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Two stalwarts of Cornish rugby honoured at CRFU AGM

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The AGM of the CRFU was held at Camborne RFC on Wednesday 25th June.

CRFU President Andy Reed welcomed everybody to the meeting.

A minute’s silence was observed to remember those who have sadly passed away during the past year.

At the conclusion of the formal part of the meeting Andy thanked everyone for their hard work over the past 12 months.

He then went on to make presentations to two stalwarts of Cornish rugby.

Alan Milliner, Alan has completed 10 years as our rep on the RFU Council and will step down from the role at the end of July.

For his service in this role and countless others, including Wooden Spoon Cornwall, Alan was made a Life Member of the CRFU.

CRFU President Andy Reed presents Alan Milliner with his CRFU Shield as a Life Member

The second award, that of Honorary Vice President of the CRFU was made to Stuart Hood, Stuart has been involved with the CRFU for 19 years, notably as Team Manager for Cornwall Clubs XV.

Stuart also received a county shirt presented by the Chair of Representative Rugby Kevin Thomas.

Kevin Thomas presents a Cornwall shirt to Stuart Hood.

Also at the meeting were representatives from Trelawny’s Army, Phil and Marina Trevarton, they are pictured with our three Under 20 players who have been selected for the South West for the upcoming divisional fixtures. The players are Dan Bennett, Ayden Earnshaw and Rhys Bowery. TASC, alongside the CRFU are generously assisting our Under 20’s with travel expenses to attend the South West trials, training and matches.

Beware of thieves

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We have had reports of thieves operating in Cornwall targetting sports clubs notably grounds equipement, mowers etc.

Make sure your security is up to scratch and good locks etc on all doors etc.

Barry Ninnes – R.I.P.

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It is with great sadness that we have to day learned of the passing of Barry Ninnes.

Barry played for St. Ives & Coventry, whilst at county level he represented both Cornwall & Warwickshire. In 1971 he played for England against Wales in Cardiff for his one cap.

1969 saw Barry part of the Cornwall side that lost the county final to Lancashire at Redruth 11-9.

In all Barry played 24 times for Cornwall between 1967-74.

We send our condolences to Barry’s family and friends at this sad time.

Below is a tribute from St. Ives RFC.

Tribute to Barry Ninnes – A St Ives Rugby Legend

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Barry Ninnes, the last St Ives player to represent England. Barry passed away last week, leaving behind a proud legacy and a lasting impact on our club and the wider rugby community.

Barry began his rugby journey at St Ives RFC, where his talent, passion, and determination quickly set him apart. His remarkable ability on the field earned him a move to Coventry and, most notably, the honour of wearing the England shirt – a true testament to his skill and dedication.

He remains a source of immense pride for everyone associated with St Ives RFC. To this day, he is remembered not just for his achievements, but for the character and sportsmanship he brought to the game.

Our thoughts are with Barry’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will always be part of the St Ives rugby family.

Rest in peace, Barry.

RFU Community Game Update – June

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Please see the CGU for this month below. The CGU is available for everyone to read, so if you’d like to share it with others then please forward on the email or the link and they will be able to read it.
 
  1. TO ACTION

Adult Player Registration
From Tuesday 1 July, players and registrars alike will be able to go into GMS and complete re-registration tasks. Find out about improvements we’ve made and what players will need to do to complete the simple process in this section.

Age Grade Player Registration
Age Grade Registration for the 2025/26 season officially opens on 1 July. With half of all registrations complete before the season even began, we know how valuable it is to get ahead of the admin during the summer.

Modernising how we run rugby – join our webinars
In recent weeks proposals have been put forward for consultation about the way in which rugby might be run in future. To help inform your thinking, a series of webinars are being run throughout June.

  READ ONLINE >    
  2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST

Get Ready for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
We are excited to launch our Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Girls’ Activity Day initiative to help you make the most of the tournament.

Join the Red Roses Yarn Art Community Initiative
We’re thrilled to support the Red Roses Yarn Art campaign, led by England star Abby Dow. This nationwide initiative invites communities to create rugby-themed crochet and knitted decorations to celebrate the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Funding Opportunity – Ready to power your club’s future?
You could receive matched funding, advice and crowdfunding support to help you raised the funds you need to make lasting, energy-saving improvements, with a new drive to help community sports clubs reach net zero.

Upcoming webinars & support available for your club!
Find details and registration information for our upcoming webinars and support here.

 
  3. FOR AWARENESS

Age Grade Summer Activity Framework & Age Grade Regulations for 2025/26
The Summer Activity Framework is now well underway, as we continue with the age grade off-season and a reminder that Regulation 15 updates for 2025/26 are now available to view.

Changes to Emergency First Aid Training Delivery
Following a review of the Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union (EFARU) course, from 1 July 2025, England Rugby will no longer deliver face-to-face EFARU courses

RFU Safeguarding Conference 2025 – Save the Date!
This years RFU Safeguarding Conference will take place on 12th July 2025, featuring key updates from the RFU Safeguarding Team, along with a range of external speakers

Community News – monthly round-up
Read this month’s roundup of the best community rugby stories – and find out how to submit your own story.   READ ONLINE >    

Steve Bird – R.I.P.

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Cornwall RFU are saddened to learn of the passing of former county player Steve Bird.

Steve played for Cornwall during the 1983/84 season on the wing.

The following is from Stroud RFC his club and we join with them in expressing our condolences to the family.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stephen Bird, on Tuesday 27th May.

Reflecting on his time with us at Stroud, his family has noted: “Steve played rugby for Stroud and represented Cornwall, he was always very proud to have done this as at the time the county championship would have all the top players from all the clubs playing in it. He was the points record holder at Stroud for many years, until this was beaten by Julian Harry! Steve would always remind Julian that try’s used to be worth 4 points in the day and not five, when Julian beat his record.”

Stroud Rugby extends their deepest condolences to Steve’s friends & family, and our thoughts remain with them all during this difficult time.

Stephen Bird’s funeral will take place on July 7th at Westerleigh Crematorium, 1.15 pm.

Coaching Conference is fast approaching

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Future proof your coaching – Get game ready for the season ahead

📍 Truro School | 🗓 Saturday 12th July | ⏰ 9.30am through to 2.30pm

Coach Centered Ltd are again delighted to partner which Cornwall RFU at Truro School on Saturday 12th July where our high-performance coaches, come together to share insight, challenge norms, and elevate your coaching craft.

Take this opportunity to accelerate your learning and ready yourself for the new season, with clear game strategies and coaching ideas to take your players to the next level.

Ask yourself?

• What’s your team’s mindset, strategy, and skillset to cash in on turnovers?

• How well do your players understand the principles of phase defence — and how does this differ based on pitch geography and ruck location?

• How are you recognising learning, adapting session progression, and using tools that truly create decision-makers?

If these questions spark curiosity or challenge your current thinking, then you’re exactly the kind of coach this conference is built for.

This isn’t just another CPD event — it’s a catalyst for real change in how we coach and how your players perform.

Ready to challenge yourself, connect with like-minded coaches, and leave with practical tools to transform your coaching?

👉 Register now www.coachcentered.com/coach-development/#CornwallConference

Notice – C.R.F.U. A.G.M.

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Notice is hearby given that the 2025 CRFU AGM will be held on Wednesday 25th June 7 pm at Camborne RFC.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Jane Bell

CRFU Hon. Secretary

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