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President’s XV picked to face Cornwall Fire & Rescue

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CRFU Representative Rugby Chairman Kevin Thomas is delighted to be able to put this fixture on to help celebrate Cornwall Fire & Rescue’s landmark. He said.” Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service celebrate their 65th Anniversary this season. To help celebrate this anniversary CRFU President John Summall has selected a President’s XV to play against the Fire Service. The President’s XV contains players from a total of 12 clubs. The match will take place at Hayle RFC on 16th November 2022 with a kick off time of 7.15 pm. The Fire Service has a rich history on the rugby field stretching back many years and has won the National Rugby Cup on many occasions. We very much look forward to an exciting and open game of rugby.”

Please note there is an error in the team listed below. 14 should read K Ewudzi (St. Austell). Also please note availability of some players may change at short notice.

Happy Birthday to John Collins

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Everyone connected with Cornwall RFU would like to wish our oldest surviving England International John Collins a very Happy Birthday and wish him well.

Ben Hilton made a Life Member of the CRFU

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At Wednesday night’s Finance AGM and Club Forum held at Camborne RFC, former Cornwall captain Ben Hilton received Life Membership of the CRFU from President John Sumnall.

Ben also received a long overdue county cap along with an inscribed glass tankard.

Many congratulations to Ben.

Papa Johns Community Cup

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Entries are now open for the Papa Johns Men’s Community Cup Enter Now  
  The Papa Johns Men’s Community Cup competitions will take place after the completion of the regular league season. This was the most favoured model during the Future Competition Structure consultation, intended to decongest the season and avoid league fixture clashes.

This has allowed the mid-season entry process to give clubs a better understanding of their squad for the season as well as the ability to compete in the Cup competitions with teams of comparable ability in other leagues. It will also enable clubs who enter to switch their focus to the Cup competition once their league season has finished.

Incentives for clubs to enter the Papa Johns Community Cup Opportunity for all finalists to play at Twickenham Stadium or other prestigious venues, with travel and accommodation provided. Travel bursaries available for competing clubs (men’s and women’s competitions). Further details to be published in due course. Exclusive benefits offered by Papa Johns to clubs competing in their Cup competitions (men’s and women’s), including a unique 50% discount for pizza specific to your community club for members, friends and family to use; On each redemption of this unique code, Papa Johns will make a donation back to the community club. The entry period is now open and will close on Thursday 1 December. You are encouraged to complete the entry form below. Enter Now  
  Clubs’ final league positions, alongside entry numbers, will determine which competition they will compete in within their respective league level, helping to ensure clubs play in competitive fixtures through their Cup Competitions.

You can see a draft of what this will look like here.

Fixtures will be held across the following dates: 25/03/2023 01/04/2023 08/04/2023 (not all competitions – Easter weekend) 15/04/2023 22/04/2023 Finals weekend – 29/04/2023 – 1/5/2023 Championship Finals at each level (Regional 1, Regional 2, Counties 1, Counties 2 and Counties 3 & below) will be held at Twickenham Stadium across Sunday 30 April and Monday 1 May. In addition, finals for other competitions will be held at other prestigious venues across the weekend of Saturday 29 April and Sunday 30 April.

For more information, including the Cup regulations, please click here. You can also watch a section on the Papa Johns Community Cup on England Rugby’s new The Clubhouse magazine programme.

Enter Now

Community Game Update 1 November

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Community Game Update Read Online  
  1. ACTION REQUIRED
Enter the Papa Johns Community Cup from 3 November
 On 3 November, all clubs at Regional 1 and below will receive an email containing a registration link to enter the Papa Johns Community Cup. In this article, you can discover more about the Cup and fixture dates , with Twickenham Stadium set to host many of the Finals.

WATCH The Clubhouse – Community Game Magazine Programme Episode 1
 A new TV magazine programme celebrating the community game is available to watch in this section. This pilot episode lets rugby communities know what’s happening behind the scenes to support the grassroots game and where to find information that may help them.

Age Grade Affiliation 2022-23
More than 140,000 age grade players have affiliated, compared to 150,000 throughout the entire 2021-22 season. All age grade players need to be affiliated as part of Regulation 15, which allows for a 45-day window after they start playing. Therefore players who started in September need to be affiliated by now or clubs risk operating outside of Regulation.

2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST
Win an England Rugby matchday makeover as part of #PlayTogetherStayTogether
 Win the chance to have an England Rugby matchday makeover for your club which will include a live stream and commentary, team announcements and post-match interviews. Enter the competition using the link in this section.

RFU Community Game Strategy Development Survey
We are currently in the process of putting together the strategy for the next 10 years of the community game. As part of this, we would love to have your input to create a shared vision for the future.

Tackling Energy Use in Rugby Clubs Webinar
 If you missed the webinar on Tackling Energy Use in Rugby Clubs, you can watch it on-demand. You can also find other videos on how to support your club on the RFU Club Support YouTube channel.

Join the RFU IPF 2023 #RugbyRunners Team!
You can sign up to run the TCS London Marathon or London Landmarks Half Marathon on behalf of the RFU Injured Players’ Foundation (IPF). We will support you in every step, including a welcome pack, free sports massage and much more.

3. FOR AWARENESS
RFU teams up with The Good, The Bad & The Rugby for #PlayTogetherStayTogether
Two invitational sides led by Mike Tindall and James Haskell took to the pitch at Aylesbury RFC on Thursday 20 October. A mix of ex-internationals and community players combined to celebrate rugby and how it creates lifelong friendships. Watch the video and read more about the game in this section.

Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards
Congratulations to all the nominated volunteers and finalists across the three categories: Unsung Hero, Beyond Rugby and Game for All. This year’s winners were Jodie Hill, Lincoln RFC; Will Gilgrass, Old Streetonians RFC and Arthur Crabtree, Didsbury Toc H RFC. You can read about the night and their achievements using the link in this story.

 New Premier 15s CEO and Chair
Belinda Moore and Genevieve Shore have been named as the Chief Executive and Chair of Women’s Premier 15 Limited (WP15Ltd), respectively. They will head up a new company to oversee the Allianz Premier 15s competition from 2023/ 2024. You can discover more in this article.
Read Online  

President’s Update

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Early Season Update

The season is well underway with Clubs having varied success mainly, I am afraid, relating to players being available or not making themselves available. On the one hand we have St Austell RFC who are now fielding three teams most Saturdays and Stithians RFC who have reformed and played a match, to a Club that has had to withdraw from the League, Camelford RFC but very sensibly joined the Duchy Leagues to play whenever they can. Some Clubs have had a temporary problem and have not been able to play the odd League match. All in all we can say that the League amendments appear to have been well received, with a reduction in mileage for some and most importantly a regular and agreed fixture list for those teams that now play in the Cornwall Counties League 3 (formally Clubs from the old Cornwall 1 & 2). What is certainly remarkable is that the fear of second teams entering the Leagues which was entertained by some Clubs has generally fallen away and that they can be beaten in the league in which they play.

Earlier, I mentioned player’s availability but perhaps it is willingness to play as there are far too many distractions. At a visit to a Club that shall remain nameless I learnt that when a player was asked why he did not turn up to play the previous Saturday his answer was that he had decided to have a new tattoo, and some of us were not allowed to be married during the season. Seriously, there has been a drop off and has been seen throughout the Country but should not make the CRFU complacent. I am well aware of those volunteers that turn out every Sunday morning to help the various age groups to enjoy the game of rugby but we need to keep these players when they reach 15 and 16 years as that is when the choice of distractions increase. Good  coaching, comradeship and being involved in local community activities is a suggested way forward.

At long last we now have the fixtures for the three County Championships that we are so anxious to defend. These are:

  • Bill Beaumont Cup Division 1 (Open to players from National 1 and below.)
    • 06 May Somerset RFU (H) (As this is also The Coronation we may play later in the day or the following day.
    • 13 May Hampshire RFU (A)
    • 20 May Kent RFU (H)
  • Gill Burns Cup Division 2
    • 07 May Oxfordshire Women (H)
    • 21 May Somerset Women (A)
  • Jason Leonard Cup U.20 (Open to players from Regional 1 and below.)
    • 19 March Devon RFU (A)
    • 09 April Gloucestershire (H)
    • 23 April Somerset (H)
    • 07 May Quarter-Finals (A)
    • 21 May Semi-Finals (Neutral Venue)
    • 03 June Final

There may well be amendments and these will be posted on our Web.

Enjoy your season and if I can help any time please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours,

John.

Notice of CRFU Finance AGM & Club Forum

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Would all clubs please note that the CRFU Financial AGM will take place on Wednesday 2 November 7:15 pm at Camborne RFC.

This will be followed by a Clubs Forum with a presentation from the RFU on “Building your Club.”

Navy Big Guns sink brave Cornwall

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CORNWALL U.20, 17 – 31 ROYAL NAVY U.23

By Bill Hooper at Memorial Park, Hayle

Cornwall Under 20s game the Royal Navy Under 23s a good run before eventually being out-gunned by a more physical Navy side in an entertaining game.

The match began in a downpour which made handling difficult. Cornwall suffered a blow with the early loss through injury of lock Toby Osborne.

Jarrod Hambly of Cornwall U20s surges for the try-line. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 23/10/22, Cornwall U20s, Royal Navy U23s, Friendly CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Hayle RFC, Memorial Ground, Cornwall, England

Cornwall dominated the opening exchanges pinning the Navy back in their twenty-two. They were rewarded with a try from hooker Matt Pritchard converted by full-back Adam Hall.

Much of the play during the first half was in mid-field with Cornwall scrum-half Joe Tanswell trying to create some space and fly-half Joss Pascoe kicking into space, however the Navy defence was very solid.

No.8 Archie Pilcher worked hard all game and was deservedly given the Cornwall-man-of-the-match award by Trelawny’s Army.

Hall increased Cornwall’s advantage with a penalty kick, as the rain began to clear the Navy began to put their game together and just before half-time their pressure was rewarded with a try from No.8 A.J.. Hussell converted by fly-half Kieran Manson.

Harry Andrewartha (Redruth) of Cornwall U20s slips the tackle from Vincent of Royal Navy U23s. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 23/10/22, Cornwall U20s, Royal Navy U23s, Friendly CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Hayle RFC, Memorial Ground, Cornwall, England

Both sides began to introduce the bench after half-time. The Navy side carried on where they had left off bossing the game. They took the lead with a try from skipper Dom Cleverley.

Try number three again went to Cleverley with Scott adding the extras. Cornwall looked for a way back but too many errors saw promising chances missed.

The Navy got back downfield to score a fourth try through Oli Raynor as the game moved into the final quarter.

Harry Andrewartha (Redruth) of Cornwall U20s dives over for a try. – Photo mandatory by-line: ©Simon Bryant/Iktis Photo – 23/10/22, Cornwall U20s, Royal Navy U23s, Friendly CRFU, Sport, Rugby Union, Hayle RFC, Memorial Ground, Cornwall, England

Harry Andrewartha pulled a try back for Cornwall, bettered by replacement Archie Bees, however the Navy had the final say as Scott went over for the final try, bettered by Raynor

Speaking after the game Cornwall coach Richie Kevern as satisfied with the squad’s effort. “We had a good look at 26 players today as we build towards next spring’s Jason Leonard Cup campaign and it was a good test for these lads against a strong Navy side. Today’s squad saw some of our older players who will be moving on show the new boys the ropes in playing at this level and get a feel for what awaits them. I thought our commitment and effort was top draw today and we can build on this going forward.”

For the Royal Navy Ben Priddey was pleased with his side’s performance. “We have come together well after being in camp all week and built on our last game against Cardiff Met. We have good a good squad all chomping to get involved as we build towards our Inter-Services campaign.”

Cornwall U.20: Hall, Bostock, Andrewartha, Stanlake, Statton, Pascoe, Tanswell; Pearce-Cowley (Capt), Pritchard, Leigh, Williams, Osborne, Triggs, Trewin, Pilcher.

Replacements: Hambly, Boothby, Lawrence, Relton, Maunder, Chapple, Bees, Walsh-Newton, Marsden, King.

Cornwall Under 20s name side to face Navy

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PRESS RELEASE

CORNWALL U20 v ROYAL NAVY U23

Sunday 23 October @ Hayle RFC with a 1400 KO time
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) are delighted to confirm the teams for their match v the Royal Navy U23, on Sunday 23 October at Hayle RFC with a 1400 kick off time.
As the U20 County championship campaign will not commence until early in 2023, the Cornwall team will consist of several players who played in the final at Worcester Warriors back in May.


CRFU President John Sumnall said “It is great to get this year’s county rugby kicked off with this prestigious fixture against the Royal Navy U23. We thank everyone at Hayle RFC for hosting us
and allowing us to use their facilities. We also thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable this fixture to be played.”


Cornwall have named Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Plymouth Albion) as the captain for the game, alongside him is Pirates Ams Toby Osborne who is the vice-captain.
Cornwall coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a massive test for this set of young players, some have experience from last season whilst others have come into the squad from scratch. With the change in dates for the Jason Leonard Cup, we will not start training for the new season until the New Year, so we need to blow away the cobweb’s early doors, against an older age group team, and one who have already been training together.”

Cornwall U20 v Royal Navy U23

Sunday 23 October @ Hayle RFC 1400 kick off

Cornwall Squad

1 Ethan Pearce-Cowley (Captain) Plymouth Albion
2 Matt Pritchard Falmouth
3 Cameron Leigh Redruth
4 Eli Williams Pirates Ams
5 Toby Osborne (V Captain) Pirates Ams
6 Connor Triggs Truro
7 Freddie Trewin Penryn
8 Archie Pilcher Pirates Ams
9 Joe Tanswell Penryn
10 Joss Pascoe Truro
11 Jack Statton Launceston
12 Jamie Stanlake Cardiff Met
13 Harry Andrewartha Redruth
14 Lewis Bostock Truro
15 Adam Hall Redruth
16 Dan Shaw Falmouth
17 Matt Boothby St Austell
18 Rowan Lawrence Falmouth
19 Ted Relton Helston
20 Joe Maunder St Austell
21 Jacob Chapple Camborne
22 Archie Bees St Austell
23 Harry Walsh-Newton Falmouth
24 James Marsden St Ives
25 Jack King Redruth
Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Adam Kevern, Brad Howe
Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams
Medical cover – Neville Curnow + Ronnie Bartlett
Kit – Paul Hurrell, Match Day filming David Burrows, Photographer
Simon Bryant, Multimedia Kevin Bishop


Cornwall has maintained the same coaching set again with Tyler Gendall, Brad Howe coaching the forwards and Adam Kevern and Richie Kevern coaching the backs.

Owen Salmon Royal Navy U23 ADoR said, – The Royal Navy U23’s are excited to travel to Kernow to play Cornwall U20’s in what is expected to be a very competitive fixture in the build up to this season’s Interservice Competition. There has been a long and proud history between the 2 clubs, this game presents a great opportunity to renew those links and look to the future. With RNAS Culdrose located in Helston, there have been many Navy players who have represented Cornwall, indeed current RN U23 coach Ben Priddey pulled on the black and gold jersey for last season’s winning County Championship side. The Navy know they will face a tough young Cornish side but are looking forward to the
challenge.”


Cornwall U20 preparations for the new season are well in hand, with training planned for Sunday mornings at Truro College between 1000 –1200 starting in the New Year. An extended squad list is being complied and if you are eligible and want to be considered then please contact the
team manager in the first instance. Criteria: – must be over 18 before training or playing, under 20 years of age on the 1 September 2022, registered for a Cornwall Club, born, or are living in Cornwall, or
represented Cornwall at a younger age group.


The CRFU Chair Dave Saunter said, -” This has the makings of a very exciting game between two young age group teams. It would be great if we can get good support for them on Sunday afternoon at
the memorial ground at Hayle RFC”
Entry fee on the day will be £2 on the gate, with Under 16’s entering
free.
There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may beinterested are asked to contact Colin Hatch in the first instance.

Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com
Mob – 07967725368


Bill Hooper
Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

Safeguarding & RugbySafe Club Audits

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CRFU RUGBYSAFE
War a’n peryl na worth-peryl
(Risk Aware, Not Risk Averse)

Dear Chair and Club Secretary
As the season is developing momentum, it has become apparent that there are some significant lapses in
medical provision at clubs that have, in turn, become Safeguarding issues.
Both RugbySafe and Safeguarding Leads are fully aware of the burden that is placed on club volunteers and do not wish to add to their workload, but the provisions of Reg 9 and 21 with their associated processes exist to protect the interest of players, officials and club management alike.
Last season a pragmatic approach to enforcing the regulations was taken as the priority was to restart rugby.
However, as has been communicated to club RugbySafe and Safeguarding leads, First Aid Risk Assessments (RAs), Safeguarding Audits, Medical Emergency Action Plans (MEAPs) and the correct provision of trained First Aiders with associated support provisions, are something that can no longer be postponed or ignored.
The RFU have clearly publicised their stance and requirements. We as a CB have an obligation to ensure that they are in place which is why CRFU has, for the past few seasons, been providing heavily subsidised and well publicised rugby oriented first aid courses to clubs.
Unfortunately, recent incidents demonstrate that club Safeguarding and RugbySafe processes are either not in place or not being adhered to. Therefore, as a CB, we have no option but to instigate a series of no-notice audits of both areas. In doing so, the auditing team will as a minimum, in addition to observing on field activities and provision, require to see the following documents and evidence to show that:
 First Aid Risk Assessment (RA) is accessible, in place and lodged with RFU/Howdens
 Medical Emergency Action Plans in place and accessible for the home venues used by club teams
 GMS documentation and lists of qualified first aiders used by a club are visible and up to date
 Medical equipment and associated facilities are fit for purpose and reflect the contents of RA & MEAP
and RFU Standards
 First Aiders having contact with U18 are clearly identifiable, DBS checked and in date
 Safeguarding personnel are clearly identifiable and qualified
 Coaches, Team Managers and First Aiders are in date for Headcase on line training
 Pitchside protections and safety related process reflect good practice, the contents of the RA and vice
versa.
It is stressed that the intent throughout is to actively encourage and assist clubs to ensure that they have all appropriate structures and documents in place, in order to be confident in their ability to withstand
investigative scrutiny in the event of an incident or accident. In doing so they will be safe in the knowledge that the regulations and requirements of the sports governing body are met and consistently adhered to.
The auditors will conduct themselves in a way that does not disrupt the activities underway and will make
themselves known to club personnel on the day. On completion, a report will be provided to the club detailing any non compliances, guidance and timelines for rectification and exemplars of good practice.
Should your Club RugbySafe Lead or Safeguarding Officer have any questions as to what is required or
interpretations of the requirement for specific circumstances, CRFU RugbySafe and Safeguarding are on hand and willing to provide assistance.
Kind Regards

Dave Saunter
Chairman CRFU 4 October 2022

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