News – Page 58

Improving Age Grade to Senior Transition at your Club

May 20, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Dear M&J Chair | Chair Officer | Coach | Player,

Your club is invited to nominate a representative to register to attend the RFU South West Workshop aimed at providing advice and guidance on supporting clubs on how we transition our age grade players into senior rugby. The invite is open to any and all volunteers at your club that are linked to U16’s into Senior Rugby, specifically those that focus on how we keep these players in the game. There is a maximum of 300 delegates across the South West for this workshop.

Title: Improving Age Grade to Senior Transition at your Club

Date: Wednesday 26^th May 2021

Time: 7pm to 8.30pm

Presenters: Dave Livesey (Player Retention Manager) and RFU South West Club Developers

Workshop Aims:

Feedback from recent player survey and how we can relate to the findings.
Discussions around what good player retention looks like.
Opportunity to share ideas and best practice, what has worked, what hasn’t and what would you like to try next?

Workshop Format:

Interactive presentation delivery
Breakout Rooms of three topics with three rounds of rooms
Breakout Room One: 15/20mins | Breakout Room Two: 15/20mins | Breakout Room Three: 15/20mins
Club Developers to lead each Breakout Room, make notes and feedback two main points before the next room
Q & A

Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAld-qqpjgoHdfkR5PBx3xeYhzPUorNfdP1

Community Game Update 18th May

May 19, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Return to Rugby We are delighted for everyone across the country that your clubhouses can finally re-open. We hope everyone enjoys being able to make good use of the facilities again!

This edition includes:
1. Stage D2 still in effect – no scrums or mauls until further notice
2. Mental Health resources available to download
3. England Summer Series – book tickets now

Stage D2 continues CBs and clubs are reminded that we must remain at Stage D2 on the return to rugby roadmap. As announced on Friday, Government has not given permission for community rugby to move to Stage E1 yet.

This means that, until further notice, no scrums or mauls are permitted in either training or fixtures.

The decision applies to all levels in the men’s and women’s game below the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15’s and Greene King IPA Championship (which follow elite return to play protocols.

We will continue our conversation with government around when it maybe possible to move to Stage E. Insurance cover for RFU clubs remains in place and as well as providing cover for usual activity, the insurance protects clubs against allegations relating to Covid-19, provided they are operating within RFU regulations and government guidelines.

Clubs should undertake risk assessments of both their premises and any activity that is taking place to establish what measures need to be taken. This includes training sessions. Risk assessment should be kept on file. Further advice and resources can be located at England Rugby Insurance.

Updates will be provided when available.

Age Grade Playing Guidance has been updated

We have reviewed the playing guidance and updated it to better suit players’ needs.

• 1 September – 31 October – Current Age Grade (2020/2021 season) rules apply for all matches and training, internal and against another team.
• 1 November – 31 December – New Age Grade (2021/2022 season) rules can be applied in training and internal matches only. Non internal matches must be played under 2020/2021 age grade rules.

The changes can be viewed in more detail in the updated Age Grade document.

Rugby Camps

Guidance supporting organisers of rugby camps and those reviewing/approving CBs is being updated to help achieve alignment with the Summer Activity Guide. This will be available by the beginning of June.

Current off-field guidance

Yesterday, Monday 17 May, saw changes in off-field guidance. These can be found via our Help Desk FAQs, which includes current information on hospitality, travel and facilities guidance.

We have also received updated guidance from Sport England around spectators which you can find on the FAQs.

We ask that you read this carefully to ensure that when you have spectators, they stick to their groups of up to 30. While there can be more than one group of 30, it is important there is clearly defined space between groups and they do not join with another group to make it 60, 90 etc.

Spectators are now permitted both indoors and outdoors in Step 3, but capacity limits apply.

All spectators should maintain social distancing and must adhere to legal gathering limits whilst they’re spectating. There cannot be any groups larger than 30 people. Multiple groups of spectators are permitted.

Spectators should minimise shouting or raising their voices. There is an additional risk of infection where people are shouting or singing in close proximity to others.

It is important that all spectators (including supporters, parents and others) adhere to the legal gathering limits. In addition to being legal requirements punishable by fines, those violating the measures are endangering public safety and undermining the case for safe sport to be allowed to take place.

More information can be found on the Government’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) grassroots sports guidance. Helpdesk FAQs Return To Rugby

RugbySafe and Simplyhealth Mental Wellbeing Support During Mental Health Awareness Week last week, we and our trusted health partner Simplyhealth, published a range of material to help the rugby community enhance their wellbeing and provide support for those who might need it.

A new mental wellbeing resource, as well as mental health awareness posters and on-demand webinars, can be accessed through our RugbySafe page below. RugbySafe Page

Get tickets to watch England men This week marks the gradual return of supporters to sporting fixtures. With the Summer Series set to kick-off against the USA on Sunday 4 July.

What better way to celebrate getting back to playing and watching rugby than a day out with your teammates at Twickenham?

Tickets are on sale for both England v USA on Sunday 4 July 2021 and England v Canada on Saturday 10 July, and you can purchase them via the e-ticketing website below, with adult tickets ranging from £15 to £50, and junior tickets at £10, subject to availability.

If you require accessible seating, please secure your tickets first and then submit a request. We will arrange for seats that are suitable for your requirements. Tickets must only be purchased in household groupings

All tickets will be delivered via the Twickenham App to a mobile device.
You can read more on our Covid-19 safety protocols below. Covid-19 Information Buy Tickets

Gerry McKeown – RIP

May 15, 2021 by Bill Hooper

We are very sorry to have learned today of the passing of former County player Gerry McKeown.

A wing forward in the mighty Penryn side of the 1960s/70s, McKeown played for Cornwall on 29 occasions, most notably the 1969 County Championship Final against Lancashire at Redruth.

He was also an England Trialist and played for Devon & Cornwall against the Wallabies in 1967.

His program notes in the 69 final program read thus; “He is a hard worker and ferocious tackler, who never lets up. His non-stop performances have caused havoc to the opponents’ defences and his opportunism has not infrequently resulted in some finely-taken tries.”

The President and committee of Cornwall RFU wish to express their sincerest condolences to Gerry’s family and friends.

Funeral details:

The cremation of Gerry Mckeown will be on Tuesday 1st June . Due to number restrictions it is a private ceremony. No flowers. Any donations towards Treliske Childrens ward can be sent to Keith Penrose Funerals, Appleshaw, Bareppa, Mawnan Smith, TR11 5EG .

It is hoped to hold a celebration for Gerry’s life at a later date when covid restrictions have been further relaxed.

Community rugby to remain at Stage D2

May 14, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Government confirm community rugby to remain at Stage D2 from 17 May Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to secure approval, government has not given permission for us to re-instate scrums and mauls in community rugby from next week. This applies to both age grade and adult rugby at level 3 and below.

We must therefore, regrettably, remain at Stage D2 from Monday 17 May until further notice. As per Stage D2 guidance, contact training (excluding scrum and maul) and 15-a-side adapted laws matches may continue.

While we appreciate how frustrating this news will be for the rugby community, we also understand the picture that government and Public Health England (PHE) are currently looking at, with growing concerns around the Indian variant of Covid-19 in England.

Next Steps

We will remain in close contact with government and continue to press for progression to Stage E1, and therefore a move to full contact training, as soon as health guidance suggests this is possible.

In the meantime it is important that we all; CBs, clubs, coaches, players, match officials and volunteers, adhere to all government guidance and do not return to scrums or mauls until we have been given permission to do so. We will keep you informed.

Off-field Guidance

Off-field guidance, which will come into effect on Monday 17 May, is available via our Helpdesk on the button below.

Helpdesk

Peter Floyd – RIP.

May 14, 2021 by Bill Hooper

It is with much sadness that Camborne RFC have to report the passing of Cherry & White stalwart and club Treasurer Peter Floyd after a long battle with Cancer aged 77.

Peter had been involved with Camborne Rugby Club for over 60 years starting as a player (fly half), going on to be a coach, Mini-Junior Treasurer before becoming senior club Treasurer in 2008.

A hard working and conscientious member of the Executive committee Peter’s legacy will be how he turned around the clubs finances during his tenure as Treasurer.
He transformed the Cherry & Whites from a club in the red to one in a sound financial position that’s now well and truly in the black.

During this time the club has also had a major overall of it’s facilities which are now among the best in the County with the team gaining promotion twice and winning the Cornwall Cup on four occasions.
Peter has certainly left the club in a much better state than he found it both on and off the pitch, he will be very much missed by everyone who knew him.

Our thoughts are with Rose and the rest of Peter’s family at this difficult time.
We will advise of funeral details as soon as we have them.

The President and committee of the Cornwall RFU wish to express their sincerest condolences to Peter’s family, friends and all at Camborne RFC at this sad time.

RFU Community Game Update 11th May

May 12, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Return to Rugby

As a reminder, the Community Game Updates will be fortnightly unless there are any important Government or Game updates.

This edition includes:
1. Awaiting decision from government on move from Stage D2
2. RUWSF Asset Improvement Loan applications – Closed
3. Mental Health Awareness
4. Help players prepare through Activate
5. Artificial Grass Pitch usage
6. Volunteers Week: 1 – 7 June
7. Allianz Inner Warrior Club press release
8. Webinars and on-demand videos

Decision on move from Stage D2 to Stage E awaited from government

Since Monday’s announcement about the relaxation of Covid restrictions from Monday 17 May, we have remained in discussion with government around permission for us to move to the next stage on our rugby roadmap – Stage E1.

Dialogue continues to be positive, however, a decision has not yet been made by government about whether we can reintroduce scrum and maul activity to training from Monday.

Whilst we share your frustration at not yet having permission to move to Stage E, we will continue to work with Government to facilitate this progression and a return to full contact rugby.

We hope to receive a decision from Government later this week and we will communicate this information as soon as we can.

As a reminder age grade rugby is until Monday 31 May, when the season will finish and the Summer Activity Framework will come into effect. Information to help this can be found on the Return to Rugby page below.

Current off-field guidance

Off-field guidance is available via our Help Desk FAQs below, in line with steps reached on the government’s roadmap.

As of Monday17 May, when Government’s Step 3 comes into play, we will also update FAQs to reflect the arrangements for changing rooms, clubhouses and hospitality.

We have also updated FAQs around spectators to help answer your queries. A top line summary regarding spectators is as follows:

Government guidance does not permit spectators at sporting events that take place on private land, this includes private rugby club sites.

This does not apply to carers for disabled people or adults needed to supervise under-18s that they have a responsibility for whilst they are participating in an organised sporting activity. Supervising adults should not mix with others from outside their household or support bubble.

In age grade rugby, we consider one parent/carer on the sideline acting in a supervising capacity for their child is good practice, especially in the Kids First age groups (U13 and below). They are not ‘spectators’, they have responsibility to help the coaches, managers and volunteers supervise their child. Organisers/clubs need to ensure it is just one parent/carer and that, as per government guidance, social distancing is in place.

In a public space, such as a park, people can view recreational or organised sport that is taking place, in groups of up to six people or two households.

Helpdesk FAQs

Return To Rugby

RUWSF Asset Improvement Loan Applications deadline

Today (11th May) saw the closing of the applications for the Rugby Union Winter Survival Fund Asset Improvement Loan.

We want to thank all the clubs that have shown interest and worked so hard to complete their applications. We hope these loans will help clubs improve their facilities and assist their recovery from Covid, to support long-term sustainability by diversifying revenue, reducing costs, or protecting and growing memberships.

If any clubs had major issues during their submission, please contact your Club Developer or email clubsupport@rfu.com no later than Friday 14 May.

To read the rest of the update click on the link

Luke Cowan-Dickie named in Lions squad

May 6, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Exeter Chief’s Cornish hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie was today named in Warren Gatland’s British & Irish Lions squad for this summer’s series in South Africa.

Luke came through the ranks of Penzance & Newlyn minis and juniors.

Everyone at Cornwall RFU are delighted for Luke and wish him well for the tour.

Bundee Aki Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Also named in the squad today was Ireland International Bundee Aki who spent time at Truro College, as Luke did, and played briefly for Falmouth RFC.

Alun Wyn Jones will lead the the side in South Africa, full squad in the link

CRFU President back on the club trail

May 4, 2021 by Bill Hooper

With Covid restrictions slowly being eased, CRFU President John Sumnall is back on the club trail meeting and greeting people up and down and across the breadth of the Duchy.

Saturday was a case in point at Penryn’s Memorial Ground prior to the Borough Colts fixture against Truro Colts.

John was on-hand to say a very special thank you to Charlene Price and present her with a CRFU Ladies scarf in recognition of the work that she had carried out at training and other events in signing for Powel Sobulski, a Penryn RFC Colts player, who has a profound hearing deficit. Charlene, a professional interpreter for the deaf, had freely given her time to ensure that Powel would benefit from the coaching sessions and hopefully be considered for higher honours.

Wooden Spoon Annual Golf Day

April 29, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Annual Golf Day at Lanhydrock

Cornwall Wooden Spoon invite Clubs to enter a team of four to play in our Annual Golf Day. As well as usual prizes there is a prize for the Best Rugby Club Score. Truro RFC have won this prize on the last three occasions. Will you allow them to win again?

Details:

Date: Friday 2nd July 2021

Location: Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club, Bodmin, PL30 5AQ

Cost: £200 per team of four (concessionary fee available for Lanhydrock Golf Club members).

Timing: Two tee start with registration at 09.30hrs
Refreshments: Coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, carvery and desserts to follow after golf. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and best Rugby Club score

To register your place please give John Sumnall a call on 01872 572788 or email johnsumnall@btinternet.com to book your place now.

Our present fund raising is committed to the refurbishment and extension to the play and recreational area at Budehaven ARB which is attended by children with complex and severe learning difficulties.

Merryn Doidge named as replacement for England Roses

April 28, 2021 by Bill Hooper

Exeter Chief’s Cornish full-back/wing Merryn Doidge has been named on the bench for England Women’s return game with France on Friday evening in Villeneuve d’Ascq in northern France.

Should Merryn come off the bench it will be her first full cap for England. We wish her all the best for Friday evening.

The game can be seen on the BBC i-player at 8 pm BST.