
doing is right. We know we can get better, fitter
and stronger.
“That will be our next focus, but to come here
to the lion’s den and beat a side that are going to
be hosting the World Cup is massive for us. I’m
absolutely thrilled.”
The Red Roses scored tries through Amy
Wilson Hardy, Laura Keates, Amy Cokayne,
Continued on page 2
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
1
LOOKING FOR
HISTORIC THIRD SIX
NATIONS TITLE
Continued from page 1
Jones says his side can still achieve greatness. “The great thing
for us is that we’ve won back-to-back RBS 6 Nations trophies and
no one has ever won three in a row,” he says. “So we are still in a
position where we could achieve a record in the competition.”
And with several key members of the squad likely to tour New
Zealand with the British & Irish Lions this summer, he sees the
two-Test series in Argentina as the perfect opportunity to add
experience to the group.
“2017 has always been about improving the depth of the squad,”
he said. “I’d like to think at the end of the year we’ll have a greater
depth, will have three or four players for each position and if we do
that I’ll look back at 2017 as a successful year.
“We go to Argentina for two Tests, we know they are going to
be at full strength. We are playing in towns with hostile crowds
and it’ll be a great learning experience. It’s going to be fun, a great
cultural experience and a great chance to see where young players
are up to and whether they can be exposed to a World Cup in two
years time.”
AFTER SLAM COMES JUNIOR
WORLD CUP CHALLENGE
Continued from page 1
Ryan’s attention is now focused on the World Rugby U20
Championships in May and June, and he says England must
improve if they are to win successive titles.
“To win a World Cup they have to be better than they were
against Ireland,” he explained. “The team recognises that.
The Junior World Cup is the next challenge to see if you
have the base of a good team, and you have to strive for good
performance and good progress.”
England U20s sealed the Six Nations title with a 33-5 win
against Scotland on the penultimate weekend, having beaten
Italy 46-0, Wales 37-21 and France 59-17.
In Ireland, captain Zach Mercer paid tribute to his team mates,
especially for their resilience late on. “It was awesome, fair play
to Ireland, we were probably too complacent in that second half,
but I can’t say how proud I am of the boys,” he said. “To go back
on the plane with the boys knowing we’ve won it is amazing. I’m
over the moon.”
England U20 coach Tom Williams added: “We made it hard
for ourselves. However the team have shown a lot of backbone
and character and that is what is so promising about this group
of players. We know we can’t rest on our laurels and there is a lot
to work on ahead of the U20 World Championship but we have
a good platform to build from.”
ENGLAND PLAYERS LAUNCH
MITSUBISHI MOTORS EXETER SEVENS
GRAND SLAM FOR RED
ROSES SPRINGBOARD
FOR WORLD CUP
Continued from page 1
Emily Scarratt and Lydia Thompson, with Scarratt ending
the match with a personal haul of 14 points. Ireland scored a
consolation try of their own through hooker Leah Lyons but it was
not enough to prevent England’s first Six Nations win in Ireland
since 2011.
Their Six Nations saw England Women beat France 26-13 at
Twickenham, turning around a 13-0 half time deficit, the biggest
half time comeback ever in the Women’s Six Nations.
They then ran in 11 tries at BT Cardiff Arms Park, Lydia
Thompson’s hat trick helping to put Wales to the sword 63-0.
That was followed by a 29-15 win against Italy at the Twickenham
Stoop, where Kay Wilson ran in an amazing seven tries against
Scotland in the 64-0 victory.
MATCH OFFICIALS
CHOSEN
When England take on Argentina Nigel Owens will referee
their first Test in San Juan on 10 June assisted by Johnny
Lacey and Egon Seconds. The second Test on 17 June in
Sante Fe will be officiated by Lacey, with Owens and Seconds
assisting him.
Rugby Football Union referees Matthew Carley, Luke Pearce,
Wayne Barnes and JP Doyle have also been assigned matches
for upcoming Tests.
Carley takes charge of Australia v Fiji on 10 June and Pearce
United States v Ireland on the same day. Barnes takes charge
of Australia v Scotland on 17 June, Doyle has Japan v Ireland a
week later and Pearce officiates Argentina v Georgia also
on the 24th. Carley will also be the referee for Australia v Italy
on 24 June.
15-16 July – Tickets now on sale www.sandypark.co.uk/sevens
England Sevens players Tom Bowen and Charlton Kerr were on
hand to launch the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter 7s which returns
this year from 15-16 July. They were joined by Academy player
Calum Sirker, as well as Exeter’s Deputy Lord Mayor and a host of
local rugby clubs.
The Exeter round will be the final stage of the Rugby Europe
Sevens Grand Prix Series 2017 which kicks off in Russia on
Saturday, 3 June then moves to Poland from 10–11 June.
“It was great to meet the Exeter locals today and see their
excitement ahead of the Mitsubishi Motors Exeter Sevens this
summer,” said Tom Bowen. “It’s a great tournament and a brilliant
experience playing different teams on the European circuit.”
This year, clubs from the local area have been assigned
adopted nations to support and welcome to Exeter ahead of their
involvement in the tournament.
“It’s more than just the on-field rugby, it’s about community
and through the adopt a nation campaign, it gives the Exeter
community an opportunity to rub shoulders with the elite rugby
players throughout Europe,” said Director of Professional Rugby at
the RFU, Nigel Melville.
Tony Rowe, CEO of Exeter Chiefs, said he was looking forward
to welcoming the tournament once again. “Mitsubishi Motors
Exeter Sevens has become one of the highlights of Exeter’s
sporting calendar, reinforcing its place as the sporting capital of
the South West.”
NEWARK DEVELOPING PLAYERS
Newark Rugby Club are celebrating the achievement of having
a player selected for the England Counties under-18s squad for
a fourth successive season. Fly half Matt Law is following in the
footsteps of two wings in Ben Dixon and Ben Usher plus back-row
forward James Newman.
Law, who has played regularly in the first team this season at
the Midlands Two North East club, is a pupil at King’s School in
Grantham and his brother Jonny, who is in the Leicester Tigers
academy, is part of the club’s successful under-16s squad. He
earned his place via the divisional selection process by playing for
the Midlands.
Club president Alan Swain said: “This achievement could well be
unsurpassed by a junior community club and highlights the fantastic
work of our senior youth coaching team and the support network of
all club officials and parents. The results speak for themselves.”
The quartet are following a distinguished ‘internationals’ group
at the club led by life member Dusty Hare, and vice president John
Wells. Newark are looking to build on their present strong mini
and youth set up – which numbers well over 400 this season – by
re-establishing a coaching initiative at the town’s Magnus School.
Almost 100 years ago, it was teachers and pupils at the school who
helped to form the club which originally ran as an old boys’ club.
Newark are also progressing off the pitch through the development
of a new clubhouse helped by a loan from the RFU. The first phase of
a changing room block is due to be completed this summer.
2
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
RFU APPOINTS HEAD OF SPORTS
& MEDICINE
GARETH MILLS
Mark Bennett is to join the RFU as Head of Sports Science
and Medicine in July, and will be responsible for creating
and implementing a programme to maximise the athletic
development of players across England’s international teams,
outside the men’s senior squad.
Reporting to Professional Rugby Director, Nigel Melville,
Bennett will manage the sports science and medical team that
supports the women, sevens and player pathway including
analysis, anti-doping, conditioning, nutrition, psychology, research
and sports medicine. He will ensure alignment between teams
and further relationships with professional clubs to optimise
player development.
Bennett is currently Head of Performance at Bristol Rugby
having begun his coaching career with the Bristol Shoguns in
1999. Between these roles he spent five years with Ospreys Rugby
as Head of Strength and Conditioning and six years with the
Welsh Rugby Union.
As Wales’ national team Conditioning Coach, Bennett was
a member of the management who won the RBS 6 Nations
Grand Slam in 2005 and 2008 and, in his early years with the
union, created and managed the national academy conditioning
department as Head of Sport Science.
As a professional player, Bennett played for Cardiff RFC, Neath
RFC and Bristol Rugby and featured in Wales’ 1995 Rugby World
Cup campaign in South Africa. He lectured part-time in Sport
Science between 2003-2009 at the University of Wales and the
University of Glamorgan, during which time he conducted postgraduate research in training adaptations for professional rugby
players. He has also consulted for the Sports Council of Wales and
Swansea City; influencing training content for athletes and the
continued professional development of their conditioning coaches.
Bennett said: “It is an exciting time for England Rugby and this
is a chance to work with a diverse set of talented players across
age-grade, sevens and women. This will be a fantastic opportunity
to work with younger athletes and those who are on their way to
reaching the top, putting processes in place to help guide them
along the way.”
Melville said: “Mark is very forward thinking and has done a lot
of research into how the game is being played and the direction it
will take. His analytical and progressive approach is particularly
important for the pathway and in preparing players for the future.
He will be a real asset to the department, creating better alignment
within each area of sport science and medicine and improving
processes for professional development.”
“Henley College Coventry are proud to establish an educational
partnership with Wasps Academy. The college has developed
a strong foundation within its rugby union programme over
the years and becoming an official college partner with Wasps
Academy is an exciting opportunity to further develop rugby
union players for the future within the City of Coventry. We are
delighted to be working with Wasps Academy and look forward to
the journey ahead.”
Places on the programme will be offered based on prior
experience, a learner’s rugby CV and performance in trials.
Academically, applicants to Henley College Coventry will be
required to meet certain criteria depending on the course you’re
applying for.
For more information regarding the programme, please visit
www.henley-cov.ac.uk or email the Head of Rugby Pete Glackin, at
[email protected]
HENLEY
COLLEGE
TEAMS UP
WITH WASPS
Wasps Academy recently announced a partnership with Henley
College Coventry, offering a bespoke educational programme,
which provides learners with a platform to prepare them for a
professional rugby career through the guidance of Henley College
Coventry, an RFU Accredited College and Wasps Academy.
Based at Henley College Coventry, the rugby programme offers
the perfect environment for talented rugby players to combine the
highest level of competition with a continued education. Learners
will have the opportunity to compete at the very highest level of
college sport whilst completing their studies including weekly
fixtures in the AoC Sports Premier League, and an International
tournament: Portugal International U19s Youth Festival in Lisbon.
It provides an educational and player pathway for talented rugby
players to progress to Wasps Academy and even potentially the
Wasps first team.
Wasps Academy Performance Manager, Ian Taplin, is looking
forward to developing the partnership with Henley College
Coventry and said: “Now that Wasps Academy are embedded
in the local area we are delighted to establish links with local
colleges. This partnership will mirror the provision we provide
with The Henley College, Henley-on-Thames. These programmes
provide terrific chances for young players, allying comprehensive
rugby development with academic achievement is key for any
young player reaching their potential on and off the pitch.
Hopefully this represents another step towards getting local
youngsters representing Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.”
Head of Rugby at Henley College Coventry, Pete Glackin, added:
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ENGLAND
COUNTIES
OVERCOME IRELAND
IN CORK
England Counties beat an Ireland Club XV 34-26 in a tense
encounter at Cork Constitution. It was a high tempo affair,
with England needing a late second-half surge to quell the
Irish in a competitive encounter on Temple Hill. The victory
was England’s second of the season following their 45-28
victory over Scotland in February.
“After the first half we controlled the ball well against a
strong wind but we gave Ireland a few silly points,” said
England Head Coach James Shanahan. “This is a tough place
to come and win, but now it’s one defeat in seventeen to us
and we are pretty happy with that record.”
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
3
REAL RUGBY STORIES
Featuring regularly on englandrugby.com, as well as in Touchline, our Real Rugby Stories celebrate the
achievements of those involved in the grassroots game. Whether it’s supportive mums or medics,
chairmen taking clubs places, or children with inspirational stories, let us know about your remarkable
people by emailing: [email protected]
RUGBY ROUND THE KITCHEN TABLE
MARK DOWNS
The kitchen table at the Downs’ house sees a lot of rugby
action. When Rachel Downs and her friend Eleanor Dainty
had to finish playing in the boys team at Under 12 their
options were limited.
“I told Rachel that if she got a team together I would help
coaching” says Mum, Jude, who also plays prop for the Leigh
Ladies 15 and has coaching support for the girls from her team
mate Rhianne Boag.
Rachel convinced a group of school friends to turn up to
training and they loved it. They brought more girls along and
numbers have steadily grown.
“Some of the girls were bringing younger sisters to training
and they were also desperate to play, so we felt that we
could possibly get two teams up and running, Under 15s and
Under 13s” says Rhianne, “but we needed a coach for them.
Fortunately, David Bullough, a former Leigh player and father
of U13 player Molly, stepped forward.
“I have to admit I was a bit nervous to start with but now I
absolutely love it. The girls are great and very keen.”
There are now over 30 girls training each week. The 13s have
joined a few RFU pitch up and play sessions and have games
under their belts. The 15s are into their second season and as
well as making it to the Plate final have had five girls selected
for Lancashire, two of them also selected to represent the
North.
On the Sundays when there is a fixture clash with Jude and
Rhianne playing for the Seniors, Rachel’s dad Mark picks up
the coaching reins. As well as being the standby Under 15s
coach, Mark is the Lancashire RFU Secretary.
“Alongside running the Leigh RUFC girls’ section, the
kitchen table is also used to administer rugby in Lancashire,
it’s the County office!” says Mark.
NATWEST REAL RUGBY HEROES
Ten NatWest Real Rugby Heroes representing all
those working behind the scenes in schools and
college rugby, received awards in a pitch-side
presentation at Twickenham. The NatWest Real
Rugby Heroes Awards, recognising the unsung
heroes of the game, went to:
Mel Alexander – Birchwood Primary School who
started tag rugby at the school introducing over
350 boys and girls to the game, ensuring teachers
passed their Rugby Tag Course, organising fixtures
and festivals and encouraging pupils to join
Woodbridge RFC.
Jason Button – Welland Park Academy, Head
Coach at Leicester EPDG and Chair of the
Leicestershire County Schools Union. Having run
boys’ and girls’ rugby at Kibworth High School, he
is now developing school rugby as Head of PE at
Welland Primary School.
Kelly Corder – Reigate School, started their girls
rugby, coaching after school, arranging fixtures,
taking them to Twickenham as guard of honour at
England v France 2015, and encouraging them to play
for Sutton & Cheam and their county side, Surrey.
Dean Dryhurst – Oaklands Catholic School, who
volunteered to coach Year 7 when his son joined and
took time off work to drive a minibus to matches.
With another coach on board, came Saturday
fixtures, a thriving girls’ team and links formed with
Havant RFC.
Tom Elmes – The ACE Academy, who became
Head of PE when the school was in special measures
and the PE Department lacked direction. He
4
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
developed their sport, joined the CBRE All Schools
programme and now enters students in local and
regional competitions.
Kevin Marshall – Wolfreton School, the driving
force for boys’ and girls’ rugby in Cup competitions,
festivals and local fixtures. All his teachers are
qualified coaches and referees and he organises
festivals and developed links with Hullensians RFC
expanding their teams.
Alex Price – West Lakes Academy, set a high
standard of rugby in Cumbria having been part
of CBRE All Schools for four years. Teams have
reached county competition finals and he has worked
tirelessly to develop school sport and build strong
links with the local club.
Michelle Stone – Heston Community School,
recognised the importance and value rugby can add
to students’ sporting lives and has been crucial in
ensuring that rugby programmes including CBRE All
Schools go towards enriching the student experience.
Paul Tearle – Queen Elizabeth’s Academy Trust,
worked on the development of girls’ rugby at
the school and Crediton RFC, building the most
successful girls section in the South West, with three
teams, 50+ players and 8 coaches, while boys’ schools
teams are thriving.
Matthew Whitley – Whitcliffe Mount School, saw
how CBRE All Schools could turn a non-playing
school into a rugby playing school in five years,
with boys’ teams in every age group and girls’ rugby
developing via Young Leaders, students now playing
for Cleckheaton RFC.
MEMORABLE
OCCASION
When RFU President Peter Baines hosted a celebration lunch in the Twickenham Stadium
Members Lounge to thank volunteers for their valued support for the game, 23 volunteers
and their guests were there representing referees, coaches, player safety, education,
groundsmen and those having made outstanding contributions to their clubs. They
enjoyed a three-course meal with views overlooking the pitch and a stadium behind-thescenes tour.
Nominated for his tireless efforts in recruiting and managing volunteers for Sale FC, Dave
Hulme who was there with his son Matt, said: “Whatever we say cannot possibly come close
to expressing our sincere thanks for such a fantastic day. It was a truly memorable occasion
and one that made us all feel very proud and privileged to be invited. It was a great
experience and we were so fortunate to have such fantastic hosts in Ian Ritchie and Chris
Kelly on our table. They made us feel so welcome.”
CRANLEIGH WIN FOR JAKE AT NATIONAL SCHOOL SEVENS
The 78th Rosslyn Park HSBC National School 7s was
a huge success, with thousands of players from U13
to U18 level competing and many more watching at
home and at school on the live stream.
The flagship U18 Cup was won by Cranleigh for
the second year in a row as they became the first side
since Millfield in 2009 and 2010 to achieve that feat.
They did so in memory of their friend Jake Andrews,
whose funeral was on the final day of the tournament,
having lost his battle with cancer two weeks earlier.
A year after leaving school, he was still close to many
of the team, who decided that playing for him was the
best way to honour him, and they did so in a manner
that left those watching inspired and impressed. With
tremendous spirit, they twice scored with the last play
of the game to win, before beating Brighton College in
a superb final, 28-7.
The U18 Plate was won by Woodhouse Grove, beating
Wellington College 19-14 in a thrilling final. The
Yorkshire school also picked up the U14 Plate, beating
Marlborough College 38-21 in the final. Elsewhere at
U18 level, St John’s, Leatherhead were the Vase winners
beating Cheltenham College 26-24 in a classic 7s battle
in the final, while Epsom College were fine 31-0 victors
over Stockport Grammar School in the Bowl final.
The two girls’ tournaments at U18 level saw Hartpury
College once again on top in the Girls AASE final,
beating SGS Filton College 33-12, while in the Girls
U18 tournament Amman Valley were victors for the
third year running, winning a tight final 12-10 against
Blundell’s, in their first year as a girls 7s team.
Wellington College were the Boys U16 Cup winners,
scoring late on in the final against Millfield when 14-7
down, and then adding a try in the last play of the
game for a 19-14 victory.
Local boys Wimbledon College were the U14 Cup
winners, they met Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf in the final,
the side that they had played and beaten in last year’s
Junior final. This year they won 26-10.
The Prep and Junior matches were played as
waterfall tournaments, in line with the new age-grade
rugby protocols. While that meant no trophy winners,
there were plenty of outstanding performances
from schools and individuals, and the sheer joy
of their rugby was one of the real highlights of
the tournament.
Those who missed out on the Rosslyn Park HSBC
National School 7s can catch a glimpse of what they
missed out on at the London 7s leg of the HSBC World
Rugby 7s Series on Sunday 21st May, when Cranleigh
and Brighton College take to the field at Twickenham
Stadium in a replay of the U18 Cup final.
AYLESFORD BULLS WIN WOMEN’S CUP
Aylesford Bulls won the Women’s Cup for the first time in their
history with a 37-0 win against Wasps in the main event of Cup
finals day at Royal Wootton Bassett RFC. Sammy Voyle and
Deirbhile Nic a Bháird both went over twice for Bulls, whose
tally included a penalty try and scores from Fiona Fletcher and
Leanne Riley.
Aylesford opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when a
penalty try was awarded following several infringements in the
scrum and captain Amy Turner slotted the conversion. Their
second try came when the ball was worked wide to Nic a Bháird
who sidestepped two defenders to score, and on the stroke
of half-time No.8 Voyle controlled the ball at the back of an
advancing scrum to dot down.
Baird had her second try eight minutes after the break with
another instinctive finish and Voyle also completed her double
on the hour. England scrum half Riley sealed the win shortly
before the final whistle when the Bulls won a scrum and she raced
over, sparking Aylesford celebrations.
Former England back and Bulls captain Turner said: “When it
mattered we pulled together, the leaders stood up and the whole
squad got behind that.”
The Cup was one of six finals on the day with Bristol, West Park
Leeds, Loughborough, Lewes and Windsor also winning their
respective contests.
Bristol beat Worcester Valkyries 32-20 in the Plate final thanks
to doubles for Becki Belcher and Chantelle Miell. Brooke Bradley
and Phoebe Murray also crossed for Bristol, while Jasmine Bixley,
Helena Bunce, Rhiannon Donnahey and Ceri Large scored tries for
the Valkyries.
In the Intermediate Cup, last year’s runners up West Park
Leeds went one better to lift the trophy, defeating Gloucester
Hartpury 32-19.
BEN YOUNG
Vicki Pinks, Jessica Courtman, Claire Garner, Danielle Rose
and Amy Johnson all scored tries for West Park. Gloucester
Hartpury scored three tries through Lauren Graham, Laura
Paganni and Charlotte Faux.
In the Intermediate Plate Loughborough beat local rivals
West Bridgford 29-5, with Emma Dootson and Ofure Ugiage
scoring twice each and England U20 prop Leah Bartlett also
crossing. Jess Panayiotou touched down for West Bridgford.
Lewes lifted the Junior Cup with a battling 12-3 win against
Reading Abbey thanks to tries from Rosie Neal and Nicola
Minchell. Reading Abbey were 3-0 up for the majority of the
match thanks to an Alice Denton penalty, but Lewes showed
heart to come back in the latter stages.
Windsor retained the Junior Plate after a 17-0 win against
Harrogate. Rachel Humphreys, Gillian Thomas and Jess
O’Sullivan went over for the Berkshire club.
SEVEN REFEREE SOCIETIES NOW RFU MEMBERS
Seven referee societies have become members of the RFU, their
status having been confirmed at the Governance Standing
Committee meeting last month (March).
This makes them voting members, entitled to privileges
that come with RFU membership, and is part of implementing
the Match Officials Blueprint’s recommendations, the Rugby
Referees Union having become a Constituent Body last year.
The RFU has accepted the following as members: RAF Rugby
Union Referee Society, Notts, Lincs & Derbys Referees Society,
Hertfordshire Society of Rugby Union Football Referees, South
Yorkshire Referees Society, West Yorkshire Referees Society,
Central Yorkshire Referees Society and North Yorkshire &
Cleveland Referees Society.
Said Match Official Development Manager, Michael Patz:
“These seven referee societies now have the same privileges
as rugby clubs, a further 15 are currently completing the
application process, and of the remaining 15 a number are
seeking to change their constitutions to meet the RFU rules
before applying.
“In our 37 societies across the country we have a tremendous
force of fantastic match officials who ensure that games take
place, week in week out. It is a pleasure to congratulate the first
seven on achieving RFU membership and I look forward to the
rest joining them.”
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
5
GUESS WHO’S
PRESENTING THE SHIRTS?
WOMEN’S
PREMIERSHIP
PLAY-OFFS
BEN YOUNG
England Head Coach Eddie Jones presented
England Students with match day shirts on
the eve of their 36-36 draw with Combined
Students of Ireland.
Jones also posed for photos with the players
and addressed the team to prepare them for
their clash at the University of Oxford.
He said: “You have to be physically right, and
you’ve got to be emotionally right. So make sure
you use the next period of time to get yourself
right for the game, so when you’re ready to kick
off you’re physically and emotionally ready to
go and beat the Irish. I wish you all the best. I
think it’s just fantastic for you.”
The England Students management kept
the shirt presentation a secret until the day,
and team manager Paul Baty said: “It was a
real confirmation of the importance of student
rugby and the England Students team in
particular to have Eddie Jones present the
shirts,” he said. “The players were kept in the
dark about who was coming and were trying to
guess all week.”
England Students had a late lead against the
Combined Students of Ireland but were unable
to hold on as the teams fought to a 36-36 draw.
England started brightly, Mark Dixon
brushing off an Irish defender for the game’s
first try, Will Kaye converting for a 7-0 lead.
The Irish responded with a penalty from right
wing, Bryan Mollen, before Sunderland flanker,
Simon Uzokwe, dragging Irish defenders with
him, bulldozed his way across for a try, giving
England a 12-3 lead.
Mollen then took the game by the scruff,
scoring an easy try and then a penalty to cut
England’s lead to one point. In the 31st minute
it was Mollen again, running up the middle for
a try. He then kicked another penalty to put
Ireland up by seven points. Loughborough’s
number 9 Sam Pointon then cooly slipped past
Ireland’s defenders and sped under the posts,
making it 19-19 at the break.
It was the 59th minute before Ireland’s Nick
Peters scored a converted try but with star
player Mollen sin-binned, England needed
just seconds to score, as Pointon notched his
second try. Kaye made the conversion and
it was 26 points apiece, until Kaye slotted a
penalty to give England the lead.
Matthew Gilsenan responded with a
converted penalty for Ireland, but then a
few minutes later, England seemed to have
achieved the fairytale ending. Oxford’s right
wing Tom Stileman crashed across the line for
a try and Kaye’s conversion made it 36-29 with
just minutes remaining.
But Ireland found another try to once
again level the match. England pushed
hard for victory in the final moments, with
Loughborough replacement Callum Watson
making a terrific run, but Ireland’s defence held
firm and the two sides shared the honours.
Head coach Aaron James said: “We would have
liked to win, but we did well to get the draw. We
worked pretty hard. We let Ireland get away in the
middle period, but we came back well.
“We had confidence in the boys in the way
they played, they had intent right through it.
We started to get a few injuries, especially to
the backs, which was the only concern. But our
fitness told.”
Bristol finished the regular season top of the Women’s Premiership for the first time in their history,
with the play-off final set to take place on 23rd April (kick-off 3pm) at Sixways Stadium, Worcester.
At the time of Touchline going to print, Bristol will take on Saracens in the first play-off semi-final on
9th April at Cleve RFC while Lichfield played Aylesford Bulls in the other semi-final at Cooke Fields
on the same day.
The losers of the semi-final matches will face each other in a third/fourth place play-off at Sixways
on 23rd April (kick-off 1pm) before the final that decides who will be crowned 2016/17 Women’s
Premiership champions.
Bristol headed the table with 60 points, one point ahead of Lichfield, with Aylesford Bulls recording
their highest ever finish of third and Saracens completing the play-off line-up in fourth.
NORTHUMBRIA WOMEN DENIED BY
EDINBURGH
Northumbria University lost out to the
University of Edinburgh 48-5 in the Women’s
BUCS Championship final at Twickenham.
Player of the match Megan Gaffney, and Rhona
Lloyd, scored hat-tricks for Edinburgh while
Joanna Brown’s effort with 30 seconds remaining
brought Northumbria’s only points of the match.
With Northumbria only 10-0 adrift at the break,
the second half was all Edinburgh’s until the last
minute, when Brown charged straight through
the defence and raced away for a consolation try,
Northumbria women losing in the final for the
second consecutive year.
HARTPURY COLLEGE WIN BUCS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Despite being down to 14 men, Hartpury
immediately responded when centre Jamie
Forrester carved open Exeter’s defence,
offloading to star winger Jonas Mikalcius
to score.
Leeming once again took the points to bring
the score level at 17-17. England star Harry
Randall, who two weeks earlier achieved an U20
Six Nations Grand Slam, produced the moment
of the match when he took a quick penalty and
beat three men to score in the corner. Leeming
missed the conversion, making the score 22-17
leading into a tense final quarter.
The match was effectively ended minutes later
when Randall picked the ball from the ruck,
sneaking over for a 27-17 victory.
At Twickenham Stadium Exeter got on the
scoreboard first, linking nicely in the backs
to set scrum half Aaron Bagwell free to sprint
under the posts. Fly half Ted Landray slotted
the extras for 7-0, giving him 180 points in
the season.
An infringement at the ruck from Exeter 15
minutes in gave Hartpury fly half Sam Leeming
the chance to narrow the gap, bringing the score
6
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
to 7-3, before Exeter scored from a driving maul,
Landray once again converting to bring the score
to 14-13.
Hartpury’s captain and talisman Seb Negri
proved the difference with the final play before
half-time. The back row broke through two
tackles to bring Hartpury a few metres away
from the line with scrum half Harry Randall
then feeding full back Maliq Holden to score in
the corner. Leeming nailed a tricky
conversion to bring the score to 14-10
at the break.
Exeter dominated the early part
of the second half, creating space
for flanker James McRae to break
through. Try scorer Maliq Holden
was sent to the sin bin for hands in
the ruck.
Penryn primary schools enjoyed a rugby festival
last month (March), Cornish Pirates having
run six sessions over the preceding weeks,
focusing on free flowing rugby in a safe and
fun environment.
Pupils from Mawnan, Kennell Vale, Mylor and
Perran-ar-Worthal schools travelled to Penwith
College’s state-of-the-art 3G pitch for really
fun day.
Sam Teasdale, Community Engagement
Manager, said: “It was great to see all of the
children playing heads up rugby with some real
attacking flair. The enjoyable environment on
and off the pitch was testament to the teachers
embracing and implementing the Children
First approach.”
Alex Dancer, one of a number of Cornish
Pirates players helping on the day, added: “This
was a very entertaining day of rugby and the
children should be really proud of what they
have achieved over the last six weeks.”
Fellow squad members Matt Bolwell and
Matt Evans gave advice to the enthusiastic
youngsters, and to conclude the afternoon
coaches Alan Paver and Gavin Cattle
complimented the youngsters on the level of
play, and said how they may have witnessed
future Pirates in the making!
Members of the Cornish Pirates rugby team are
also teaming up with staff from Royal Cornwall
Hospital (RCHT) to run a toy appeal for the
clinical Imaging department. When children
have scans they can be very nervous, but the
team have one technique that almost always
works – to give away a toy! With these toys
running out the Cornish Pirates are asking their
supporters to help and donate – to Captain’s
Benbow’s Toy Appeal.
Photo credit: Brian Tempest
IT’S CHILDSPLAY FOR PIRATES
Club captain Chris Morgan, who has a young
family, said: “The generosity of our supporters
is always appreciated and a good number will, I
am sure, wish to react and help with this in their
usual positive way. It’s a simple request, but one
that really will be of help to the young children.”
As well as running Captain Benbow’s toy
appeal, a match day collection was taking
place when the Cornish Pirates play Doncaster
Knights at home with RCHT volunteers
shaking their buckets to help buy additional
new toys.
NORTH OF ENGLAND
SCHOOLS SEVENS
MAY GOES
BACK TO SCHOOL
Former England, Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints player, Tom May, recently helped
open a new fitness activity area at Worple School near Twickenham Stadium. He was joined
by Brentford & Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury to unveil the equipment funded by the World Cup
Legacy Fund, which aimed to give the local area a lasting legacy from the World Cup matches at
the Home of England Rugby.
Rob Kemp, Worple School Chair of Governors, said: “We’ve already seen the impact from the RFU
tag rugby schemes at the school as we recently won the Gold Gamesmark award for competitive
school sports – the smallest school to achieve such an award in the borough. Now we’re looking to
use the new activity trim trail equipment – funded by the RFU 2015 World Cup Legacy and the Big
Lottery Fund – to add value to the school’s PE programme, with drills for the children to develop
strength, co-ordination, endurance, stamina, teamwork and problem solving, as well team and
individual challenges.”
The rain relented long enough for the 2017 Quilter Cheviot North of England Schools Invitation
Sevens to kick off at the Birkenhead Park FC ground, on Sunday 12th March.
The Bowring Trophy was retained by Kirkham Grammar School, who beat Woodhouse Grove in
a Roses battle, having seen off the challenges of Pocklington in the semis and Queen Ethelbergha’s
in the quarter-finals. They played some scintillating rugby and were heading for Rosslyn Park in
optimistic mood.
The Boodle & Dunthorne Salver, competed for by the group runners-up, was lifted by Malvern
College on only their second outing at this event. They defeated King’s Worcester in a closelycontested match, there being only one score between them. In their previous games they had
despatched both Bradford Grammar School and Ampleforth, while King’s overcame Durham in the
semis and King’s Macclesfield in the quarter finals. The Plate had a particularly strong entry this year,
with Stockport Grammar School, who were winners of the Cheshire U18 Tournament earlier in the
week, and Giggleswick making up the eight.
In the Trophy event, Barnard Castle just crept past Sedbergh before losing to Woodhouse Grove in
the semis, with Austin Friars from Carlisle and RGS Newcastle the other losing quarter-finalists. The
Player of the Tournament Trophy, in memory of one of the tournament’s greatest supporters, Gerald
L. Finch, was awarded to Connor Doherty of Kirkham GS.
Young referees, led by Matthew Turvey and Chris Bennett from the RFU North Panel, were drawn
from the North West Federation and Liverpool and Manchester Societies and they set and maintained
a very high standard, the Northern element of Chris White’s Referees Academy organising
their participation.
Wooden Spoon chose this event to conduct a draw for kit and equipment, worth several hundred
pounds, presented by Standard Life, with Ampleforth the first out of the hat. Among guest sides this
year was Sacre Coeur from Reims, on their first overseas outing, all voting it a great success.
For more information please click here
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
7
TWICKENHAM HOSTS NATWEST CUP AND VASE FINALS
JOE OGDEN
The Cup and Vase finals in the NatWest Schools Cup were once
again hosted at the Home of England Rugby with thousands of
fans there to watch the pinnacle event in school rugby.
The major story at the beginning of the day was Warwick
School’s attempt to achieve the Cup double in both the U15 and
U18 age groups. However, Wellington School were intent on
spoiling their party.
First up was the U15 Vase which saw Thomas Hardye cruise to
a comfortable win over Dr Challoner’s. The Dorchester school
scored 10 tries in their 62-7 victory with fly-half Orlando Bailey
proving the star player.
Warwick’s double hopes were ended by Wellington. With Rugby
World Cup winner Will Greenwood among their coaching staff
and chasing a record unbeaten domestic season, Wellington
College were in no mood to let Warwick claim the U15 Cup title.
A brace from Wellington captain Fin Baxter, was accompanied by
a try from replacement wing George Morison and 10 points from the
boot of full back Max Thomas to give the side a 25-12 victory.
In the U18s, the Vase final will be remembered for one thing in
particular. The Dickinson brothers. Triplets Ben, George and Jack
were all outstanding as their side, Trent College, put in a dominant
performance to beat Royal Latin 43-7.
The showpiece event of the day was the U18 Cup final which
saw Warwick school take on Bishop Wordsworth’s in what was an
exceptional display of rugby.
Warwick scored four tries en-route to a 27-5 triumph to seal
the title. Warwick’s win left their Salisbury-based opponents
runners-up again, following the 1991 team who lost the very first
under-18 final, 4-3, to King Edward VI of Stratford. For Warwick, it
was a second under 18 title, following success in 2007.
INAUGURAL NATWEST BOWL
AND PLATE AT WORCESTER
STRICTLY
SOMERTON RFC
JOE OGDEN
Worcester’s Sixways Stadium played host to the inaugural
Bowl and Plate finals in the NatWest Schools Cup last month
(March).
This season the Schools Cup competition was restructured so
that teams knocked out in the first round of the Cup were able
to compete for the Plate and those knocked out of the Vase to
compete for the Bowl.
With schools able to choose whether to enter the Cup or Vase
in the first place, the playing field has been levelled which has
meant more exciting and closer matches.
The day began with Beths Grammar School beating
Pocklington in the U15 Bowl in a tense opening game. Beths’
No.8 Daniel Ademola proved to be the difference, scoring four
tries, and he was deservedly named Man of the Match.
The following match between Sir Thomas Rich’s and St. Pauls
in the U15 Plate was a lower scoring affair but equally as tense.
Sir Thomas Rich’s emerged the narrowest of winners, winning
6-3 thanks to two first-half penalty goals from hooker Luke Carr.
It was the Gloucester academy’s first national title after two
previous defeats in U15 national finals.
In the senior games Old Swinford were able to hold off a
fightback from St Olave’s to win 24-13 in the U18 Bowl final.
The last time Old Swinford Hospital were in a national final
they came up against Dulwich College who dominated the U18
Cup for three years. This time the Stourbridge school were the
stronger team, running out winners by four tries to two.
Reigate Grammar School were the fourth and last champions
at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium in the U18 Plate but they had
to survive a few anxious moments in the closing stages before
gaining a first title. They beat Solihull 20-16 in one of the day’s
closest games, with Solihull mounting a comeback through prop
Henry Nicholls five minutes from time.
An evening with a difference was enjoyed by 250 at Edgar
Hall, Somerton as Strictly Come Dancing arrived in town!
This was the first time Somerton RFC had organised such
an event and it was an overwhelming success. The event was
run in conjunction with GingerFred Dance Studio, Langport,
with support from Louise Barrett, a professional dance and
theatre director.
Six club members volunteered to take part in the
competition and all were paired with a dance partner
from GingerFred. None of the players had previous dance
experience and they put in many long hours beforehand in
the dance studio, with lots of help and encouragement from
their dancing partners and Louise.
The competitors were: Simon Rumbles and his partner
Nicola; Dan Dury and his partner Katey; Richard Worsdale
and his partner Lucy; Scott Godley and his partner Kim;
Tom Wills and his partner Katie, and Justin Marks and his
partner Juliet.
The judging panel comprised: Stephen Benn, a local
businessman and supporter of the club, two well-known local
people within the Langport and Somerton areas: Cara Naden
and Mo Fletcher and Robin Windsor, a British professional
latin and ballroom dancer, best known for his appearances in,
the BBC television series ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The dancers performed a five-minute routine with a
range of dance genres and the judges got into their stride
with well delivered thoughts, wit and humour and the allimportant scores.
Justin and Juliet topped the Leader Board (with a 10 being
awarded by Robin) but it was down to the audience to decide
who won the competition. Each pair returned for a repeat
performance and there were some very tense moments
waiting for the winning couple to be announced. Step forward
Club Captain, Tom Wills and his partner Katie, who received
their medals to rapturous applause.
8
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
YOUNG RUGBY PLAYERS PART OF RFU WORLD
WAR I COMMEMORATION AS RUGBY REMEMBERS
The RFU, in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission (CWGC), are encouraging rugby clubs and
schools to share their rugby history and explore the hundreds
of UK based CWGC sites.
#rugbyremembers sees the RFU and CWGC launch a
campaign and competition to inspire young people, rugby
club juniors and schools to visit one of the hundreds of CWGC
sites in the UK and then research the hundreds of rugby club
members, or school players and rugby coaches, who left sports
pitches to fight in World War I, never to return.
There are Twickenham tickets on offer and to enter the
competition young people should visit either a CWGC UK
site or a memorial board in their school or club and tweet a
photo using #rugbyremembers and @CWGC for the chance
to win tickets to the Old Mutual Wealth Cup England v
Barbarians match on 28 May. Winners will also be involved in a
commemoration event at the game.
In community rugby clubs and schools across England there
are memorial boards dedicated to those who gave their lives
during the First World War, many of them rugby players. There
are also hundreds of CWGC sites no more than three miles
from everyone’s front door. RFU World War I Commemoration
ambassador, Lewis Moody, recently visited the Brookwood
Military Cemetery in Surrey, with a group of rugby players from
the local CBRE All Schools Christ’s College, Guildford.
The RFU are proud to partner with the CWGC during their
centenary year and the partnership is an opportunity to
highlight the contribution rugby made in the two world wars.
Most of the international players from around the world who
died, including 27 England internationals, are commemorated by
the CWGC.
The RFU and CWGC are keen to collect new information on
rugby players who died in the Great War. All the information
collected will go towards to the new World Rugby Museum
set to open at Twickenham later this year and the Book of
Remembrance to be placed at the new World Rugby Memorial to
be opened in France in September.
Lewis Moody is asking everyone to please encourage young
people to take part in remembering all those who died.
Rugby Remembers will run throughout 2017 but the
competition closes on 17 May. To find details of the competition
click here
Click here to watch a video, made by the RFU in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), introduced by Lewis Moody
COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS RENAMED
GEMMA COBB
The County Championship divisions have been renamed after
some of England’s most distinguished rugby players. The divisions
will now be known as the Bill Beaumont Senior Men’s County
Championship, the Jason Leonard U20 County Championship and
the Gill Burns Women’s County Championship.
The Bill Beaumont Senior Men’s County Championship is made
up of the Bill Beaumont Division 1, Bill Beaumont Division 2 and
Bill Beaumont Division 3 competitions (formerly the Bill Beaumont
Cup, Division 2 Plate and Shield).
The Jason Leonard U20 County Championship will include
the Jason Leonard Division 1 and Jason Leonard Division 2
competitions (formerly the National U20 Cup and National
U20 Shield).
Following the success of the inaugural Women’s County
Championship and Regional Plate, the women’s division will
now be named the Gill Burns Women’s County Championship,
encompassing the Gill Burns Division 1 and Gill Burns Division
2 competitions.
“The renaming of the County Championship divisions makes
the competition structure a lot clearer and more consistent while
honouring three of England’s most celebrated rugby players,” said
Steve Grainger, RFU Rugby Development Director.
Surrey were crowned winners of the first-ever Women’s
County Championships last May, defeating Lancashire 32-17 at
Twickenham Stoop.
“It’s an honour to have the Women’s County Championship named
after me,” said Gill Burns MBE. “Last year’s inaugural competition,
which involved 16 women’s teams, showed the appetite for a
competitive competition for women across the country and I hope
that the tournament becomes a pillar of county rugby, helping
develop the women’s game.”
Jason Leonard added: “I’m delighted to put my name to this great
competition which showcases the very best of U20 grassroots rugby
across the country.”
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
9
AIRBASE FLIES IN TO SAVE THE DAY
Hadleigh RFC recently hosted a fantastic tag tournament, building
on the success of previous year’s events and welcoming up to 400
players in the U7 and U8 age groups from clubs across the Eastern
Counties. They believe that theirs is the largest tag tournament
of its kind in the UK, but this fourth event took place thanks to
support from Wattisham Airbase just a few miles up the road.
They stepped in at short notice, Royal Engineers erecting tents for
the youngsters when the weather forecast threatened the event.
Many former military personnel are parents and coaches at
the club and several work on the base as civilian contractors.
This season the club’s U11s had a team-building day with the
crews of the Apache attack helicopters. There are three support
battalions at the airbase, with Lt Col. Stuart Nasse commanding
officer for one of them, the 7th, and not only captain of the
Wattisham Warriors team on the airbase but also a very proud
Dad to Otto who was playing for the Hadleigh Baa-Baas in the
U8s competition.
Stuart sees rugby, and a close association with the Hadleigh
club, as a great way for new families to the base to make friends
at club and school, get involved with the local community and to
provide the social glue which everyone needs when relocating
to a new base. The club were certainly relieved when some Royal
Engineers came to the rescue.
One of Hadleigh’s coaches, Dale Spooner who trains the U8s,
NORTHUMBERLAND REFS
LOOK YOUNGER
EVERY DAY
If you want to see young referees, from the age of
14, running rugby matches in first-class fashion,
look no further than Northumberland.
The Northumberland Referees Society are
celebrating a third season of identifying and
developing junior referees in a programme
developed from an idea of three club coaches at
Novos, Ponteland & Percy Park who were looking to
to provide extra rugby experience for their players,
to support their involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme
and provide additional extra curricular experience to support
college applications.
Now with the support of the community foundation at
Newcastle Falcons, the RFU local CRC team led by Dave Reed
and Northumberland Rugby and Referees Society more than 30
young people have enjoyed the programme, half of them already
qualified to referee the 15-a-side game and the rest regularly
officiating in schools and club festivals at U12 and below.
They can all attend society training meetings to foster links
with senior referees, have mentors and their own quarterly
sessions where they undertake CPD as a group led by Simon
O’Neill and based on the RFU referee training modules as well
as discussing and sharing their experiences out in the middle.
This season has been the busiest yet for the group who, in
addition to regularly refereeing club junior games, have also
provided referees and assistant referees for a range of school
and county cup fixtures. They have taken charge of finals, county
representative fixtures and a range of festivals run by Newcastle
Falcons including their flagship Landrover Cup event which had
over 1000 players involved.
And they are developing nicely, three of the group now
refereeing senior rugby games within the county on a regular
Hampshire Rugby Union Referees Society (HRURS) started work on the
foundations built by the Gosport & Fareham RFC Referee Academy to
establish hubs throughout the county and develop a Hampshire Academy,
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TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
WANT TO BE PART
OF TWICKENHAM
HISTORY?
basis and one making his refereeing debut in a Level 9 league
fixture. The intention is to keep adding more junior referees to
the group by providing Level 1 and Level 2 training courses in
conjunction with the local schools and clubs and via the local
RFU team, these being aimed specifically at the 14-18 age group.
The courses are followed by a number of specific CPD events
over a season where the group meet with their mentors to look at
key areas of game management.
Said Paul Minto, who coordinates the junior pathway in
Northumberland, “The signs are very positive, with more clubs
and schools registering interest as they see the juniors in
impressive action at their events. The standard of these young
officials already in the programme is impressive and bodes well
for the future.”
Members of the group were presented with their Young
Whistler match shirts at half time in the Falcons game v
Northampton following the completion of their 3rd Landrover
Cup festival as referees. The event is the flagship event of their
season and gives something back to the Falcons who are regular
hosts of the youth programme’s Level 2 training courses. Shirts
were presentated by Hamish Smales a Northumberland Society
referee recently promoted to the National Panel and a perfect
inspiration and role model for what can be achieved.
Hampshire referee colours
is ex-Army and works as a civilian at the base and he liaised with
Stuart to bring 24 Royal Engineers with tents, trucks, tables and
chairs from six in the morning. They stayed most of the day to help
with clearing down and were kept full of bacon rolls and cakes
throughout the day.
Matt Short, Hadleigh’s Community Rugby Coach, looks
forward to working ever more closely with the base in the future.
Tournament teams were presented with awards based on the
RFU’s core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline
and Sportsmanship as well as separate awards based on touchline
etiquette and support. They needed to look no further for their
inspiration than the local airbase who saved the day.
which coincided with the RFU’s Young Match
Officials Scheme.
The County Youth Academy, sponsored by
Donnelly & Elliott Solicitors, has been operating for
some eight months, with Young Referee Development
Officer, Chris Blockley-Webb running training
sessions at clubs around the county. There are
currently 29 young referees in Hampshire who are
also part of the YMO scheme, are RFU Young Rugby
Ambassadors and registered with V-Inspired, with
another 15-20 referees ready for the next course.
Last month (March), the Society presented its first
Youth Academy colours to 12 young referees who
have shown progression, development and a level of
competence which makes them able to officiate any
age grade rugby match, up to and including U16s, to a
safe and competent standard.
The Referee Society now works closely with their
CB Youth Section, clubs, and even private tournament
operators to provide officials from county trials,
tournaments and festivals right through to County
age grade rugby Cup and League finals.
The World Rugby Museum and Twickenham Stadium Tours have
been operating since 1996 and now more volunteers are needed
to join their elite team of tour guides.
The current tour guides come from all walks of life and bring a
wealth of knowledge and experience.
Phil describes guiding as “a great opportunity to share the
wonderful culture of rugby… and the moving history of the
stadium and the game”. He enjoys meeting visitors from around
the world and being part of a team of rugby enthusiasts.
Victoria loves working at the stadium because “you never know
who is going to turn up on your tours.” While taking a group
of young players from New Zealand on a stadium tour recently
she met a lad whose parents had included Leicester, Wales and
Twickenham in his full name. “It’s fair to say his father was a
proper rugby fan. And to think that this boy could play for the All
Blacks one day!”
Chris’s favourite tour guiding memory is of taking a French
school around the stadium. “A young boy was carrying a small
leather case with him and kept telling me it was a surprise. Beside
the pitch at the end of the tour, he took a bugle out of the case and
played the Marseillaise, the school joining in with the words. A
very special moment!”
For more information on becoming a volunteer Twickenham
Stadium tour guide, please visit the World Rugby Museum website
ENGLAND RUGBY 24/SEVENS
SUZI MURRAY
England Rugby announced the 24/Sevens 2017 competition is
open for all community clubs and new and existing sevens teams
to enter. The exciting community sevens series, launched in 2016,
aims to continue to grow sevens rugby and increase participation
among men and women.
By aligning existing domestic sevens tournaments, the
competition has created consistent playing opportunities
for sevens players at grassroots level with over 6,000 players
participating in 2016. Sevens rugby is a key part of England
Rugby’s work with Sport England, broadening high quality playing
opportunities for all players.
In 2017 the 24/Sevens competition will be bigger and better,
with more local qualifiers being held in 38 locations across
England. 24/Sevens 2017 will also see the addition of a new tiered
competition structure with social and invitational elite tiers added
alongside the existing open competition.
Formats
•Local qualifier winners in the open tier, where men’s and
women’s sevens teams and community clubs can enter, will
progress to one of four regional play offs in the north, midlands,
south-east and south-west across two weekends in July. The
competition will culminate in a showpiece national final event
hosted by England Rugby at The Recreation Ground in Bath on
29th July.
•The new social tier will see tournaments held at all 38 local
qualifier venues across England. Open for all levels of ability,
the social tier is a great entry point into the game for those
who are new to contact formats of the game and those who are
returning to rugby.
•The invitational elite tier will showcase top level men’s sevens
teams and players, with the Super Sevens Series featuring in
partnership with the 24/Sevens competition structure for the
first time, including the 24/Sevens national final.
RFU Development Director, Steve Grainger said: “Over 6000
players took part in the inaugural 24/Sevens competition in 2016.
This year we are broadening the competition’s reach and capacity
to cater for an even wider range of playing levels with the new
tiered competition structure. Sevens is an exciting format of rugby
that can be played not only by sevens specific players but also
by anyone who does or has played 15-a-side rugby, and players
who are new to contact rugby. We are looking forward to seeing
player talent on display as teams compete for the highest national
accolade at community level in rugby sevens in England.”
England Sevens Head Coach, Simon Amor added; “Following
the success of the Olympics there has never been a more exciting
time for rugby sevens. There are undoubtedly more players
playing the sport around the world and the growth of 24/Sevens
is fantastic for sevens in our country. The linkup with the Super
Sevens Series is also a positive step forward creating a clear elite
level for players to compete in and providing a great opportunity
to develop young sevens talent.”
England Sevens assistant coach (women), James Bailey said:
“The 24/Sevens competition is important for the development of
the women’s sevens pathway as it’s giving players at community
level more quality and consistent playing opportunities. This is
making sevens a real option for aspiring players. The Olympics
last year was a great showcase for the sport and inspired so many
to get involved. 24/Sevens is a great entry point to the game.”
Local qualifier events take place throughout April, May and
June, with regional play offs in the north, midlands, south-east and
south-west in July. The 24/Sevens national final, on the 29th July,
will be a vibrant combination of electric rugby, entertainment and
live music ensuring a unique experience on and off the pitch for
players and spectators.
For more information on how you can be part of the 24/Sevens
series, please click here
NEWCASTLE TO HOST 2019 EUROPEAN RUGBY FINALS
Newcastle will host the European Champions
Cup, Challenge Cup and Continental Shield
competition finals in May 2019.
Newcastle United’s St James’ Park will stage
both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup
finals, while the home of Aviva Premiership side
Newcastle Falcons – Kingston Park – will host
the European Rugby Continental Shield final on
10th/11th May 2019.
The city’s bid, backed by the RFU, is a joint
partnership between Newcastle City Council,
NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Newcastle United
Football Club and Newcastle Rugby Limited.
“This is great news for rugby in Newcastle
and the wider north east region,” said Newcastle
Rugby Ltd managing director, Mick Hogan. “The
European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup
are the best clubs and region-based competitions
in world rugby, and it is very exciting for the city
that we have managed to secure the 2019 finals.
“To be successful in our bid to host these
prestigious events is testament to the already
strong partnership between the Falcons,
Newcastle United FC, NewcastleGateshead
Initiative and the City Council. I must place
on record the tremendous work already done
by these partners, the support of Premiership
Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the local
Constituent Bodies in helping to bring this world
class event to Newcastle.”
St James’ Park has a capacity in excess of
52,000 and successfully staged a trio of major
international matches during Rugby World Cup
2015, with capacity crowds drawn to the city for
games involving New Zealand, Scotland, South
Africa, Tonga and Samoa.
ENGLAND U19 BEATEN IN FRIENDLY AGAINST FRANCE
England Under 19 went down 35-22 in a friendly fixture against
France U19 at Stade Jules Ladoumègue, Massy.
The home side impressed early in the game and led 18-3 at half-
time with Northampton Saints fly half James Grayson kicking a
penalty for England just before the break.
England improved in an open second half and it was No.8 Sam
Moore who powered over the line to score the first try of the game
for the visitors.
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017
11
EDDIE SURPRISES KIDS
AT SURREY FESTIVAL
GEMMA COBB
APPEAL FOR SHAWNTON
Old Emanuel RFC are appealing for donations
after their popular player Shawnton De Four died
while playing for their 2nd XV on 5th March.
Shawnton, a real family man, who epitomised
all that’s best in rugby union, leaves a widow and
15-month-old twins.
The club is raising funds for Shawnton’s
family via a series of one-off and annual events,
including a 24 hour row to Trinidad (where his
family originated) and a 24-hour game of touch.
Said Penny McCarthy, Chair of Old Emanuel
RFC: “It broke my heart when Shawnton’s wife,
Susie, was told that he could not be revived
and she said the children will never know their
daddy. What we are doing won’t bring him back
but it will show them how much he was loved by
the rugby community.
“We are all grateful for everyone’s generosity
and warmest wishes and for Jason Leonard’s
kind offer for us to use his charity to collect the
donations so that they can attract gift aid.”
Shawnton’s funeral was at St Winefride’s
Catholic Church, Wimbledon, followed by a
celebration of his life at the club with over
400 there from Old Emanuel and other rugby
clubs. The following day Old Emanuel won the
Surrey One league, everyone raising a glass
to Shawnton.
To make a donation, please click here
WIN A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND WITH
LIONS ‘PICK OF THE PRIDE’
Hundreds of eight and nine year old boys and
girls from more than 20 clubs across Surrey
descended on Watchetts Recreation Ground,
home to Camberley Rugby Football Club, for
the Surrey end of season Under 9 A, B and
Development Festivals.
Watching from the sidelines alongside
hundreds of friends and family was England
Head Coach Eddie Jones, invited along to the
event by Blythe O’Mahoney, who plays for both
the mixed and girls under 11 squad.
“It was great to see so many youngsters
enjoying themselves on the pitch,” said Eddie
Jones. “Their enthusiasm created a real festival
atmosphere and it was great to see so many
spectators cheering them on. The stands
were full to the rafters; it felt like the whole
community had made it down to the club!”
Following the matches, England Women
players Alex and Fran Matthews made the
presentations where all were handed medals, a
‘Player of the Festival’ trophy was presented by
Surrey Heath Mayor, Cllr J Winterton.
He said “I was very pleased to attend the
rugby festival on such a lovely sunny day. The
boys and girls who took part were superb. It
was a pleasure to award medals to the players
who had done so well and see so many smiles
from players and parents.”
As a final treat, Eddie, Alex and Fran
lined up with players from Camberley
representing rugby through the generations,
with players of all ages from Under Six up to
England internationals.
The British & Irish Lions have launched a grassroots programme in partnership with
the four home unions called Pick of the Pride, developed with the aim of using the
Lions brand to inspire a future generation of rugby players and help retain existing
youth players.
Four ambassadors aged 18 to 21 will be selected from England, Ireland, Scotland and
Wales based on their involvement and contribution to grassroots rugby, vision for
the future of the game and understanding of the Lions core values: Respect, Integrity,
Discipline and Friendship.
The ambassadors will travel to New Zealand to immerse themselves in the culture
of New Zealand rugby, to understand the challenges facing youth rugby globally and
establish a network with their counterparts. They will then bring their learnings back to
share with their own clubs and other clubs in their region.
British & Irish Lions and England legend Jason Leonard said: “Being a Lion was a huge
honour and unforgettable experience in my playing career. Getting the chance to play
alongside some of the best players I had lined up against, made me challenge myself to
step up as a player and raise my level. That is the amazing thing about our sport – the
bonds you form with your teammates: you play for each 0ther, your family, your country –
it creates an accountability.
“I want to challenge every young player in England to be a part of this Lions team – to
be accountable to each other, to play out of their skin – on and off the pitch, to raise their
level and be the best they can be in everything they do. A community of Lions is stronger
than one.”
“This is a great opportunity for youngsters across the country to be rewarded for their
efforts and commitment to the game,” added RFU Rugby Development Director Steve
Grainger, “they can become a part of the amazing Lions experience in New Zealand. Young
players from the grassroots game are rugby’s future and this is a chance to inspire them to
continue to play throughout their lives and remain part of the global rugby family.”
The closing date for applications is 16th April. For more details and to enter go to
www.Lionsrugby.com/Learning
THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION WOULD LIKE TO THANK
THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT THE GAME
TOUCHLINE
Editorial input with pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray
Email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Tel: 0208 831 6762
Touchline is published by PPL Group, on behalf of the Rugby Football Union,
the national governing body of the game in England.
Also available on the RFU website: englandrugby.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 RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trade marks of the Rugby Football
Union and are subject to extensive trade mark registration worldwide.
12
TOUCHLINE – APRIL 2017