Additions to our Web
We are very pleased to advise of the addition that all courses which are available to members of Clubs may be found in the sub-section “Courses” in the section “Organisation and Governance”. There is a direct link to the RFU booking.
A further addition to help in relation to all past Covid-19 help and advice is now to be found in sub-section “Covid-19” in the section “Home”. The latest posts relating to Covid-19 will be transferred from Latest News after 14 days to this sub-section.
London Cornish RFC, October newsletter
We are always delighted to hear from our exiles’ club in London, especially during these troubled times. As ever, LCRFC are always interested and happy to welcome players from Cornwall who move to London.
Please find the October newsletter in PDF format in the link.
A Sad Day for Rugby
Following the tragic events of yesterday at Croydon Police Station, CRFU Chairman Dave Saunter wished to offer our condolences to Sgt Ratana’s family, his colleagues in the police and at East Grinstead RFC.
“Sgt Matt Ratana a serving Police officer and rugby coach was murdered yesterday whilst protecting us all.
“Our thoughts must go to his family, friends and work colleagues at this terrible time. Also his extended family of East Grinstead RFC.
‘This is such sad news, and comes on the back of the attack on Daz Mares a well respected Newquay Police officer and coach at Newquay Hornets RFC. Both officers were on duty to protect their communities. Our thoughts are with the family Ratana and “Get Well soon Daz”, the rugby community is waiting to welcome you back when fully recovered.’
Saunts
Samson Rising, launch of new book
SAVE THE DATE – LIVESTREAM BOOK LAUNCH
Book your place at our live online book launch to celebrate the publication of John Hambly’s memoir Samson Rising, on Wednesday 23rd September at 6.30 – 7.30

Samson Rising is a wonderfully uplifting read which will resonate with people from all walks of life. From childhood days growing up on a tough Cornish council estate during the 1960s and ’70s, through to establishing a bespoke Multiple Sclerosis therapy centre in Surrey, John Hambly’s life has been quite a roller-coaster.

Join special guests, Jason Leonard and Andy Gomarsall, as they are live streamed into our virtual event to share their personal thoughts about key themes in the book – including resilience in the face of adversity, John’s passion for the Cornish landscape and the power of the rugby community.
Guarantee your virtual seat at the You Tube live streamed book launch, by contacting Jane Ward, at janew@harveythorneycroft.co.uk. The event link will be sent to you by return email.
Samson Rising, £18.95 (hardback) is available from Amazon, Waterstones and via the publisher’s website www.unitedwriters.co.uk.
Find out more about Samson Rising and its author, John Hambly here.
Terry Owen, Secretary St Just RFC.
We are sad to advise that Terry Owen, Secretary St Just RFC, passed away on Saturday 12 September. All Club correspondence should be now be addressed to Edward Bolitho.
County Championships axed for 2020/21 season
A statement from the CRFU
Following the announcement from RFU CEO Bill Sweeney concerning cut backs envisaged by the RFU to get through the financial effects of the covid pandemic, CRFU Chairman Dave Saunter made the following comments;
“You will no doubt have heard the sad news that the aspirational pathway from the RFU has been cancelled for the 20/21 season. This means no Bill Beaumont Cup, Gill Burns Cup, Jason Leonard Cup or U18s divisional programme. It will also mean no England Counties rugby for any of the age groups.
“This was part of an announcement by Bill Sweeney RFU CEO which also included the loss of 139 jobs across the RFU, locally our own team of Jonny Stephenson, Phil Morris and Neil Smith are all under threat of redundancies. I’m sure like me you will be crossing fingers and toes, so that their jobs are saved, they are an integral part of our team and we hope the future is good for them.
“The County via the management board who are currently meeting via Microsoft teams every fortnight are already talking to our neighbours and other Counties about some sort of County rugby next year. You can be certain we will do all in our power to make sure we have the opportunity of watching the Black and Gold shirt at one of the County grounds.
“As an example of Management Board work, we are part way through a programme of having clubs tested for legionella within their water supply. Twenty-two clubs have taken us up on this at a cost of £3520, paid for by the RFU via the County.
“Whilst this is a hard time for all of us I would also like to thank all the clubs who were able to Support our NHS with their immunisation programme. All clubs who took part gave their venues for free, a great example of Cornish Rugby spirit.
“We now wait for when we can get back to pulling our boots on and hopefully the 2020/21 season can start. In the meantime stay safe and remember the County via the RFU does have finances to help.”
John Sumnall, CRFU President added, “The sad news that we are to lose the County Championship for a second year is only tempered by the latest news that there will be a loss of 139 jobs at the RFU together with a considerable remodelling of the organisation.
“Thankfully, Cornwall is determined to play some County Rugby at all levels in the coming season and planning has already begun.
The RFU have stated their continuing 3 aims are:
• Supporting the community game and our member clubs – which are the life blood of our game.
• Maintaining our ability to compete and win in the performance arena.
• Delivering on our purpose of enriching lives, introducing more people and more diversity to rugby union while developing the sport for future generations.
“We very much hope the County Championship, at all levels, will be part of this in seasons to come.”
County Treasurer, Andy Richards added. “Whilst it is obviously sad to be losing the revenue from two home fixtures, our thoughts should be with Jonny and his team, hopefully they will get through this second threat of redundancy in two years. I’m sure we will have some format of County rugby at the different levels during the season to come.”
Dave Saunter added. “If any club needs help please contact me on my mobile 07554010480.”
Dave Saunter
Chairman, CRFU Management Board.
RFU Safeguarding Bulletin
Please see attached the RFU Safeguarding Bulletin for June 2020. This contains important information about the restarting of the DBS process and a reminder about regulation 15. These are both issues that have come up in our recent video call catch ups.
Safeguarding Bulletin June 2020 – PDF
In addition, please also see a document, below, detailing some advice around the use of online platforms for communication, which you might find useful.
Communication with children – virtual platforms
The RFU recognises that Clubs have been looking at ways they they can stay in touch with their members and teams. Many are using virtual platforms which were designed for business, not children. Therefore there are potential inherent risks. By applying some existing and new guidance to these ways of engaging players some risks may be mitigated.
Please note that once lockdown and social distancing measures are reduced further then this type of communication will be discouraged.
There have been significant issues with the Zoom platform and Zoom Bombings. Please see https://thecpsu.org.uk/news/2020-05-nspcc-warns-of-zoom-security-risks/
The RFU recommend when engaging with children using these platforms whether in delivering a coaching session or an informal gathering such as quiz night or team meeting the below:
- No one to one communication must take place including messaging once in a group call.
- Consider the platform being used. Are privacy and confidential settings appropriate – i.e. password and waiting rooms? Meetings ID’s and passwords must not be shared on public and open social media.
- Parental awareness of what you intend to do is critical along with consent.
- All participants are aware of a code of conduct during the meeting including appropriate dress and the location of where they are participating from e.g. a bedroom would not be appropriate.
- The ‘ host ‘ of the call has control of the meeting including muting/ unmuting , screen and file sharing and waiting room, where only participants known to the host are allowed to enter.
- More than one coach or person in a position of trust taking part so not communicating with children in isolation. Club Safeguarding Officer to be made aware of the meeting and be provided with meeting ID and password.
- If a Zoom Bombing incident or similar should occur consider how this will be dealt e.g. host shutting down meeting, report to police if indecent graphic images are shared by the ‘Bomber’.
- Any disclosures or areas of concern that are you become aware of during these sessions should be dealt with as normal with a CSO and RFU Safeguarding Policy followed.
If online coaching occurs then the above applies in addition:
- No one to one coaching.
- Coaches are suitability qualified.
- Clubs have untaken a safer recruitment process with the coach including DBS clearance through the RFU.
- More than one coach so not working in isolation with children.
- The RFU expect the same standards of planning, risk assessment, adherence to laws of the game and coaching safe practice as a face to face session.
- Coaches must be providing guidance with the overall RFU instructions and work with the participant’s needs and capabilities.
Whilst clubs may consider that the recording of a meeting or coaching session may mitigate risk it should be considered whether this is necessary when other measures will be in place. Recording means that personal data (image) is captured and GDPR must be complied with in relation to storage and retention and deletion. If a meeting or coaching session is to be recorded participants / parents will need to be informed prior to the session so they can redraw if necessary.
The RFU do not recommend the use of Messenger Meeting Rooms for children due to lack of appropriate settings.
The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) have some further advice https://thecpsu.org.uk/resource-library/best-practice/remote-teaching-and-coaching
Generosity of Vice Presidents
On 30 March I wrote to the CRFU Vice Presidents asking them to consider a small donation to the “Emergency Fund for CRFU Clubs” in relation to the Coronavirus and am very pleased to advise that todate we have received £700.
Truly, a very generous and magnificent response.
John Sumnall
Available Government Schemes
CORONA VIRUS, COVID-19
There are various government schemes to assist with employment costs and the club’s accountancy firms should advise you of what those are. If you do not have that support then you may contact Georgina Finnegan, Chair of CRFU Finance and Governance Committee, and she will send you links to the HMRC website or assist you as she can.
Also, if you need advice regarding employment she can put you in touch with employment law specialists who usually give their first hour free of charge.
Her email address is: georgyfinn@hotmail.co.uk
