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