Notes from Women & Girls' Development meeting

The latest Women and Girls's development forum meeting took place yesterday at Radlett. The meeting was chaired by the Women's Regional Development Manager (WRDM) Amanda Bate who commented that she "was very disappointed at the poor turnout for the meeting" which had been arranged to take place at Tabard, but no-one from Tabard arrived so the meeting had to move to a nearby pub!

Amanda continued that "The meeting is usually held at Welwyn, but we moved it to Tabard to try and make it easier for some clubs to attend. This did not happen, so in future the meetings will once again be held at Welwyn RFC."

Present were Amanda Bate (WRDM), John Birch (Letchworth), Heather Alcock (Letchworth), Gareth Lewis (YDO Stevenage), Luke Williams (Welwyn), Dave Marques (Welwyn), Simon Shutler (Saracens), and there were apologies from Vicky Lowe (Hertford), Jess Lane (Welwyn), Chris Fishlock (Hertford)

"If any club needs help/support in developing girls rugby then they should attend these meetings.

"As usual there was no representation at all from senior women’s teams, and so I take this as a sign that the women’s game in Herts does not need any support at all, which is very encouraging!"


The main points discussed were:

Club reports:

Welwyn

• Expected players for next season, u15 15-20, U18’s 18-23,
• Four coaches, Luke Williams (Head coach), Chris Gallagher (Forwards coach), Pete Mccullough and Jess Lane (U15s)
• Targeting years 5-8, boys and girls, through school coaching; Luke Williams to coach in the four primary schools, contact with the schools being made via SSCO. Both boys and girls will have festival at the club, which may begin with tag ("see how it goes").

Letchworth

• Expected players for next season, u15 8, u18’s 18-20
• Coach -Woman returning to Letchworth from University may be able to help. John Birch and Andrew Glenister, and club will provide further support. Usually parents become the coaches, but the girls parents do not have rugby playing background. Amanda will ask Kat Emerson if she can coach as Kat is a senior player in Essex, due to start at Herts University in September.

Saracens

• Expected players for next season, u15 12-14, u18 8-10
• Coaches: Simon Shutler, Alan Watson to coach, both at level 2.
• All fixtures sorted! Will join with Middlesex to create Middx U18, and also matches against Letchworth, Welwyn and Basford

Stevenage

• Players - don’t know yet! Plenty of coaches, no girls yet! Thinking of clusters like before (Herts Swifts). Meeting suggested clustering with Letchworth and Gareth Lewis seemed interested, though suspected possible club objections at Stevenage. Amanda suggested Stevenage lends a coach…looks at the "bigger picture".
• Why is Stevenage trying again to build girls rugby? Girls coming through from minis, and also grants the club has received in the past dependant on providing womens and girls rugby. A summer camp will try and recruit both sexes, and they are also looking at Emerging Schools teams, with Paul Freestone’s help.

County teams-appointments

U18’s Vicky Lowe and Luke Williams will again coach the county girls, Simon Sutler will lead coach the county U15’s with Jess Lane in support. Dave Marques will be team manager for u18’s and Pete McCullough will be team manager for u15’s. It is hoped that Catherine Lowe will be kit manager again. Main points:

U18s

• Two squads, 20 in each, Clive Cramphorn will run the Second quad (called "Baa Baas"). Trials virtually same as last year - gather all girls, put into teams (but probably not club teams this time), general training, game situations, etc. Then choose 40 girls
• Next training session, all 40 together again and then select again, and maybe at the next session too. After that selected for First and Second team squads.
• Mid week training sessions to be arranged - but no may be problem swith both day and venue. County Manager (Dave Marques) and coaches will decide. The aim will be to arrange as many matches as possible - includng possibly a mid-week fixture, and with games spread around the county.
• All girls will be told that they are expected at trials if they want to be in county squad (unless genuinly unavoidable - ie. injury) as the county is not a RFUW programme, so TDGs do not automatically get a bye!

U15s

• Simon Shutler to be head coach, will put the girls into a game situation at the trials and "go from there"! Development day will be a trials also, the two county dates after that will be training sessions and then (hopefully) fixtures will be festivals. If possible and with good numbers we will run two squads. Pete McCullough is team and fixture manager for U15s.

Other county matters

• Amanda will talk to Catherine Lowe about U15s kit and John Drew about the Baa Baas kit.
• Amanda will advertise dates of first development/trials dates in schools via PDMs.
• Coaches at the trials who are not busy will be roped in to coach any brand new girls who turn up!
• We will try to arrange county fixtures at Letchworth, Stevenage and Welwyn. Luke says we need a meal afterwards and the captains say a few words etc etc… Girls to be dressed so as to try to develop more county rugby ethos. Host club to arrange referees and press, and organise food.
• Team Managers to write to schools on county headed paper to advise when they make the county team.

U12’s Letchworth project

Plan to get new blood. U12’s girls get lost in minis, and also at the step up to junior girls. "Scary" to approach a club as an individual and the result is that girls stop playing. Inter schools u12 festival/project planned for November, and - as some schools who did Emerging Schools wanted to carry it on somehow- will combine festival with an U14’s matches. Maybe get older girls to referee, coach etc. (seven Letchworth girls have done referee's course, one has level 1 coaching course and other have done Start Rugby). Trying to plan something for every six weeks to keep girls interested. Amanda to pass on contact details for Kent and Sussex, and invite a Referee Ambassador along. Amanda spoken to Ros Cramp and Paul Freestone, happy for Heather to approach schools direct.

Festival will also try to cover parts of Bedfordshire, and Letchworth have contacted Claire Sanderson (WRDM East Midlands). Letchworth is also sending a rep to east Midlands (county) forum.

Emerging Schools Competition

Amanda will talk to RDO about supporting those clubs represented at tonights meeting.

Developing girls teams/clusters for training and/or matches.

Not discussed as those teams present have sorted fixtures and are developing. The clubs which need help/support developing were not present at this meeting.

Planning for the season

Cluster coaching/matches on Regional days: Jess may provide coaching for the girls left behind! This is when we need the county 2nd XV/development squad to train and maybe play other county development squads. Amanda to get all county contact details from other WRDM’s and pass to team managers.

Go Play: All present know about this and how it can help female player recruitment.

Funding: Amanda to apply for funding for SAQ courses and equipment, first aid courses coach development and skills sessions, drill tops for Baa baas and u15s, and leaflets aimed at U12s (and even younger) - Saracens invite all girls to join in training, they tell all parents about it and it works!

Accounts

Up-date from treasurer-accounts /statements will be available to view. AB to speak to Catherine who was not present and ask for details.

RFUW up-date: Short of time and those present know about discussions at East forum recently…to be further discussed at next meeting.

Senior spot: No reps from senior teams attended.

Next meeting 24th Sept at Welwyn RFC 7.30pm

Herts RFU AGM

At the Herts RFU AGM at Welwyn RFC on 25th June there were two significant events relating to Women's and Girl's Rugby in the County.

Firstly, the Herts Women's and Girls's Development Group have been elected Associate Members of the Herts RFU. The significance of this is that it raises the profile of Women's and Girl's Rugby in Herts and acknowledges the strength of the Game at Senior Level (Saracens, OA Saints, Hertford, Hitchin, Fullerians, Welwyn and Tabard) and Junior Level (Welwyn, Letchworth, Saracens and Hertford) plus others starting up or re-generating.

Secondly, Welwyn Warriors were presented with their RFU Presidents XV Runners-Up Trophy and Certificate in the 'Girl Power' Category. The Award was collected by Welwyn / Herts / East Region Players Hannah Marques and Hannah Gallagher (the latter on crutches, but who has the plaster removed from her broken ankle on 26th June). Letchworth Girls were also acknowledged for Winning the 'Modernisation' Category for the Letchworth Girls Blog and their Trophy and Certificate will be Awarded at a Presentation at their Club on 13th July.

Calendar: Amendments to "final" version issued

The RFUW have today issued a "final" version of the final calendar, with some changes to the previous "final" edition which appeared at the end of May.

The main changes seem to be:

• Extra county day on 18th November
• Senior league play-offs moved to 27th April

In addition East Region may be holding its junior trials now in December (probably 16th), pending the approval of RFUW.

Some more important anniversaries you may have missed

Further to yesterday's article about the first ever women's international, 5th April this year was the 20th anniversary of the first ever England international. On that day in 1987 England travelled to Pontypool to take on Wales - and won by 22-4. England have played Wales every year ever since (thus making it women's rugby's longest annual series) ... and have won every time! This time the event was not entirely missed.

This international took place seven years BEFORE the formation of the RFUW. Women's rugby across the British Isles was then run the "Women's Rugby Football Union", which had been set up in 1983, and for some years there was also a British Isles team that played against overseas opposition. The WRFU gradually broke up in the early 90s when first Ireland (1992) and then Scotland (1993) went their own ways, leaving England and Wales to finally form their own unions in 1994 - but this does mean that next year will be the 25th anniversary of organised women's rugby in Britain (can someone start ordering the party bunting, please?).

In addition, it is worth remembering the WRFU's first representative game - which was also the first international played in the British Isles - as this took place 21 years ago this year when British Isles lost 14-8 to France at Richmond Park. Unfortunately most of the British Isles games - and actually most women's international rugby - seems to have gone largely unrecorded, even though it has all happened fairly recently so I cannot even find out the date that this match took place.

Looking ahead next year will also give us the 20th anniversary of first English women's club cup final (Wasps 34, Richmond 6 @ Rosslyn Park), and the 10th anniversary of the first "official" world cup (the two previous competitions in 1991 and 1994 had not been sanctioned by the IRB)

A quarter century of women's international rugby

Here's an anniversary that has passed the sporting world by last week (and my apologies for missing it myself).

Last Wednesday (13th June) was the 25th anniversary of the first ever women's rugby international, which took place between the Netherlands and France at Utrecht in 1982, France winning 4-0 (tries were only worth four points in those days).

The lack of celebrations, dancing in the streets, postage stamps, etc. to mark this important event is understandable perhaps as apparently the players at the time did not realise that they were making history, and the actual match itself came close to being forgotten as a result of the French RFU's take over of the women's game in 1990. In their otherwise comprehensive database of matches and results by their women's team they chose to disregard all of the internationals played up to that point.

What is more there is no complete listing of women's internationals available anywhere to compensate - even the IRB's records do not go back before 2006! Some RFUs have listings of their games (most don't) - even England's only goes back to the mid 90s (despite their first international being nearly ten years before).

However, the status of the game was rescued from obscurity by the Rugby Museum at Twickenham organised last summer an exhibition on the history of the women's game which unearthed this fact (and many more). Though that exhibition is now long over, the good news is that much of it is still available online (click here) - and fascinating it is too. In fact much of it could easily be reused by any club that wanted to organise an exhibition about the women's game.

Girls' Premiership Rugby Academy - Update

Over 20 Girls have now signed up to the Saracens Premiership Rugby Camp exclusively for Girls at Welwyn RFC on 24th and 25th July (9.30 to 3.30 approx) which will provide a fun and enjoyable environment for female players to develop their game.

The two day course is specifically aimed at girls aged between 12 and 17 engaging in contact and will provide an opportunity for players to improve their skills under the guidance of qualified coaches and professional Saracens Players (rumoured to include members of the First Team).

The courses will cover:
Handling Skills
Tackling & Defence
Contact Skills
Continuity
Dynamicity in your play
Support Play
Ruck and Maul technique
Leaching
SAQ & Evasion Skills.

The full cost of the two day Camp is £50. Players will need to bring a packed lunch. A £10 deposit will be required to secure a place for this Camp, with the balance payable by June 30th. For further information and an application form please contact Jacky Shutler on shutler4@tiscali.co.uk or 0208 368 5325.

Success for Alphonsi and Roby at East awards

Hertfordshire's Maggie Alphonsi and Becky Roby were amongst the winners at East Region's end-of-season dinner and awards evening on Friday. Maggie - who also presented the awards - was voted "Senior Player of the Year" and Becky gained the "Outstanding Achievement" award.

Steve Savory - who divides his time between Sudbury and Saracens - also picked up the Coach/Manager of the Year award.

A full list of award winners can be found on the Essex Blog.

Are going to Twickenham on Saturday?

If you are going for the conference, then enjoy the day and feedback what you learn to your clubs.

If you are a U17 going for the coaching demonstrations then please bring boots and trainers, and arrive in kit as there will not be any changing facilities. The RFUW will give you a cereal bar, a piece of fruit and a bottle of water. There should be some sandwiches from lunch for you (if all the administrators don't eat them first!) but it is suggested that you bring some more snacks/water.

Meanwhile the organisers need to know your t-shirt size…S, M or L?? Let Kellyrainey@rfu.com know... immediately!

Finally there is still space for five more U17's. If you or someone you know would like to come along e-mail kellyrainey@rfu.com direct (with t-shirt size!).

New manager in charge at Fullerians

Samuel Parker has replaced Andrew McPhillips as the lead contact for women's and girls' rugby at Fullerians in Watford. He email address is samuelrparker3000@yahoo.co.uk.

Fullerians is the home of one of longest running and most successful girls' sections in the county, producing a number of players who have gained national honours over the years. Last season was, however, a difficult one as they lost several key players to the adult game. After working with Saracens for most of the season it is good to see that they have revived and seem ready to return to their position of one of the county's - and even country's - leading clubs.

National 7s: Feedback requested

Keeley Fathers (Competitions Office at RFUW) is looking a the timing of the junior National Sevens as there have been some suggestions that it is at the wrong time of the year due to exams, etc. or that it makes the girls season too long.

Anyone with any views on this - one way or another - are requested to contect Keeley as soon as possible.

Regional "beanies": a fairy tale ending?

Those selected for regional squads will recall the long, and rather sad, saga of the regional kit. Too late, too little, incomplete, and of a "controversial" quality standard were but a few of the problems reported, especially in East Region who - we are told - "complained more than anyone else" (well done East!).

Anyway there is light at the end of the tunnel as the Beanies have now shown up. Okay the ones that Canterbury have now finally provided may be a different design to those they provided the first time round, and are certainly we hear the wrong colour (again) - and a different wong colour this time. But we are told its the best we are going to get.

So if you are still missing your woolly hat let Cathy know - and if you are coming to the Regional "Dinner-Dance" on Friday you will be pick them up there. Yes, Cinders, with you Regional Beanie in you now can go to the Ball!

Cinders: "But I can't go to the ball, oh Fairy Godmanager - for I haven't got a beanie"
Fairy GodManager: "Fear not - bring me the head of an old mop and let me work my magic"

[FX: FLASH! Mop transformed into a Regional Beanie!]

C: "Oh Fairy Godmanager that is was very clever... but actually I think it looked better when it was a mop. And it doesn't match my outfit. And..."
FGM: "Oh put it on and stop complaining!"

[LATER...]

Prince: "And whomsoever's head shall fit this beanie..."

Herts blog: update and redesign

The system that this blog runs on has been updated. Though it is possible to keep the current system, there are a number of significant advantages in moving to the new system so that is what it is proposed will happen in a week or so's time.

It is possible to more or less remain the existing look and feel, but it is also possible to go for something slightly more sophisticated that makes better use of the full screen. To see an example of this check out the Letchworth blog which went (or arguably is still going through!) the process this weekend.

Comments would be appreciated.

Incidentally, for thoose of you who occasionally contribute you should not see any major difference when it comes to posting to the blog.

England offer to help you improve your coaching - FREE

"Team England" are inviting all Regional, County and Club Coaches to their summer Coaching Conference at Broadstreet RFC, Coventry on Saturday 7th July (10.30am – 4pm).

Called "Working in Partnership" the day will include position specific workshops from international coaches, as well as Q&A sessions designed to find out how the RFUW and "Team England" can best help coaches at all levels.

There is no charge to attend the Team England Coaching Conference. If you would like to attend please reply to Kelly Rainey either by e-mail or telephone, kellyrainey@rfu.com or 020 8831 7996, by Friday 29th June 2007.

Programme of Events

1) 2006/07 Review

2) Moving forward 2007/08 – 2009/10

• What we are trying to achieve?
• How can coaches help?

3) Position Specific Workshops

• Kicking Clinic Geoff Richards, England Head Coach
• Hooker Skills Danny Wilson, Wales Coach (Ex-England A’s Coach)
• Front Row Graham Smith, England Assistant Coach
• Scrum Half Skills Gary Street, England Assistant Coach

Further details will be available once your have confirmed attendance.

U17s: "Free" coaching session at Twickenham - with England coaches!

As part of the RFUW Conference at Twickenham on 16th June there will be a number of coaching workshops being given by England coaches for the benefit of coach delegates to the conference.

However, the coaches need someone to coach so the call is going out for any U17s to come down to "Headquarters" and spend the afternoon working with the best coaches in the women's game - and (so far as I am aware) without you having to pay a penny!

In fact the whole conference is only £5, so actually its worth paying for the whole thing as you'll get fed as well if you do!.

For more information contact Sam Marshall or Amanda Bate as soon as possible.

International Sevens news

It was yet another case of "so near yet to far" for Boudiccas after their visit to Edinburgh ended at the semi-final stage on Sunday - losing out to the eventual winners Murryfield Wanderers.

Meanwhile England's women's team, with three Herts players (all Saracens) in the squad, suffered a similar disappointment in the FIRA European Sevens in France.

The three Saracens - Claire Allan, Charlotte Barras and Rachael Burford, who was captain of the team - were there aiming to make up for lasy year, when they lost in the final to Wales and this year began well, cruising into the semi-finals with 17 tries in three games against Russia, Sweden, and Holland - though they ominously tripped up 15-12 in their final pool game against France.

But that was enough through to see them through to a semi-final against Spain which was won, though only by 12-10. But they were in the final - against the hosts.

At half times things were level at a try a-piece, but then England then suffered a major set-back with the loss of Kim Oliver with an injury leaving the team with just six players for the remainder of the match. France took advantage, though the 19-5 margin of victory was helped with a disallowed England try and compounded by a French breakaway score on the last play.

England coach Gary Street said: “We are disappointed not to have won in the final, but we always knew France were going to be the team to beat. This was nevertheless a very brave performance from the girls over the two days considering we have not played in a competitive tournament for a year.

“Rachel Burford led the squad superbly and we have all learned a lot this weekend which will can only help us in the future.”

Herts teams in RFUW leagues 2007/8

The following senior Hertfordshire clubs will be playing in RFUW leagues next season:

Premiership: Saracens
Championship South 1: Old Albanians; Saracens II
National Challenge South East 2 (East): Hertford; Old Albanians II
National Challenge South East 3 (North): Hitchin

Complete league details can be found here:

• Premiership to National Challenge 1
• National Challenge 2 and 3

Tour the world with the Boudiccas

Past and present East Region players have the opportunity to tour the world with the Boudiccas Ladies Touring Squad.

In July 2006 members of the East Region Ladies entered the Stockholm 10’s tournament as a one –off tour to end the season. Despite being beaten in the semi – finals they came back to the UK with a keen resolve to compete in more tournaments together

Originally it was comprised of players based in the East Region and playing for the East Region Senior Squad, but it has now expanded to include past and present players from clubs across the East Region, who still wished to be involved with promoting rugby within the region.

This weekend the Boudiccas traveled to Edinburgh for their sixth tournament - the Edinburgh 7s - and also lend their support to the England mens 7s as they are competing in the IRB 7s at the same venue.

The Boudiccas have been drawn in pool 1 that includes Lismore, Kirkcaldy and Glasgow Uni. The squad is the strongest yet with IRB Womens Rugby Player of the Year Maggie Alphonsi making her debut, other squad members being Amanda Murray (captain), Becky Roby, Ellisha Dee, Emma White, Jennifer Sothmann, Laura Evans, Nichola Millman, Nicky Cameron, and Veronica Ely.

Future tournaments planned include:

• Stockholm 10s 2007
• Southwold beach 7s 2007
• Italy 7s 2007
• Borneo 10s 2007
• Dubai 7s 2007
• Nelson Mandela Bay 7s (South Africa) 2007

For more information about the Boudiccas click here

Barnet Elizabethans R.F.C. Ladies Touch Rugby Festival

An Introduction To Touch Rugby - Experienced & Novices Welcome

Sunday 17th June at 2pm

Byng Road, High Barnet, Herts. En5 4np. Tel: 020 8449 0040

Barbecue, Bar, Stalls & Promotions
A Fun Day For All The Family!

To enter, or join a team, register at: www.barnetrfc.co.uk

Coaching is available and for more info about touch rugby contact:
Annemarie on: a.sand@btinternet.com

"First aid for appointed persons" course

Sunday 17th June
9.30pm - 4.30pm
University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus

£35 (light refreshments and attendance certificate)

This is the minimum level of training recommended by the Health and Safety Executive for those acting in an emergency and is accepted by all sport and therapy governing bodies for insurance and CPD purposes. It has a sport and exercise bias making it practical, useful and will address many of the common issues and concerns you could potentially find in any sports environment.

If you would like to book onto this training please use the attached booking from following the simple instructions.

For any queries please contact Graham Keen (g.a.keen@herts.ac.uk) on 01707 281006.

Another referee's course.. but in Hertfordshire!

If south London was a bit far to go, there is now an alternative referee's course coming up at Letchworth on 17th and 24th June.

It isn't quite free in this case, but is still being heavily subsidised at only £20 for female candidates.

Don't miss out - book today using this form (the people running the course will know about the offer) before all the places are taken up.

National Girls Sevens 2007

The National Girls Sevens took place yesterday at a Leighton Buzzard RFC.

The Winners and Runner's Up in each of the Sections were as follows:

Under 17 Cup: Winners: Worcester - Runner's Up: Darlington Mowden Park
Under 17 Plate: Winners: Letchworth - Runner's Up: Dorking
Under 14 Cup: Winners: Cramberleigh - Runner's Up: Basford (Basildon and Rochford)
Under 14 Plate: Winners: Ellingham and Ringwood - Runner's Up: Gloucester Barbarians
Under 14 Bowl: Winners: Wellies (Welwyn and Saracens) - Runner's Up: Worcester

[Update] Full scores from all matches - including Sunday's senior competition - ca now be found on the RFUW website.

Herts 7s: in pictures

Four "galleries" of pictures from Sunday's Herts 7s at Welwyn are now available from the SportsMatters website.

Around 100 photos in all, covering both the U14 and U17 compteitions, and including pretty much every team that took part can be viewed and copies ordered.

Includes team groups, photos from the presentations, and a range of excellent action photographs.

Pictures from the 2006 tournament are also still available.

Coaching day for schoolteachers

This may be of interest, especially to secondary school PE teachers:

Advanced Coaching Day for TEACHER (Sponsored by: Daily Mail and Rhino)
Wednesday 20th June 2007, Queen Elizabeth School, Barnet

Presentations by:

• MARK MAPLETOFT (National Academy Coach , Former Saracens Academy Coach, Ex-London Irish, Saracens, Gloucester)
• JON CURRY (Director of Rugby : North Walsham, Leicester Tigers EPDG)
• LYN EVANS (Rugby Development Advisor, Ex- Coach Oxford University, Coach Assistant to Pierre Villepreux(IRB) )
• Rob Drinkwater - London North RRDM
• Ed Turnhill – London Referee Development officer
• Gavin Dovey – RFU Anti-Doping Officer

Includes practical worksops as well as presentations and Q&A sessions

£40.00 inc VAT (cheques payable to RFDL) - cost includes lunch and refreshments and all Conference material (inclusive of DVD’s and current RFU publications) plus clothing & vouchers to the value of £20.00 redeemable against Coach Development courses in the London North Region.

For more information contact Tony Robinson at the RFU.

Senior calendar 2007/8: final version

Representative:

• Regional (training, and Sundays, unless stated): 16th December (trials); 19th January; 27th January; 3rd February (match); Saturday 9th February; 10th February (match); 24th February; 9th March (match); 16th March (final).
• Super 4s:9th September; 30th September; 21st October
• England training: 16th December; 6th January; 27th January
• Six Nations: 3rd February (Wales @ home); 10th February (Italy @ away); 24th February (France @ away); 9th March (Scotland @ away); 16th March (Ireland @ home)

Club:

• Cup: 6th and 13th April
• Regional 10s: 20th April
• National 10s: 4th May
• Play-offs: 6th April
• League/fixtures: All dates not listed above.

FREE refereeing course!

• Ladies - ever fancied going to a Rugby World Cup? – why not go in 2010 as a referee?
• Are there some women/girls at your club/school interested in starting to referee?
• Would those who do referee, wish to improve their skills?
• Would they like to improve their game understanding?

Why not get them to do the RFU Entry Level Referee Award …. on Saturdays 23rd and 30th June, at London Welsh RFC, in Richmond.

Sponsored by in association with the South East & London Federations of Referee Societies, and as part of a RFUW initiative to encourage more women into refereeing, women and girls (aged 14+) can attend this course for free!

(Men are not precluded but any wishing to attend will still need to pay (£40.00) for this course.)
Contact Ed Turnill (RFU) (edturnill@rfu.com) 07894 783 373 or Amanda Bate(RFUW) (amandabate@rfu.com) 07809 512 738

Background:
The RFUW are trying to encourage 200 new female referees across the country.

The course is the standard RFU new Entry Level Referee Course and will qualify candidates to referee club and school games and step onto the refereeing ladder. At the end of the course it is hoped that successful delegates will join the local referee society and referee matches for men, women, girls and boys in the local community. Referee societies often have people who are prepared to act as mentors for new referees and will always games you are comfortable covering.

Book in the usual way - click here. This is the application form for an individual booking - there is also one for a group booking. Castlecroft will know that this course is free to women.

Also...

If you have at least 10 women all wanting to do a refs course together, who can’t make this
course, let Amanda Bate (above) know…refs courses can be arranged for groups.

Fast Track Programme

This years, RBS 6 Nations England women v Italy match, saw the first ever team of 3 women in action at RFU Twickenham Stadium. Through these courses and other events nationally we are looking for 6 talented women or girls to be selected to take part in a fast track scheme where they will get a personalised support courses throughout the year and will be assigned a personal mentor from the RFU Referee National Panel. These 6 women or girls will be selected because they have the potential (physically and mentally) to become an elite referee, and will have the opportunity to work towards refereeing in the Women’s World Cup 2010 and 2014, Women’s 6 Nations and will hopefully go on to referee in the men’s game at Level 5 and above. This is a great opportunity for any women or girls who enjoy rugby but may not be able to fulfil elite aspirations through playing and may consider elite refereeing as an alternative pathway. If you want further information about this please contact Amanda Bate amandabate@RFU.com or David Rose, RFU Referee Development Manager [Midlands] davidrose@rfu.com

Back to Refereeing

If you know any women who are currently qualified as a referee but are not actively involved with their local society or refereeing for their club, we are running a Development Course at the London and South East Conference on the 16th of June (venue TBC). This course will look at giving women the skills they need in decision making, positioning, confidence and controlling the game, so they can confidently go out and referee within their societies. If you are interested in attending this course and want further details please email me on amandabate@rfu.com

National Women’s Refereeing Conference

The RFU and RFUW will also be holding a National Women’s Refereeing Conference on the 14th and 15th of July. The cost of the weekend is £25 and has workshops around female specific fitness, nutrition, lines of running, controlling the game, psychology and much more. There is also a formal dinner for all delegates. You must be a qualified female referee to attend. If you are interested in going on the mailing list to receive more information please email David Rose on davidrose@rfu.com

Female Referee Ambassadors

We have appointed 10 women nationally to act as Female Referee Ambassadors. Amongst these are Debbie Innes and Claire Daniels who were the touch judges for the recent 6 Nations clash with Italy at Twickenham. Their role is to work with schools, universities, clubs and counties to promote refereeing as a pathway for women and girls. If you would like the contact details of your local Ambassador please contact David Rose davidrose@rfu.com

Junior calendar 2007/7: "Final" version

The "final" version of next season's calendar is now out, and predictably there are some significant changes from the earlier draft plus a few oddities (like the regional festival dates) which might point to some movement yet?

The key dates are as follows (all Sundays unless otherwise indicated):

Representative:

• County: 9th September; 30th September; 21st October; 4th November and 2nd December
• Regional (training unless indicated): 20th January (trials); 3rd February; Saturday 9th February; 10th February (match); 9th March; 16th March (match); 20th April; 27th April, 11th May (Festival).
• U18 TDGs: In weeks commencing: 22nd October; 17th December; 24th February; 25th March; 26th May; and 28th July
• U19 trials: 30th September and 21st October

Club:

• Regional 10s (U18s only): 7th October
• Rochford Festival: 14th October
• National 10s (U18s only): 28th October
• National Cup: 24th February; 30th March; 13th April.
• National Sevens: 25th May
• Training and matches: All other dates not listed above

Highlights:

• Regional/National 10s at a more sensible time... though a date clash with Rochford means (for U18s) two festivals in two weeks... unless Rochford could become the East's regional qualifier? Or would that be too sensible?
• National Cup staggers on for another year... but invites weather problems by moving to the New Year
• Six county and eight regional weekends (including one Saturday/Sunday in the latter).
• All the above leaves only 15 clear dates for club fixtures, and two of those may well clash with TDG weekends

Beyond Level 1 Coaching Weekend - next weekend!!

The beyond level 1 concept is aimed at providing technical and practical knowledge to coaches wishing to improve from level 1 and working towards level 2, this weekend will provide you with the correct skills in focusing towards completing your level 2 coaching course.

When: 2nd and 3rd Of June, 9am start.

Where: Haileybury School (Haileybury Sports Complex, Haileybury, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7NU )

By Road:
Haileybury is situated between Hertford and Hoddesdon, about 20 miles north of central London, and is conveniently located close to the A10 Cambridge Road and easily accessible via the M25, A1, M11 and A414.

Course Details: We will cover 6 sessions including a special session by Saracens Academy Manager on Rugby basics. Principles of Attack/Game Sense/Continuity skills/attacking from the base of a scrum, Lineout technical and Tactical and Defence. There will also be opportunities to do micro coaching sessions and develop some group ideas.

Cost: £80.00 per person this will include an unlimited refreshment station, a 2 course lunch on both days, disc with all the sessions during the 2 day course. We will also have Mike Hynard – Saracens Academy Manager delivering a special session for us after Lunch on the Saturday

Booking Details: Bookings will close on Wednesday the 30th May, however space is limited and will be on a first come basis, payment and booking form must be received before the 30th May.

Please send booking form and a cheque made payable to (Herts Rugby.)

Address details: Peter Engledow/ Herts Sports Village/Hatfield Business Park/Hatfield /AL10 9EU

If you have any questions or need further information please e-mail me on peterengledow@rfu.com or call me on my mobile 07764 960 407

Confirmation will be e-mailed to you with directions and maps, upon receiving your booking form.

High Performance Academies

Girls nominated by their regions for the U17 "High Performance Academies" (HPAs - which replace last year's PDAs) should be receiving official notifications shortly.

It is essential that, if you are selected, that you return any forms etc. as quickly as possible.

Note that existing TDG girls are not included in this first HPA and will instead be automatically invited to the second HPA "camp" - so if you were in the TDGs for 2006/7 and you do not hear anything in the next few weeks don't worry!

Full details about this summers programme can be found in a "PDF" that can be downloaded or viewed here - it is quite significantly different compared to last summer. If you cannot follow this link or read the attachment in summary there are three stages this year:

1. A one-day HPA for regional nominees (not including existing TDG girls) on 15th July. There will be three camps across the country (ours will be in Oxfordshire) and from about 100 girls at these three venues about twenty will be selected to go on to stage two.
2. A two-day national camp at a venue to be decided on 26/27 July, which will include the existing 30 TDGs and the 20 girls selected above. From these fifty girls, thirty will be selected to form the TDG group for 2007/8.
3. A two-day national camp for the new TDG on 20/21 August. Other TDG session will then take place throughout the season, starting in October.

A parallel (and slightly simpler) programme for senior players will also take place (details here) leading to Super 4 selection in August.

There will be no U14 selection programme this summer as the process has already taken place.

Herts Sevens 2007

The Herts Girls Sevens took place yesterday at a Sunny Welwyn RFC. A total of 13 Under 17 teams and 12 Under 14 teams were in action on the day. Some teams had made round trips of up to 200 miles to take part, which meant that the quality of Rugby was extremely high, and the Winners of both the U17 Cup and U14 Cup will be amongst the favourites for next Saturday's National Sevens at Leighton Buzzard RFC.

The Winners of each of the Trophy's were as follows:
Under 17 Cup: Worcester
Under 17 Plate: Paviors
Under 17 Bowl: Reading
Under 14 Cup: Cramberleigh
Under 14 Plate: Welwyn
Under 14 Bowl: Reading

The Organisers wish to thank all the Players, Coaches and Supporters for their flexibility, especially in the U17 Section as game schedules and times moved forward (due to teams dropping out) then back (due to injuries) then forward again (due to teams electing not to play off for 3rd and 4th place).

Next Season the age bands move to U18 and U15 and the U15 Section will be played on Full Size pitches. We are therefore asking for Clubs in Hertfordshire with four pitches to volunteer to host this event in 2008.

President's XV Awards

In the President's XV Awards announced this week, two Herts Girls Club have been recognised in different Categories. Letchworth were Winners of the 'Modernisation' Category for the Letchworth Blog (winning a Trophy, £500 cheque and £150 towards a Presentation Ceremony) and Welwyn Warriors were Runner Up in the 'Girl Power' Category (winning a cheque for £100).

The full list of Winners and Runners Up in each of the 15 President's Awards are being announced in next months Rugby World Magazine. In addition all of the Category Winners and Runners Up will feature in a 'Models of Good Practice' booklet to be distributed to Rugby Clubs.

RFUW School of Rugby

Following her performances for East Region at the recent U14 Festival at Rugby School, Welwyn Warrior Sam Voyle has been notified by Tom Stokes (RFUW Talent Development Manager) that she has been selected for inclusion in the RFUW School of Rugby Programme next Season.

Sam is the second Herts U14 player to be selected, joining County team mate Clare Shutler of Saracen's.

Valuing your volunteers

The RFU have published an excellent booklet summarising good practice and highlighting the many award schemes available to clubs and their volunteers.

These award schemes are open to all clubs, large and small, and designed to reward all ages, and both groups and individuals. The schemes work and are accessible to clubs like yours. Just ask Welwyn and Letchworth who have both picked up RFU awards this season, with recognition going to individuals (such as Luke Williams and Joe Randall winning the "Young Volunteer Plus" Awards) and to the club as a whole (with both clubs recording successes in the President's XV award scheme, for example).

Obviously not every nomiation will win, but the fact that a volunteer has been nominated invariably gives a boost.

The booklet also shows how clubs have introduced internal methods of recognising the contribution of volunteers - methods that needn't cost very much (or indeed anything at all) but clearly work.

So either download a copy from the website , or apply to RFU for printed copies - its well worth it!

Herts Sevens Update

There have been some changes to the entrants on Sunday:

U14 Section: East Furies have dropped out to be replaced by Worcester 2.

U17 Section: Worcester 2 and Spalding have dropped out. Discussions are currently taking place with other teams that asked to go on the reserve list in this section. However, if any other side would like to enter at short notice please contact the organiser Peter Mccullough peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com ASAP, as filling these 2 available spaces will be done on a first come first served basis.

National U17 10's Finals Report

In atrocious conditions at Litchfield RFC on Sunday, Worcester were more than worthy winners of the National U17 10's as they won all 5 of their games without conceeding a point. Welwyn Warriors, who played them first suffered their heaviest ever defeat 0-33, and realised that the Tournament was then all about who would finish Runners-up.

Welwyn got back on track through a narrow 5-0 win over local rivals Letchworth and then stepped up a gear to beat Wimborne 12-0 and avenge their semi-final defeat in the National Cup in April. The next game was a see-saw 12-12 draw with Paviors and the Dorking game ended 17-12 to the Warriors. As Paviors lost to Wimborne then meant that Welwyn U17 finished Runners-up in a National Tournament, which is their best ever achievement.

PDAs RIP - HPAs new route to TDGs

If you fully understand that headline then well done!

For everyone else, last summer's summer training camps for elite players ("Performance Development Academies, or PDAs) will now be known as High Performance Academies (or "HPAs"). HPAs are being established for both senior and U17 levels, and regional coaching staff will shortly be nominating players for each programme.

Full details about what is planned can be found on the RFUW website, but in summary...

Seniors selected will attend a HPA on 14th/15th July (for our region at Heythrop Park, Oxon). The leading players from this weekend (and two others being held on the same dates elsewhere) will be invited back for a second HPA on 24th/25th August from which the Super 4 squads will be selected.

Regions will select 7-10 players each, who will be joined at the first HPA by player from the Super League teams, the England Elite squad, and England U19s.

At U17 level the format is a little different, being for most girls a two stage process.

First about 110 regional selections (7-10 from each region) will have to attend one of three one-day HPAs (for our region at Heythrop Park on 15th July). These selections will not include existing TDG girls.

From these three "camps" about twenty girls will be selected to go forward to two-day HPA at a "central venue" on 26th-27th July where they will be joined by members of this season's TDG. From this group of 50 a new TDG of 30 will e selected for 2007/8.

The first training camp for the new TDG will then take place on the weekend of 20/21 August.

There will be no U14 HPAs as the group selected last month will become part of the new "CB Schools of Rugby" for 2007/8.

Regions will be invited to make their selections over the next few weeks.

Herts girls defy the weather

Two girls rugby tournaments took place yesterday in - at times - appalling weather conditions, but despite the worst that the rain could throw at everyone both were completed - though it was touch and go at times.

At Hatfield 70 girls aged 9-11 took part in the Herts Youth Games girls rugby tournament. This is a tag event and designed to introduce new players to the game, though in practice a fair few of the players will have played mini-rugby.

It didn't quite rain all day, but by the time the final games were being played the downpour was unceasing. Fortunately the games were being played on Saracen's artificial grass pitches so the girls did not disappear into the mud (though some of the surrounding encampment became almost unreachable).

Of the ten districts in the county St Albans and Dacorum failed to enter, and Hertsmere did not show up. The other seven played off in two groups which eventually lead to Stevenage and Welwyn/Hatfield playing off for fifth place, Watford taking on North Herts for third, and a final between East Herts and Three Rivers.

Unfortunately your correspondent was running for cover by the time the final took place (with thunder rolling around the ground) but I should imagine that the superbly drilled (and Amazon tall) East Herts would have been clear favourites to repeat their group win over Three Rivers. Watford beat North Herts comfortably for third, and Welwyn seemed to be on top for fifth against Stevenage. Broxbourne came seventh. If it was not all totally washed away then hopefully the final results will appear shortly.

However there were some prodigiously talented girls playing in this event, so if you club was not involved with running a team I suggest you contact your local district council as soon as possible to find out who was... and start recruiting now!

Talking of being washed away, the National 10s at Lichfield endured monsoon-type conditions which resulted in the pitches being effectively waterlogged by the mid-point in the competition. Two Hertfordshire teams were in it - Letchworth finishing fifth and Welwyn second behind eventual winners Worcester. Full score appear below.

The RFUW are seeking feedback on this new initiative - so please let Keeley know what you thought of it. Teams in the final have had official reply forms - but I suspect Keely would like to hear from anyone - even teams that did not take part - about whether this was a worthwhile initiative, and what could be done to improve things (like getting more entries).

Anyway... the scores:

Letchworth 5 Dorking 0; Dorking 0 Wimborne 12; Letchworth 0 v Welwyn 5; Paviours/Lec 20 Dorking 7; Worcester 26 Dorking 0; Wimborne 7 Paviour/Leic 5; Worcester 33 Welwyn 0; Paviours 0 Worcester 15; Wimborne 19 Letchworth 0; Welwyn 12 Wimborne 0; Letchworth 0 Worcester 44; Letchworth 0 Paviors/Leic 44; Dorking 10 Welwyn17; Welwyn 12 Paviours/Leic 12; Wimborne 0 Worcester 7	Final table: 1: Worcester 15 points 2: Welwyn 12 3: Wimborne 11 4: Paviors/Leicester Forest 10 5: Letchworth 7 6: Dorking 5

(I have no idea how the points were worked out for the above table - so don't ask!)

Girls' Premiership Rugby Academy

Saracens are running a two day rugby "camp" specifically for girls at Welwyn RFC on 24th and 25th July (9.30 to 3.30) which, they say, "will provide a fun and enjoyable environment for female players to develop their game."

The two day course is specifically aimed at girls aged between 12 and 17 engaging in contact and will provide an opportunity for players to improve their skills under the guidance of qualified coaches and professional Saracens players.

The courses will cover:

• Handling Skills
• Tackling & Defence
• Contact Skills
• Continuity
• Dynamicity in your play
• Support Play
• Ruck and Maul technique
• Leaching
• SAQ & Evasion Skills

The two day courses allow for significant progression in these areas.

The full cost of the two day Camp is £50. Players will need to bring a packed lunch. A £10 deposit will be required to secure a place for this Camp, with the balance payable by June 30th.

For further information and an application form please contact Jacky Shutler on shutler4@tiscali.co.uk or 0208 368 5325.

Rochford Hundred U18’s girl’s 10’s and U15’s 7’s Charity festival

Rochford would like to invite clubs to play in the fourth charity 10’s & 7’s festival, last year’s festival was a great success and they hope you can join them this season to make it an even greater success.

It is to be held on Sunday 14th October.

They envisage that the under 18’s should play five fourteen minute games, these to be played in accordance with the under 18 girls laws for season 2007/2008. There will be no overage players allowed to take part.

The under 15’s will be played in accordance with the under 15’s laws for season 2007/2008. Hopefully the U15’s will follow a similar format.

Even if you do not have a full squad please contact Rochford as they may be able to put you in touch with another team in the same situation or form a Barbarian squad. So everybody gets a chance to play rugby.

Rochford are also trying to get an U12’s game arranged for the same day, so if you have any please let them know.

All they ask for is a donation of £25 for a full team, per age group, or £3 a participant if you do not have a full squad. This is to go to this years selected charity, which is LITTLE HAVENS CHILDRENS HOSPICE Charity No 2805007

Please contact Tina to register an interest on 01268 691409 or email her at tina@rugbyturners.plus.com

There is only space for twelve teams, in each age group, so register asap.

Emerging schools champions finish fifth in nationals

From East Herts Herald:

GIRLS from Hertford and Ware schools competed in a national rugby festival at the weekend and ended up at Twickenham.

A combined team of girls from Chauncy, Presdales, and Simon Balle schools took part in the Daily Telegraph Emerging Schools Rugby Festival under-14 Finals in Staines.

The East Herts youngsters - already County Champions - represented the East of England, playing five 10-minute games to finish a very creditable fifth nationally.

The team beat The West Midlands and North West, drew with the North East and Yorkshire and lost to East Midlands and the overall winners, South West Champions Gillingham School.

All teams were rewarded with a T-shirt; certificate and seats to watch the Army and Navy Rugby match the same afternoon at Twickenham.

Team manager Sandy Edwards said: "The girls played magnificently considering only one had played Rugby before this September, they were playing teams fielding older girls and many with county players."

Coaches Eric Riddle and Chris Fishlock were also very proud of the girls' achievements.

The team was: Georgia Peedle, Meg Harries, Emma Corby, Georgia Page, Katie Fulcher, Charlie Faloona, Chloe Rees, Holly Stilston, Shira Kilgallon, Izzy Maclean, Charlotte Bartlett, Katherine Henry, Georgina Suckling, Gabby Ranner, Claire Mills.

Herts Sevens Update

This Tournament is now less than two weeks away and final preparations are being made. All 16 of the Under 17 Teams and all 12 of the Under 14 Teams have now received information relating to arrangements on the day.

However, if you are not involved, but planning to watch then the key pieces of information that you may need are:

It is taking place at Welwyn RFC, Hobbs Way, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6HX on Sun 20th May.

Those of you that have been to Welwyn RFC previously will know that it is surrounded by housing and that the Car Park is not very large. We have therefore arranged additional Parking nearby at Applecroft Junior School in Applecroft Road, WGC, AL8 6JZ.

The first games at 10.30 and the last Final will start at 5.10.

During the day the Bar will be open and there will also be a BBQ.

Region edged out of national title

A much improved performance by East Region U17s saw them recover from a crucial injury to one their leading players in the opening game to get within touching distance of the title at the regional championships yesterday at Rugby School.

Action from East v Yorkshire

Hannah Gallagher had split the Yorkshire defence several times in the first half of the region's opening game - but early in the second half she found herself at the bottom of a ruck which cleared but left Hannah on the ground in some pain. A swift visit to the nearby hospital saw her return later - but with her leg in plaster and her tournament, and season, over.

East were 5-0 ahead at the time and held out for a crucial 5-5 draw which - coupled with a win over South East - was enough to see them into a semi-final with South.

East were most observers favourites for the game and a place in the final alongside East Midlands - but an unfortunate mix-up allowed South in for a try right at the start of the game, a reversal from which East could not recover. However a fairly comfortable win over North East secured third place for the region who overall looked a far better side than they had done in their warm-up fixtures.

On Sunday the U14s had had a tougher time. Starting the tournament with back-to-back games they beat West Midlands but lost a vital (and rather bad tempered) game to South East. The girls recovered to reach the Plate Final against East Wales, but long delays between games had resulted in muscles tieing up, leaving them as Plate runners up and 6th place in the tournament overall.

Claire gets U14 call

Claire Shutler of Saracens has been selected to attend the CBs' School of Rugby from September - the only Hertfordshire U14 girl to be selected, and one of only three from East Region (the others being Claire Johnston and Charlotte Youngman, both from Diss).

Only 28 girls from across the country have been selected - so this is a trully elite group and Claire deserves every congratulation for getting in and "flying the flag" for Hertfordshire.

Well done Claire!

East Region Awards: time running out...

Have you voted yet in the East Region awards?

You do not have to be an East Region player or official. You do not have to be an official or player at your club. ANYONE interested in girls or women's rugby in East Region can vote.

Eastern Counties have now put the nomination details and voting form on the web - so you do not even need get one from your club. Just click here for the nomination detail and here for the voting form.

Don't delay - vote today!

RFUW Annual Conference: not to be missed

While it is understood that the words like "Conference" can have a slightly soperific effect please read on... because this one will be very good.

At Twickenham on Saturday 16th June you can

• Take part in four workshop on such diverse subjects as club development planning, fund raising, using local sports networks, and inter-club partnerships - all from people with real experience in each area.
• OR you can take part in practical coaching workshops with Gary Street, the England Assistant coach
• OR Ed Turnhill will be on hand to offer practical advice and assistance to female referees in two equally practical wokshop.
• AND you get an introduction to the RFU's "Go Play" initiative
• AND you have the chance to address that burning question that you want answered DIRECTLY to the RFUW's Director of Rugby, Carol Isherwood
• AND you will get to meet people from clubs across East Region, London and the South East
• AND you get fed as well!

All for a mere £5!!

Up to FOUR places are available for each club - but you only have until 25th May to apply. So fill in the form below and send it off asap!!

London and South East Clubs Conference
Booking Form
Saturday 16th June 2007
The North Tryline, Twickenham Stadium, Rugby Road,
Twickenham, TW1 1DS

Club:

Admin 1
Name & Position:
Email & Mobile No:

Admin 2
Name & Position:
Email & Mobile No:

Coach Name:
Qualification:
Email & Mobile No:

Referee Name:
Qualification:
Email & Mobile No:

Main Contact:
Correspondence Postal Address:

Do you require a session with RFUW Director of Rugby?(Please Circle)
Yes / No
Question:

Details of people requesting additional places
Name
Position
E-mail
Phone Number

Please return your completed form and £5 payment per person by the Friday 25th May to:
L&SE Conference, RFUW, Rugby House, Rugby Rd, Twickenham, TW1 1DS OR e-mail your form to sammarshall@rfu.com or amandabate@rfu.com and post your payment to the above address.

Four top threes, but no winners at Herts Sports Awards

Girls' rugby just missed out on more silverware in four out of eight categories at this Herts Sports Awards, held this evening at the Herts Sports Village in Hatfield.

Joe Randall (Junior Coach) and Dave Marques (Administrator) were awarded second places in their categories, while Luke Williams (Male coach) and Welwyn (Club) finished third in theirs - but there were no overall winners this year.

All in all though it was a good performance for the sport - aided by the fact that Welwyn at least had not been backward in putting nominations in.

Because it does not matter how worthy you or your club might be in awards like these - if no-one puts nominations forward you or your club won't win anything. Nominations for Herts Sports Awards 2008 will open in the new year - don't miss out next time!

But meanwhile congratulations to our four "top three finishers" - and here's hoping that someone can go one better next year!

Herts representatives both through to National Tens finals

Uniquely Hertfordshire will be represented by two clubs at the Nationals 10s finals in Lichfield on 13th May.

Welwyn were faced with a single opponent in the London North heat at Hemel Hempsted, and easily disposed of Chesham 108-0.

Letchworth meanwhile were at Aylestone St James, near Leicester, for the East Midlands heat. This featured six teams and as a result both finalists were allocated places in the Nationals, which meant that the crucial game was not the final but the semi-final against Kettering - which the Hertfordshire team won 21-12.

This follows on from the county (also uniquely) having two teams in the U17 National Cup semi finals earlier in the year (Letchworth and Welwyn again), as well as a a third in the U14 semis ("Herts Barbarians"). On that occasion none of the teams went on to lift the silverware - maybe that will be different this time.

Other teams known to be in the National 10s finals are Cockermouth, Dorking, Paviors (winners of East Midlands heat), Tynedale, Wimborne, and Worcester.

Herts Youth Games 2007: U11 Girls tag

Herts Youth Games has included a girls tag competition for some years. This year it will again be an U11 tag competition, with teams coming from eight of the ten districts. This means some 80 10-11 year-old girls will be playing tag rugby - very few of whom will currently have a rugby club to play for.

As a recruitment opportunity its really not to be missed. While the age group changes will prevent these players moving directly into the girls game, most U12 mini rugby teams will welcome new players - be they boys or girls - and the county is planning to offer regular "development days" for girls from this age group next season (Essex have even suggested an inter-county fixture).

The programme for the Games - which will take place at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village on Sunday 13th May - will be as follows:

10.00 Watford v Stevenage; Three Rivers v East Herts
10.20 North Herts v Hertsmere; Broxbourne v Welwyn/Hatfield
11.00 Watford v North Herts; Three Rivers v Broxbourne
11.20 Stevenage v Hertsmere; East Herts v Welwyn/Hatfield
11.40 Watford v Hertsmere; Three Rivers v Welwyn/Hatfield
12.00 Stevenage v North Herts; East Herts v Broxbourne

1.40 7th/8th playoff
2.00 Semi-finals
2.20 5th/6th playoff
2.40 3rd/4th playoff
3.20 Final

The invisible cup

If you felt that last year's World Cup did not get that much publicity, and that in addition this season's England Grand Slam also went past without making much of a dent in the consciousness of the country's media then this pales into... well, I guess "significance" compared with England's next challenge.

For on Saturday England will be in Madrid competing for the first (well, I assume its first) Women's European Cup - a competition that at present seems to be requiring the invention of whole new lexicon of words to describe its media profile. Even the page devoted to it on the RFUW website can only be described as "minimalist".

Despite appearances this is a competition which will actually feature eight nations - France, Sweden, Netherlands and Wales are also taking part (not Scotland or Ireland though - no idea why...).

There is ever so marginally more information available on the FIRA website - but even they - the organisers - have clearly not felt the need to bust a gut over the promotion of the event. Like saying what the rules are, or where the matches will be played (other than "Madrid", which is a bit vague) - you know, details like that (mind you the RFUW just gives the venue as "Spain", so it could be worse!).

No idea who is in the England team - one assumes they are sending the full squad - in which case some of these games could get a shade one-sided.

But there we are. This blog has probably already given the event a bigger write-up than the rest of the world's media combined. Shame really. The final (inevitably between England and Wales or France) on 5th May should be quite interesting.

[UPDATE] Vincent Acheson has dug around a bit (see comments) and discovered that apparently England are sending an "A" team (though there seem to be a good scattering of full caps in there), which makes sense and actually makes it even more interesting because presumably this young side may well be the basis of the next World Cup team. Shame its all getting about as much coverage as the Albanian Ice Hockey league.

Also its NOT the first competition - which would seem to be news even to FIRA, going by their linguistically challenged website.

East Region end of season awards

Voting forms and lists of nominations for this year's East region awards have been distrbuted to clubs today. If you haven't had your form then contact your club secretary.

Note that the awards are NOT just for people who have worked in the regional programme, and you DO NOT have to be a regional player or official to vote. The awards are there to recognise the work people do to support women's and girls rugby across the region at all levels - so they are relevent to everyone, not just those who play for the regional teams.

There are quite a few awards on offer, and a dozen or more candidates for each one, so there isn't room to post the details here. Just ask your club for a form - and return it as soon as possible to the address given. You can vote by post, email - or even text message!

Apparently cunning schemes are in place to catch out cases of multiple voting, so don't even think about it...

Who wants to play Touch Rugby at Twickenham??

Calling all rugby players….

Do you fancy a chance to play at Twickenham?

If so this is perfect for all of you plus any friends you may think maybe interested.

This summer the 12 Premiership clubs including Saracens have joined together with TouchRugby.com to bring you the Mixed Premiership National Touch Cup.

Old Albanians RFC will host the Saracens Mixed Touch League and provide an opportunity for all local players to take part and be in with a chance of making the final which will be played at Twickenham during the Middlesex sevens or London Double Header. Teams will compete over an 8 week period to battle it out for a place at Twickenham. Squads will consist of up to 10-14 players of which six will play at any one time with at least two women on the pitch at all times.

The league is scheduled to start Wednesday 23rd May and will run through till July 11th where in the final week the Saracens Touch League Champions will be crowned.

What if I’ve never played before?

Don’t worry, Saracens and touchrugby.co.uk have organised a TRY IT session, this will take place in the week leading up to the first evening of the competition and is an opportunity to gain an understanding of the rules, regulations and game play under the guidance of TouchRugby.co.uk and Saracens staff.

This is not a compulsory part of package but is recommended for new players to the game and is at no extra cost to you.

How do I enter a team?

If you are interested in entering a team in this year’s league or require further information please visit www.touchrugby.co.uk or contact richardgregg@saracens.net

Please note that the league is for those over 16 years of age.

Richard Gregg
Saracens Rugby Development Officer
DD: 01923 204602

County Girls need Team Managers

The U15’s and the U18’s County Teams will need Team Managers if they are to run this coming season.

When the girls’ county teams were set up 2 seasons ago it was decided that to run, they would have to have a team manager, and John Birch has filled that role for both age groups, extremely well. Now he is stepping down and either one new person is needed to step forward and manage both teams, or 2 people step forward and mange 1 team each.

The role of team manager is about record keeping and communication. This can be done by e-mail on the whole, and by using the Herts Girls blog, set up by John Birch.

The successful applicant(s) will need to be good at e-mail communication and willing to communicate with players, parents and coaches regularly.

I am sure John will be able to explain exactly what he did and when to anyone interested.

Please go to the Jobshop on www.sportinherts.org.uk to see the advertisement and to download an application form. ( If these are not available, have another look in 2 days, as they were only sent to the HSP this morning.)

Deadline for applications is 15^th June 2007.

Remember! No Team Manager, no team!

Amanda Bate

WRDM East & SE Regions

mobile:07809512738

Herts Girls need U15's County Coaches

Herts U15 Girls will need new County coaches for the coming season. Please apply now! Deadline for applications is 15^th June. If there are no suitable applications by that date it is unlikely that an U15 County side will run.

Go to the Jobshop on http://www.sprtinherts.org.uk/ to see the advertisement and to download an application form.

Amanda Bate
RFUW
Women’s Rugby Development Manager

amandabate@rfu.com

East Grinstead sevens tornament - 28th April 2007

East Grinstead Girls would like to invite all clubs to join them at the fourth annual Sunshine Sevens Tournament, which is being held at East Grinstead RFC, on Saturday, 28th April, 2007.

Registration will be at 9:45am, with the first matches kicking off at 10:30am.

Entry fees this year are £30 per team.

Please reply to Kim Funnell (manager) at:

8 Kennedy Avenue
East Grinstead
West Sussex
RH19 2DE

01342 324052

Please make Cheques payable to EGRFC.

Team needed to play Barnet ladies?

Annemarie at Barnet has been let down by the team the ladies were to play on 13^th May as a curtain raiser match before a men's game.

It is a game of touch rugby. The Barnet women are experienced players in touch rugby and some have a contact rugby background. Are any of you interested? I think that as its Touch Rugby an U17 side could play or a womens side or a mixture….

Please contact Annemarie directly if you are interested.

Amanda Bate
WRDM East & SE Regions

Herts Sevens Update

Amanda Bate, RFUW Women's Development Manager for the East and South East Regions, made the draw for the Groups at last night's Herts Girls Meeting.

Under 14's:

Group A: Saracens; Reading; Spalding.
Group B: Basford; Worcester; Hertford.
Group C: Welwyn; East Furies; Beckett.
Group D: Cramberleigh; Milton Keynes; Letchworth.

In the U14 Section there will be Cup, Bowl and Plate semi-finals for teams finishing first, second and third respectively, so each team will play at least three games. In the semi-finals A will play B, and C will play D.

Under 17's:

Group A: Letchworth; Kettering; Reading; Worcester 2.
Group B: Basford; East Furies; Milton Keynes 1; Spalding.
Group C: Welwyn; Paviours; Beckett 1; Milton Keynes 2.
Group D: Worcester 1; Hertford; Romford; Beckett 2.

In the U17 Section there will be Cup, Bowl, Plate and Shield semi-finals for teams finishing first, second, third and fourth respectively, so each team will play at least four games. In the semi-finals A will play B, and C will play D.

The running order of games will be sent to the teams at the beginning of May.

National sevens "on"

RFUW have announced today that the National 7s will go ahead as planned.

A week ago the event was threatened with cancelation as only two adult teams had entered. Since that scare there has been a rush of entries in all categories and as a result the event is now secure.

In fact all U17 places are now taken, and almost all U14 and adult, so an event that it was feared might have too few teams max now be oversubscribed!

Canadian school win three from five on Easter tour to Hertfordshire

Central Ontario champions I E Weldon Secondary School completed a short but hetic one week tour at the last weekend, winning three games out of five - played over four days!

This was the first overseas tour by the Canadian school. Using links with a school in East Hertfordshire the tourists arranged a series of games at each of the county’s main girls’ clubs.

Weldon arrived on Tuesday 3rd April and spent the first half of the week at Wymondley Woods Scout Camp, near Letchworth – the first time the venue had been used to host a sports team. The relative seclusion and large open training area allowed the visitors to prepare well for their first game at Letchworth RFC the following day.

Letchworth had organised a small four-team festival – dubbed “Canada Day” – designed to ensure that all of Weldon’s 26 players got a game. Weldon began slowly, losing to the host team (who had combined with Sudbury for the day), but then went on to beat Aylesbury and a “Barbarian” team (made up of girls from clubs in neighbouring counties).

After this the girls moved onto host families in the Broxbourne area, and on Good Friday took on Welwyn. After a poor first half, they came close to pulling back a 20 point deficit in the second half before eventually going down 34-20 in what was acknowledged as being one of Welwyn’s most competitive games of the season.

The tour was then rounded off the following day with an exciting 7-5 win over Hertford, the winning try and conversion coming in the final seconds of the game.

After returning to Canada Weldon’s Head Coach Kirk Wilson looked back on their week. ““It was real bang, go a head rugby,” he said to his local paper, the Lindsay Daily Post. “I’m pretty happy with the result, especially since we haven’t played since November. Anytime you’ve been off for a long period of time your game fitness is different,” Wilson said, noting you have to work out all the kinks first.”

Kirk and his team main surprise was the physical size of their opponents. “I think the girls were surprised at how much bigger the other teams were,” he said.

“Especially in their forwards,” added captain Corie Lewis. “It was a challenge at first for our defence to tackle girls that size.”

Kirk also praised the team’s hosts – and the English weather! “the teams we played were well organized, accommodating and very friendly. I think there were a lot of things that really exceeded our expectations.

“Quite often it’s very damp and rainy in England, but it was sunny and about eight degrees. Perfect weather for rugby. It was a great bonus.”

Results:

4th April:
Letchworth & Sudbury 17, I E Weldon 10
Aylesbury 5, I E Weldon 24
Barbarians (Ely/Peterborough/Towcester) 0, I E Weldon 17

6th April:
Welwyn 34, I E Weldon 20

7th April
Hertford 5, I E Weldon 7.

RFUW Senior Calendar 2007/8: First draft issued

Presented with similar apologies for the delay, and health warnings, as the junior calendar (below). Weekends not listed are for "club training, matches, or league", and all are sundays unless stated.

September 9 County 30 County October 21 County November 18 County December 16 Regional trials [23 CHRISTMAS BREAK] January 19 (Sat) Regional Training 27 Regional Training

February 3 Regional Training 9 (Sat) Regional Training 10 Regional match 24 Regional Training March 9 Regional Match 16 Regional Final [23 EASTER SUNDAY] April 6 Cup (Prem/Champ 1) 13 Cup (Prem/Champ 1) 20 Play-off (Prem/Champ 1) 27 Regional Cup May 4 Regional Cup 11 Regional Cup 18 Regional Cup 25 National 7s

RFUW Junior Calendar 2007/8: First draft issued

Actually this came out a couple of days ago but I've been up to my eyes in Canadians...

Anyway, with HUGE health warnings that there are BOUND to be changes, here is the first draft of next year's calendar. Weekends not listed are for "club training or matches", and all are sundays unless stated.

September 9 County Development Day 30 County Trials/Training October 14 Rochford Tens 21 County 28 National Cup Rd 1 November 4 County 18 County 25 National Cup Rd 2 December 2 County 23 CHRISTMAS BREAK

January 20 Regional Trials February 3 Regional Training 9 (Sat) Regional Training 10 Regional match 24 Regional Training March 9 Regional Match [23 EASTER SUNDAY] 30 National Cup Rd 3 April 13 Cup Finals 27 Regional Training May 11 Regional Festival 25 National 7s

Rochford Tens: Date confirmed

The date of next season's Rochford tens has been confirmed as 14th October. Information about entries (cost likely to be about £25 per team) will be distributed shortly.

Rochford has been won by Hertfordshire clubs for the past two seasons - so lets ensure it stays in the county!

Herts Sevens Update

Last Seasons National U14 Sevens Winners Cramberleigh, a combined team from Camberley / Cranleigh / Guildford, are the latest team to enter, bringing the number of sides in the U14 Section up to 12.

There are now a maximum of 4 places still available in the U14 Section (the U17 Section is full). The deadline for U14 entries has been extended to Fri 13th April, as the Draw for both the U14 and U17 Group Stages will take place at the Herts County Meeting on Mon 16th April.

There is a complete mix in standard of teams, all of who will play for either the U14 / U17 Cup, Bowl, Plate or Shield after the Group Stages, so there is something for all teams to play for right until the last games of the day.

Herts U14 duo to take next big step forward

Two Herts U14s are now preparing to take their biggest step in rugby to date.

Courtney Arberry from Welwyn and Claire Shutler from Saracens are amongst a select group of about ten girls being put forard by East Region for selection for the first U14 TDGs - the "Talent Development Group", which is designed to bring together the best 30 girls in the country in a special programme of extra training and development.

The U17 TDGs were selected last summer when six East region girls (the largest number from any one region) were selected in the thirty from roughly 100 nationwide trialists.

The U14 trials will take place over the next few weeks (date and venue to be confirmed).

National 7s under threat?

Shock news today that the National 7s may is threatened with with cancellation (or - as RFUW euphemistically call it "review").

Despite half of the U14 and three-quarters of the U17 places already taken up (and what a line-up it already is - take a look here!) the problem is that only two senior teams have so far entered. Whether a one-day junior-only event would be viable is unclear, but it would be a great shame if the lack of adult interest affected the juniors.

Junior interest in sevens has been overwhelming this season. Herts 7s (20th May) was fully booked-up on U17 teams nearly two weeks before its closing date and has had to turn several teams away (there are still a few U14 places left though - but they are disappearing fast!), while Dorking (with more pitch space than Welwyn) are anticipating an incredible 40 teams for its Surrey Sevens on 13th May (a UK - and possibly - world record for one-day girls junior rugby).

Maybe the answer might be to forget the adults and just go with a two-day junior event!

East Region U14s v Yorkshire & North East - Match report

Coach Simon reports again...

East 29 Yorkshire 0

Yorkshire decide to kick off using the wind and slope. East receive the kick and run it back into the Yorkshire 22, but after pressure knock on. From the resulting scrum Yorkshire kick into midfield just inside the East half. Layla gathers and runs the ball back. From the ruck East pass left for Charlotte to break the first line of defence. She is brought down just short of the try line but Claire is in support to collect the pop and score. From the restart Yorkshire kick deep into the East 22. East set up a maul but Yorkshire win back the ball and pass it out. East move up quickly and tackle the Yorkshire backs and force a turnover, running the recovered ball up to halfway. Layla takes the ball right from the ruck but is tackled. The ball comes back East’s way and Rhea breaks left beating the first line of defence. She is tackled but manages to offload to Anna in support, who continues the move into the Yorkshire 22, before passing to Claire in support who scores. Yorkshire kick off deep again and recover the ball, applying pressure to the East line, but are unable to make a breakthrough before half time.


Half time 12:0


East start the second half and Yaz kicks a high ball just over the 10m line; an awkward bounce sees Charlotte recover the ball at pace and run into the Yorkshire 22, before offloading to Anna, who is bundled into touch just short of the line. Yorkshire throw into their lineout, but it is grabbed by Alex from the East to crash over. Yorkshire restart with a good kick that bounces into the East 22. East drive and set up a ruck, before spinning the ball left to Anna who runs to the edge of the 22 and draws the final defender before passing to Claire to run from her own 22 to score. Jess coverts. The Yorkshire kick off is again recovered by Charlotte who runs it up to the Yorkshire 10m line before being brought down. Ellie takes a short pass and drives the ball further before the ball is recycled and popped to Alex to drive at the Yorkshire line. Alex pops the ball to Claire who scores her 4th try. From the kick off the ball is again taken by Charlotte who runs to halfway before passing to Anna, who is tackled at the 10m line. The game finishes at the following ruck.


Final Score East 29 Yorkshire 0


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


East 29 North East 0


East win the toss and manage to kick with the wind and slope. East kick deep into the North East 22. North East recover the ball and kick back to halfway, where it is fielded by Layla, who side steps a couple of chasers before being tackled. East break from the ruck into the North East 22. Quick ball is passed right down the back line for Sam to score. The kick off is gathered by East and moved back up to half way. From the ruck they pass the ball to Sam who breaks through the midfield defence and offloads to Anna to score. Yaz coverts.


Half time East 12 North East 0


North East restart with the slope and wind in their favour. They get a scrum from the kick and go right but the East backs are up quickly and recover the ball in the tackle. Alex makes a break from just outside her 22 and offloads to Charlotte, who makes it to the North East 22 but the ball is knocked on. North East win the ball from the scrum and kick the ball out on halfway. East win the lineout and Megan runs up field, passing inside to Rhea in support who runs from the 22m to score. Yaz converts. North East restart and East slowly drive the ball up to halfway before knocking on. East pressure the North East back line from the scrum and turn over the ball. Courtney collects and drives up-field before passing to Rachel in support. She is stopped in the North East 22 but the ball is recycled and passed right down the line. East are stopped just short in the corner and knock on. From the scrum North East kick up to halfway. East again win their lineout and pass down the backs, but are held up in midfield. Rhea rips the ball from the maul and runs into the North East 22 before being stopped, but passes to Rachel to score. North East again kick off and it is fielded by Courtney who runs out of the 22 before being held up. Rhea rips the ball from the maul and passes to Rachel on the wing who out-paces her marker and runs 60m to score.


Final score East 29 North East 0

Will you all be at Sevens and Tens?

RFUW HQ are reminding clubs about the two great "end of season" competitions coming up.

April 29th sees the first ever official "Regional 10s" tournaments. Confusingly by "Region" they mean the RFU, not RFUW, region so our local event is the "London North 10s" at Hemel.

In addition clubs are not restricted to play in their "local" 10s but can enter ANY tournament, perhaps treating it as a weekend tour or just a chance to play against some new faces. The East Midlands 10s at Aylestone St James, for example, is a quite accessible alternative for some Hertfordshire sides.

The winners of each event will play off for the national title on 13th May.

Which brings us to the second big day - the National Sevens, this year at Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire on 26th and 27th May. The entry for junior teams for this event can be a bit disappointing sometimes - Herts 7s (the weekend before) will probably have more teams in it - and this may be because the line-up can appear a bit... intimidating.

But fact is that its a great day out anyway, and as its on our doorstep there is no reasonable excuse for not giving it a go. So go on - enter the Nationals and end your season in a memorable way!

East weekend results

East Region's U14s continued their (almost) unstoppable progress today with two 29-0 wins over Yorkshire and North East, to add to their impressive defeat of East Midlands two weeks ago. East - who have never finished outside the top four in any junior tournament - must be one of the favoutites to lift the at Rugby School in May.

The U17s remain frustrating to watch. Clearly packed with talent in the early excahnges they still showed a lack of confidence and understanding and were repeatedy turned over. However they recovered from a 7-5 defeat to Yorkshire with a comprehensive 24-0 win over North East.

But the big game of the weekend was the seniors national third place play-off game against East Midlands, which the seniors won by 15-5. Overall national winners were West Midlands.

Blogs for all in East Region

All parts of East Region are now covered with news blogs following the recent launch of the Essex Girls Rugby blog, following on from this service and that of Eastern Counties last year.

Basildon's Phil Robson is responsible for the blog, which published its first article on 13th March.