Friday, June 27, 2008
England Under 20 Squad
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Nominate A Deserving Sports Volunteer Today!
The nominations have been coming in thick and fast..... and you still have a week or so to get your nomination in. If you know a sports club or someone who you think is worthy of an award whether they are a coach, official, administrator, or a mum or dad who helps out week in week out... make sure they have the chance to be recognised for their efforts!!
Nominate Today! To get a nomination form and further information.....
In Hertfordshire, we are a unique sports organisation that brings together expertise, resources and ideas from all sides of the sports industry to provide a central and coordinated sports service for the whole county to benefit from. Follow the links below to find out more about our work and how we can help you!..
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
In Touch Survey – Your Questions Answered
RFUW will be using this survey going forward to help shape their decision making processes and thank all those who took part.
| Key Area | Action we will take |
| 36% of volunteers requested updates of what is happening at a grass roots level | Click here to access the RFUW website for news, match reports and information http://www.rfu.com/women |
| 50% of volunteers requested information on training courses | Click here for community rugby http://www.community-rugby.com. Here you will find information on all the different courses that are available to you |
| 57% of players are unaware of the player pathway | The RFUW has a player pathway that highlights the routes you can take through rugby. Contact the RFUW office for a copy |
| 68% of players felt that access to high quality coaching was very important while 71% are interested in information on coaching courses | Click here for information on RFU coaching courses http://www.community-rugby.com. Look at the Coaches sections for details of courses in your area |
| 41% of players are interested in information on volunteering | We are currently updating the website with new information on how to get involved in volunteering. In the meantime, get in touch with Holly Hart on 020 8831 7482 or email hollyhart@rfu.com for details |
| 3% of supporters felt that facilities at grounds are good | Visit http://www.community-rugby.com and look under Club Management, Facilities for information and guidance on improving facilities at your club. Also, for information on funding that might be available contact the RFUW office or check out the funding section of the Community Rugby website. |
| 78% of supporters requested information on coaching | Click here for information on RFU coaching courses http://www.community-rugby.com. Look at the Coaches sections for details of courses in your area |
| 61% of coaches have a level 1 coaching qualification and 39% have a level 2. | If you would like to obtain a coaching qualification, or to do your next level, click here for information on RFU coaching courses http://www.community-rugby.com Then have a look at courses being run in your region. |
| 71% of coaches requested information on mentoring | Coach mentoring is available from your CCO. Visit http://www.rfu.com/women and look under contacts to find their details. |
| 74% of parents feel that having a first aider at their club is very important | The RFU runs an excellent one day 1st aid course. Visit http://www.community-rugby.com, and have a look under Club Management, Health to find courses near you |
| 52% of parents are willing to get involved in administration | We are currently updating the website with new information on how to get involved in volunteering. In the meantime, get in touch with Holly Hart on 020 8831 7482 or email hollyhart@rfu.com for details |
| 90% of administrators are interested in training courses and 47% in accredited courses | Click here for community rugby http://www.community-rugby.com. Here you will find information on all the different courses that are available to you. |
RFUW Newsletter: July 2008
| RFUW NEWS UPDATE – July 2008 |
|
Experimental Law Variations (ELV’s) - We will be implementing the ELV’s as per the implementation that the RFU is doing. There are still some details to finalise particularly in reference to the youth game but information will be sent out to you via the RFU as a matter of urgency as soon as it is available.
For coaches and referees keep your eye out through your club / Constituent Body and on RFU.com for local training opportunities on the ELV’s.
Affiliation Forms – Enclosed is everything you need to complete your affiliation for the upcoming 2008/09 season including updated calendars. Closing date to receive your affiliation forms is 31st July 2008 (universities 31st August).
Player Registration – We are pleased to confirm changes to the way players register for the forthcoming season which will benefit your club directly. For the 2008/09 season player registration will be linked with league status. Clubs will pay a one off set fee based on the minimum number of players they must have to meet the criteria for the league they are in. The fee being levied will remain at £11 per player. For any additional players clubs recruit, they can keep the money for club funds or decide not to charge some players a registration fee.
We hope that this change will also reinforce the importance of minimum player numbers which is vital in becoming a sustainable club. In turn, it will also reward clubs for recruiting more players.
Nations Cup – England are hosting a Nations Cup this August playing against the USA and Canada at Esher RFC on:
Wednesday 20th August at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
Saturday 23rd August at 1pm and at 3pm,
Tuesday 26th August, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and
Saturday 30th August at 2pm.
Come along to watch great International rugby at an easily accessible venue, with low cost tickets that will be available on the day. Look out for further information coming out to you soon and on to the RFUW website in July.
Annual General Meeting - The RFUW Ltd Annual General Meeting will take place at 12.30pm on Saturday 13th September 2008 at the Holiday Inn Leamington Spa, CV34 6RJ. A copy of the agenda, attendance and proxy form will be sent to you in advance within the required legal time scale, however we wanted to advise the date as far ahead as possible for planning purposes.
We have teamed the AGM with our Leaders Conference this year in hope that those people who work as leaders and volunteers for the RFUW are able to attend on behalf of their clubs where appropriate.
Recent meetings have been small and short with most clubs choosing to vote via post using the proxy form, for this reason we would suggest you may not want to travel a great distance for such a short meeting, however if you would like further information please don’t hesitate to contact us.
RFU Grand Prize Draw – This is the RFU annual Grand Prize raffle draw that has this season earnt Sandbach RUFC (Cheshire) a stunning £8,309 from ticket sales of which they get to keep 90%, in addition they won a Hospitality Package for 2 people to an autumn international match 2008, as well as the prizes available to their members who bought winning tickets. Full details, together with a pre-Registration Form, will be available on the RFU Website (at www.rfu.com) in mid-August. Start early and incorporate the Grand Draw in your fund-raising plans. We highly recommend you get involved in this draw, you just can’t lose!
RFUW Surveys – Thanks to everybody who took the time to complete the RFUW online surveys earlier this year, results of the survey will be posted on the RFUW website during June so please log on and have a look at your feedback and some suggestions from us how to address some situations.
Rosie Williams
Managing Director
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Rochford Festival 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
ELVs on Maul NOT to apply in age group rugby
The RFU press release appears below:
The RFU Management Board has carefully considered a recommendation of the RFU Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) Implementation Task Group regarding introduction of some of the ELVs into the youth game in England.
The Management Board has approved the recommendation of the ELV Task Group that ELV 2 (shoulders must not be lower than the hips at the maul) and ELV 3 (pulling down the maul) should not be trialled in England at Under 19 level and below until:
• It has been demonstrated to be safe in the adult game;
• The results of trials currently taking place in South Africa have been properly analysed by the iRB with specific reference to the safety of pulling down the maul at all rugby played at U19 and below;
• Agreement has been reached on the safest method to pull down the maul and appropriate coaching techniques have been developed.
• Sufficient time is allowed for the safest method and the appropriate coaching techniques to be communicated to all those involved in rugby at U19 level and below.
The RFU will now discuss the issues that may arise with age grade cross-border competitions where other Unions are trialling ELV 2 & 3 with the IRB and affected Unions. However, the interests of young players and the safety concerns expressed by the game will take precedence.
RFU Chief Executive Francis Baron OBE said: "We have received a large number of letters from the youth game expressing serious concerns over the introduction of some of the ELVs in the youth game.
"It is established practice that Unions can apply variations to the Laws at youth level and many Unions exercise their rights in this respect. The RFU intends to exercise its rights in respect of the ELVs of concern to us and the game in England following discussion with the IRB and other affected Unions."
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The end of the season....but not for some
One 'Junior Super League' weekend of training and match has already taken place at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire on 17 - 18th May and the second match is taking place at the same venue this Saturday (31 May). Three U18 Herts Players, Alex Robertson, Megan Williams and Sophie Tyler were invited to take part, as was a fourth Welwyn Player, Hannah Gallagher, but she is currently recovering from an operation.
In addition invitation letters are currently being sent out to the Girls selected to attend the U18 and U15 High Performance Academy (HPA) Camp at Brunel University London on 12 and 13 July. The leading U18 players at the 4 HPA Camps will then be invited to join the 2007/8 TDG Girls at their next training session later in the summer, at which next seasons TDG Group will be selected. The U15 HPA's will be used to select the Girls for next seasons Schools of Rugby, which start later in the Summer.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
National 7's Results
Women Plate: Winners - Waterloo; Runners-up - Chesham.
Women Bowl: Winners - OA Saints; Runners-up - Wimbledon.
Women Dinner Service: Winners - Hertford; Runners-up - London Welsh.
U18 Cup: Winners - Exeter Saracens; Runners-up - Wimbourne.
U18 Plate: Winners - Welwyn; Runners-up - Darlington M.P.
U15 Cup: Winners - North Hykeham; Runners-up - Exeter Saracens.
U15 Plate: Winners - Tynedale; Runners-up - Worcester
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Have you signed up for the RFUW conference yet?
However, RFUW are asking for clubs to put forward delegates by the end of this week. There is more information on the RFUW website (plus an application form).
Monday, May 26, 2008
RFUW want to hear from YOU!
For more information, including a link to the audit itself, see the RFUW website.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
All change
Four Herts Clubs (Saracens, Welwyn, Hertford and Old Albanians) have Players graduating to their U18 teams from their current U15 teams to help fill the gaps, but all 8 Girls Clubs in Herts are looking to recruit new players next season, especially at U15 level.
If you are interested in playing Girls Rugby next season and you are currently aged 12-17 please contact one of the following:
- Bishops Stortford: Stephen Dunkley - stephen.dunkley1@btopenworld.com
- Hertford: Mel Timpson - melanietimpson@btinternet.com
- Letchworth: John Birch - johnbirch@ntlworld.com
- Old Albanians: Brad Cox - brad.cox@stags.herts.sch.uk
- Saracens: Simon Shutler - shutler4@tiscali.co.uk
- Stevenage: Steve Gibbs - m99jed@yahoo.co.uk
- Tabard: Laura-Jo Pearce - tabardminis@hotmail.co.uk
- Welwyn: Peter Mccullough - peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Herts Girls 7's (Tabard RFC) Results
The results were:
U18 Cup: Winners - Basford; Runners-up - Letchworth.
U18 Plate: Winners - Reading; Runners-up - Kettering.
U15 Cup: Winners - London Irish; Runners-up - Saracens.
U15 Plate: Winners - Bucks Jesters; Runners-up - Kettering.
U15 Bowl: Winners - Welwyn; Runners-up - Tamworth.
Friday, May 16, 2008
RFUW Club Devlopment Toolkit Funding Award
This money will be used on projects to promote Girls Rugby in the local area e.g. Open Afternoons, Coaching in Schools, Publicity etc. The money will be used between June 1 2008 and May 31 2009, and will effectively be an investment in the long term future of Welwyn Warriors.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Dorking Girls 7's 11th May Winners and Runners up
U12 Cup R/up: Beckenham/Old Alleynians
U15 Cup Winner: London Irish
U15 Cup R/up: Ellingham & Ringwood
U15 Plate Winner: Dorking
U15 Plate R/up: Guildford
U18 Cup Winner: Dorking
U18 Cup R/up: Worthing
U18 Plate Winner: Chobham
U18 Plate R/up: Letchworth
Monday, May 12, 2008
National Regional Festival Litchfield - U15 and U18
On Sunday East Region U18's, including ten Herts Players (nine Welwyn and one Letchworth) finished 3rd for the second year running. They beat East Midlands in the 3/4 place play off and the U18 winners were West Midlands, who beat Yorkshire in the Final.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Herts 7s: competition rules
Games shall be played according to the standard laws of rugby union, incorporating IRB amendments relating to Sevens rugby and age group rules adopted by the RFUW.
In particular teams should note that:
· Conversions shall be by means of a drop kick
· After a score, the team scoring shall restart
· All matches shall be seven minutes each way (except Cup finals which shall be ten minutes each way) — and may be reduced in length on safety grounds at the discretion of the referee (i.e. if teams are significantly mis-matched, or if the risk to injury is increased due to player fatigue).
IMPORTANT NOTE:
All referee decisions shall be final and cannot subsequently be changed. If an error is made by any match official over any rule, law or actuality, or the interpretation of any rule or law, then the game shall continue as if the error had not been made and any score, or subsequent score, shall stand. No attempt should be made to deliberately correct an error by any person either later in the game or afterwards, and no appeals will be entered into on such matters after a game.
Other tournament rules
· While squads may be of any size, they will be assumed to contain ten players. There will only be sufficient programmes, etc. — and winners medals! — for that number.
· In pool games, four points shall be awarded to a winning team, and two points each if the game is drawn. A try scoring bonus point will be awarded to any team scoring four or more tries in a game, and a losing bonus point to any team losing by seven points or less.
· The organisers may, at their discretion, award a bonus point to reward examples of good sportsmanship, such as the lending of players to other teams to cover injury (provided they are not from the same club).
· The organisers also reserve the right to deduct competition or match points for breaches of the Code of Conduct or other poor sportsmanship by players or club officials if reported by referees or other tournament officials.
· Pool ranking shall be decided on the basis of (in order) a) competition points; b) results between the team/s tied on points; c) most tries scored; d) fewest tries conceded; e) points difference. If teams are still level then places shall be decided by a kicking competition (see below).
· Knock-out games tied at the end of normal time shall continue with one period of two minutes sudden-death (first to score wins) overtime with teams defending the end they were defending at the end of normal time. If teams are still level then the game shall be decided by a kicking competition (see below).
· Kicking competition. Each player finishing the game (or seven nominated players in the case of pool placings) shall take a drop kick at goal from any point on the field. Players from each team will kick alternately. All players other than the kicker shall stand behind the 22. The competition will continue until (after the same number of kicks have been taken by each) one team has scored more goals than the other.
· The organisers’ decisions on the interpretation of these rules, or on any other relevant matters not covered by these rules, shall be final.
· Teams shall be ready to start their game as soon as the previous game has concluded.
· Referees will complete the official match scorecard immediately following each match and deliver it to the central control or hand it to the pitch Marshall who will deliver it to the central control.
Injuries
If an on-field injury delays play for more than five minutes the game shall be abandoned and the score at the time of the abandonment shall stand.
If the injury delays the start of any subsequent matches then, if practical, in the U 18 competition a half sized pitch shall be marked out and play shall continue on that pitch until the injury is treated. It that is not possible, or if the injury happens in an U 15 game, subsequent matches shall transfer to the other pitch. Games will then run for five minutes each way until the injury is treated and cleared
Herts 7s draw published
Herts Girls Sevens Competition – Match Schedule
Under 15 Competition - Pool Stage
Pool A
| Kick-off | Pitch | ||
| 11:00 | C | Herts Barbarians | Tamworth |
| 11.40 | D | Basford | Herts Barbarians |
| 12.20 | C | Tamworth | Basford |
Pool B
| Kick-off | Pitch | ||
| 11:20 | C | Saracens | Old Albanians |
| 12.00 | D | Hertford | Saracens |
| 12.40 | C | Old Albanians | Hertford |
Pool C
| Kick-off | Pitch | ||
| 11:00 | D | London Irish | Kettering |
| 11.40 | C | Stevenage | London Irish |
| 12.20 | D | Kettering | Stevenage |
Pool D
| Kick-off | Pitch | ||
| 11:20 | D | Welwyn Warriors | Reading Ladies |
| 12.00 | C | Bucks Jesters | Welwyn Warriors |
| 12.40 | D | Reading Ladies | Bucks Jesters |
Under 15 Competition – Knock Out Stage
| Time | Pitch | Match | |
| 13:30 | C | U15 Bowl Semi 1 | Pool A v Pool C |
| D | U15 Bowl Semi 2 | Pool B v Pool D | |
| 13:50 | C | U15 Plate Semi 1 | Pool A v Pool C |
| D | U15 Plate Semi 2 | Pool B v Pool D | |
| 14:10 | C | U15 Cup Semi 1 | Pool A v Pool C |
| D | U15 Cup Semi 2 | Pool B v Pool D | |
| 14:30 | D | U15 Bowl Final | |
| C | U15 Bowl 3rd playoff | ||
| 14:50 | D | U15 Plate final | |
| C | U15 Plate 3rd playoff | ||
| 15:10 | D | U15 Cup 3rd playoff | |
| 15:30 | A | U15 Cup final | |
Under 18 Competition - Pool Stage
Pool A
| Kick-off | Pitch | ||
| 11.00 | A | Kettering | Herts Barbarians |
| 11.40 | B | Wisbech G. S. | Kettering |
| 12.20 | A | Herts Barbarians | Wisbech G. S. |
Pool B
| Kick-off | Pitch | ||
| 11.20 | A | Basford | Hertford |
| 12.00 | B | TBA | Basford |
| 12.40 | A | Hertford | TBA |
Pool C
| Kick-off | Pitch | ||
| 11.00 | B | Herts Swifts | Reading Ladies |
| 11.40 | A | Worthing Stingers | Herts Swifts |
| 12.20 | B | Reading Ladies | Worthing Stingers |
Pool D
| Kick-off | Pitch | ||
| 11.20 | B | Bucks Jesters | Pavworth Maoris |
| 12.00 | A | Letchworth G.C. | Bucks Jesters |
| 12.40 | B | Pavworth Maoris | Letchworth G.C. |
Under 18 Competition – Knock Out Stage
| Time | Pitch | Match | |
| 13:30 | A | U18 Bowl Semi 1 | Pool A v Pool C |
| B | U18 Bowl Semi 2 | Pool B v Pool D | |
| 13:50 | A | U18 Plate Semi 1 | Pool A v Pool C |
| B | U18 Plate Semi 2 | Pool B v Pool D | |
| 14:10 | A | U18 Cup Semi 1 | Pool A v Pool C |
| B | U18 Cup Semi 2 | Pool B v Pool D | |
| 14:30 | A | U18 Bowl Final | |
| B | U18 Bowl 3rd playoff | ||
| 14:50 | A | U18 Plate Final | |
| B | U18 Plate 3rd playoff | ||
| 15:10 | A | U18 Cup 3rd playoff | |
| 15:55 | A | U18 Cup Final | |
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
U18 National 10's Finals Litchfield Sun 4th May
Results affecting Letchworth:
Letchworth 10 Wimbourne 10
Letchworth 24 Tynedale 17
Letchworth 0 Worcester 38
Letchworth 17 Darlington Mowden Park 15
Letchworth 0 Reading 24
Final standings:
Winners: Worcester
Runners up: Reading
3rd Wimbourne
4th Letchworth
5th Darlington Mowden Park
6th Tynedale
Congratulations to Worcester who retain the Trophy they won last year.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Worthing Girls Festival Sun 4th May
Welwyn U15's entered, but with only 7 Players available, for various reasons, needed to borrow Players from other Clubs to make up a team. In the true spirit of Rugby, both Basford and Paviors lent Players, but unfortunately Welwyn were knocked out at the Group Stage this year.
Glenn Warren, the Chair of Worthing Ladies and Girls Rugby, said that it their intention to try and expand the U12's Section next Season and they are also contemplating having a Senior 7's Tournament on the Saturday, turning the whole weekend over t0 Womens and Girls Rugby.
The results were:
U12's - Cup Winners: Worthing - Runners up: Beckenham
U15's - Cup Winners: Londin Irsh - Runners up: H3
U15's - Plate Winners: Folkstone Fillies - Runners up: Dorking
U18's - Cup Winners: Basford - Runners up: Paviors/Tamworth (Pavworth)
U18's - Plate Winners: Solent Sirens - Runners up: Old Leamingtonians
Thursday, May 01, 2008
IRB announce major rule changes from 2008/9 season
The International Rugby Board Council today announced that it had approved a global trial of Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for a 12 month period starting on August 1, 2008. The trial at all levels of the Game will involve 13 of the 23 ELVs that have been undergoing experimentation in approved tournaments around the world over the last two years.
"The Council's decision to implement a global trial of Experimental Law Variations represents an important milestone for the future of the Game. It vindicates the process that was adopted by Council in 2004 for future Law amendments. The Council congratulated the Law Project Group on its unprecedented work over the past two years," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
"It was also agreed that the sanctions ELVs (reduction of sanctions to free kicks from penalty kicks where possible) that were not approved for global trials would be further trialled in a selected elite Northern Hemisphere competition in the 2008/09 season."
"The Southern Hemisphere will continue to play under the various ELV programme environments that exist in that part of the world at present. It would be unfair to change the playing environment under which countries in the south are currently playing in competitions such as the Super 14."
"Not one of the Council representatives was against the global implementation of an ELV programme of some description. Many of the ELVs received unanimous approval as they had clearly shown potential to be beneficial to the Game thus meriting a further trial at all levels around the world."
"The Laws Project Group had recommended a global trial of all of the ELVs but there were differing opinions between the Council Members on some of the ELVs in the area of the tackle and ruck, maul, sanctions and offside. The key point here was that the Members did not dismiss these ELVs outright but believed that further consideration and trials were necessary."
"This is particularly true of the sanctions ELVs which have not been trialled by senior Unions in the north but which have been received favourably by players and coaches that have played under them in the Southern Hemisphere."
"The Laws Project Group has been tasked to closely monitor the global trial with the assistance of its Member Unions. It will also work with the Senior Unions in the north to deliver and analyse the sanctions ELVs in an elite Northern Hemisphere Competition."
"In November 2009 Council will review all the ELVs that will undergo global trial, along with the sanctions ELVs that will undergo approved trials in specific competitions. Council will then decide at this meeting if all or any of the ELVs should be accepted into full Law," added Mr Lapasset.
ELVs to be trialled worldwide
Assistant Referees
Assistant Referees can assist referees in any manner required when appointed by a match organiser
Posts and flags around the field
The corner posts are no longer considered to be in touch in-goal except when a ball is grounded against the post
Lineout and throw
If a team puts the ball back into their own 22 and the ball is subsequently kicked directly into touch there is no gain of ground
A quick throw may be thrown in straight or towards the throwing team's own goal line
There is no restriction on the number of players who can participate in the lineout from either side (minimum of two)
The receiver in a lineout must stand 2 metres back from the lineout
The player who is in opposition to the player throwing in the ball may stand in the area between the 5 metre line and touch line but must be 2 metres away from the lineout
Lineout players may pre-grip a jumper before the ball is thrown in
The lifting of lineout jumpers is permitted
Maul
Players are able to defend a maul by pulling it down
Remove reference in Law to heads and shoulders not to be lower than hips
Scrum
Introduction of an offside line five metres behind the hindmost feet of the scrum
Scrum half offside lines (must be in close proximity to the scrum as present Law or must retreat five metres)
ELVs to be trialled in an elite Northern Hemisphere competition
Sanctions
For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate, and Law 10 - Foul Play, the sanction is a Free Kick
Tackle and ruck
If the ball is unplayable at the breakdown, the side that did not take the ball into contact will receive a Free Kick
Maul
If a maul becomes unplayable, the team not in possession at the start of the maul receives a Free Kick
ELVs to be referred back to LPG for further analysis and possible experimentation
Lineout and throw
Incorrect throw (not straight) the sanction is a Free Kick
Tackle and ruck
Offside line occurs immediately at the tackle
Players who are on their feet can play the ball with their hands
There are two Penalty Kicks awarded at the tackle and ruck - offside and foul play
Reference to unfair play added to Law 15 (tackle: ball carrier brought to ground)
Offside
Players are only put onside after a tackle when they retreat past the tackle or the ball has moved five metres away from the tackle
Kick-off and restart kicks
Incorrect kick-offs and restart kicks result in a Free Kick for the opposition
