International women's rugby website launches

Scrum Queens - the first independent website dedicated to women's rugby worldwide - has been launched. Edited by former Irish Women's RFU's press officer Alison Donnelly it includes contributions from across the rugby world and will aim to cover all international women's rugby.

The growing team of writers come from all parts of the world, not just major nations such as England or the USA, but growing nations such as Singapore and Kenya as well, and will aim to cover the women's game from a independent viewpoint.

The site also makes full use of the latest internet technology with feeds on Twitter and Facebook.

Herts Women push Middlesex all the way

Middlesex 20, Hertfordshire 15 (HT: 20-0)

Hertfordshire ladies started their 2009 county rugby championship off with a combative performance away to favourites Middlesex.

Playing at Grasshoppers rugby club in London, the facilities were excellent and the pitch, though firm, was very well kept. The side were lacking some cohesion after having had only one training session prior to the game, and that with a depleted squad. However, Herts showed no lack endeavour against a strong Middlesex side that were very used to playing with one another.

In the first half, Herts started well and managed to build periods of pressure that, unfortunately, were not turned into points on the board. Simple errors cost Herts both points and possession. Middlesex capitalised on these mistakes and were able to run in 4 tries which flattered them on the scoreboard.

During the half time team talk, Captain Nadia Brannon gave a rousing team talk with coach Gareth Lewis giving the team areas to improve upon.

In the second half, Herts kept control on the ball much better and started to put Middx under pressure. Herts nearly scored after some brilliant support play, only to be stopped, illegally, just short. Captain Nadia took a quick tap penalty, span out of the attempted tackle and dived in to score a good individual effort to cap off some brilliant team play.

Perhaps sensing that Herts were back in the match and putting them under intense pressure, the Middlesex players started to drop like flies. At virtually every stoppage there were one or two Middx players down injured. This disrupted the flow of the game and Herts did well to maintain their focus. One injury was very real though and a Middx player had to go to hospital for an x-ray after one particularly crunching Herts tackle. She was accompanied by Hertfordshire winger Helena, who was suffering breathing difficulties after a crushed chest.

After this enforced break in play, Herts picked up where they had left off. Fullback replacement Megan making a good break, feeding winger Mihi who in turn offloaded to back row forward Geri in support to run in a stunning support play try.

Back in the game, Herts threw everything at Middx and were rewarded with another score from winger Mihi before the end but couldn’t quite catch up the lead they had given up in the 1st half. A Jekyll and Hyde performance in many respects, small errors giving up points but great team work, defence and attacking play, Herts can be proud of their performance and take many positives into their next game at home versus Kent.

Hampshire Girls v. Herts Girls 27th September 2009 Petersfield RFC results

Under 18:

Hampshire U18 27 Herts U18 10 (Shira Kilgannon Welwyn Tx1, Hannah Gallagher Welwyn Tx1).

Under 15:

Hampshire U15 20 Herts U15 10 (Lotte Clapp Welwyn Tx1, Sydney Gregson Letchworth Tx1).

Herts Girls Under 18 Squad 2009-10

Following the Herts U18 Girls County Trial that took place last Sunday the Squad selected is as follows:

Courtney Arberry
Chloe Baker
Laura Barnard
Harriet Bullock
Megan Childs
Scarlett Cooper-Wall
Francis Dawson
Charlie Faloona
Alice Finn
Hannah Gallagher
Sydnie Grace
Laura Haddon
Shira Kilgallon
Sarah Lambsdon
Abi Lee
Alice LLeliot
Alice Nee
Georgia Peedle
Jess Robinson
Emily Scott
Kate Sellars
Claire Shuttler
Natalie Threlfall
Sam Voyle
Emma Wilson
Hannah Winfield

A large squad has been selected to give as many players as possible the opportunity to play at County level.

Every player will take part in at least one game / Tournament but, with a squad of this size, it will not be possible for every player to take part in every game/tournament.

On September 27th, a game against Hampshire U18s (and an equivalent Game at U15) has been arranged in place of the Sussex tournament which has been cancelled. The game will take place at Petersfield RFC. Kick-off (for both Games) is 2pm. The coaches and managers will be in contact with the squad to let them know of selection for the game and confirm the Transport plan.

The provisional plan for transportation of Players selected in both U15 and U18 Squads is a Coach from Reg’s Coaches has been booked with timings as follows:

• 10.45: Coach to leave outside entrance to main campus Herts University Hatfield AL10 9AB.
• @12.45: arrive at Petersfield RFC, Penns Place, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 4EP (Directions for those travelling independently- M25 then A3 southbound on entering Petersfield follow signs for the East Hampshire District Council offices, the ground is next door).
• @4.30: Leave Petersfield.
• @6.30: arrive back at Herts University.

Seniors confirm training and first fixture

The first women's county training session will now be on 23rd September at St Albans RFC, starting at 7pm (AL4 0HL - close to St Albans City centre, near Smallford). This will be preparation for the first county fixtures which it has been confirmed will take place on the following Sunday (27th) in Middlesex.

U15s v Hampshire, 27th September - and other U15 news

Message from Adrian, the U15 coach:

We have heard that the organisers of the Sussex Festival, planned for the 27th September, have not been able to get enough referees so have had to cancel it. Hampshire have offered a match for us against their U15s, which we have accepted. This unfortunately means we can only take an 'A' team and not a development team as well.

The following girls have been selected to represent Herts U15 girls on the 27th September:

• Abbie Maxwell (Welwyn)
• Chloe-Jean Carpenter (Saracens)
• Olivia Lee (Welwyn)
• Melissa Gargaro (Saracens)
• Nancy Harrison (OAs)
• Amber King (Welwyn)
• Rachel Selwood (Welwyn)
• Bryony Pomfret (Welwyn)
• Lotte Clapp (Welwyn)
• Penny Gilbert (Saracens)
• Sidney Nurthern (Welwyn)
• Beth Summerfield (Welwyn)
• Kate Summerfield (Welwyn)
• Ellie Huhrer (Welwyn)
• Phoenix Page (Hertford)
• Ellah Hughes (Letchworth)
• Stevie Farrow (Welwyn)
• Sydney Gregson (Letchworth)

Please could the above girls e-mail me to let me know whether you are available or not, so we can make any changes to the team as soon as possible.

A coach has been booked to pick us from the Sports Village at Hatfield University, I will let you know the details nearer the time.

For those girls who have not been selected on this occassion, we look forward to you coming along to the next training session in October, as you are all valuable members of the Herts U15 squad.

Peter McCullough adds...

If you have not been selected for the Herts Under 15 ‘A’ Squad on this occasion please continue to come to the County Training Afternoons scheduled throughout the Season, as I am in the process of organising Herts Under 15 ‘Development’ fixtures against other County’s ‘Development’ Teams.

I have already organised for one of these to take place in Hertfordshire on Sun 6th Dec (when the Herts Under 15 ‘A’ Team are playing in a Tournament in Nottinghamshire) against Sussex Under 15 ‘Development’ Team. Everyone coming to the Herts U15 County Training Afternoons will be given the opportunity to represent Hertfordshire in these Games (others will be organised throughout the Season).

Herts Womens and Girls Rugby Development Group Meeting Mon 21st Sept 09

The next meeting of the HWGRDG is taking place on Mon 21st Sept at Welwyn RFC in the Committee Room starting at 7.30. If you have not previously attended these meetings (usually 3 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 please e-mail me on peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com

Hertfordshire senior trials and fixtures

Jo Feakes from Tabard is running the Hertfordshire Women's County Team this year. This is the second season the senior county team has been running and they are looking to build on the work from last year. Head coach will be Gareth Lewis who also coached the team last year. Jo and Gareth would like to see members from all Women's Hertfordshire teams and any Girls that are now eligible to play (ie. aged 18 or more on the date of any of the games listed below).

*** Trials/Training will be held Sunday 13th September at Stevenage RFC at 1.30pm ***

Stevenage Rugby Club - SG1 4BB. Jo will publish the timings and any other details shortly.

London and South East County Tournament details also appear below. This involves three weeks of games at different venues. These dates may be subject to change due to the first games showing as 27th Sept - for many teams this had been the 1st training session. If it is kept as it is, we will discuss and arrange a training date before this.

Dates -

• 13th Sept - Trials at Stevenage RFC
• 27th Sept - L&SE fixtures v Middlesex and Sussex (Middlesex - TBC)
• 14th Oct - Scheduled as Training - location TBC
• 18th Oct - L&SE fixtures v Essex and Bucks (Hertfordshire - TBC)
• 15th Nov - L&SE finals (one game) (Essex - TBC)
• Further Training to be scheduled.

Please pass this information on to all members of your teams or to the relevant people- and let Jo know the days and times that you train so she can organise training sessions with the least amount of disruption.

The county are also looking to do a tour in March / April with games against Cornwall and Devon. Dates and locations for this will be confirmed. Contact Jo if you have any questions.

RFUW survey: U18 to Senior Rugby

The RFUW want to hear from as many former U18 girls who are moving into adult rugby this year (or even if they are no longer playing). Please take time to complete the very short survey. A press release issued by RFUW explains why this is important:

"At the RFUW we are keen to support our players through the player pathway, and to ensure that they are making informed choices about their rugby development.

Many of you will be heading off to university soon and will be looking to continue your rugby journey at this important time in your life. You will have loads to think about, and rugby may not be something you have considered yet.

It isn’t our decision where you play rugby, and we would never try to make that choice for you. However, below are some questions that you should be asking yourself when thinking about your options. Remember though that these are only a few suggestions; there are many more aspects to consider:

• Will you playing regular rugby, at a level that is right for you?
• Will you have access to high quality coaching, that is matched to your skill level and ability?
• Will you have to travel long distances to get to training?
• Does the club have a good off field set up, i.e. are there good people behind the scenes to help you out in your transition to senior rugby?

At the RFUW we have excellent staff members and volunteers who can help you with this step up to senior rugby. If you would like to receive some information from us, or you just want to let us know where you’re off to, please click on the link below to complete a short and simple survey telling us just that. We can then use this to put you in touch with the right people.

http://www.rfu.com/SelectSurveyNET/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=m2MLll2"

Herts County Girls Trial Sun 13th September Welwyn RFC

On Sun 13th September Herts County Girls Training and Trials are taking place at Welwyn RFC.

All 9-17 Age Players, regardless of level of experience, are invited to attend, but must bring a signed Parental Consent Form, available from their Club Coach / Manager, with them on the day to give to the County Age Group Team Managers on arrival.

In addition attendees should also bring: Clothing suitable for playing Rugby in either Hot or Cold Weather (depending on conditions on the day); Trainers or Boots (dependent on the Ground conditions); Mouthguard: plenty of Liquid; Energy Bars.

All Players are asked to arrive by 12.45 and they will be split into the 3 Age Groups: Under 12 (School Years 5,6,7), Under 15 (School Years 8,9,10) and Under 18 (School Years 11, 12, 13) by the respective County Coaches. Each Age Group will have a separate Pitch and Training / Trial will start after 1.00.

The number of Players attending will dictate whether Herts Girls will be able to field an 'A' and 'Development' side at each Age Group in the 2009-10 Season.

Hertfordshire senior trials

The new contact for the county senior team is Jo Feakes of Tabard.

A full programme of county rugby is planned for what will be Hertfordshire's senior team's second season. Coaches are currently being organised and it is anticipated that trials will be on 6th or 13th September.

More information will appear in the next few weeks.

Grants from district councils for county and regional players

North Herts District Council have announced that the next round of grants for elite sports people om the district is now open - but applications need to be in by 19th June. Nearly £8000 is available for distribution to any regional players aged 19-23, and also to any coaches working with regional athletes.

The North Herts scheme is only open to people living in the district - but it is just one example of the grants available available to "elite athletes" from most district councils in Hertfordshire.

The terms and size of awards will vary, as will the application process. Some - like the North Herts scheme - will be limited to regional players, but some will be available to county representatives. Some will be based on an annual bidding competition, some every six months, some will be available throughout the year.

But the main thing is that these awards are there - and it is well worth your while applying for them. Remember that the awards will be almost certainly based on where you live - not where your club or school is - so if (for example) you played for Welwyn but lived in Sawbridgeworth you would need to apply to East Hertfordshire District Council for grants, not Welwyn and Hatfield.

National Girls 7's 2009 Results Harpenden RFC 23rd May

U15's:

Cup: Winners - Worcester; R/U - Welwyn.

Plate: Winners - H3; R/U - Exeter Saracens.

U18's:

Cup: Winners - Reading; R/U - Welwyn.

Plate: Winners - Letchworth; R/U - H3.

Herts Girls 7's 2009 Results Old Albanians RFC 17th May

U12's:

Cup: Winners - Hertford; R/U - Stevenage.
U15's:

Cup: Winners - Paviors; R/U - Worcester.
Plate: Winners - Hertford; R/U - Bucks Cluster.
Bowl: Winners - Saracens; R/U - West Oxon
Shield: Winners - Oakmedians; R/U - Old Northamptians.
Egg Cup: Winners - Old Albanians; R/U - Letchworth

U18's:Cup: Winners - Welwyn; R/U - Reading.
Plate: Winners - Burfield; R/U - West Oxon.
Bowl: Winners - Suffolk Sabres; R/U - Bucks Cluster.
Shield: Winners - Plymouth; R/U - Saracens.

Girls National Cup Finals Lichfield RFC 10th May

National Under 18 Cup Final:

Worcester 8 Reading 24

National Under 15 Cup Final:

Paviors 3 Welwyn 5

Worthing 10's Girls Festival Results

U12's:

Cup: Winners - Kent.

Plate: Winners - Worthing.

U15's:

Cup: Winners - Paviors; R/U - Welwyn.

Plate: Winners - Cardiff HSOB; R/U - Folkstone.

Shield: Winners - Worcester; R/U - South Sussex

U18's:

Cup: Winners - Ellingham and Wimborne; R/U - Reading.

Plate: Winners - Oakmedians; R/U - Letchworth.

Girls National Emerging Schools Competition

Presdales School from Ware in Herts won the National Final for the Girls Emerging Schools (School Year 7) Competition played at Twickenham in front of the Crowd who were attending the Annual Army v. Navy Game.

There were 2 previous Rounds that they had won through:

• Semi-Final stage at Staines RFC on the Morning of the Final.
• London North stage where they had played against Barking Abbey (Essex), Queens (Bushey Herts), Nobel (Stevenage Herts) and Waldergrave (Middlesex).

For a full report see the RFU website

Draw for Herts 7s 2009

The draw for Herts 7s, to be held at Old Albanians on 17th May, was made at Welwyn yesterday evening. This will be the largest ever Herts 7s and will feature 20 U15 and 16 U18 teams, as well as a U12 competition. 

U15s :

• Group A : Worcester, Berks Barbarians, Norfolk Nomads, Old Northamptonians, Letchworth
  
• Group B : London Irish, Bucks Jesters, West Oxon, Ealing, OAs
  
• Group C : Paviors, Oakmedians, Saracens, Hertford, Wasps
  
• Group D : Welwyn, Aylestone St. James, Plymouth Albion, Camberley, Stevenage
  

U18s :

• Group A : Paviors, Suffolk Sabres, Saracens, West Oxon
  
• Group B : Reading, Aylestone St. James, Thomas Beckett, Hertford
  
• Group C : Letchworth, Oakmedians A, Ealing, Old Northamptonians
  
• Group D : Welwyn, Bucks Jesters, Plymouth Albion, Oakmedians B
  

The draw for the U12 competition will be made on the day.

RFUW National Cup results 26th April

National Cup U18 Southern Final Group Reading RFC

Reading qualify and play Worcester in the Final at Litchfield RFC on 10th May

National Cup U15 Southern Final Group Reading RFC:

• North Dorset 0 Welwyn 17
• Thornbury 0 Welwyn 26
• London Irish 5 Welwyn 19

Welwyn qualify and play Paviors in the Final at Litchfield RFC on 10th May

Canadian U18 tourists need summer fixtures

If you are interested in playing a touring U18 team of 25 players from Manitoba, Canada between August 24th to September 3rd please post here or email Lisa by 1st May 2009. 

Successful teams will then be notified. Four matches are being sought in over 10 days alongside sight seeing opportunities across the country. 

Gloucester City 10's Hartpury College 18 + 19 April Results

Under 18 Tournament:

Cup: Winners - Drybrook+Hucclecote; Runners up - Worcester.

Bowl: Winners - Exeter; Runners up - Letchworth.

Plate: Winners - Welwyn; Runners up - Newquay+Colhumpton.

Under 15 Tournament:

Cup: Winners - Welwyn; Runners up - Worcester.

Bowl: Winners - Newquay; Runners up - Burfield.

Plate: Winners - Gloucester; Runners up - Old Northamptonians

Free entry for U12 teams at Herts 7s!

Herts 7s is close to fully booked with 14 U18 and 18 U15 teams signed up - but the first attempt to run a U12 competition is a little low on entries, so the organisers are now offering free entry to all U12 teams!

This is already exciting interest - so if you are interested please contact Tasha Saint-Smith as quickly as you can.

Free funding advice for all clubs

Calling all sports clubs, coaches, teachers, volunteers and those working in the Community Sports sector. The Herts Sports Partnership are delighted to invite you to the:

2009 Herts Community Sports Summit

at 

The Fielder Centre, Hatfield Business Park,Hatfield,Herts

 on

Monday 20th April 2009 - starting at 6.30pm

This year's Community Sports Summit is FREE to all those involved in delivering sport and physical activity in schools and the community. The summit provides an opportunity for delegates to be brought up to speed on a number of topical issues and the changing landscape for the delivery of sport in England.

The programme includes workshops that will cover areas as diverse as safeguarding and child protection; sports volunteering; the government's Physical Education and Sports Strategy for Young People (PESSYP); Sport England's new grant scheme; Community Sports Networks (CSNs); and a session by one of the country's leading funding advisers, Svend Elkjaer of Sports Marketing Network, intriguingly entitled ‘From Doggy Walks to Direct Debits - 42 ways your club can grow its income'.

To find out more information and to book your place go to:

http://www.sportinherts.org.uk/deliveringsport/summit2009/default.asp

RFUW National Cup results affecting Herts Clubs 5th April

National Cup U18 Southern Final Group Reading RFC Part 1 (Part 2 on 26th April):

Thornbury U18 0 Welwyn U18 22
Reading U18 12 Welwyn U18 0

U18 Southern Winners will be decided on 26th April

National Cup U15 South / South East / East Round London Irish RFC:

London Irish U15 0 Welwyn U15 38
Ellingham U15 12 Welwyn U15 19

London Irish U15 and Welwyn U15 progress to the Southern Final Group Stage on 26th April

Under 18 Regional Festival Litchfield RFC

A hugely successful weekend for East Region Girls Rugby was capped with the Under 18's winning the Regional Festival at Litchfield RFC on Sunday.

The East U18 Squad of 22 included 11 Herts Players who their first National Regional Title since 2004.

East U18 finished top of their Group by beating Osprey's, the Wales Regional Representatives, 7-0 (scorers: Hannah Gallagher Herts Tx1; Emily Scott Essex Cx1) and South East 7 - 0 (scorers: Francesca Jordon Essex Tx1; Hannah Gallagher Herts Cx1).

In the Semi-Final South West South were beaten on 19-5 (scorers: Emily Scott Essex Tx1, Cx2; Alex Robertson Herts Tx1; Georgia Peedle Herts Tx1).

In the Final against South, East won a fierce game 15-3 (scorers: Megan Williams Herts Tx1; Alex Robertson Herts Tx1; Emily Scott Essex Cx1; Px1).

Under 15 Regional Festival Litchfield RFC

On Saturday, East Under 15 took a squad of 20, including 12 Herts Players, to the Regional Festival at Litchfield RFC. They matched their best ever performance, in 2006, by finishing Runners-up out of 12 Teams.

East U15 finished top of their Group by beating South West South 10 - 7 (scorers: Abbie Cook Essex Tx1; Amber King Herts Tx1), and North East 27 - 0 (scorers: Lotte Clapp Herts Tx2; Charlie Fallona Herts Tx1; Maddy Lockwood Essex Tx1; Sidney Nurthern Herts Tx1; Lucie Wood Essex Cx1).

In the Semi-Final South West North were beaten on 31-0 (scorers: Lotte Clapp Herts Tx2; Courtney Arberry Herts Tx1; Abbie Cook Essex Tx2; Abbie Maxwell Herts Cx3).

In the Final against Wales Regional Winners Cardiff Blues, East were 0-10 down within 5 minutes, but clawed back to level at 10-10 with Tries from Amber King Herts and Courtney Arberry Herts before conceding a converted try in the last minute.

National 7s returns to Hertfordshire

After two years away in Bedfordshire, the National Sevens will be returning "home" to Harpenden RFC this season.

The tournament will include U18 and U15 Sevens on Saturday 23rd May, followed by a senior sevens the following day. The return to Harpenden also mean a return of the popular senior camp and party on Sunday evening.

Entries are restricted to 16 for each junior event, and 32 for the seniors - first come, first served. Closing date for entries is 8th April.

Click here for the entry form.

Women's team included in new rugby TV show

A new TV programme - The Big Tackle - starts this month on ITV that will feature Austin Healey "trying to help amateur rugby clubs to fulfill their potential" - and one of the five teams it will feature will be a women's club. 

The programme will be shown on ITV4 on Sundays from 15th March at 7.15pm, and will be repeated midweek on ITV1. The producers have circulated the above preview, which gives some idea about what the six programme series will cover.

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.