| Last week the RFU Council voted to adopt law changes to lower the tackle height in community rugby to below the base of the sternum to improve player safety by reducing the risk of head-to-head contact and concussion. To support players, coaches, referees, volunteers and CBs with these changes ahead of the 2023/24 season, a comprehensive range of online resources, guidance documents, training videos and face-to-face training opportunities are being created by the RFU to run from May throughout the summer and into next season. All resources, informed by community feedback provided through the consultation process, will be made available via the England Rugby Tackle Height Hub. New resources available on the Tackle Height Hub today include: Tackle height roadmap Responsibilities of the tackler graphic* Responsibilities of the ball carrier graphic* Legal tackle height examples Tackle height picture quiz Tackle height law information pack Law application guidance Sanction framework Tackle height information video Tackle height guidance video *Please note, physical poster versions of the Tackler and Ball Carrier graphics have today been sent to RFU Affiliated clubs. These resources and training materials will also be supplemented by existing RFU guidance and training, including an updated RFU Headcase toolkit. Summer age-grade framework The RFU Council has also approved a regulation amendment to allow a framework for age grade rugby activity over the summer, enabling appropriate contact activity to take place. This builds on the summer framework as used in the last few years and replaces the previous age grade out of season regulations. Age-grade summer framework for 2023 On top of the age-grade summer framework there are further updates for the age-grade game on the Tackle Height hub: Regulation and Playing Updates Game On Adapted Contact Format U14 to 18 Activity Overview Read More |
Cornwall Under 20s shirt & cap presentations
Billy Searle was present at Camborne RFC on Sunday to make the shirt presentations to the players ahead of their game against Somerset Under 20s.
Following the game CRFU President John Sumnall made cap presentations to the following players;
Matt Pritchard, Connor Triggs, Lachlan Surridge and skipper Joss Pascoe.
As this was John’s final Under 20’s home game under his Presidency of the CRFU, the Under 20s made a framed shirt presentation to John as well as a good bottle of red wine, to thank him for his support during his term of office.
R.J. Honeywell – R.I.P.
Cornwall RFU regret to announce the death of Dick Honeywell (pictured above as captain of Camborne) aged 99 years and believed to have been the oldest former Cornwall player at the time of his death.
Born in Mevagissey, he served in the RAF during World War II, before working for ESSO for his working life. He continued to have a lifetime interest in flying.
Before playing for Cornwall, he was capped by Devon when playing for Paignton in 1948.
Dick played No.8 or in the second row and at 6′ 3” was a handful to deal with. He joined Bristol in 1950 and made his Cornwall debut that same year against British Police at the Mennaye Field, a game Cornwall won 22-6.
He made his County Championship debut for Cornwall in the home game against Somerset at Camborne, which Cornwall lost 9-20. He kept his place in the side for the remainder of that season. In all Dick played 13 times for Cornwall. It also led to him being invited to the first England trial that season, he impressed and was invited for the second trial. Sadly, injury precluded his participation and hopes of an England cap.
Upon returning to Cornwall, Dick played for Camborne and was their captain during the 1953-54 season.
The President of Cornwall RFU, John Sumnall, along with the Officers of the CRFU wish to express their sincerest condolences to Dick’s family and friends at this time.
Clubs Cup Finals, Change of Venue
Two Tribute Clubs Cup Finals will take place this Saturday at Wadebridge Camels RFC. This is a change to the published venue Launceston, who have a home Papa Johns Cup semi-final this Saturday.
Entry will be £5 on the gate, under 16s free.
The programme of matches for Saturday 29th April is as follows;
TRIBUTE CLUBS PLATE FINAL
Newquay Hornets v Illogan Park 1 pm
TRIBUTE CLUBS CUP FINAL
Saltash v Perranporth 3 pm
Cornwall’s try bonanza falls short of play-off place
JASON LEONARD CUP
CORNWALL U.20, 79 – 19 SOMERSET U.20
By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Camborne
Despite Cornwall running in an impressive 13 tries in this big win, Devon’s single point victory against Gloucestershire in Cheltenham confirmed them as pool winners and it they who now advance to a South-West play-off against Dorset & Wilts on May 7th.
One interested spectator at the game was the recently appointed Cornwall Women’s captain Amy Bunt.
Knowing that their fate was not totally in their hands, Cornwall set about the job in-hand, to win and by as many points as they could score.
It did not take long for Cornwall to put the Camborne scorer to work. Good play from No.8 Connor Triggs put his wing Lewis Bostock clear, the Truro flyer finished in style, fly-half Nat Dart kicking the first of his six successful conversions.
Bostock then turned provider for Dart just 2 minutes later with some good play from forwards and backs in the build up.
Ollie Lamb made a good break for Somerset, but flanker Ben Jones did remarkably to cover for Cornwall.
Hooker Matt Pritchard and Bostock were involved in the build up to scrum-half Joe Walker’s try, before Pritchard secured the bonus point score with aplomb under the posts.
Cornwall’s free-flowing rugby saw further tries before half-time from skipper Joss Pascoe, from a quickly taken tap and impressive St. Ives lock Will Perkin.
Somerset finally troubled the scoreboard on half-time with a good try from their No.8 Kieran Leach bettered by Lamb to leave the score 38-7 to Cornwall at half-time.
Cornwall began the second period strongly with the impressive Jones scoring after several phases.
3 pm arrived with a cacophony of mobile phones sounding the national alert, to the great amusement of the crowd.
Triggs was the next to get his name on score-sheet following a powerful break from Perkin.
Zach Driscoll-Pike pulled a try back for the visitors with Lamb again on the money with the extras.
Both sides turned to their benches; some close quarter work near the Somerset line was finished off strongly by prop Rowan Lawrence.
Further Cornish tries came from Harvey Penhallurick, Peter Harris,Fin Deavin and finally Jack Statton, with Ben Rosevear adding a conversion.
After the game coach Richie Kevern was pleased with his side’s performance. He said. “It was a great way to finish, we went out to do a number today, we knew we had to run up a big score and hope Gloucestershire could do us a favour, we did our part but Devon scored a late try to win their game and it is they who go forward. I think we saw today the fruits of the hard work put in by the lads, some of their play was simply breath-taking. I am sure some will be looking to Divisional representation going forward.”
Cornwall U.20: H Penhallurick (Falmouth), L Bostock (Truro), J Pascoe (Truro, Capt), J Stanlake (St. Austell), L Surridge (Camborne), N Dart (Camborne), J Walker (Falmouth); M Cardwell (Pirates Ams), M Pritchard (Falmouth), M Boothby, J Maunder (both St. Austell), W Perkin (St. Ives), W Eddy (Pirates Ams), B Jones (Perranporth), C Triggs (Truro).
Replacements: P Harris (St. Austell), A Harris (St. Just), R Lawrence, J Peck, B Rosevear, F Deavin (all Falmouth), J Statton (Launceston).
Cornwall scores: Tries, Bostock, Dart, Walker, Pritchard, Pascoe, Perkin, Jones, Triggs, Lawrence, Penhallurick, P. Harris, Deavin, Statton, Cons, Dart 6, Rosevear.
Falmouth President’s XV pip Cornwall President’s XV in Anniversary Game
Report by Stuart Hood
Playing with the wind a strong Falmouth squad applied early pressure with some good phase play. Cornwall President’s XV showing three changes from the original squad displayed some strong defence and held Falmouth at bay for the first quarter of an hour when Harry Walsh-Newton jinked over to give Falmouth President’s and early 5-0 lead.
Cornwall President’s struggled with keeping the ball and Falmouth wing Ollie Evans dived in the corner to take the score with the conversion to 12-0.
Cornwall started to find their feet before half time and strong running from the Perranporth trio of Ollie Roots, Kris Evans and Ben Jones led to Jones racing in from the 22 with Justyn Irons converting which was quickly followed by an Irons penalty to leave the game in the balance at half time at 12-10.
Cornwall rang the changes at half time with Wadebridge Camels props Daubroy Delahunty and Dan Coleman replacing the hard-working Eaton and Penrose. Ashley Lawton also returned to County action with Simmonds replacing Hodge in the back row and Saltash’s strong running centre Sam Snell making his debut for Cornwall President’s.
Whilst the changes led to some strong runs from Snell and Job in the centres Falmouth showed good continuity with two tries in the third quarter.
Cornwall found some gaps in the final 15 minutes with Roots searing breaks leading to a well deserved try on 72 minutes leaving the final score 24-15 to Falmouth Presidents XV.
Cornwall President’s XV:
15. Ollie Roots, 14. Kris Evans, 13.Tommy Job, 12. Ben Jones (all Perranporth), 11. Steve Trenoweth (Camborne), 10. Justyn Irons (Perranporth), 9. Jack Pritchard (Saltash); 1. Akiva Eaton (Veor-Holman), 2. Axel Nicks (Saltash), 3. Matt Penrose (Camborne), 4. Aaron McPherson (Newquay Hornets), 5. James Harrison-Evans (Camborne), 6. Sam Hodge (Wadebridge Camels), 7. Sam Bartle (Veor-Holman, Capt), 8. Morgan Gatrix (Camborne).
Replacements: 16. Dan Coleman, 17. Daubroy Delahunty, 18. Oliver Simmonds (all Wadebridge Camels), 19. Ashley Lawton (Perranporth), 20. Sam Snell (Saltash).
Law Variations Approved to Lower Tackle Height in Community Rugby Union in England
Law Variations Approved to Lower Tackle Height in Community Rugby Union in England
Issued by Rugby Football Union
Following an RFU Council decision (in January) to lower the tackle height in community rugby to improve player safety by reducing the risk of head-on-head contact and concussion, the RFU has undertaken extensive consultation to listen to feedback on how to best define and implement the law variations.
The consultation heard a wide range of views and gathered thoughts and ideas from 8,500 people through an online open survey, the RFU also met with over 1000 people during 25 in-person and virtual forums across 13 locations and met 270 coaches, players, match officials, disciplinary officers, Club chairs and CBs, parents and teachers through 22 focus groups and online panels.
The open survey was independently analysed by the research company YouGov and this feedback was presented to the RFU Council who today (21 April) voted to adopt the law changes with the new tackle height level from 1 July being defined as below the base of the sternum: The area of the tummy or belly and below.
Having listened to feedback, the RFU council has also approved a Regulation amendment to allow a framework for age grade rugby activity over the summer, enabling appropriate contact activity to take place, this builds on the summer framework as used in the last few years and replaces the previous age grade out of season regulations.
The game wide consultation has informed:
- The description of the low-risk zone, law wording and ball carrier descriptions
- The part of open play that will be officiated as it currently is – i.e. the ‘pick and drive’
- The application and empathetic approach to how sanctions will be imposed
- The content and style of support materials to be rolled out
- The requirement to encourage change in the tackle height in the elite game
- The monitoring of the reduction of head-on-head impacts and any potential changes in participation
The RFU Council is reviewing law application guidance which is being written based on the findings of the consultation. The guidance, which will be published in the coming weeks, will focus on helping players, coaches and match officials interpret and apply the law changes and other areas of law that will come under additional focus (e.g. actions of the ball carrier, sanctioning, clarification of open play when tackles occur etc).
A detailed plan of content and training materials for each specific rugby audience is planned with guidance documents, training videos, quizzes and online and face to face training running from May throughout the summer and through into the next season.
A summary of the findings of the consultation includes:
- Almost two-thirds of respondents (62%) are concerned about the risk of concussion in the context of long-term brain health in rugby. Former players, parents of age-grade players and match officials are most concerned, while current players are less concerned.
- 35% of respondents describe the upper limit of the new safe tackle zone as “below the base of the sternum” (29% describing as midriff and 22% stomach). Older age groups tend to focus on this description, while younger adults, parents and teachers lean towards describing the area as the “stomach”.
- An overwhelming majority (88%) agree that the pick and go / pick and drive should not change as a result of proposed tackle height law changes.
- Many attendees of the forums and Panels recognised that the “the ‘pick and drive’ occurs at lower speeds and with lower impact, though a small number of individuals, especially coaches and match officials, sought clarity on when the pick and go ends in open play.
- Almost half of respondents (45%) agree that the shoulders and head of the ball carrier should be above the hips when carrying the ball into contact. “Head above hips” was frequently prompted by forum attendees and panellists. Around one in five respondents agree that the ball carrier must not lower their body height within a set distance of the carrier. However, there was little consensus as to what that distance should be.
- Just over half of survey respondents rank “in person resources” as the most important way that the RFU can support implementation of these changes, with Players, Coaches and Match Officials suggesting joint training sessions in pre-season. A quarter felt that on-demand online training would be most helpful, with teachers and coaches particularly keen on this option.
Speaking about the law variation and consultation RFU President, Nigel Gillingham said: “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this consultation and to say thank you in advance to the wider rugby family who will be vital to ensuring we implement this change successfully. We along with many other Unions across the world are lowering the tackle height to reduce the risk of concussion. We know change is challenging however, it is imperative that we are guided by the science to help make the game safer for our players. As part of our ongoing injury surveillance studies, we will monitor the impact of this law variation and would encourage as many clubs as possible to sign up to participate in CRISP by contributing their data it will enable us to continue to monitor and introduce injury prevention strategies.”
The law changes from 1 July are as follows:
Law 9 Foul Play
9.11.(a) Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the head, shoulder, elbow or forearm, or jumping into, or over an opponent.
9.11.(b) Ball-carriers must not lower their height significantly before making contact with an opponent in open play
9.12. A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm, head, shoulder, forearm or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.
9.13. A player must not tackle or attempt to tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent in open play above the base of the sternum even if the tackle starts below the base of the sternum.
Amy Bunt to Captain Cornwall Women in Gill Burns Cup
Amy Bunt has been named as this season’s captain of the Cornwall Women’s side ahead of their Gill Burns Division 2 campaign.
Amy, who currently plays for Ivybridge Women, came through the junior ranks at Liskeard-Looe, and played at full-back in last season’s Championship winning Gill Burns Division 3 side.
She scored two tries in the final against Notts Lincs & Derbyshire at the Richmond Athletic Ground amongst the five tries she touched down during the campaign.
Last season she was also named Trelawny’s Army Women’s Player of the Year following her stellar performances in the black and gold.
Amy was also Cornwall RFU Volunteer of the Year in 2019 for the hard work she put in helping girls rugby, which saw attend a black tie function at Twickenham.
Speaking of the appointment Cornwall Women’s Coach Jo Holden said. “Amy is a fantastic choice. She is “Kernow” through and through and one of our most exciting and passionate players.
“She always leads from the front and we are excited with how she will lead the team this year.”
Amy had this to say about her appointment. “I am feeling very honoured to pull the Cornwall shirt on again this year! But then to top it all off being asked to Captain the squad this season is such an honour.
“I couldn’t be prouder to lead this incredible group of ladies out for the first time in our game against Oxfordshire Women on the 7th May.
“Speaking on behalf of the whole team, we really look forward to seeing a big crowd at Polson Bridge to cheer us on against Oxfordshire and support our Kernow Ladies.”
Cornwall Women have two pool matches this season, should they top the group they will then play a semi-final on Sunday May 28th.
Cornwall Women Fixtures;
Sunday 7th May v Oxfordshire Women @ Launceston RC 2 pm
Sunday 21st May v Somerset Women @ Taunton RFC 3 pm
Cornwall U.20 announce team to face Somerset on Sunday
CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2023 The Jason Leonard Cup.
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship home campaign 2023 continues with their third fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team host Somerset U20’s in the final pool game of this year’s competition on Sunday 23rd April. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.
CRFU President John Sumnall said. “Irrespective of the result on Sunday, this will be the last home game that the U20’s plays this season, so it would be fantastic to get a great crowd there to support and cheer them on. We thank Camborne RFC for hosting us once again along with their volunteers who make playing the game possible. The thanks must also go to our fabulous sponsors, kit suppliers O’Neills, Kelsall Steele Investment Services LTD, Booths Print of Penryn, and of course Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club for the match ball sponsorship and their attendance at all the games”.
Cornwall narrowly lost their first game away to Devon 35 – 29 but came away with 2 losing bonus points. The second game Cornwall earned maximum points with a 38 – 28 victory over Gloucestershire whilst denying them a losing bonus point. Cornwall have been forced to make 2 changes in the back row due to injuries, and of course the County finals, colts finals and Papa John cup games all take place on the Saturday prior to our game.
The team sees skipper Joss Pascoe switch back from fly-half to outside centre, with Nat Dart returning at fly-half.
In the pack, there are enforced changes in the back row. Wes Eddy comes in for the injured Gideon Blacklock, whilst Ben Jones, who came off the bench against Gloucestershire, starts for the unavailable Freddy Trewin.
Coach Rich Kevern said. “We know Somerset have lost their first two games; we must not be complacent as they will be fighting all the way to avenge those defeats. We put in a far better performance against Gloucestershire but there are still many areas where we need to tighten up and improve are game management. It is and all to play for in this next round with Devon, Gloucestershire, and Cornwall all in contention to top the pool and earn a quarter-final place”.
Entry on the day will be £5 which includes a programme with U16 gaining free admission.
Cornwall Captain Joss Pascoe said. “After the Devon game we came away and did a lot of soul searching, licked our wounds and needed to put in a performance against Gloucestershire. I’m proud to say the boys did just that and stood up to a very physical team and came out on top. We now not only have to match but improve that performance to give us every chance of progressing in this year’s competition. I know how the guys have trained, and what they are capable of, and we need that performance on Sunday”.
This season’s competition has changed and only the pool winners go through to the quarter-finals. The winner of our group will travel to play Dorset and Wilts Under 20s at a venue yet to be confirmed on Sunday May 7th.
The CRFU Chair Dave Saunter said. “This will be the last home game for some of these guys in an U20 shirt and I know they will want to go out in style. 12 of last week’s 22 will not be eligible for next season’s competition however that means 10 guys will carry forward a massive amount of experience next season. A big thank you to the coaches, medics, and backroom staff for all the effort and time they put into developing these players for not only the County but their home clubs as well”.
Cornwall U20 v Somerset U20
Sunday 23rd April @ Camborne RFC 1400 kick off.
| 1 | MAX CARDWELL | PIRATE AMS |
| 2 | MATT PRITCHARD | FALMOUTH |
| 3 | MATT BOOTHBY | ST AUSTELL |
| 4 | JOE MAUNDER | ST AUSTELL |
| 5 | WILL PERKIN | ST IVES |
| 6 | WES EDDY | PIRATES AMS |
| 7 | BEN JONES | PERRANPORTH |
| 8 | CONNOR TRIGGS | TRURO |
| 9 | JOE WALKER | FALMOUTH |
| 10 | NAT DART | CAMBORNE |
| 11 | LACHLAN SURRIDGE | CAMBORNE |
| 12 | JAMIE STANLAKE | ST AUSTELL |
| 13 | JOSS PASCOE (CAPTAIN) | TRURO |
| 14 | LEWIS BOSTOCK | TRURO |
| 15 | HARVEY PENHALLURICK | FALMOUTH |
| 16 | PETER HARRIS | ST AUSTELL |
| 18 | ARCHIE HARRIS | ST JUST |
| 19 | ROWAN LAWRENCE | FALMOUTH |
| 20 | JOWAN PECK | FALMOUTH |
| 21 | BEN ROSEVEAR | FALMOUTH |
| 22 | FIN DEAVIN | FALMOUTH |
| 26 | JACK STATTON | LAUNCESTON |
| TRAVELLING RESERVES | ||
| JACK COUNTER | WADEBRIDGE CAMELS | |
| HARRY WALSH-NEWTON | FALMOUTH | |
| ANGUS WILLIAMS | PENRYN | |
| ROWAN O’REGAN | FALMOUTH | |
| TOM HOLLYMAN | SALTASH | |
| FINN LISTER | PENRYN | |
| MAGNUS BUSHBY | TRURO | |
| ARCHIE BEES | ST AUSTELL |
Coaches – Rich Kevern, Tyler Gendall, Brad Howe
Team Manager Colin Hatch, Assistant Terry Williams
Medical cover – Neville Curnow + Graham Ashton
Kit – Paul Hurrell, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop
RFU Community Game Update 18th April
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED Deadline to upload fixtures is fast approaching The deadline for uploading fixtures via the Team Management module is approaching fast. For all matches to be included, data must be entered by 26 May 2023. Find out more information in this piece. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Sport England Governance and Business Transformation support for rugby clubs Following the success of the initial phase of the Club Health Check, the programme is now being widened to include all voting member clubs. Find out more about the programme and how to get involved. Honda volunteer hospitality at Red Roses v France, 29 April As part of the Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme, club volunteers who have match tickets to the Red Roses match on 29th April can register for up to four tickets each for pre-match hospitality. Women coaches and referees wanted! The Rugby World Cup 2025 Impact programme will provide training and development opportunities for female coaches and match officials, which may include bursaries, kit, equipment and mentoring – find out more and sign up in this piece. GMS technical support drop in sessions Having received feedback about how useful the recently trialled GMS Technical Support Session was in answering users’ questions about the Game Management System, we will now run these sessions on a monthly basis. Check out the dates and register in this article. Know someone who would like to join the National Youth Council? The RFU’s National Youth Council is helping to grow rugby and is currently recruiting new volunteers. This is an opportunity for someone between 18-24 to influence the future development of rugby and to gain valuable skills by becoming part of the National Youth Council. Get involved in the world’s longest try! Rugby union clubs nationwide will be able to take part in a charity relay in support of the MND Association, Gloucester Rugby Foundation in the club’s support of Ed Slater, and Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation in their support of former England and Wasps FC player Paul Rendall. Submit your community stories We’re keen to share your amazing community rugby stories with media, on the England Rugby website and social media channels. Find out how to submit them in this section. 3. FOR AWARENESS Draw for next round of the Papa Johns Men’s Community Cup After another great weekend of closely fought encounters in the Papa Johns Community Cup, check out the draw for the next round in this piece. Good luck to all teams competing in knockout rounds this weekend. New and improved Community Rugby help centre Following an in-depth review from leading customer service experts, a number of recommendations were identified to enhance our online support, giving the community game a single place to find the information they need in a convenient and intuitive way, whilst also being able to ask questions and receive answers direct from a qualified agent. Find out more about the improvements in this section. Team entry to leagues in 2023/24 season Using data from electronic matchcards in RFU leagues, we have produced guidance that shows the average number of players used and the average number of matches per player at various levels in the men’s and women’s game. This data may help clubs decide their league entries for next season. Find it in this piece. Congratulations to the 5 winners of our age grade affiliation prize draw We are really pleased to announce the winners of our prize draw to thank clubs for their efforts around Age Grade Affiliation. Find out the winners in this piece. Read Online |
