RFU Activate newsletter looks at girls' rugby

Counties Lead the Way West Mids has played host to the same county sides every year as far as girls U15s and U18s has been concerned. However, this year, thanks to the work of the North Mids W & G forum, both Shropshire and Greater Birmingham have managed to ensure that youth activity has provided them with players for county activity. Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Gtr Birmingham and Shropshire all put girls forward for the tournament that took place on 14th December 08 at Southam RFC. The tournament was the result of the hard work of volunteer Nadine Attwell (Warwickshire female ref) and Matt Smith from Southam RFC who organised everything about the day. All girls and volunteers found the day to be a huge success – if a little cold and wet and are already looking forward to the next event in Dec 09. Seniors Follow in Youth Team Footsteps With the success of the youth CB work led by Ken James (Paviors) and Mick Kemp (North Hykeham), Claire McGinley (Derby) decided to pull together the first ever NLD senior Ladies side. Thanks to support from the W & G forum and from the NLD CBRDP, Claire enlisted the support of coach Simon Jones (Staffs) and they both managed and coached a squad of 30+ senior players from the NLD area to their first triangular tournament, where they drew with Staffs seniors and beat Leicestershire seniors. This programme – thanks to Claire and Simon’s hard work – is set to continue again from September ’09. This electronic Community Rugby newsletter is produced by the Rugby Volunteerimg Department at the Rugby Football Union. The purpose is to give information to all Rugby Volunteers recorded on RFU RugbyFirst System about developments within the four themes of the Community game "More People, Better Places, Access for All and Enjoyment"t"

Youngsters secure funding for Oxfordshire Girls Rugby Players from the U18 Oxfordshire Girls Cluster team have made a successful application to the Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF). Girls rugby in Oxfordshire has been on a rapid rise in terms of the numbers of girls playing the game, the number of matches being arranged and the number of clubs offering rugby for girls. Much of this is down to the hard work of the club volunteers who work closely together to make sure there are regular fixtures for the girls at club or County level. The U18 players decided it was time to do some work themselves and held a meeting to work on a project plan to access funding from YOF. The announcement the England will host the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup has generated much excitement and the girls saw this as the perfect target to work towards. Knowing that the profile of the World Cup will raise interest in the game, the girls have planned for meeting the demand for Girls Rugby in season 2010-2011. The plan includes providing kit and equipment to run effective sessions, putting more people on coaching courses, ensuring volunteers are trained in First Aid, and accessing other courses such as Business or Management Skills. Oxfordshire County Council was on hand at Witney RFC to present a cheque for £3,000 to fund the project. Wasps and England A Captain, Claire Purdy was invited to attend and she congratulated the girls on their achievement and wished them success with the project. Claire then offered some coaching guidance to the players before watching the two cluster matches RFUW Toolkit Success In 2008 the RFUW made £7,500 available for clubs through the Club Development Toolkit Fund. 60 clubs applied for the funding and the RFUW was delighted to award 8 clubs with £500 each and 14 with £250 each. The successful clubs have been working hard to put their money to good use and many projects have now been completed. Newquay RFC was awarded £500 to increase the numbers of U15 girls at the club by introducing girls to U12’s rugby initially. They have been running mini’s training sessions on Friday nights with 2 coaches, a first aider and a manager present. They have been training with the U11 boys and have just begun playing matches with them. They were going to set up their own team, but have become such an integral part of the boys’ side that they didn’t want to let them go! The girls will be introduced to U15s training at the end of this season to prepare them for the step up the following season. This project has also been taken out into local schools, with the lead coach doing sessions to prepare them for the Emerging Schools competition. Hampstead RFC was given an award of £250 to improve the recruitment and retention of Senior players. The 15 new players they have recruited surpassed their aim of 10 in their original application. They have been innovative in their approach; they have created their own website, ensured weekly emails are sent out and have used some of the Toolkit Fund to produce fliers advertising their club. Their new recruits have commented on the new resources and feel that this had enhanced the approachability of the club. They have also employed a new coach for one of their weekly training sessions and paid for a fitness coach to work with the players in pre-season. This obviously paid off as they are currently sitting 2nd in their league, following their promotion last season! Awards Galore! The RFUW was pleased to award the first annual Sue Garnett Volunteer of the Year award in October to Peter McCullough from Herts and Welwyn Girls. Peter won his award for his outstanding contribution to improving the standards and levels of participation in women and girls sport. Peter received his award from RFU President Brian Williams at the RFU Constituent Body Leaders Conference. The contribution of 2 further volunteers was also recognised as Paula Brotherhood (Leicestershire) and Steve Lumb (Barnsley) were presented with Outstanding Volunteer awards. Clubs have also been getting in on the action with Paviors U15 girls being named the Junior Club Team of the Year at the Gelding Borough Sports Awards. The girls only started playing together in the 2007/08 season and played 13 matches with ten wins and one draw. They entered the RFUW National Competition and won the Midlands section. This season has also started well for them winning all five games played so far, with three wins out of three in the Notts, Lincs & Derby Cluster League and also two wins in two friendly matches. Youth Cluster League off to a Flying Start! Due to the hard work of the club volunteers in the Notts, Lincs and Derby area, the Women and Girls forum decided that it would be beneficial for the clubs with girls youth sections in the area to participate in a friendly merit table. In this way, the teams could guarantee fixtures for many of their match weekends and a small trophy could be played for. Thanks to the commitment of volunteers such as Ken James (Paviors), Claire McGinley (Chair of W & G committee and Derby player) and Melvyn Ashton (NLD RFU youth volunteer and member of W & G forum), the friendly league is now 3 matches in with 4 to play. All club volunteers work hard to ensure the fixtures are honoured and Melvyn Ashton keeps a record of the results. 7 teams at both age-groups from across the Midlands East region are benefiting from these fixtures and enjoying the experience.

Girls Regional Games 22nd February Sleaford RFC

Under 18:

Yorkshire U18 12 East U18 51 (Emily Scott Essex Tx1, Hannah Gallagher Herts Tx2 Cx7, Alex Robertson Herts Tx1, India Harvey Essex Tx1, Sacha Acheson Eastern Counties Tx1, Georgia Peedle Herts Tx3).

Under 15:

Yorkshire U15 12 East U15 35 (Amber King Herts Tx1, Sidnie Nurthen Herts Tx1, Lotte Clapp Herts Tx3, Yas Pemberton Essex Tx1, Rachel Mccullough Herts Tx1).

East versus Thames Valley U18 Girls: Match report

Thames Valley kicked off and for the first 10 minutes camped themselves in East 22. Thames Valley won a seriesof penalties and ran the ball on each occasion but the East tackling was powerful and they were unable to score.

Thames Valley then won a line out but the up-and-under from the outside-half (who kicked well all game) went sidewards and East began to move up the pitch. Thames Valley knocked-on giving East a scrum on the half-way line. The East scrum was under pressure all first half but good picking up and breaks by Sasha allowed East to get into Thames Valley territory for the first time. Now it was East’s turn to attack and Thames Valley had to kick to relieve pressure on several occasions allowing East backs to charge back. 

East backs began to look dangerous with Hannah Gallagher a constant threat at outside half. The first East try came from a ruck, the ball was sent down the back line and Megan Williams burst into the line and side stepped the full back to score under the posts. Hannah Gallagher converted. East maintained the pressure after the restart and Hannah Gallagher broke through to score the second try. The first half finished at East 12 Thames Valley 0. 

East kicked off and immediately put TV under pressure as they tried to run from defence -- big hits coming in particularly from Frankie Dawson. Thames Valley were now struggling to relieve their lines with the East back row putting the scrum half and outside half under pressure. From a ruck just inside TV half Emma Burgess burst forward and then set the backs flowing with India putting Hannah Gallagher in the clear. A great cover tackle by the TV girls stopping the try.  East were now dominating the scrums allowing good ball for the backs. An inside pass from Emily Scott allowed Hannah Gallagher to slice through the defence and get over the try line to score. Hannah converted to make the score 19-0. 

Thames Valley now fought back into the game and a cross field kick put pressure on East backline and the resulting scrum went to TV on East’s 5 metre line.  Pressure was maintained for 5 minutes but East tackling was superb. The East forwards then took a scrum against the head and cleared their lines. Great line out catching by number 18 helped East move up the field and then in a replay of the earlier move Emma Burgess charged forward and then set the backs going. The ball moved smoothly through the entire backline and Frenchie spun through the tackle to score in the corner.  

East were now showing all kinds of tricks with Emily Scott juggling the ball and carrying it on the back of her neck for 5 meters. East continued with flowing back line attacks and Hannah Gallagher broke through again to score a hat-trick. Emily Scott hit the posts in attempting the conversion. The final minutes saw another charge by Sasha. The ball was recycled and Sam Voyle made good ground before sending India over the final try.

Final scoreline was East 34 Thames Valley 0

IMPORTANT: County games this Sunday

There is a turn-up-and-play "county" game in Kent this Sunday for girls not in the regional squads - but both Herts and Kent need to know if you are going to play. The game is at Gravesend RFC, kick off at 1.30. If you can play please let Peter McCullough know, copying in Jedda - the Kent Secretary who is organising the day. Jedda can also be reached at 07903 682154.

Both U15s and U18s are invited, and the games are open to ANYONE - you do not need to have been members of the any of this season's county teams or squads.

Details from Kent RFU:

Dear All,

 

Please may I remind everyone that there will be the opportunity of a friendly game this Sunday 22nd February for U15s and U18s at:

 

Gravesend Rugby Club,

Donald Biggs Drive,

Gravesend,

Kent DA12 2LT

Tel: 01474 534840

www.gravesend-gremlins.org.uk

 

This is an open invite for all players not involved in the regional games on Sunday. It's been a while since many of the girls have played and this is an ideal opportunity for a friendly, fun game! There will be food available afterwards and a physio in attendance. I will be there and will look after any players/parents travelling without their club coach.

 

Herts players have been invited and some will be attending. We would also like to extend this invite to any Sussex and Essex players and hope some of you can make it!

 

KO at 1:30pm. - Please arrive after 12:30 p.m.

  

Directions are:

From the A2 you take the exit signposted Gravesend/Meopham and follow the A227 towards Gravesend.  At the first set of traffic lights turn right into Cross Lane, follow the road over the crossroads until you arrive at a roundabout, you need to take the 3rd exit into Old Road East, continue on this road through a set of traffic lights until you arrive at a roundabout.  Take the first exit into Milton Road.  Keep going on this road for about 1 mile, you will go past a couple of shopping parades on your right. As you come past Milton Church and G&M Motors on your right you will see GRFC on your left.

If you get lost please call the clubhouse on 01474 534840

Girls Regional Games 15th February St Albans School Ground

The Girls Regional Games postponed from last Sunday were played in near perfect Pitch conditions at St Albans School today. The results in the first round this Season were:

Under 18:

• East U18 34 (Rachel French Essex TX1, Hannah Gallagher Herts Tx3 Cx2, Megan Williams Herts TX1, India Harvey Essex TX1) Thames Valley U18 0.
• South East U18 12 East Midlands U18 53.

Under 15:

• South East U15 0 East Midalnds U15 10.
• East U15 20 (Amber King Herts Tx1, Sydnie Grace Herts Tx1, Charlie Faloona Herts Tx1, Yas Pemberton Essex Tx1 )Thames Valley U15 33

Herts Sevens 2009: Entries now open

Entries are now open for the 2009 Herts Girls' Sevens tournament - the county's sixth annual girls rugby festival.  All participants from last season’s successful tournament held at Tabard RFC have been sent invitations today, but any clubs are also welcome to enter.

In keeping with tradition the venue changes each year, so it is the turn of the OA Saints at OA Rugby to host this prestigious event on Sunday 17th May 2009. Clubs may enter U12, U15 and U18 teams in each age group. 

The tournament has grown to become one of the biggest girls rugby events in the country - in terms of entries it is normally second only to the National Sevens - attracting teams from across the East, East Midlands, West Midlands, and Thames Valley - and, as well as being a great event in its own right, it is the ideal warm-up for the national competition. 

The key objective remains the same as last year which is to provide a festival where as many girls can take part as possible, so entries from combined teams from more than one club will be allowed, and a “Barbarian” side at each age group will also be organised if needed.

Please note however that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Once 16 teams have applied at each age group, entries will be closed. Clubs wishing to take part are urged to get their entries in early.

For entry forms and more information please follow this link.

Opening Round of Regional Matches Postponed

Severe weather warnings have been issued across the country.  In the interests of everyone’s safety we have decided to postpone ALL regional games scheduled for this weekend.

 

Old Albanians RFC – East v Thames Valley and South East v East Midlands is POSTPONED. To be played: Youth on 15th Feb / Senior 22nd Feb (venues tbc)

East Region Girls Trial Sun 11th Jan 2009

Following the Trial that took place last weekend at Upminster, the following Herts County Girls have been Selected to represent the East Region this Season:

Under 18

• Milly Fuggles
• Alice Nee
• Frankie Dawson
• Jess Robinson
• Geri Thomas
• Claire Shutler
• Hannah Gallagher
• Sam Voyle
• Alex Robertson
• Georgia Peedle
• Megan Williams

Under 15

• Abbie Maxwell
• Charlie Faloona
• Scarlett Cooper-Wall
• Sydnie Grace
• Courtney Arberry
• Bryony Pomfret
• Shira Kilgallon
• Lotte Clapp
• Sidney Nurthen
• Rachel Mccullough
• Melissa Gargaro
• Amber King

Congratulations to all of them and we wish them the best of luck in the Regional Programme which culminates in the National Festival on the weekend of 14-15 March 2009.

London & South East coaching conference

At Imber Court Sports Club, Saturday 17th January, 10am - 4.30pm

The content of the day: 

The day will be split into two sections. For coaches holding an RFU level 1 qualification or above the day will consist of a scrummage, lineout and continuity session. For coaches who do not hold any RFU coaching qualification but aspire to do more coaching then the day will consist of a ‘Rugby Ready course’ and a continuity session to conclude.

Who for: 

This conference is for all as it meets the needs of all levels of qualifications

Day schedule:

10am – 4.30pm – Scrummage, Lineout, and Continuity session (for coaches with an RFU level 1 qualification and above)

OR

10am – 4.30pm – Rugby Ready course and Continuity session (for coaches who do not hold any RFU coaching qualifications)

Please complete the registration form and return to Holly Hart hollyhart@rfu.com. Send cheques to Holly Hart, RFUW, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham, TW1 1DS; and can you make cheques payable to the ‘RFUW’. CLOSING DATE: Forms and payment to reach RFUW by 13th January

For further enquires regarding the conference please contact Margaret Alphonsi margaretalphonsi@rfu.com

Venue:

Imber Court Sports Club, 

Ember Lane, 

East Molesey, 

Surrey,

KT8 OBT

Directions:

www.imbercourtsportsclub.co.uk

Cost £20 for the day

Herts Womens and Girls Rugby Development Group Meeting Mon 19th Jan 2009

The next meeting of the HWGRDG is taking place on Mon 19th Jan at Welwyn RFC starting at 7.30. If you have not previously attended these meetings (usually 3-4 times a year) this group works together to plan Tournaments, run the County Teams, exchange Best Practice and advice, and to try and help each other develop Womens and Girls Rugby in Herts. If your club does not send a rep to the group and would like to do so, or if you are a regular attendee who has a specific Agenda item, then please e-mail me on peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com

Old Albanians send invitation to all U18s

OA's are due to hold an U18 taster session for all U18 players in the County who are due to move up to senior level next season. The first session is tomorrow night (Wednesday 17th) at 7.15pm.

In order to fully cater for these sessions OAs need to know the likely numbers that maybe attending - so please contact email Tasha Saint-Smith. Parents and coaches are very welcome to come along and meet the team.

 

OAs also plan to send a "Saint" to any interested clubs to introduce themselves prior to these sessions, which will be on the following dates:

 

Weds 28th January, 7.15pm (OA's training pitch)

Weds 11th March, 7.15pm (OA's training pitch)

 

If you have any questions or queries, please contact Tasha.

NLD Festival Under 15's

The Under 18 Section, scheduled to take place at Mellish RFC, was unfortunately cancelled due to waterlogged pitches.

The Under 15 Section, however, did take place at Paviors RFC. 8 Teams took part in two Groups of 4.

The hosts NLD 'A' won their Group of 4 defeating Staffordshire, East Midlands (Northants and Beds) and Yorkshire.

Herts Won their Group (see results below) and played NLD 'A' in a repeat of last Seasons Final. This time NLD 'A' deservadly won the Trophy in another close match.

Herts U15 results:

Group stage -

Herts 10 (Abbie Maxwell TX1, Lotte Clapp TX1) Eastern Counties 0
Herts 19 (Lotte Clapp Tx2, Shira Kilgallon Tx1, Abbie Maxwell Cx2) NLD 'B' 0
Herts 15 (Rachel Mccullough Tx1, Becky Dawson Tx1, Charlie Faloona Tx1) Leicestershire 0

Final -

Herts 0 NLD 'A' 7

This is the end of this Season's County Programme, as between January and Easter is when the Regional Programme takes place, but Herts are planning to repeat last Seasons successful County Development Fixtures during this period. If other Counties are interested in playing the Herts Development side this Season please contact peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com

U12 training and U18 tournament tomorrow (14th December) CANCELLED

... due to waterlogged pitches at Hitchin and Mellish

Apologies for late notice. Please pass this information on to anyone you may know who might have been coming along.

This weekend's internationals

NLD Festival Sunday 14th December 2008

The final Herts County Girls Games of the Season are at the NLD (Notts, Lincs and Derby) County Tournament on Sun 14/12, where 8 Counties are taking part:

· The U15's will be at Paviors RFC, The Ron Rossin Ground, Burntstump Hill, Nottinghamshire , NG5 8PQ .

· The U18's will be at Mellish RFC, War Memorial Ground, Mapperley Plains, Nottingham, Notts , NG3 5RX .

The plan is to drop the U15's off at Paviors RFC as it is hard to park a Coach there, and take the U18's up to Mellish RFC (3 miles away) where the Coach can be parked. K.O. will be about the same time, and afterwards Paviors RFC will look after the U15 Girls until the U18's have finished.

The Herts U18 Squad that has been selected for this Tournament is:
1 – Milly Fuggles
2 – Hannah Marques
3 – Alice Nee
4 – Megan Childs
5 – Laura Watson
6 – Frankie Dawson
7 – Jess Robinson
8 – Geri Thomas
9 – Claire Shutler
10 – Hannah Gallagher
11 - Alice Finn
12 – Sam Voyle
13 – Alex Robertson
14 - Georgia Peedle
15 – Megan Williams
16 – Harriet Bullock
17 – Hannah Winfield
18 – Olivia Payne
19 – Nikki Alcock
20 – Vicky Moxom
21 – Emily Tarling
22 - Mica Gooding

The Herts U15 Squad that has been selected for this Tournament is:
1 – Abbie Maxwell
2 – Oren Blindell
3 – Charlie Faloona
4 – Scarlett Cooper-Wall
5 – Sydnie Grace
6 – Courtney Arberry - Captain
7 – Bryony Pomfret
8 – Shira Kilgallon
9 – Lotte Clapp
10 – Sidney Nurthen
11 - Becky Dawson
12 – Nathalie Gooch
13 – Rachel Mccullough
14 - Sophie Mccormack
15 – Melissa Gargaro
16 – Amber King
17 – Rachel Selwood
18 – Alice Llelliott
19 – Stevie Farrow
20 – Olivia Lee
21 – Ellie Hurer

A 53 Seat Coach to take the Herts U15 Girls Squad and Herts U18 Girls Squad to this Tournament. It has again been hired from Reg’s Coaches (which will be printed on the side of the Coach) and will be leaving from outside the University of Hertfordshire, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9EU at 09.00 sharp (where the Coach dropped us off last Sunday).

Please confirm if you require a Seat on the Coach to peter.mcculough@ntlworld.com It will be busy there that day so please leave plenty of time to get to the meeting point on time. Unfortunately with the number of Players in both Squads, plus Managers / Coaches there are very few free seats to take Relatives.

Itinerary for the day:

12noon: - Meet and Register

1215pm - Changing rooms should be available (please come ready to play)

1230pm - Warm Up and move to pitch allocation

1.00pm - First Games of the POOL STAGES to start

3.45pm - Pool games to have finished and FINALS to start between Pool winners

4.30pm - Presentation of the Cup to the winners and medals for both winners and runners up.

U12s: Time to start thinking about Herts Youth Games

Herts Youth Games will be taking place again next year in May, probably in Hatfield, and - asin past years - the Games should include an U11 girls rugby tournament. If your daughter is in Year 6 (or you know anyone with a rugby playing daughter in Year 5) you really should try to get involved. Though it is tag, its still a great day out, a good way of recruiting new players to your club and the game in general - and is entirely free!

How different councils react or plan for Youth Games seems to vary quite a lot. Some start planning (including selecting squads) very early - in January or February sometimes - so if you daughter is in Year 6 it is probably not too early for you to make enquiries about who will be running the team and when selection will be. Also not all councils enter a team in the girls tournament, so early enquiries might just show the more reluctant councils that there is potential to enter a team (or at least force them to come up with a damn good excuse for not doing so!).

How selection is done will also vary significantly from area to area. Most will have a tag tournament at which the best girls will be picked - and these may start to take place next term. However not every school enters such events, and your daughter may not be available that particular day anyway, so that is another reason why it is important to let your council (and whoever is running your girls team) know your interest.

The rules are that you can represent any council area where you either live, attend school, or play for a club - so many of you may be in a position to choose who you want to play for!

U12 training: 14th December

Following on from the improved performance at Dulwich last weekend, we have now managed to organise a training session for all U12s at Hitchin RFC on Sunday 14th December, arriving at 1.30 for a 2pm start. As there will also be women's and colts' games going on that afternoon girls should arrive already changed.

The address of the Hitchin club, for those who have not visited it before, is King George V Playing Fields, Old Hale Way, Hitchin, SG5 1XL. 

Any girls in school years 6 and 7 may attend - whether or not they have been to a previous session!

View Larger Map

Girls County Games on 30th November at Worcester RFC

Last Sunday the Under 18 and Under 15 Squads travelled up to Worcester RFC. Herts U15’s played in a Triangular Fixture against Herefordshire and Worcestershire, whereas Herts U18’s played Worcestershire.

The results were:

• Worcestershire U18 0 Herts U18 3 (G. Thomas P x 1).

• Herefordshire U15 0 Herts U15 51 (C. Faloona T x1; S. Cooper-Wall Tx2 Cx3; B. Pomfret Tx2; L.Clapp tx1; N. Gooch Tx1; O.Blindell Tx1; L.Kentish Tx1).

• Worcestershire U15 7 Hertfordshire U15 26 (A. King Tx1; S.Cooper-Wall Tx1 Cx3; N.Gooch Tx2).

Sun 30th Nov Herts Girls County Games at Worcester

The next Herts County Girls Games are now at Worcester RFC and Herts U15’s are playing in a Triangular Fixture against Herefordshire and Worcestershire, whereas Herts U18’s are playing Worcestershire.

The following 20 Herts U18 Players have been selected for 30/11 with their squad number:
1 Milly Fuggles
2 Charlie Hughes
3 Alice Nee
4 Laura Watson
5 Megan Childs
6 Mica Gooding
7 Jess Robinson
8 Geri Thomas
9 Claire Shutler
10 Nikki Alcock
11 Abi Lee
12 Hayley Guilder
13 Alex Robertson
14 Georgia Peedle
15 Megan Williams
16 Eleanor Morris
17 Hannah Winfield
18 Emily Tarling
19 Sam Voyle
20 Emma Wilson

A 53 Seat Coach to take the Herts U15 Girls Squad and Herts U18 Girls Squads to Worcester RFC on Sun 30/11. It has been hired from Reg’s Coaches (which should be printed on the side of the Coach) and will be leaving from outside the Sports Village at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9EU at 09.30 sharp.

Venue: Worcester RFC, Sixways Stadium, Sixways, Worcester, WR3 8ZEWhen you arrive at the Club please turn left at the island outside of the club and then straight over at the next small island and there is coach parking just past this island.

u/15s Kick off 1.30 each match 15 minutes each way
u/18s kick off 2.00 normal match time 35 minutes each way

U12 team photo - and details for next match

The U12 team from our first game - thanks to the Stevens family for the picture.

Next game 30 November at Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, LondonSE21 7LD

Directions: Dulwich College lies due South of the City of London only six miles from the River Thames and is adjacent to the South Circular Road, the main ring route around South London.

By Car:

Entrance to the College is from Dulwich Common (the South Circular, A205) only. There is ample parking on the campus for visitors.

We are looking at a 2pm kick-off, so an arrival by 1.30 (or before if you want to go skating!). If anyone is looking for lifts then please let me know.

At present the following have said that they are available for the game. If your daughter's name is missing or circumstances have changed please let John Birch know:

• Hayley Everett
  
• Saoirse Lavelle
  
• Beth Lewis
  
• Tamzin Luftig
  
• Kalina Mendy
  
• Rebecca Maynard
  
• Chloe Muir
  
• Phoenix Page 
  
• Niamh Parris
• Allessandra Stevens
  
• Beth Summerfield
  
• Kate Summerfield
  
• Leah Wattley
  
• Ciara Williamson

RFUW newsletter November 2008

RFUW NEWS UPDATE – November 08

2010 iRB Women’s Rugby World Cup – England have won the right to host the 2010 iRB Women’s Rugby World Cup. The prestigious tournament, which was last held in Edmonton, Canada in 2006, will be staged across West London and will showcase the top 12 international teams in world rugby. The RFUW and RFU fought off stiff competition from Germany, South Africa and Kazakhstan to host the 2010 event. Further details will be announced in due course.

RBS 6 Nations – England kick-off their defence of the RBS 6 Nations at home on February 7th against Italy and with the iRB Rugby World Cup 7s running concurrently in March, England could face one of their toughest seasons since the 2006 Rugby World Cup. This year the England home games will take place at London Welsh RFC in Richmond which is a great venue, with fantastic transport links that is also close to the men’s games at Twickenham should you wish to watch both matches or just soak up the atmosphere. All of the England and England A curtain raiser fixtures are detailed below:

					KO	Men's KO
7th February	Saturday	A's	vs.	Spain	11:45
		England	vs.	Italy	13:30	15:00
28th February	Saturday	A's	vs.	Nomads	14:00 - TBC
15th March	Sunday	A's	vs.	France A's	11:45
		England	vs.	France	13:30	15:00
21st March	Saturday	A's	vs.	Nomads	11:45
		England	vs.	Scotland	13:30	15:30

Keep an eye on rfu.com/women’s rugby for the latest updates.

December Internationals – England will warm-up for the RBS 6 Nations with an international fixture against Ireland on December 20th. This match is away, so if you want to catch some rugby nearer to home England A will be taking on Italy A on the 14th at London Welsh, kick-off 12pm. The RFUW Development side will also take on Italy A at the same venue on the 12th, kick-off 7pm.

2009 iRB Rugby World Cup 7s – England Women’s 7s Coach Simon Amor has just announced his squad for the 2008/2009 season which will see England compete in the inaugural Rugby World Cup 7s. The tournament will run alongside the men’s rugby world cup in Dubai from March 5th-7th. Before the Rugby World Cup, England will compete in the Dubai 7s in November and the San Diego 7s in February. Keep an eye on rfu.com/women’s rugby for the latest 7s information, and news on how you can follow England’s progress in the Rugby World Cup.

AGM – The RFUW AGM will take place on December 14th at London Welsh, on the same day as England A take on Italy A. Full information is enclosed, please return your attendance / proxy form to the RFUW by 5th December 2008.

New RFUW Employees – The RFUW have made three new appointments, with David Rose joining the team as Head of Development and Barry Maddocks and Kevin Moggridge as Club and Coach Officers for the South West. David joins us from the RFU where he was the Midlands Referee Development Manager. He is tasked with ensuring women’s and girls’ rugby becomes a fully integrated part of rugby in England. He will work closely with the RFU, Sport England and other delivery agencies to ensure that there are as many opportunities as possible open to women and girls to play rugby. Barry and Kevin join a team of ten CCOs across the country who will be responsible for supporting the development of women’s and girls’ rugby across the region. They will have an extensive remit which will include player development, coach development and club development. Barry’s regions are Gloucestershire and Dorset & Wilts while Kevin will work in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.

Regional Programme – Senior regional trials will take place on Sunday 14th December. All trialists will need to register for the trials online. Senior registration will commence on Monday 10th November until Friday 28th November. Please visit rfu.com/women for more information. This year more than ever, the pathway through to England Elite will only be accessed through the Regional Programme. Under 15s and Under 18s regional trials will take place on Sunday 11th January. Youth Trials will be closed in most regions and this information will be included on the trial form and the website. Please note you will not be able to turn up and trial on the day for any of these trials. Please see the enclosed regional programme document for more info and to place on your notice boards, for any enquiries please contact regionalrugby@therfu.com.

Referee Expenses – Please note that referee expenses have been increased to 40p per mile, in line with the RFU rate. I look forward to seeing some of you in December at London Welsh RFC.

Rosie Williams

Managing Director 

Sun 30th Nov Herts Girls County Games at Worcester

The next Herts County Girls Games are now at Worcester RFC and Herts U15’s are playing in a Triangular Fixture against Herefordshire and Worcestershire, whereas Herts U18’s are playing Worcestershire.

The following 20 Herts U15 Players have been selected for 30/11 with their squad number:
1 – Amber King
2 – Melissa Gargaro
3 – Charlie Faloona
4 – Scarlett Cooper-Wall
5 – Sydnie Grace
8 – Courtney Arberry - Captain
9 – Bryony Pomfret
10 – Shira Kilgallon
11 – Lotte Clapp
12 – Nathalie Gooch
13– Becky Dawson
14 – Sophie Mccormack
15 – Rachel Mccullough
16 – Sidney Nurthen
17 - Oren Blindell
18 – Lois Kentish
19 – Rachel Selwood
20 – Alice Llelliott
21 – Stevie Farrow
22 – Olivia Lee

A 53 Seat Coach to take the Herts U15 Girls Squad and Herts U18 Girls Squad to go to Worcester RFC on Sun 30/11. It has been hired from Reg’s Coaches (which should be printed on the side of the Coach) and will be leaving from outside the Sports Village at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9EU at 09.30 sharp.

Venue: Worcester RFC, Sixways Stadium, Sixways, Worcester, WR3 8ZE

When you arrive at the Club please turn left at the island outside of the club and then straight over at the next small island and there is coach parking just past this island.

u/15s Kick off 1.30 each match 15 minutes each way
u/18s kick off 2.00 normal match time 35 minutes each way

U12s: First game, and the next

Well done everyone who came to the game against Kent on Sunday. It was a steep learning curve for everyone against a much more experienced team used to playing with each other, but after the shock of the first 10 minute period you all setteled down brilliantly only losing the second and third periods 2-0 and 2-1 respectively. They had some fast wings, but our forwards were awesome - winning almost every scrum!

We have a return game now set for 30th November, kick-off at 2pm at Dulwich College in South London. This is one of the country's leading private schools - and we will be playing on one of their main rugby pitches, so the facilities should be superb. The match will be part of a big Christmas fair being held at the college, with ice skating and all kinds of other activities going on - so it will be a day out for everyone.

Full details, directions, etc. will be circulated... once we receive them. In the meanwhile (if you have not done so already) please let John Birch know if you are available.

This will probably be the last fixture before Christmas as we have been unable to confirm an opponent or venue for 14th December. We may have a training session on that afternoon however - again more details when they are confirmed. After Christmas the aim is to have training session or matches on some of RFUW's regional weekends (see above). However, as these are compressed into a much shorter period this season we will probably not have sessions on every weekend this season.

England Women's Under 20 Squad 2008-09

The 2008/2009 squad for the England Women’s Under 20s campaign has been announced.

England Under 20s Head Coach Giselle Mather has selected a squad of 34 players who will compete in an international fixture against Wales in April and then the Under 20s Nations Cup in July.

Congratulations to the following Players that play for Clubs in Herts (* New to Squad):

• Sarah Mckenna Old Albanian Saints - Inside Centre
• Natalie McClarnon* Saracens - Hooker
• Megan Williams* Welwyn Warriors U18 - Full Back
• Sasha Acheson* Sudbury/Letchworth/Suffolk Sabres U18 - Prop

Herts Girls 7's 17th May 2009

Old Albanians will host this seasons Herts Girls 7's on Sun 17th May 2009. The contact details of the organiser are Emma Nichol e-mail enichol@buckssport.org Mob: 07535 694480.

The Herts Girls 7's is an Open Tournament, and has Under 15 and Under 18 Sections, but the organisers are looking at introducing an Under 12 Section in 2009.

Invitations will be sent out to all previous participants in the New Year, but if you have not taken part before and would like to do so please contact Emma direct.

Sunday 9th November Herts Girls County Training Welwyn RFC

This is confimation that on Sun 9th Nov the final full Herts Girls County Training Afternoon of this Season will take place at Welwyn RFC. Registration and access to the changing rooms is from 1.00 and Training will start from 2.00 onwards.

As well as the U15 and U18 Training, Team Herts U12 Girls will be playing a game against U12’s from another County. Any new Players of any age group that didn't attend on 19th Oct will need to bring a Herts Registration Form, signed by their Parent / Guardian, copies of which have already been e-mailed to all Girls Club Managers and Coaches in the County.

If you are unable to attend on 9th Nov, but still wish to be considered for the Girls County Teams Fixtures this season (28th Nov and 14th Dec) you must confirm this with Peter Mccullough (U15 County Manager) peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com or Dave Marques (U18 County Manager) Dave@belpar.co.uk

Herts man named RFUW Volunteer of the Year

Hertfordshire and Welwyn Girls RFC’s Peter McCullough has been named the Rugby Football Union for Women’s Volunteer of the Year.

McCullough is the first winner of the new ‘Sue Garnett Volunteer of the Year Award’ which recognises the contribution made to improving standards and levels of participation in women and girls rugby.

McCullough has several and many varied role within girls and women’s rugby, including Welwyn Under 15s Coach and Manager, Hertfordshire Under 15s Manager and Chair of the Hertfordshire Women and Girls’ Development Group. Although he is linked with Welwyn he also works with other clubs to ensure everything in Hertfordshire is well coordinated, including publicity, fixtures, training sessions and administration.

McCullough was presented with his award by RFU President Brian Williams at the RFU’s Constituency Bodies’ Leaders Conference dinner this month. The contribution and hard work of two further volunteers, Paula Brotherhood of Leicestershire and Steve Lumb of Barnsley, was also recognised when they were named as runners-up.

The Sue Garnett Volunteer of the Year Award has been created to remember and acknowledge the work of Sue Garnett, who passed away in October 2007. She committed 20 years of her life as a rugby volunteer in Lancashire, particularly at her club Vale of Lune.

Sue carried out many different roles during her involvement in rugby, including chairing and attending various committees, team management and working on regional and national development. One thing that remained consistent throughout her rugby career was the real difference she made to sport in her club and county through her hard work and commitment.

Sue’s family have kindly agreed to allow the RFUW to name this award after her to honour those who show the same winning qualities.

In the first year of the ‘Sue Garnett Volunteer of the Year Award’ 11 individuals were nominated. They also included: Mike Lord (Cheshire), Vicky Muir (Cheshire), Jedda Taylor (Kent), Sharon Evans (Hampshire), Annie Parker (Thornbury RFC), Steph Wilson (Lancashire), Mick Kemp (Notts, Lincs and Derby), Ken James (Notts, Lincs and Derby).

Rosie Williams, RFUW Managing Director, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to acknowledge the contribution of our volunteers and show how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication with this award. I hope that this is the first award of many and we can continue to celebrate the success of our volunteers for many years to come”.

The RFUW would like to thank all those who were nominated for their continuing input to the women and girls game in England.

U12 fixtures

Fixtures for U12s are being arranged for the next three county dates. Please let John Birch, the U12 manager, know whether or not you are available.

November 9th: v Kent (and possibly others) at Welwyn, kick-off 2pm

November 30th: Either county fixture with U15s and U18s or v Kent (Dulwich College or Old Alleynians)

December 14th: Away fixture - possibly v Kent & Middlesex (Ealing)

Georgie Robinson Memorial Game Sat 18th Oct at OA's

OA Saints host the second annual Georgie Robinson Memorial Game when they face the British Army at Woolhams on Sat 18th Oct. The match is held in memory of OA Saint Georgie who was killed in a car accident in South Africa in 2006. OA Rugby will also be hosting a number of events on the day to raise money for The Rainbow Trust Children's Charity who provide practical and emotional support to families of terminally ill children. For more information contact Jemma Knighton on 07957 387363 or go to www.justgiving.com/georgierobinson to make a donation.

Before the main game OA Girls U15 are playing Welwyn Warriors U15.

Sunday 19th October Herts Girls County Training Welwyn RFC

Confimation that on Sun 19th October Herts Girls County Training will take place at Welwyn RFC.

Registration and access to the changing rooms is from 1.00 and Training will start from 2.00 onwards. As well as the U15 and U18 Training, U12 Girls from around the County are also invited to attend for a Training Session. Any new Players of any age group that didn't attend on 14th Sept will need to bring a Herts Registration Form, signed by their Parent / Guardian, copies of which have already been e-mailed to all Girls Club Managers and Coaches in the County.

If you are unable to attend on 19th Oct, but still wish to be considered for the Girls County Teams this season, you must confirm this with Peter Mccullough (U15 County Manager) peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com or Dave Marques (U18 County Manager) Dave@belpar.co.uk

Awards for Herts Girls Rugby

The annual Herts Sports Partnership's Service to Sport awards were presented at the University of Hertfordshire on Wednesday Night and included the following Award Winners for Herts Girls Rugby Clubs:

• Young Community Volunteer : 2nd place - Katie Alcock (Letchworth Girls)
• ClubTeam of the Year : Commendation - Welwyn Warriors
• Volunteer of the Year (under 21) : Commendation - Natalie Threlfall (Letchworth Girls)
• ClubVolunteer of the Year (over 21) : 2nd Place - Peter McCullough (Old Albanians Minis and Welwyn Warriors)
• Club Service to Sport : Commendation - Dave Sharp (Letchworth Girls)

Peter Mccullough was announced as the Winner of the inaugural Sue Garnett RFUW Volunteer of the Year for 2008 at the RFU CB Leaders Conference Dinner on Friday Evening. Sue Garnett passed away in October 2007 after 20 years as a Rugby Volunteer in Lancashire, particularly at her club Vale of Lune. Sue carried out many different roles during her involvement in Rugby, from Chairing various Committees, Team Management and working on Regional and National Development.

Rochford Festival 2nd November - cancelled

This seasons Rochford Festival (U15 7's and U18 10's) has been cancelled due to a fixture clash.

Herts County Womens Rugby Team

Sunday 28th September saw the first ever Women’s County Team for Hertfordshire competing in the First Round of the Southern Women's County Championship.
First up against the team made up of OA Saints, Saracens and Tabard players was Sussex. Herts emerged the stronger side early on and Caroline Hallet scored a Try in the first 5 minutes which was quickly followed by a second. The second half started with a more determined Sussex piling on the pressure to Herts with a strong run only ruined by a scramble defence from Ali O’Donovan and Helena on the wing. The Sussex defence came in to their own as the Herts attack continued and after winning a strong scrum at the Sussex 5m line, Herts were denied a third Try as Nadia Dickenson’s score was ruled to have been held up. After a final attack Herts were rewarded with the Try they deserved. Final Score Herts 15 – Sussex 0

Second up was Herts verses Middlesex.
Middlesex continued their winning ways early on as a scrappy start from Herts resulted in a quick Try under the posts for Middlesex. Herts continued to struggle to get their hands on the ball as Middlesex continued to prove the stronger side. Herts fought a hard battle and sheer determination prevented two further Tries by Middlesex. The second half saw more of the same, with Middlesex taking advantage of a 3 man overlap to score again. The scrums were well fought with Herts holding their own. The match finished 32 – 0 to Middlesex and left Herts with lots of work to do before the next fixture at Tabard against Essex on Sun 19th October Kick off 3pm.

Sammy Field sammyfield@aol.com

Sussex Girls Rugby Festival Results

U18 Section -

U18 Group Stage:
Herts 10 Essex 0
Herts 24 Middx 0
Herts 0 Hampshire 0

U18 Semi Final:
Herts 15 Sussex 7

U18 Final:
Herts 0 Hampshire 5

U15 Section -

U15 Group Stage:
Herts 22 (Lotte Clapp Tx2, Rachel Mccullough Tx1, Shira Kilgallon TX1 CX1) Eastern Counties 0
Herts 33 (Lotte Clapp Tx2, Tilly Gooch Tx1, Courtney Arberry Tx1, Rachel Mccullough T x1, Shira Kilgallon CX4) Oxon 0
Herts 40 (Bryony Pomfret TX2, Scarlett Cooper-Wall Tx1, Courtney Arberry Tx1, Tilly Gooch Tx1, Becky Dawson TX1, Shira Kilgallon CX5) Middx B 0
Herts 5 (Lotte Clapp Tx1) Sussex 0

U15 Semi Final:
Herts 5 (Shira Kilgallon Tx1) Hampshire 0

U15 Final:
Herts 5 (Courtney Arberry Tx1) Sussex 0

Local Women's Rugby Development Manager post advertised

Our WRDM, Amanda Bate, is leaving the RFUW at the end of the month and her post has now been advertisted by RFUW. This is a vital post for the development of the game, not just in Hertfordshire, but across the East Region and London so please bring it to the attention of anyone you think might be interested:

RFUW Women’s Rugby Development Manager

Salary: from £25 - 28k pa + car and benefits. Based: Twickenham, Middlesex

The Rugby Football Union for Women is seeking to appoint a Women’s Rugby Development Manager (WRDM) for the London North & South regions.  This officer will be expected to take advantage of all networks and partners in developing rugby for women and girls. You will be expected to work and make strong links with schools, clubs, local authorities, county sports partnerships, RFU constituent bodies and development officers as well as RFUW volunteers in the area. You will be expected to form a strong partnership with the RFU Regional Development Managers in planning and implementing strategies for rugby development.

You must have a sound knowledge and experience of sports development, with some experience of rugby being an advantage.  You must also possess good organisational, communication and inter-personal skills.

Further Information

Benefits include competitive salary, company car, pension scheme, death in service benefit.

Full job description and person specification is available via this link or from the RFU and RFUW website www.rfu.com. 

To apply please forward your detailed CV and a covering letter ensuring that you address key points in the job description and person specification to Gemma Ryan, RFUW, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham, TW1 1DS or by email to gemmaryan@rfu.com. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 10th October 2008 and interviews will be held in Twickenham on 23rd October 2008.

Sussex Girls Rugby Festival 28th September 2008

Herts U15 are now taking just one Team to the Tournament taking place at Crawley RFC on Sun 28th Sept.

The squad is as follows:
1 – Abbie Maxwell
2 – Melissa Gargaro
3 – Charlie Faloona
4 – Scarlett Cooper-Wall
5 – Sydnie Grace
6 – Courtney Arberry
7 – Bryony Pomfret
8 – Shira Kilgallon
9 – Lotte Clapp
10 – Nathalie Gooch
11– Becky Dawson
12 – Sophie Mccormack
13 – Rachel Mccullough
14 - Amber King
15 – Sidnie Nurthen
16 - Oren Blindell
17 – Izzy Mclean
18 – Rachel Selwood
19 – Alice Llelliott
20 – Nancy Harrison

Sussex Festival and England Under 20 Trial

The Herts U18 Squad for the Sussex Festival on 28th Sept is as follows:

1. Emma Burgess
2. Hannah Marques
3. Milly Fuggles
4. Laura Watson
5. Kelsey South
6. Emily Vivian
7. Alice Nee
8. Frankie Dawson
9. Claire Shutler
10. Hannah Gallagher
11. Alice Finn
12. Sam Voyle
13. Nicola Alcock
14. Natalie Threlfall
15. Georgia Peedle
16. Eleanor Morris
17. Charlie Hughes
18. Jess Robinson
19. Emily Wallace Greaves
20. Megan Childs
21. Emma Wilson
22. Vicky Moxom

The Herts County Management Team would like to congratulate Alex Robertson, Geri Thomas, Megan Williams and Haley Guilder in being selected for the Final England U20 Trial also taking place on 28th September. Their absence has given the chance for others to step forward into the Squad for the first County Festival of the season.

As we are missing these England Trialists, we do not have sufficient numbers to be able to make two U18 County Squads (an 'A' and a 'Development' Team). If there are Players at your Clubs who did not come to the first training ession, please encourage them to come to the next one on 19th October. With another half dozen more players we would be in a position to enter 2 Squads in the remaining two Festivals and ensure that all U18’s in Herts get to play at County Level.

Sussex Festival Sun 28th Sept Crawley RFC

Herts are taking two U15 teams (A and Development) and one U18 team to the First Girls County Tournament of the Season, the Sussex Girls County Rugby Festival. The Counties involved are:

U15 - Sussex, Herts A, Herts Development, Hants, Essex, Kent, Eastern Counties, Oxon, Middx A, Middx B

U18 - Sussex, Herts, Hants, Essex, Kent, Eastern Counties, Oxon, Middx

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

WHERE: Crawley RFC, The Clubhouse, Willoughby Fields, Ifield, Crawley, West
Sussex RH11 7LX

WHEN: Sunday 28th September 2008, first matches kick off at 10:30am. ALL PLAYERS TO BE AT THE VENUE BY 9.45 AT THE LATEST FOR REGISTRATION.

PARKING: As with most Rugby Clubs this is limited.

Herts Girls 7's Sun 17th May 2009

Following the Herts Womens and Girls Forum Meeting that took place on Monday Evening, it has been confirmed that Old Albanians will host this seasons Herts Girls 7's on Sun 17th May 2009. Contact details of the the Organiser will be published in the next few weeks.

2009 will be the 5th year that the Herts Girls 7's, which is an open tournament, will take place. The venue changes each year in order to showcase Girls Rugby around the County, and OA's follow Chesthunt, Letchworth, Welwyn and Tabard in hosting it. Bishops Stortford have already agreed to host it in 2010.

Herts Girls County Trial Sun 14th Sept Welwyn RFC

Sun 14th Sept is the confirmed date of this seasons Herts Girls County Trial taking place at Welwyn RFC. Registration and access to the changing rooms is from 1.00 and it will start from 2.00 onwards. As well as the U15 and U18 Trial, U12 Girls from around the County are also invited to a Training Session.

The Herts Registration Form has already been e-mailed to all Girls Club Managers and Coaches in the County. Additional copies will be available on 14/9, but in order for a Girl to partake in the Trial they must be signed by their Parent / Guardian. On the day the U15 Forms are to be handed to Peter Mccullough (U15 County Manager) and the U18 Forms to Dave Marques (U18 County Manager).

Depending on the number of Players that come to the Trial from all the Girls Clubs in Herts we plan to run County ‘A’ and Development Teams at both U15 and U18 this Season. In addition we plan to continue 'Team Herts U12' fixtures this season against other County's 'Team U12's.

Regional youth fixtures 2008/9

YOUTH U15s & U18s training games
The Youth games are preparation games for the RFUW Youth Festival only.

Match 1 – 8/2/09	Match 2 – 22/02/09
EAST  v Thames Valley	West Midlands v East Midlands v South
North West v West Midlands	Yorkshire v EAST
South West South v South v South West North	South West South v South East
North East v Yorkshire	North East v North West
South East v East Midlands	Thames Valley v South West N

Youth Regional Tournament
U15s on Saturday March 14th & U18s on Sunday March 15th

Herts Elite Athlete Support Programme 2008-09

Georgia Peedle from Welwyn Warriors U18's has won one of the 25 places on the Herts Elite Athletes Support Programme. This is the 3rd year that the Herts Sports Partnership has run the Programme, which provides athletes slected from a wide range of sports with a package of sport science support services free of charge.

Full details of the programme are: strength and conditioning training sessions with a qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach: personalised strength and conditioning training programme; physiotherapy allowance; equipment for home training; media training workshop; performance lifestyle advice; how to stay drug free in sport workshop; free annual membership to the Hertfordshire Sports Village.

In the previous 2 years, Hannah Gallagher and Megan Williams, both Welwyn Warriors, have won places on the Programme, and both are now part of the RFUW Talent Development Group.

Herts Womens and Girls Rugby Development Meeting Mon 8th September

The next meeting of the HWGRDG has been postponed from Mon 1st Sept to Mon 8th Sept. it will take place at Welwyn RFC starting at 7.30. If you have not previously attended these meetings (usually 3-4 times a year) this group works together to plan Tournaments, run the County Teams, exchange Best Practice and advice, and to try and help each other develop Womens and Girls Rugby in Herts. If your club does not send a rep to the group and would like to do so, or if you are a regular attendee who has a specific Agenda item, then please e-mail me on peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com

New RFUW Head of Development

Guinness Premiership Referee David Rose will join the Rugby Football Union for Women as Head of Development in September.
Rose, who was born in Birmingham and now lives in Plymouth, will join the RFUW from the RFU where he has been working as a Midlands Referee Development Manager. Previously, he has also worked for the International Rugby Board (IRB) as a Regional Development Manager, the National Coaching Foundation as a Coaching Development Officer and as a Youth Development Officer for the North Midlands Rugby Union.
Rose, in this brand new position, is tasked with ensuring women’s and girls’ rugby becomes a fully integrated part of rugby in England. He will work closely with the RFU, Sport England and other delivery agencies to ensure that there are as many opportunities as possible open to women and girls to play rugby.
Rose said: “This is a fresh new challenge for me. These are exciting times for women’s rugby as it continues to grow and the national teams strive for more success.
“I believe that much of what I have experienced so far professionally will be of invaluable experience to this new position, but I also understand that there are several new challenges ahead. I am very much looking forward to getting stuck in, in September.”
Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW, added: “We are really excited that David is joining us. He is very well known and highly respected in the game and will bring experience and knowledge to the RFUW.
“The RFUW is continuing to grow and women’s and girls’ rugby is becoming an important part of the game across the country. That is why this is such an important appointment.”
Ends…

Under 18s Women’s Talent Development Group for 2008/09 named

The RFUW have announced the names of girls selected for next season's 36-strong U18 Talent Development Group (TDG) - including three from Hertfordshire:

• Hannah Gallagher (Welwyn)
• Claire Shutler (Saracens)
• Megan Williams (Welwyn)

Following selection from four regional High Performance Academies, 55 under 18s were invited to attend the National Talent Development Group trials at a three day camp in July at Hartpury College, Gloucester. Players took part in an intensive programme of nutritional workshops, strength and conditioning education, fitness testing, and rugby coaching sessions over the three days. Following the camp, the final 36 players were selected for the TDG.

Tom Stokes, the RFUW’s Player Development Manager, said: “The TDG, in its third year, is a programme designed to provide the very best Under 18s players with a thorough, planned and progressive individual player development programme. The group provides a step up from county and regional rugby and aims to raise the standard of England representative players and squads for future years.”

The 36 selected players will attend another TDG camp in August as well as national and local sessions over the season. They will receive core rugby skill development, game understanding, strength and conditioning education and development, nutritional advice, sports psychology, performance lifestyle, online training diaries and training kit.

Congratulations to those selected. The full national list can be found here

England U20 trials

The first round of open trials for the England Under 20’s squad will take place on Saturday 6th September 2008 at RAF Halton, Aylesbury (please click here for directions). Following the open trials approximately 50 players will be selected to play in two trial matches, on Sunday 28th September and Saturday 18th October 2008. Both matches will be played at Birmingham University.

The England U20’s squad gives the next generation of talented players the opportunity to train and play within an international environment. The RFUW is committed to the identification and development of players of the future and it is anticipated that players from the U20’s age group will progress further and represent the England Senior Squad at future World Cups and 6 Nations competitions.

To be eligible to trial for England U20’s players must be:

• Eligible to play for England
• Over 17 years old and under 20 years old on or before 31st August / 1st September 2008

To download a registration form click here

Whilst the trials remain ‘open’ we encourage players who have played Regional Rugby to register and attend.

Players should arrive to register by 10.30am to register. The trials will finish at around 4pm. All players should bring own lunch / refreshments, training and playing kit (including protective clothing).

Final Information regarding the trials will be sent to you via e-mail in the week commencing 1st September 2008.