December 2017 Issue 207 RFU MAKES RECORD …files.pitchero.com/counties/82/1512674586.pdfof 5%. We delivered the first of our Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs), having committed to investing

At an RFU Special General Meeting at Twickenham last month (November), following a year-long process of consultation with the RFU Board, Council and the game, the members approved a series of governance reforms and subsequent rule changes which improve the rigour and transparency of decision making and ensure that the RFU complies with the new Sport England Governance Code.

The main changes agreed were:1. Clarifying the roles of members, Board and

Council. Members remain the ultimate safeguard for the game, the RFU Board has the day-to-day authority to run the RFU, and the RFU Council has the responsibility for monitoring and oversight on behalf of the members.

2. Term limits for Council members. Term limits for Board members have been in place since 2014, but for the first time Council terms will be limited. There will be a maximum limit of nine years (with very limited exceptions and some transitional provisions).

3. A robust process for making appointments to the Board and other senior appointments. The Board will make more appointments, but appointments to the Board will also require Council and AGM ratification. There will be a guaranteed three independent non-executive directors on the Board.

All three required changes to be made to the rules in the RFU constitution and these rule changes were approved.

RFU Chairman Andy Cosslett commented: “The RFU has been on a journey to improve its governance over several years.

TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017 1

Continued on page 2

The RFU Annual Report & Accounts, published at the end of last month (November), show a record £99.6m investment into the game of rugby – a rise of 11% on the previous year, despite lower year on year revenues due to the Rugby World Cup 2015 revenues in 2016.

The operating loss for the year was £6m, reflecting the RFU’s commitment to invest all profits into rugby. The RFU balance sheet remains strong with net assets of £215m, with profit and loss reserves of £18.5m putting the RFU in a strong position to comfortably manage the four-year Rugby World Cup cycle’s affect on the number of games at Twickenham Stadium.

RFU Chief Executive Steve Brown commented; “This was always going to be a period of reinvigoration and I am glad to say that a comparison with the last season with the same match profile and unaffected by the Rugby World Cup 2015 revenues, shows total revenue up by 20%. Growth was achieved across the key

revenue streams, and our overheads were 9% lower year on year.

“Our investment in Rugby Development grew for the sixth consecutive year, increasing by £1.8m from £34.1m to £35.9m, an increase of 5%. We delivered the first of our Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs), having committed to investing more than £50m into 100 floodlit AGPs nationwide by 2019. Seven are already up and running, with three more to open in early 2018.

“Our Professional Rugby investment was up £8m and includes the first year costs of both the new eight-year Professional Game Agreement and the new four-year players deal.

“During the season, 1.1m tickets were sold to 17 matches at Twickenham, notwithstanding work on expanding the East Stand to bring all England Rugby corporate hospitality under one roof. Having created England Rugby Hospitality as the exclusive provider of official match day

GOVERNANCE REFORMSRFU MAKES RECORD

INVESTMENT IN RUGBY

EDDIE JONES WORLD RUGBYCOACH OF THE YEAR

England head coach Eddie Jones has been named World Rugby Coach of the Year.

He has led England to nine victories in 10 Test matches over the past 12 months as the side sealed a consecutive Six Nations title, a 2-0 series victory in Argentina as well as an Old Mutual Wealth Series whitewash.

His England team also equalled New Zealand’s world record run of 18 consecutive victories, before their defeat to Ireland in March.

“This award is a reflection of the great team that we’ve got,” said Jones. “I always thought England had very good players but there was just something missing. The players have been able to find that out by themselves and we are only halfway through the project and there is still a fair bit to do.

JOANNA MANNING-COOPER

The Official Newspaper of The RFU

TOUCHLINEDecember 2017 Issue 207

JOANNA MANNING-COOPER

Continued on page 2

Andy Cosslett

Continued on page 2

RED ROSES END YEAR ON A HIGH

TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 20172

Continued from page 1

England’s Red Roses completed a three Test Old Mutual Wealth Series whitewash of Canada at Twickenham Stadium.

Their 69-19 victory in front of a 12,000 crowd followed a 49-12 win at the Twickenham Stoop, when captain Sarah Hunter achieved her 100th cap, and the 79-5 Series opener at Allianz Park.

The three wins over Canada capped an impressive 2017 for Simon Middleton’s side who only lost once during the calendar year. After winning a Grand Slam in the Six Nations, England went to New

Zealand and beat Australia, Canada and the Black Ferns to secure the Women’s Rugby Super Series title, as well as the number one ranking in the world.

They kept up that form at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland progressing to the final v New Zealand, but losing their title in Belfast. The team then ran in 32 tries in the games against Canada in the Old Mutual Wealth Series, to end the year on a high.

“We are getting better, we’ve had some good periods, some not so good periods but I think we are on the right track.”

Since taking charge of England, Jones’ side have won 22 out of 23 Test matches and he says the challenge for the team must now be to head into 2018 looking to improve, while also attempting to make history by winning a third consecutive Six Nations title.

“I’m excited about the Six Nations as we’ve got the opportunity to create history by winning it three consecutive times,” said Jones. “The next two months is a great opportunity for the players to show how much desire they have to be part of a World Cup winning side. It’s all up for grabs.

We start again. We have great competition, we’ve won nine out of 10 matches and introduced 12 new caps this year. We’ve increased the depth of the squad and have people competing for every position.”

The side’s success is all the more remarkable having sealed a 2-0 series victory in Argentina this summer with up to 30 players missing due to the British & Irish Lions tour as well as injuries.

Jones also had to manage the Lions contingents reconditioning programme over the Old Mutual Wealth Series this autumn which in turn gave him an opportunity to increase the depth of the squad.

EDDIE JONES WORLD RUGBY COACH OF THE YEAR

GOVERNANCE REFORMS APPROVED

These latest improvements have been driven by the RFU Council, and improve our decision-making processes, while ensuring that the community game and those who represent it remain at the heart of the RFU’s governance structure.

“This follows earlier decisions by Board and Council to adopt a target of at least 30% female representation on the Board, and to establish a detailed plan to increase diversity and inclusion within the RFU and the game more broadly.”

The RFU already has three female Board members and four independent directors including the Chair.

Continued from page 1

RFU MAKES RECORD INVESTMENT IN RUGBYContinued from page 1

hospitality, the RFU is also on track to sell out all 2,230 East Stand enhanced debentures.“Having successfully delivered the last Strategic Plan, our recently launched four-year plan and its

priorities will help us respond to the changing sports landscape and keep rugby ahead of the game.”

In summary the highlights for the year were:

• £184.9m revenue, 20% up on last season with same match profile (2012/13) and unaffected by Rugby World Cup 2015 revenues

• Record £99.6m investment in rugby as a whole, rise of 11% over previous year

• This despite lower year-on-year revenues due to first year of normal trading following Rugby World Cup 2015

• Investment in Professional Rugby £63.7m (up 14% year on year), including year one of both Professional Game Agreement and players deal

• Investment in Rugby Development £35.9m (up 5% year on year)

• Total investment in rugby over complete five-year Strategic Plan £408m, up 16% against target

• Publication of new four-year Strategic Plan

• Ticket revenues (excluding RWC 2015) increased £17.6m (87%) thanks to four Old Mutual Wealth Series and three Six Nations home internationals

• Growth in net assets largely driven by £28.2m of debentures sold including those for the new East Stand facilities

The 2017 Annual Report & Accounts can be accessed here

TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017 3

England men won the bronze medal in Dubai in the opening leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series after beating Fiji in their final game.

After winning Pool B on day one with three wins from three, Simon Amor’s side faced Australia in the last eight and progressed with a 26-19 win, but despite Ruaridh McConnochie’s early score they lost 5-14 against New Zealand, recovering to beat the Fijians 28-21. England’s third in the tournament came ahead of the second round of the series in Cape Town.

England Sevens head coach Simon Amor said: “As a first tournament for us this season I’m really proud of the continuous effort and the attitude the boys displayed in every single game. We didn’t quite get our decision making right in terms of our attack – particularly in the New Zealand game where we had some

chances but didn’t quite take those opportunities – but those are the margins at the top level now. If we can learn from that and keep on growing then we’ll be in a good place to really kick on for the rest of the season.”

In the invitational tournament the England Sevens academy under the banner of The Royals were in the cup quarter-final after their performances on day one. After suffering a 12-17 defeat from The Froggies, they went on to play Ireland in the fifth place play-off semi-final where they lost 5-24 to finish in sixth place.

England Sevens academy coach Warren Abrahams said: “You only have to look at the senior team out here where you’ll see four of the guys who have come through the academy and are now playing on the World Series, and that’s what it’s all about.”

England Women Sevens finished in eighth place in the opening

leg of the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Series in Dubai after losing to Spain 14-21 in the seventh place play off. James Bailey, England Women Sevens head coach said “Dubai has been a really good indicator of where we are at as a team and has given us plenty of learnings and work-ons as we continue build and come together.”

England Women Sevens invitational team, playing as The Royals, were placed fourth. Beating Wales in the cup quarter final 17-14, they then lost their cup semi-final 26-14 to Randwick Magic and again to the Delta Drone Tuks 17-21 in the bronze final. James Cooper, RFU Performance pathway officer: “The tournament has been a fantastic development opportunity for the players who now understand what it’s like to travel, cope with jet lag, heat and play against different opponents in a unique tournament environment.”

ENGLAND SEVENS SECURE BRONZE IN DUBAI

2018 SOUTH AFRICATOURSouth Africa Rugby has confirmed England’s southern hemisphere tour to South Africa next June in a three Test series in Johannesburg (9 June), Bloemfontein (16 June) and Cape Town (23 June).

England last toured South Africa in 2012 losing the first two Tests before drawing the final match.

Eddie Jones, England head coach, said: “A three-Test series against South Africa is going to be a big challenge but a fantastic opportunity for this team. England have only ever won three games in South Africa so we have a chance to create some history by winning the series.”

England last played South Africa in November 2016 at Twickenham Stadium during the Old Mutual Wealth Series, winning 37-21, their first win against the Springboks in a decade. England have not won a Test in South Africa since Bloemfontein in 2000 and, out of the 13 Tests between the two countries in South Africa, the home team has won nine, lost three and drawn one.

June Series 2018 – South Africa v England:9 June: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg16 June: Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein23 June: DHL Newlands, Cape TownKick-off times to be confirmed

The Women’s 2018 Six Nations fixtures have been confirmed with England playing two home games at Twickenham Stoop and Ricoh Arena. All of the Red Roses Test matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The schedule replicates that of the senior men and U20 teams, with the Red Roses starting their campaign at Stadio Mirabello against Italy, on Sunday 4 February.

England then host Wales a week later at Twickenham Stoop on Saturday 10 February a curtain raiser to the men’s fixture which kicks off at Twickenham at 4:45pm.

The Red Roses next travel to Glasgow to face Scotland on 23 February (KO 19:30) and then to Grenoble two weeks later where they face France at Stade des Alpes.

England will finish their campaign against Ireland a week later playing for the first time at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on Friday 16 March.

“The Six Nations is one of the flagship competitions in the women’s game,” said England head coach Simon Middleton. “It’s a highly competitive tournament and we always encounter a tough level of competition.

“It’s great to be back playing at the Stoop again and also getting back out on the road for our last fixture in the Ricoh Arena. While it was an incredible achievement to take home a Grand Slam Championship last year, going into 2018 that counts for nothing, this is a new squad, a new challenge and we are determined to go out and win the competition once again.”

England Women Six Nations fixtures:

Italy v EnglandSunday 4 February, KO 5:30pm GMTLive Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports MixStadio Mirabello, Reggio Emilia

England v WalesSaturday 10 February, KO 12:15pmLive Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports MixTwickenham Stoop, London

Scotland v EnglandFriday 23 February, KO 7:30pmLive Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Arena via red buttonScotstoun, Glasgow

France v EnglandSaturday 10 March, KO 8:00pm GMTLive Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports MixStade des Alpes, Grenoble

England v IrelandFriday 16 March, KO 5:30pmLive Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports MixRicoh Arena, Coventry

RED ROSES 2018 SIX NATIONS FIXTURES ANNOUNCED

4 TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017

The Commons and Lords RFC parliamentary rugby team played a very special fixture last month (November) against the Met Police RFC in memory of the late PC Keith Palmer, the officer who lost his life during the attack on Parliament earlier this year.

The game was well attended with Parliamentarians including Mark Pawsey, James Cleverly, James Heappey and Lord Addington and Parliamentary staff taking to the field against an athletic Police side. Prior to kick off there was applause as a tribute to PC Palmer. The first quarter of the match was played in a touch format to include female players who wanted to show their support and respect on the field. James Cleverly, MP for Braintree, spoke at the post match meal, sharing his personal memories of Keith Palmer, both in a military and parliamentary context.

This memorial charity match, which ended in a 27-5 victory to the Met Police was in aid of COPS (Care of Police Survivors) set up to help the families of police officers who have lost their lives while on duty. They aim to ensure that survivors have all the help they need and remain part of the police family as they rebuild their lives.

Mark Pawsey, MP for Rugby and Chairman of the Commons and Lords RFC, said: “This was a very special fixture for us as we played in memory of PC Keith Palmer, a true hero. We are very grateful for all the police do to keep us safe both in Westminster and elsewhere and I’m pleased that the club has been able to honour and remember our brave police officers in this way, and to fundraise for such a worthy cause.”

The Club would like to thank DS Marc Grange part of the Counter Terrorism Command at the Met Police and Richard Austin (President of Essex RFU) for their hard work in setting up this memorable match.

There is a Justgiving page set up for anyone who would like to donate. Many generous auction prizes were donated and around £7,000 has been raised to date.

England Rugby have been named joint winners of the Coaching Culture of the Year award at the 2017 UK Coaching Awards.

The annual awards celebrate oustanding success in community and high performance coaching over the last year. England Rugby were named winners alongside British Weightlifting. The judges commended England Rugby’s work across four key areas in coaching: • The introduction of the new England Rugby Coaching

Award with a focus on developing skills• Incorporating the CARDS principles into coaching at

all levels• Developing the Game Changers digital coaching strategy• Progressing Keep Your Boots On to encourage people to

stay in the game

In September this year England Rugby hosted its first ever Game Changers Facebook live which saw head coach Eddie Jones lead a group of students through a 30 minute coaching session while providing his expert insight.

“We’re delighted to have won the award which I think is recognition of where we are in a journey that has been ongoing for the last 15 years,” said the RFU’s coach development manager, Nick Scott.

“We have moved from focusing on coaching just the technical and tactical aspects of rugby to coaching the person with a focus on enjoyment and development.

“I’m really pleased with how far we’ve come, we still have improvements to make but this award is testament to the hard work of our community coaches across the country who are helping to grow the game,” added Scott.

ENGLAND RUGBY WIN UK COACHING AWARDJOE OGDEN

COMMONS AND LORDS PAY TRIBUTE TO PC PALMER

England U20s will start their 2018 Six Nations campaign against Italy at Stadio Enzo Bearzot, Gorizia on Friday 2 February. The side, who won the Grand Slam last season, will then play their first home fixture against Wales on Friday, 9 February at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park (live on Sky Sports Action), a stadium they know well having played there in 2016.

England then head to Myreside in Edinburgh on Friday 23 February to take on Scotland before facing France in Stade de la Mediterranee, Beziers on Friday 9 March. Their Six Nations campaign ends with a double header at Wasps FC’s Ricoh Arena on 16 March (live on Sky Sports Action), with England Women also taking on Ireland at the same venue beforehand.

The England U20 programme will be led by RFU performance manager Steve Bates. “It’s great to return to Newcastle and there will hopefully be a great interest in the young players coming through the pathway for our trip to Kingston Park,” said Bates, who was also head coach at Newcastle for eight years. “We have some exciting players and a track record of producing full internationals so this is a great opportunity for fans to come out and see the future stars of England rugby.

“The Ricoh Arena will be a great environment for the players to put on a show and that will be one of the features of this tournament for us. We need to go out and play with high intensity and get the game moving and are concentrating on those factors.”

The wider squad, which will be announced at the start of 2018, will come together for a training camp at the beginning of January before starting the defence of their Six Nations title in February.

England U20 Six Nations fixtures:

Italy v EnglandFriday 3 February, KO 7:00pm (6:00pm GMT)Stadio Enzo Bearzot, Gorizia

England v WalesFriday 9 February, KO 7:45pmLive on Sky Sports ActionKingston Park, Newcastle

Scotland v EnglandFriday 23 February, KO 7.30pmMyreside, Edinburgh

France v EnglandFriday 9 March, KO 9:00pm (8:00pm GMT)Stade de la Mediterranee, Beziers

England v IrelandFriday 16 March, KO 8:00pmLive on Sky Sports ActionRicoh Arena, Coventry

ENGLAND U20S SIX NATIONS 2018

The Wirral Fixture Nights aim to give schools the chance to play games against similar opposition at local clubs. These nights take place every Tuesday for different age groups and are linked to club recruitment.

Since September, over 200 players from nine of the 11 schools in the Wirral have taken part, including six CBRE All Schools, in matches for years 7 to 10. The aim is to always have club coaches in there to help coach, referee or just speak to the players and try to encourage them to join the club.

Says RFU Community Rugby Coach Chris Hughes: “The schools love this format as they can turn up and play four or five games in one evening and can organise further fixtures with similar schools during the matches.”

WIRRAL WINS PLAYERS WITH FIXTURES UNDER LIGHTS

5TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017

WHO’S YOUR REAL RUGBY HERO? Do you know someone who has played a crucial role in volunteering to help provide opportunities for young people to enjoy rugby within their school or to develop links with local clubs to help them transition to a community rugby club?

If the answer is yes, please nominate your hero and reward them with the recognition that they deserve.

The England Rugby Football Schools Union has launched the search for this year’s Real Rugby Heroes.

Last year’s winners included teachers who had introduced tag rugby for their pupils, organised local fixtures and festivals, supported colleagues from across the school to undertake training to deliver rugby and a local coach who helped school pupils to move to a local community club to continue their rugby playing journey. Many more were recognised for their efforts to grow participation in a sport that they love.

Prizes: • 2 match tickets to an England International

in the summer of 2018• VIP invitations to the Schools Cup Finals

Day at Twickenham in March – the biggest schools competition

The closing date for nominations is Friday 5th January 2018.

MARK FOCUSING ON THE CAN DOMark Bowen (41) was seriously injured 25 years ago playing rugby for London Schools v Germany. After an initial operation at the Royal London Hospital, he spent eight months in Stoke Mandeville, before having to cope with a different future to the one he had envisaged.

In those days the Injured Players Foundation was yet to exist and it was only in his 20s that Mark “finally realised I needed help and had some counselling.”

Now Mark is a qualified counsellor himself. There’s a natural warmth and confidence about him but “for a long time I wouldn’t go to the gym. It was quite a while before I began to accept what I can do, rather than focusing on what I can’t do.

“I was still at school at Haileybury when my injury happened and they were very supportive, my coach was Jamie George’s dad. I’ve been lucky in having family support too and I have a wonderful four-year-old daughter, Christobel.

“Now I also have support from the Injured Players Foundation, they helped me with an accessible bathroom and a new adaptable wheelchair which I can take off road. I’m very impressed with the way the Foundation has developed connectedness and branched out in terms of building clients’ confidence and self esteem.”

In Twickenham’s specially adapted IPF hospitality box, having come from home in Cornwall to watch England v Argentina in the Old Mutual Wealth Series, Mark said: “Meeting other guys you can talk about the process you went through at the beginning. You are not just a person in a wheelchair but have a lot to offer each other in terms of shared experiences, although each of us is unique.”

AWARD FOR BURFORD

England’s Rachael Burford has received the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) Special Merit award as recognition of her contribution to the sport both on and off the pitch.

Burford was recognised for her role as a pioneer in growing women’s rugby. She was the first female board member of the RPA in 2014 and has served as England’s player representative on the IRPA. She also advises World Rugby on three separate committees including laws review and women’s rugby development. In addition, she is an ambassador for Restart Rugby and the Wooden Spoon charities.

Burford also runs her own girls rugby academy, which strives to develop young players both on and off the pitch. She received the joint award with former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

If you know someone who has made a difference at your school, fill in the form using this linkdescribing how and why you believe they should be a Real Rugby Hero.

To see IPF clients enjoying a Twickenham match day visit click here

RFU Citing Commissioner Steve Savage died last month (November) at the age of 60, while on duty for World Rugby in Germany.

Savage was a long-term employee of the RFU, fulfilling many crucial roles around officiating in the game.

Rugby Football Union CEO Steve Brown paid tribute to Savage saying he will leave a “tremendous legacy.”

“Everyone at the RFU was immensely saddened to hear of the death of our Citing Commissioner Steve Savage,” said Brown. “Steve’s prodigious knowledge, energy and enthusiasm, saw hundreds of match officials, including our professional referees, countless players and coaches derive huge benefit from his advice and support.

“Whether leading the National Panel of Referees or using his encyclopaedic knowledge of the game at NCA level, Steve had a tremendous rapport with coaches, players and spectators.

“Steve was a much loved and greatly respected member of the match official and rugby community, both here in England and across the world. He will be much missed and leaves a tremendous legacy for the game.”

6 TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017

“Phenomenal” is how England Deaf head coach Sean Fletcher described his side’s achievement after beating New Zealand Deaf 3-0 in a landmark international series. It is the first time any English side has beaten a New Zealand team 3-0 in a series and marks a huge step forward for England Deaf.

Founded in 2003 to give deaf and hard of hearing players the chance to play together and represent their country, the programme now has a men’s and women’s side and works to promote deaf rugby nationwide.

England Deaf’s success has been in no small part down to the influence of Fletcher, who lost his sight in one eye as a player and wanted to find a way to give back to the sport as a coach.

After an historic series win, Fletcher says: “There were a couple of times where I thought we’d lost it. We won the first Test at Blackheath 36-27 and that gave us momentum but it was the second match that was the real test.”

New Zealand had gone up 20-0 before England fought back to win 22-20 in a thrilling final 15 minutes.

“In other matches we would have potentially lost that, but they dug deep. You could tell how much it meant to the players in that moment. They didn’t give up.”

Fletcher’s squad for the series featured five new faces as well as some more experienced players including captain Luke Cheyne, who was born deaf in one ear.

Four of the side who played in the 31-18 victory in the third test at Barking RFC were profoundly deaf, including hooker Josh Page who has become central to the team’s success.

“We had that mix of the old and the new which made a massive difference,” said Fletcher. “When new players come into the squad we get them used to our communications systems. We have to cater for a wide range of hearing levels so we have to be very clear in our systems.”

The team had two interpreters during the series who Fletcher relies on heavily during training and on match day. “When the team comes into a huddle they create the shape of a horseshoe with our interpreter Mary next to me. The profoundly deaf players will often stand next to each other in the huddle and they help each other if any call is missed.”

Fletcher is already looking to what lies ahead. “I hope the series win helps raise the profile of England Deaf to help inspire the next generation of players, that’s the main purpose of what we do.”

Last year they opened a centre of excellence in Devon and over the next year they have plans to continue to spread awareness of deaf rugby. And attention now turns to England’s old rivals Wales who have been the most dominant side in deaf rugby over the last decade. The two sides are hoping to meet again early next year.

Find out more about England Deaf by visiting their website here.

ENGLAND DEAF WHITEWASH NEW ZEALANDJOE OGDEN

When you carry the ball out to the middle of the pitch at Twickenham Stadium, it’s good to know that referee Andrew Brace will show you the way to run before he blows the whistle. Seven-year-old Layla Campbell, the Old Mutual Wealth ball carrier for England v Samoa, met Andrew before the Test match and did a great job.

BROWN PAYS TRIBUTE TO SAVAGE

7TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017

When nine-year-old Charlie Young was an England mascot at Twickenham Stadium, he was the envy of all his friends and even stopped his school Principal in the corridor to tell him about it.

Nothing unusual there, except that Charlie has autism and, says mum Helen: “This was the one and only thing that Charlie’s done that has made other children envious, and telling the Prinicpal of the whole school is just not something he would normally do.”

It was Helen who entered a Daily Mail competition run by England Rugby’s official male grooming supplier Dove Men+Care.

“When we won I asked Charlie if he thought he could do it. There is no grey with Charlie, only black and white. He wanted to be an England mascot so much and, on the day England played Samoa, he ran out with his favourite player Owen Farrell. He told me that when Owen took his hand he asked: ‘You all right, mate?’ Charlie said he just nodded and kept looking forward out of the tunnel.”

Now George Ford is sharing Charlie’s favourite player spot because when George was coming down the steps after the match he saw Charlie waving and gave him his medal.

“Charlie was so delighted he simply couldn’t speak. He had no words,” says Helen. “It was so kind. I’m sure George will win lots of medals in his rugby career but Charlie will treasure this one for ever, he has shown it to the entire world, been in the school newsletter. Now he’s saying that he wants to play for England one day!”

In the mascots changing room beside the Twickenham tunnel, Charlie fitted in just fine with the other mascots: Luke Davies (10) who plays for Sleaford RFC, Layla Ince (8) whose dad Peter coaches Leigh RUFC Colts, Bobby Bashir, aged seven, who plays for Old Alleynians and the Old Mutual Wealth ball carrier Jamie Swanson (10) who plays at Hall Grove School, Bagshot.

Charlie plays for Liverpool Collegiate RUFC, where his dad Rob is one of the U10 coaches, and at his school Liverpool College. Throwing a match ball around and talking rugby Charlie was entirely at home at Twickenham.

“Rugby is a great leveller for Charlie, he’s fine talking rugby in a group of boys. At rugby he can fit in, whereas in the classroom he is not like everyone else because he is on the SEN register. Fortunately, his is a rugby playing school and having played at a club he can keep up.

“Rugby is a situation where he is able to fit in and be one of the team and that’s very significant. That is what rugby brings for Charlie, the rest of the players and their parents are very accepting.

“Rugby and respect for the referee, doing what he says, keeping the rules, really helps Charlie too. He likes reinforcement and the coaches are always happy to demonstrate things. He started tackling last season and gets all the rules like round the waist, head to butt. Children with autism can be over sensitive or under sensitive, Charlie’s under sensitive so he isnt afraid of a tackle!

“In a rugby team there are all shapes and sizes and people are more understanding of difference. At a match or training Charlie will insist on telling teammates why they are not doing something the right way but all the kids and parents are totally accepting of him.

“The day at Twickenham was amazing for Charlie. In the tunnel Mike Brown and Joe Marler came over and talked to the mascots. For a boy who was diagnosed at four with autism this was a wonderful day”, said Helen.

And, armed with all the instructions and a pair of earplugs, Charlie was a wonderful England mascot.

CHARLIE’S A RUGBY HERO

England Rugby, in partnership with NatWest, has launched NatWest RugbyForce 2018, which will take place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June 2018.

In its ninth year, the nationwide programme helps grassroots rugby clubs up and down the country attract new members and become stronger and more sustainable for the future by bringing communities together.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming back NatWest RugbyForce for a ninth consecutive year,” said NatWest Senior Sponsorship Manager, Brett Williams. “Over the past nine years, we’ve seen the phenomenal difference the programme can make, helping clubs to thrive.

“This year’s programme focuses on helping clubs become stronger and more sustainable, and we’ve created a new addition to offer six clubs a grant and support package to help them achieve this. As ever, we’d encourage everyone – whether club members or volunteers – to head down to your local club for the NatWest RugbyForce weekend and get involved.”

Clubs that register for NatWest RugbyForce 2018 can look forward to receiving a host of exciting rewards and benefits, from online tool kits, to marketing and communications advice and access to special offers – all to help clubs become successful businesses.

In a new addition for 2018, six clubs will have the opportunity to receive a large grant of £5,000 and a support package while 270 of the clubs who are selected to attend one of the new NatWest RugbyForce workshops will received £750.

NatWest RugbyForce 2017 was a huge success, with over 600 clubs across England taking part, and next year’s instalment promises to be another great event bringing the rugby family together.

If you are not a member of a rugby club and want to get involved in the NatWest RugbyForce 2018 weekend, use www.findrugby.com to locate your closest club.

NATWEST RUGBYFORCE 2018

8 TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017

HARRY CELEBRATES SUCCESSIt was a double celebration as 22-year-old Harry Langley heard that he had been selected for the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby talent squad and cheered England on to a 30-6 victory against the Wallabies.

At Twickenham Stadium, in the RFU Injured Players Foundation hospitality box, the occasion certainly deserved a cider or two as Harry, who captains Canterbury wheelchair rugby team and trains four times a week, said: “Having made the GB talent squad, my ambition now would be to work hard, make the elite squad and head for the Paralympics. That would be amazing!”

Harry was playing hooker for the University of Sussex in 2015 when he sustained a serious spinal injury which meant an operation the next day at St George’s Hospital in London, before four and a half months rehab at Stanmore.

“At Stanmore they have a wheelchair rugby team and, as I made progress, I used to watch

them and think I want to play. Once I was home at my parents in Bromley I looked for a wheelchair rugby team near me and found Canterbury. The game is only really like rugby in that it’s a contact sport but also the social life and making friends is very similar.

“I recently went for a trial with GB Wheelchair Rugby and just got confirmation of being in the talent squad. I really enjoy playing and my girlfriend Poppy loves wheelchair rugby. My friends and family come and support me when I’m playing too.

“The help I get from the Injured Players Foundation makes a real difference. They funded my special chair for playing and I can go to them for anything I need. I’m looking at going skiing thanks to the IPF. Their Engage programme is all about keeping active, making the most of life and I’m certainly going to make the most I can of this selection.”

Steve Gascoigne, an IPF client, met the charity’s Patron Prince Harry at the Old Mutual Wealth England v Argentina match at Twickenham.

Hosted for the match in the special Injured Players Foundation hospitality box Steve said: “When I was injured 29 years ago, playing

second row for Midland Bank, the IPF didn’t exist. I only discovered it recently at Stoke Mandeville where, at 17, I had spent six months after dislocating my neck. My physio suggested I contact the IPF and I sent an email.

“I was lucky to go with other clients to Battle

Back in the summer. It was a fantastic weekend involved in activities with the other guys, which I found really helpful. I was invited to the IPF Box for the Six Nations and again today when it was great to be introduced to Prince Harry and to know he’s involved with the charity.”

TWICKENHAM TREAT FOR STEVE

Dixonians RFC lost a substantial number of their players three seasons ago, due to work commitments, relocation and retirements. Putting a side out became a real challenge but this season all that changed.

Their fortunes brightened, they climbed to the top of their Greater Birmingham merit table and they ran a ‘give it a go’ session which they advertised on social media, in the local press and by delivering 10,000 fliers to local residents.

Through this, they attracted several new or returning rugby players and they are now on the verge of putting out a 2nd XV for the first time in four years.

Said Community Rugby Coach, Tom Huggins: “Dixonians are a really proactive club who are a pleasure to deal with. It’s great to see them doing so well thanks to all their hard work.”

DIXONIANS DRUM UP MORE PLAYERS

Last month (November) Oswestry RFC ran a series of recruitment events to boost playing numbers for their U13s and 15s girls teams.

Supported by RFU Community Rugby Coach Tim Pickard and Mollie Croxon, School Games Officer for North Shropshire, the club ran a Try Rugby event which saw 40 year 7 and 8 girls give rugby a try for the first time.

Players enjoyed some fun handling games and learning the basics of tackling and everyone was invited to the club’s subsequent Sunday Pitch Up and Play event.

This saw 65 girls there from four different clubs as well as local secondary schools and Year 6 pupils from local primary schools.

Of the 65 girls, 22 were new to rugby. The club’s U11 coaches introduced the year 6 girls to three who had already signed up and they all enjoyed some skills training and fun touch based games. The older girls who were new to rugby went through the basics of tackling and then took part in touch tackle games, while the other teams played some conditioned games.

Said CRC Tim Pickard: “Oswestry are really working hard to grow numbers of girls playing, both so that the girls already at the club can be part of a squad and so that as many girls as possible have the chance to discover the fun of rugby.”

GIRLS DISCOVER FUN OF RUGBY AT OSWESTRY

9TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017

Sale Sharks’ commitment to supporting grassroots rugby in the North West was further cemented with the club making a donation of £18,000 to four local sides as they marked the first anniversary of their 100 Club initiative.

Sale launched their 100 Club scheme a year ago with the long-term aim of engaging with 100 amateur clubs from across the North West to nurture rising stars from amateur to professional status.

As part of the 100 Club drive, Sale Sharks have set their ambition for the future to have 75 per cent of the club’s senior squad by 2020 consisting of players recruited from the region.

Individual clubs are also recognised and rewarded once players who began their careers there go on make their Sale first-team debuts with further significant rewards following if that player then achieves international honours.

To mark the 12-month anniversary, Sale held a special ceremony at the AJ Bell Stadium on Monday where four clubs received donations in recognition of their players’ progress with the Sharks.

Crewe and Nantwich received a £10,000 donation to mark the achievement of Tom Curry becoming an England international on this summer’s tour to Argentina.

A group of horticulturalists from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, in their centenary year and England Rugby’s current military charity partner, were at Twickenham Stadium hosted by Head Groundsman Keith Kent and his ground staff.

After a presentation from Keith they went down to see the condition of the pitch before England took on Argentina in the

first Test of the 2017 Old Mutual Wealth Series and to talk grass.David Richardson who is responsible for the Commonwealth

War Graves Commission’s global standards said: “It was a real delight to be here. We are all in the horticulture business and share the same sort of challenges.

“We have big commemorative events at Thiepeval and Tyne Cott

and wear problems with around 70,000 visitors and something like 450 Twickenham pitch sized sites around the world with different climate conditions. Just as at Twickenham Stadium, aeration is key and looking after the roots of the grass. We also have shade to contend with but we haven’t as yet ventured into the type of lighting rigs used at the stadium.”

Darren Wright was delighted to join the PE staff at Saltley Academy and credited Rugby Development Officer Stuart Eades, Community Rugby Coach Tom Huggins and the RFU “for giving me every opportunity to develop as a coach and believing in me, also giving me a platform to move on to further my career.”

Said Darren: “Thank you for introducing me to a lot of amazing people who helped along the way, it’s truly been an amazing journey and one I’ll always be grateful for. The school is fully backing me so onwards and upwards!”

LOCAL CLUBS REWARDED FOR FEEDING SHARKS

In addition, there were £2,000 awards to Manchester RUFC (Luke James), Waterloo RUFC (Sam Moore) and Preston Grasshoppers (Matt Sturgess and Arron Reed), with all four players having made their Sale first-team debuts this season.

Steve Diamond, Sale’s director of rugby, was on hand to make the presentations with Sharks attack coach Paul Deacon, defence

TALKING GRASS AT TWICKENHAM

coach Mike Forshaw, forwards coach Pete Anglesea and club commercial director Mark Cueto also in attendance.

The Sale director of rugby said the donations provided positive proof that, 12 months on from the Sharks’ officially launching the 100 Club, the club’s tie-up with the grassroots rugby community continues to go from strength to strength.

“Twelve months into the scheme it’s a pleasure to give the £18,000 away to local clubs,” said Steve. “We have five great young lads coming through in Tom, Luke, Sam, Matt and Arron. It was great to have representatives from almost 50 clubs there with us at the presentation, 72 of the clubs contribute to our Developing Player Programme and it’s all about us working with the local rugby community and giving something back.”

Sale Sharks’ official partner, Bollington Insurance, was also present at the awards evening. Bollington have been key supporters of the 100 Club project, providing commercial insurance and risk assessments to rugby clubs who form part of the 100 Club together with personal and commercial insurance to club members and their families.

For more information on the 100 Club contact [email protected]

Prince Harry met volunteers from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission – the official match day charity for the Old Mutual Wealth Series England v Argentina Test.

COACHING HELPS DARREN’S CAREER MOVE

A fast-growing Nottingham digital agency has become the official digital marketing partner of Nottingham Rugby. Distinction, a digital agency based in the city’s Creative Quarter in the Birkin Building, has become the club’s official digital marketing partner. The club was established in around 1877 by Alexander Birkin – grandson of Richard Birkin, one of Nottingham’s most famous lace manufacturers.

Distinction will be increasing awareness of the club and both home and away attendances through digital-based campaigns for both Friday evening and Sunday games.

Henry France, Digital Marketing Manager at Distinction, said: “We’re partnering with Nottingham Rugby at a very exciting time and already our efforts are reaping rewards with attendances rising, engagement and followers rising. Although we have offices in London and the USA, our roots are in the city and we take great pride in supporting our local community.”

Nottingham Rugby Marketing & Operations Officer Simon Ball-McQueen added: “We’re a small club in terms of backroom and office staff, so to have Distinction come on board and support us with our digital marketing is huge for us. We’ve already seen excellent crowds at The Bay this season, as we continue to promote our ‘Friday Night Lights’ fixtures and we hope that this is the start of something much bigger, both in terms of attendances and our partnership with Distinction.”

10 TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017

FANTASTIC RUGBY REFEREEING GAP FOR NATHANNathan Howarth, a 19-year-old North Group Referee, recently returned from an amazing gap year trip, having for four months travelled across six different countries on a refereeing tour of North America and the Pacific Islands before starting his degree in Geography at Durham University.

Having just transferred from the South West Referees, Nathan was on a gap year after A levels and and six months’ work experience with a local software developer, before embarking on his trip of a lifetime.

He decided to build his tour around his passion for refereeing rugby, starting with the New England Referees Society exchange with the Gloucester and District Referees Society and then continue West, throughout the USA, Canada, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Australia.

While travelling, and with the help of a number of his referee friends and their contacts in the UK, Nathan was able to referee 25 games, including the Samoa National Cup Final in front of 1,500 fans and the

Tonga High School Final, broadcast across the Pacific to New Zealand and with almost 4,000 spectators watching. He also helped to develop a number of local referees in advancing their officiating skills in an area of the world keen to learn from a tier one nation.

From school games to Cup finals across thousands of miles, from a four-day train ride and many overnight bus rides, the highlights included: cycling San Francisco’s magnificent hills, swimming with whales in Tonga, visiting the Tu Sua Ocean Trench in Samoa, and enjoying Melbourne’s melting pot of culture and the many different styles of rugby along the way.

Although Nathan’s refereeing was certainly developed, more importantly he developed and grew as a person, building lifelong friendships across the globe and even managing to celebrate his 19th birthday in Apia, Samoa, a long way from his Gloucester roots. He’s already planning more referee trips for the future.

Cornish Pirates’ coaches Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver were so pleased with their team’s superb 46-29 win away to Doncaster Knights at the end of October, that the reward was to give the players was a full week off.

On the Monday, however, which followed a weekend when there was no game, it was back to training, but with a difference, as the squad met up on the dunes of Gwithian and Godrevy.

Surrounded by breathtaking views, and providing a fun element to refresh bodies and minds, the players played football and touch rugby before capturing a true taste of Cornwall – pasties from Philps, the local baker.

Said Alan Paver: “Our visit to the dunes provided a wonderful outing for the lads. We decided to sample the best of what Cornwall could offer, so we were on the beach kicking a football around, playing touch, and building sand castles!

“The Cornish Pasties went down a treat and it was a lovely day, with thanks expressed to Adrian ‘Spade’ Edwards who suggested the idea and also helped us organise the visit.”

PIRATES, SAND & PASTIES NOTTINGHAM RUGBY CAMPAIGNS WITH DISTINCTION

Old Reigatian Rugby Football Club have joined the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND), the devastating, progressive and ultimately terminal neurological condition.

“We have been inspired by friends of the club who suffer from the disease, and others whose relatives are engaged in courageous ongoing battles,” says club chairman David Forsyth. “We are creating a fundraising effort of a size we have never attempted before and also aim to raise awareness of this disease and its many calamitous consequences among our members, and the wider community.”

Early-season raffles and an auction at a special dinner to mark the club’s 90th anniversary have already raised over £7,000 for local and national initiatives aimed at improving care and funding the all-important research to find a cure. Other events currently planned for the season include a ladies’ lunch, quiz night, golf day, beer festival and end of season ball.

“Rugby union has been hit hard by MND in recent years,” says Forsyth. “Scotland’s Doddie Weir was diagnosed earlier this year and is now

fighting the disease at the same time as raising awareness and funds. The World Cup winning Springbok scrum half, Joost van der Westhuizen, sadly died from MND in February after a long fight. A South Africa shirt signed by him raised over £3,000 for the cause at our recent dinner.”

The club has produced a new away kit which incorporates the MND Association logo and Old Reigatian David Setters, who lives with MND, is helping the club’s fundraising efforts.

“I’m relatively fortunate to have a slowly progressive version of the disease,” he says. “MND frequently hits people far younger than me and many have young families. With a third of those diagnosed dying within a year of diagnosis, it is often far more aggressive. I’m close to many people at the club, so it is immensely heart-warming to see this fantastic effort take shape.”

The club would be delighted to welcome visitors to its Park Lane, Reigate headquarters to support these efforts and fundraising events will be posted on their website.

REIGATIANS RAISE FUNDS TO FIGHT MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE

Imag

e cop

yrig

ht: B

rian

Tem

pest

11TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017

UCL women’s rugby are a bunch of players who like to live rugby’s values as well as enjoying the game on the pitch.

Recently they ran a food bank drive, Tins for Training, and also raised £250 from a bake sale for Conciliation Resources, an NGO working towards violent conflict resolution around the world. And they have more fundraising and volunteering opportunities planned.

They have also grown player numbers from 54 members last year to 69 this year, with 21 returning, 48 new players, and 38 girls completely new to full contact rugby.

This means they have been able to field two teams – one in BUCS 3B and one in the LUSL Intermediate league. Their first 15 team has been doing extremely well in their league and in a friendly against a team two leagues above won 39-24. Their This Girl Can event, running alongside O2 Touch, is helping to bring more players along.

They have also recently established a club link with Haringey Rhinos who have offered to have the university girls at their training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays for no cost.

Said Jess Knapman: “Our link with Haringey Rhinos is working out perfectly! The Ladies’ team are extremely welcoming, and have allowed

UCL STUDENTS LIVING RUGBY’S VALUES

us to use their equipment for training, as well as inviting us along to some of their socials. Rugby at UCL has really grown for female students, and our main goals this year are to expand the sport and give back to the community as much as possible.”

Last month (November) saw celebrations at Workington RFC with the opening of their new changing rooms by Sue Hayman MP and Ricky Fee from one of the club sponsors, Stobbarts Ltd.

The new facilities were created thanks to the work of the enthusiastic volunteers who secured the funding and delivered the project for the benefit of Workington and the surrounding area.

Rugby union in West Cumbria received a major boost when Workington RFC was chosen by the RFU to become a Legacy Centre and provide a base for the continued growth in club rugby participation and membership throughout England.

This came with a grant of £85,000 to redevelop the club and extend the changing rooms and strengthen the partnership with the RFU. In addition to the club’s own funds and the RFU grant, funding was also provided by Sport England, Allerdale Council and a Rugby Football Foundation interest free loan, all of which will allow the club to enhance their facilities and provide a resource for use by the local community.

“The new facilities will improve the quality of the rugby experience for everyone using the site and provide more playing opportunities,

especially for local people in the 14-24 age-group” said RFU Rugby Development Officer Liam Nicholls.

“This investment will also support the club’s financial sustainability and create a lasting rugby union legacy for rugby in the community. The changing rooms project will help the club raise its profile and encourage more players, volunteers and spectators to share the special values that distinguish the sport.”

Club President, John Patterson, said: “We are delighted that our project won approval following its original identification by Cumbria RFU. We will now have some of the best facilities in the area that local people from Workington can use throughout the week. England 2015 inspired a new wave of people of all ages to become involved in rugby and this RFU investment will help our club to be even better equipped to welcome the newcomers.”

Bill Dowbiggin, Jason Gregory and Roger Hackney were all in attendance from Cumbria RFU to support the event and celebrate the achievements of the club.

Workington RFC is one of many clubs across England benefitting from investment through the RFU Legacy fund.

LEGACY CENTRE BOOST FOR WORKINGTON

Santa’s working overtime, so why not rely on England Rugby Store for fantastic gifts and stocking fillers?And, for any last minute UK online shopping, you can order by

8pm 21 December – Standard Delivery (11pm 18th for personalised items)11am 23 December – Express Delivery (11pm 20th for personalised items)

For international dates go to: englandrugbystore.com

Starting a new sports team is never easy and relies heavily on the enthusiasm and determination of those involved to get it off the ground. For Warwickshire-based Kenilworth Ladies, the process was helped by both the dedicated players and a supportive club keen to make it a success.

The Ladies section at Kenilworth was set up in 2015 and is now thriving. It has gone from strength to strength, with both a 1st XV and Development XV and more than 40 registered players.

Caroline Spence, Kenilworth Ladies’ chairwoman, says: “It all began with about half a dozen women throwing a rugby ball about in a park. We then found a coach and a couple of months later we were fielding a team. In our first year we played 14 matches, winning ten, and were granted league status for the following season.”

Having entered Women’s NC Midlands 2 North for the 2016/17 season, they lost just one fixture and were promoted to Women’s NC Midlands 1 in March. In 2016 they also won their first tournament, the Norfolk 10s, before winning the

2017 Aston Old Edwardians 7s in July. A number of players have also represented Warwickshire.

Alongside the 1st XV’s achievements, the Development side also plays regular fixtures, with head coach Tim Burden believing that this is crucial to the side’s continued success: “We want to build a sustainable section and we want to grow ladies rugby in Warwickshire,” he says. “Frequent development matches allow us to establish a squad of real strength in depth so that the ladies section at the club can continue to prosper.”

Last month (November), both sides played in the Ladies’ very first double header. The 1st XV’s captain, Rebecca Lane, says this demonstrates just how far the side has come: “Winning the league was a fantastic achievement but in many ways hosting our first double header is an even greater one. It really shows how this club is constantly growing and progressing and we hope it will be the first of many.”

Kenilworth Ladies have achieved a huge amount in a short space of time both on and off the pitch and the future of the side is set to be very exciting.

KENILWORTH LADIES GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTHSOPHIE FREESTONE

SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS

TOUCHLINEEditorial input with pictures to: Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray

Email: [email protected] Direct Line: 0208 831 6514Correspondence to:

Patricia Mowbray, Touchline Editor, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA.

Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 831 6762

Touchline is published by PPL Group, on behalf of the Rugby Football Union, the national governing body of the game in England.

Also available on the RFU website: englandrugby.comPhotography courtesy of Getty and Touchline contributors.

Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and CBs for contributions.No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the RFU.

The views expressed are not necessarily those of the RFU or PPL Group. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions.

All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners.The RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trade marks of the Rugby Football

Union and are subject to extensive trade mark registration worldwide.

12 TOUCHLINE – DECEMBER 2017

THE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT THE GAME

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby is delighted to announce the inaugural staging of the Wheelchair Rugby Quad Nations.

Taking place from 9th – 11th March 2018, the Wheelchair Rugby Quad Nations brings together four of the world’s best teams for hree days of intense competition. European Champions and hosts Great Britain will look to capitalise on some vocal support as they take on the world’s best on home territory. World first, second and third ranked Australia, USA and Japan are confirmed as competing.

The international tournament will be held at the newly-built 2,400 seat Leicester Arena, which provides a perfect setting for wheelchair rugby in a city with a rich rugby heritage.

All four teams will play each other over the first two days before the pool leaders go forward to the Sunday final and the 3rd and 4th place fight it out for the bronze medal. The tournament will be sanctioned by the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF).

David Pond, Chief Executive of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby, said: “GBWR is really

excited to stage this tournament in Leicester. It’s critical that we play the top teams in the world if we are to be medal contenders at the World Championships in the summer. Leicester has been an important training venue for us and with Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby in the city we are hoping for lots of support for GB.”

England rugby international and GBWR ambassador Mike Brown said: “Great Britain won the Euros in style and the chance to play the best in the world on home soil is the sort of challenge they will relish. Wheelchair rugby

is as combative as it is entertaining and the spectators will see something special.”

Ticket prices will be between £5-£18 and went on sale on December 1st – sign up for further info here

GBWR is delighted to offer fans and members of the RFU a discount of 20% off all tickets by entering the code RFU20 at checkout. Please visit the website.

GREAT BRITAIN WHEELCHAIR RUGBY TO HOST FIRST QUAD NATIONS

Last month (November) more than 300 children enjoyed a minis rugby festival at Christ’s Hospital organised by the School’s Director of Rugby, Ian Davies.

The festival attracted 10 different clubs visiting from Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire and the boys and girls playing demonstrated some fantastic rugby skills in near perfect conditions. There were three separate levels of competition at under 9s and 10s and a combined total of over 70 matches over the course of the morning. All players were presented with a souvenir gift.

One of the visiting coaches, Rorie Whybro, Farnham RFC said: “Thank you Christ’s Hospital for hosting an excellent minis rugby festival. Our Under 9 and Under 10 boys and girls were extremely excited to be playing on the immaculate pitches on which Joe Launchbury once played. The rare opportunity for the Surrey clubs to play teams from Sussex and Hampshire ensured an especially memorable morning of rugby. The event was an excellent advert for the benefits of the new rules of play.”

CHRIST’S HOSPITAL FESTIVAL