Next Wednesday at St. Austell RFC, kick-off 7:30 pm
Entry on the gate £2 adults, under 16 free.
Advance tickets available via Fanbase https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=9151
Update from our roadshow of English Clubs from RFU Board Interim Chair, Sir Bill Beaumont
Like me, I know you will have all enjoyed England’s thrilling win over France in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations last weekend and will be looking forward to the Red Roses participating in the Guinness Six Nations and a home Rugby World Cup. I also recognise that while our national teams always attract the most attention and are used as a barometer for the state of English rugby, the present and future of English rugby is as much in the hands of you – our club administrators and volunteers, our players, match officials, coaches and parents – as it is in the hands of the 23 players in white at Allianz Stadium. It’s been just over a month since I first wrote to you when I was appointed to the role of Interim Chair of the Rugby Football Union Board and addressed the call for a Special General Meeting (SGM). In response to the calling of the SGM, I promised to hit the road on a nationwide tour to listen to the concerns, challenges and thoughts of the community game. We are now around halfway through this nationwide tour. So far, we – myself, RFU President Rob Udwin; Bill Sweeney, our CEO; Steve Grainger, Executive Director Rugby Development; David Roberts, Chair of the Community Game Board; Malcolm Wharton, Chair of the Governance Review Group: Deborah Griffin, Senior Vice President and luminaries of our game such as Jason Leonard and John Inverdale – have held 11 roadshows, eight in person, three virtual and have attended five club visits between roadshows. Representatives of around 250 clubs have attended, and a further seven roadshows are due to take place between now and 20 February. I thought it would be useful to share some insights we have heard so far. There have been three types of challenges raised – ones that have re-enforced things we were aware of and are addressing; ones we can address easily; and some we did not previously fully understand. We have heard we need to improve our governance structures, to improve representation from the community game and ensure voices of the community game are heard and involved in decision making. This is something we want too and why we have a Governance and Representation Review underway, however, the feedback we have heard underlines the need for this work to be an absolute priority and for the work to be accelerated. We hear loud and clear that the communications from the RFU to the community game have not been as clear or consistent as they could be. This letter aims to start to improve that, and I will be providing further updates once the nationwide tour is complete to reflect our desire to engage with you on the big issues facing the community game. Many of you have mentioned competition structures. We recognise that clubs’ money and volunteers’ time are precious resources and that means there is a need for more decision making around leagues and fixtures at a local level. We will consider appropriate changes which do not compromise the competitiveness of the league system whilst giving greater flexibility around structures and regulations at local level. Challenges to adult male participation were also raised. This is not a problem unique to rugby as a sport, nor to England as a Union. However, you look to us to lead and it is only right that this is a priority and we want to work with you to address this ensuring our sport stays strong. You told us the Game Management System (GMS) is challenging and confusing for volunteers administering the game. We already have a significant improvement plan in train for this as part of our wider Digital Transformation strategy. However, we take on board this feedback and will accelerate this, re-enforce the importance of user groups and look to remove some of the lower priority functions within it. You told us we need to do more to promote rugby in schools and help clubs engage with them and to support more universities to keep players playing. In response to the first of these we have already embarked on a major programme to take T1 Rugby into schools, giving teachers the confidence and support to introduce more young people to the oval ball and ultimately to help them into our clubs, whilst also committing to an investment into School Rugby Managers, locally based people helping to manage this. We have also heard some great stories of clubs doing this for themselves and we commit to engaging more with them to support their work. On Universities we are expanding the network of activators on university sites and will look to promote this more widely. In respect of the pathways, we must allow young players to follow their dreams as far as they can through the player development groups and academy systems while also working with the Premiership to actively retain good players in the community game. Finally, we have heard questions about the governance of the Union itself. Some related to financial performance or executive pay. I promised we would publish the findings of the independent Freshfields review on the bonus award, and we commit to doing so in full. More often, however, we were asked: whether the RFU governance is fit for purpose, does the current system represent the views and concerns of Clubs. We have also heard the need to devolve more decisions – on competition structures, priorities, and resource allocation to a more local level, where the needs and solutions are best known. Bill Sweeney and his team have a strategy in place – signed off by the Board and Council- to address these challenges, long before the SGM was called. In my letter of January 10, I mentioned those who had pushed for the SGM had done so without setting out an alternative vision. As I wrote last month, “we all want winning men’s and women’s England teams, and this can’t happen without a thriving community game…If we work together, we will succeed.” The listening exercise which we are in the midst of will, I believe, lay the foundations for future success for both the elite and community game. Achieving a common understanding of a shared purpose and vision for the RFU we can all get behind – just as we would get behind the national teams – is as important for me as continuing the men’s first XV’s form into the Calcutta Cup. |
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Community Game Update February
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Please see the CGU for this month below. The CGU is available for everyone to read, so if you’d like to share it with others then please forward on the email or the link and they will be able to read it. |
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| 1. ACTION REQUIRED Big 5 Live! Have you ever reffed or watched a game where you’ve wondered how the match official got to that decision? We’re visiting 10 venues across the country with our panel of match officials, coaches, players and other key experts, to give you the chance to get inside the mind of some of the country’s best. Last chance to nominate your volunteer heroes The Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards are your chance to celebrate the incredible people who make rugby possible – on and off the pitch. Nominations close on Friday 14 February. Your chance to play at Allianz Stadium We want to hear about the innovative ways your club has inspired adult players to get on the pitch. Winning entries will be invited to the Allianz Stadium Takeover Day in April 2025. RFU Safeguarding Referral Form Update The RFU Safeguarding Team has launched an online Safeguarding Referral Form to report safeguarding concerns to the RFU, which replaces the previous method. Learn more in this section. READ ONLINE > |
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| 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Community Rugby Digital User Groups Our Community Rugby Digital User groups are looking for volunteers for 2025! The user groups facilitate two-way engagement, helping the RFU adopt a user centric approach to decision making. Coaching Resource – Developing England Players: Observation and Analysis This month’s U14-U18 coaching resource focuses on observation and analysis – inviting you to view some video footage and delve deeper into 3 key areas. Are you a member of the Rugby Club Business Network (RCBN)? Does your role at the club involve off-field business matters? The RCBN is completely free to join and brings together individuals from community clubs across the country to meet/discuss/share ideas & challenges related to the business of running a community rugby club. Gender Participation Policy Review Group (GPPRG) & Trans Participation User Group (TPUG) The RFU has recently conducted a series of engagement initiatives with the trans community to understand the impact of the Gender Participation Policy. Find out more about the next steps and how you can contribute in this section. Upcoming webinars & support available for your club! Find details and registration information for our upcoming webinars and support here. |
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| 3. FOR AWARENESS Payment of Players Declaration 2025 update (Regulation 7) The 2025 Payment of Players declaration goes live on the 1 March 2025 and is open until the 30 June 2025. The declaration covers the period of 1 June 2024 – 31 May 2025. How the rugby family is supporting injured players Hear from Volunteer Liaison Officers about why they were so driven to support injured players in their region and understand more about the positive impact they can have on the lives of IPF Members. Community News – England Rugby partners with Girlguiding London and South East England – and more! Read this month’s roundup of the best community rugby stories, including how England Rugby have partnered with Girlguiding London and South East England to take the game to new audiences – and find out how to submit your own story. READ ONLINE > |
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Cornwall Clubs XV v St. Ives
Cornwall Clubs XV squad to play St. Ives tonight in Feast Monday match.
Welcome to our new sponsor – Suez UK Ltd
We are thrilled to welcome along SUEZ recycling and recovery UK Ltd as official sponsors of Cornwall RFU. With a deep-rooted commitment to building a sustainable future that doesn’t cost the earth. SUEZ’s sponsorship reflects their dedication to local community engagement.
As part of the global SUEZ group, a leading provider of waste and recycling solutions, they employ over 200 people across 21 sites from Penzance to Bude, processing the waste for local businesses and Cornish households, as part of a 35-year contract with Cornwall Council. Together they are working to ensure that our beautiful Cornish landscapes remain pristine for generations to come.
Mark Hillson, PFI General Manager for SUEZ said, ‘As a proud Cornishman I’m delighted that we’re sponsoring Cornwall RFU and look forward to an exciting season ahead.’
Picture – Mark Hillson, PFI General Manager – Cornwall and Kevin Thomas Chair of Senior Men’s Selectors & Chair of Representative Rugby Cornwall RFU
Next up, Cornwall Clubs XV
Cornwall Under 20s play their next warm up fixture against a Cornwall Clubs XV at St. Austell RFC on Wednesday 26th February at 7:30 pm.
Admission on the gate is £2, with Under 16s free.
You can also use the Fan Base App to purchase in advance, see link below.
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=9151
Cornwall Under 20s defeat CSM – report
Cornwall Under 20s defeated Camborne School of Mines in their first warm up game 45 – 15 at Hayle last evening.
The following report by Terry Williams;
On Wednesday night the Cornwall u20’s had their first run out of the season at Hayle RFC in a friendly v Camborne School of Mines. Cornwall ran out easy winners in the end with a score of 45 – 15. A crowd of over 200 enjoyed an entertaining game with both teams willing to run the ball with emphasis on attack. Cornwall had a full squad of 26 players so coaches Ritchie Kevern and Brad Howe were able to cast their eyes over a good number of players with all of them taking the field for part of the game.
The first half started with both teams making mistakes and giving away silly penalties. Cornwall opened the scoring after 5 minutes with an unconverted try scored by no 8, Jenkin. (Captain).15 minutes later CSM drew level with an unconverted try. Cornwall again took the lead with a try from a forward drive, converted by full back Williams. CSM hit back with an unconverted try, but almost on half time second row Dash crossed the line and the try was again converted by Williams. The referee, Mr Thurgood, then blew for half time with the score at 19 – 10.
CSM scored almost from the start of the second half to make it 19 -15, but this would prove to be their last score of the match. Throughout the remainder of the half the coaches made changes, some positional, and there was then a steady flow of tries from a number of players, bringing the final score to 45 -15. Both teams defended stoutly throughout the game, and coaches Kevern and Howe learning a lot about the players. All in all it was a satisfying performance.
Training will resume on Sunday morning with the next friendly taking place at St Austell on Wednesday 26 February v Cornwall Clubs XV, 7.30 KO
Cornwall Under 20 team to play CSM
Cornwall U20’s v Camborne School of Mines
Hayle RFC Wednesday 5 February 1930 Kick off time
Cornwall U20’s has their first warm up game of the season v Camborne School of Mines at Hayle RFC with a 1930 kick-off time.
Cornwall will use this opportunity to prepare for their upcoming County Championship campaign, CSM will use it in preparation for their upcoming “Bottle Match” v London School of Mines.
Cornwall has selected players from 12 different clubs across the county from Saltash to St Just. There will also be potential U20 players who will be representing CSM on the night.
Cornwall have another warmup game at St Austell RFC on Wednesday 26 February where other players will have the opportunity to pull on the black and gold shirt when they play a Cornwall Clubs XV.
LJ Collick, the new Cornwall U20 team manager, said; – It has been pleasing to see the number of players that have attended training from all over the County. We appreciate that most will have played for their clubs on Saturday and then give up 2 hours on a Sunday to come to our sessions. We have players who are transitioning from U18 into adult representative rugby along with players who are in their last eligible year at this age grade.
Head Coach Rich Kevern said – The guys have only had 2 training sessions due to the weather conditions, and so this will be a good test and also give them the opportunity to play together as a team for the first time. Other players will be given their opportunity of a runout when we play Cornwall Clubs XV at the end of the month.
Entry will be £2 on the gate with U16’s having free access.
Cornwall U20’s Team to Face Camborne School of Mines
| No | Name | Club |
| 1 | Rosko Troughton | Helston |
| 2 | Leo Armstrong-Lever | Helston |
| 3 | Oliver Simmons | Redruth |
| 4 | Charlie Knight | Saltash |
| 5 | Seb Dash | St Just |
| 6 | Luke Young | Redruth |
| 7 | Ben Smith | Camborne |
| 8 | Jack Jenkin | Helston |
| 9 | Jarvis Lee | Truro |
| 10 | Peter Harrigan | Saltash |
| 11 | Harry Rigg | Helston |
| 12 | Lewis Wiltshire | Wadebridge Camels |
| 13 | Lowen Mears-Ollerenshaw | Newquay Hornets |
| 14 | Rhys Bowery | Newquay Hornets |
| 15 | Ethan Williams | Falmouth |
| 16 | Jalal Bennett | Truro |
| 17 | Telio Jenkin | St Ives |
| 18 | Joe Court | Camborne |
| 19 | Fred Jordan | Penryn |
| 20 | Fraser Lyne | Falmouth |
| 21 | Callum Phillips | Wadebridge Camels |
| 22 | Ted Kullich | Camborne |
| 23 | Alfie Phillips | St Ives |
| 24 | Jack Jones | Penryn |
| 25 | Fraser Lyne | Redruth |
| 26 | Arthur Fletcher | St Austell |
| Coaches | Rich Kevern | Brad Howe |
| David Mankee | ||
| Team Manager | LJ Collick | Terry Williams |
| Physio’s | Hen Gard | Ronnie Bartlett |
| Kit | Paul Hurrell | Colin Hatch |
| Match Recording | David Burrows | |
| Multi-Media | Kevin Bishop | |
| Photographer | Simon Bryant |
Cornwall U.20 v Camborne School of Mines – Re-arranged
This game will now take place on Wednesday 5th February at 7:30 pm at Hayle RFC
Entry £2, under 16s free.
Cornwall Girls U.18 show promise against Devon
Cornwall U18s Girls Vs Devon U18s Girls Sunday 12th January 2025
The Cornwall Team had travelled away to Okehampton RFC for the second fixture in the
2024/25 County season with a 2.30 pm fixture on a cold but sunny winters morning.
Cornwall Kicked off into the sun for the first half with Devon gaining possession and moving
swiftly into some good phase play. Within minutes Devon broke the line and headed for the
try line, brought down just short the Devon player has managed to cross the whitewash for
Devon’s first score of the game. Cornwall regrouped under the posts seeking possession in
the next phases, play moved swiftly backwards and forwards in the middle of the pitch and
again Devon scoring somewhat against the run of play.
Suddenly Cornwall came alive going through double figure phase play often, and the inevitable pressure told and co-captain Rosie Allen Crossed for Cornwall first score of the game which was converted by second row Ruby Lambrick.
After the kick off Cornwall again seemed to dominate Devon with both forward power and intricate back play combining to add pressure which the Devon Girls responded with a defensive masterclass. However,
Devon spirited defence couldn’t control the rampant Cornwall Girls with Rosie Allen crossing for Cornwall second converted by Maisy Provest.
The second half again started with scores equal and all to play for, Cornwall again went
through many phases and seemed to continue off from the late surge of the first half with
Devon again defending a positive Cornwall side looking to take the lead. The game had by
this time moved close to the end with both coaching teams clearly on edge with such a tight
game but Devon’s perseverance paying off with two late tries to seal the game and retain the
treasured Tamar Cup.
Cornwall Coaching staff however were overjoyed at the progress of the team from this seasons tough first fixture away to Gloucestershire
