Please note Cornwall Under 20’s match against Devon Under 20’s will now be played at TOPSHAM RFC on Sunday 27th April, kick-off 2 pm.
Cornwall regain Tamar Cup in front of a big crowd
TAMAR CUP
CORNWALL 22 – 14 DEVON
By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth
Roared on by a big Easter holiday crowd Cornwall wrested the Tamar Cup back from Devon in a pulsating encounter.
Cornwall were far from perfect but given the limited time the squad have had together they found a way to win which pleased backs coach Malcolm Roberts. He said. “Given our limited time to prepare I thought we put in a decent performance, pulling players together from various clubs you have to put in a structure and plan and I feel they did that.
Roberts was pleased with the performance from his backline. “I thought they looked sharp and put their tries away very well and that didn’t let up when we brought replacements on.
“I feel that a number of players today have enhanced their case to be included in the Championship squad next month and that for me is a nice conundrum to have.
Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s silence impeccably observed to remember former county player Terry Barnes also former Devon Secretary and past President Treve Mitchell, who hailed from Camborne.
Devon kicked off playing down the slope, the visitors enjoyed early territory and possession but the Cornish defence held firm.
Scrum-half Liam Jolly made a good break into the Devon half but his kick forward came to nothing.
Props Dec Prowse and Mitch Hawken drove into the Devon twenty-two before Matt Shepherd launched his backs, good hand from Ben Plummer and Cam Fogden put wing Ryan Cruickshanks in at scoreboard corner, Shepherd adding a fine conversion for a 7-0 lead.
The St. Austell pair of Archie Bees and Dan Tyrrrell were full of running along with the influential Fogden in mid-field as Cornwall started to hit their strides and show their mettle.
A quickly taken tap by Jolly five meters out led to Cornwall’s second try quick ball out to Shepherd saw him release fellow Saint Ben Plummer to bulldoze through the Devon defence and dot down.
Cornwall maintained their pressure, just before half-time a fine run and kick ahead by Tyrrell led to Cornwall’s third try, the winger kicked the ball forward with Bude’s Ben Hancock winning the race for the touchdown. Half-time 17-0 to the black and gold.
Cornwall began the second half at pace and were unlucky not to get an early score.
They did add to their tally when Jack Counter, just off the bench tore down the top touchline to score in Piggy Lane Corner.
Chances came and went the clinical touch was just missing to polish off the chances that came.
Both sides began to empty their benches with the game becoming a little dis-jointed, however it played into Devon’s hand as both their tries came from replacements.
They pulled a first try back through Corey Jamieson to give them some hope but they couldn’t add to their tally until the dying moments when Leon Horn scored, both tries converted by Declan Hadley.
The final whistle saw huge cheers from the Cornish faithful with Cornwall skipper Shepherd receiving the Tamar Cup from CRFU President Andy Reed.
With the National League season ending this coming Saturday it remains to be seen which players will become available for Cornwall in the Bill Beaumont Cup and for the match against Exeter Chiefs XV next month.
CORNWALL: Archie Bees (St. Austell), Ryan Cruickshanks (Saltash), Ben Plummer (St. Austell), Cam Fogden (Launceston), Dan Tyrrell, Matt Shepherd, (Capt, both St. Austell), Liam Jolly (Truro); Mitch Hawken (Launceston), Luis Powell (Truro), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Toby Osborne (Pirates Ams), Adam Powell (St. Austell), Ben Hancock (Bude), Adam Blackmore (Wadebridge Camels).
Replacements: Matt Boothby (St. Austell), Charlie Short (Launceston), Pete Harris, (St. Austell), Dan Head (Truro), Rory Jago (St. Austell), Brandon Rowley (Launceston), Will Tanswell (Camborne), Jack Counter (Wadebridge Camels), Declan Matthews (Truro), Jose Juarez (Launceston).
Cornwall scores: Tries, Cruickshanks 15, Plummer 35, Hancock 38, Counter 52
Con, Shepherd 16
DEVON: Declan Hadley, Henry Batty, (both Topsham), Louie Drennan, Andre Simonetti (both Brixham), Josh Woodland (Crediton), Lewis Paterson (Plymstock), George Hillsen (Launceston), Harvey Courtis (Plymstock), Charlie Dore (Exmouth), Christian Edbrooke (Topsham), Ollie White (Plymstock), Jordan Watson (Brixham), William Peakman (Ivybridge), Robin Edbrooke (Topsham).
Replacements: Daniel Armstrong (Sidmouth), Callum Arnold (Okehampton), Henry Trudgill (Ivybridge), Tom McGrattan, Leon Horn (both Okehampton), Jamie Hext (Brixham), Kieran Jamieson (Plymstock), Matt Smale (OPM), Joel Ashworth (Brixham), Corey Jamieson (Plymstock).
Tries, Smale 63, Batty 79, Cons Hadley 64,80.
Referee: James Milliner-Woodcock
Crowd: 1,732
Suez UK Man-of-the-match: Cam Fogden (Cornwall)
Cornwall name squad for Tamar Cup
CORNWALL DETERMINED TO RECLAIM TAMAR CUP
By Bill Hooper
Cornwall will go into Easter Saturday’s Tamar Cup fixture at Redruth RFC against Devon determined to win back the Cup in front of their fanatical supporters.
Having lost the Cup last season in wintery conditions at Ivybridge, Cornwall will hope that the kinder weather will allow them to play an expansive game.
With both Camborne and Redruth both still involved with their league programmes the squad has been picked chiefly from sides at level 5 down in the RFU leagues.
The sole exception are Camborne’s Declan Prowse and Will Tanswell who have been given the nod.
“We decided to have a slightly different approach to the Tamar Cup fixture this year”, said Chairman of Selectors Kevin Thomas.
He added. “Having lost our second Bill Beaumont Cup home game this season, we were able to team up with Redruth RFC who are having a big weekend over Easter to celebrate their 150th anniversary. We are grateful to them for what should be a very competitive game.”
Chairman of the CRFU Steve Murley added, “The Tamar Cup gives the coaches and selectors the opportunity to look at current and potential Championship players from level 5 down as well as players just out of the Under 20 squad.
“With only two County Championship matches this seasons it was very important we had some quality fixtures in the build up to ensure we are match ready“
“Cornwall v Devon is always a great occasion and I have no doubt this Saturday will be no different.”
Kick-off is 2:30 pm, with the gates open from 12 pm, stand £12, ground £8 with under 16s free. The Falmouth Marine Band will be in attendance with a bucket collection on behalf of Wooden Spoon (Cornwall). Please note pre-reserved Blue Badge parking only at the ground.
Also please be aware there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off to remember former county player Terry Barnes (Falmouth) also former Devon RFU President and Camborne RFC Hon.Treasurer, Treve Mitchell.
Cornwall squad (St. Austell unless stated), Forwards: Matt Boothby, Sam Carroll (Pirates Ams), Mark Grubb (Wadebridge), Dan Goldsmith (Launceston), Ben Hancock (Bude), Pete Harris, Mitch Hawken (Launceston), Dan Head (Truro), Roy Jago, Toby Osborne (Pirates Ams), Adam Powell, Luis Powell (Truro), Declan Prowse (Camborne), Brandon Rowley, Charlie Short (both Launceston), Mark Vian.
Backs: Archie Bees, Jack Counter (Wadebridge), Ryan Cruickshanks, Greg Eatwell (both Saltash), Cam Fogden (Launceston), Liam Jolly (Truro), Jose Luis Juarez (Launceston), Ben Plummer, Matt Shepherd, Will Tanswell (Camborne), Dan Tyrrell.
Age Grade Cup Finals Winners
Celebrating the various winners of this season’s competitions.
Under 14;
Under 15;
Under 15 Plate Winners Newquay Hornets RFC
Under 15 Bowl Winners Launceston RC
Colts;
Colts Shield Winners sponsored by Trelawny’s Army – Launceston RC
Colts Plate Winners sponsored by Trelawny’s Army – Bude RFC
Colts Bowl Winners sponsored by Trelawny’s Army – Camborne RFC
RFU Community Update April
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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. |
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| 1. TO ACTION Age Grade Updates – Summer Activity & Registration As a busy Age Grade season draws to a close, check out these updates for the age grade game, including Summer Activity Framework for 2025 and latest registration numbers. Application for entry into RFU Women’s Leagues Applications are now open for entries into the 2025/26 RFU Women’s League structure and the Inner Warrior Series. Honda Volunteer Hospitality registrations for Guinness Six Nations As part of the Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme, volunteers who already have match tickets to the Red Roses V France game on the 26th April can register for up to four tickets for pre-match hospitality. Honda Rugby Grounds Connected 2025 Events The Honda Rugby Grounds Connected Events aim to bring together rugby grounds people from across the country and provide a platform to learn, connect with like-minded people and touch base with industry experts. Book your free place to an event in this section. Rugby Club Business Network – Help with running your clubhouse bar During May and June we are running three free face-to-face workshops to support clubs with the challenges of running a clubhouse bar as part of our Rugby Club Business Network. READ ONLINE > |
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| 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Become a member of the RFU National Youth Council The RFU’s National Youth Council (NYC) is helping to grow rugby and is currently recruiting for new members to join the group. Community Rugby Digital User Groups If you hold a volunteer role within the game, you could be a part of our digital user groups and help improve RFU digital systems. Smash your sponsorship opportunities If you’re looking to transform the sponsorship approach at your club, then why not check out how Silhillians RUFC smashed their offering in this section. Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 – Make the most of the opportunity With the World Cup fast approaching, we’re excited to announce a series of practical ‘How-To’ guides designed to support clubs in getting ready for the tournament. Coaching Resource – Developing England Players: Positive Coaching Environments For this month’s U14-U18 coaching support, we look at Positive Coaching Environments. Upcoming webinars & support available for your club! Find details and registration information for our upcoming webinars and support here. |
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| 3. FOR AWARENESS ICYMI: Results of SGM of the Rugby Football Union On the 27th March, a Special General Meeting (SGM) of the Rugby Football Union was held at Allianz Stadium. Check out the results and closing comments in this piece. Refereeing Review The Community Game Board requested a review in response to increased reports of Match Official Abuse and dissent and to identify how more people can be encouraged to take up the whistle. Read it in this section. Rugby tackle change linked to drop in head collisions Lowering the tackle height in men’s rugby almost halved the rate of head collisions among players, a study at Edinburgh University has found. Read more in this section. England Rugby and Neurodiverse Sport launch resources for inclusive coaching England Rugby has partnered with Neurodiverse Sport to create a series of resources designed to help coaches, players, and the wider rugby community foster environments where all individuals can thrive. 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 > |
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Trelawny’s Army grateful for donation
Firstly, may I take this opportunity to thank all those at the CRFU involved in the decision to pass on the generous “gift” of all of your surplus O’Neill’s Shirts. Colin Hatch brought them to us last week whilst we were on route to Redruth RFC.
We sorted and graded them and they were on sale at Penryn RFC and Camborne RFC over the weekend. They are already proving popular.
The income they will provide will secure much of our future sponsorships in 2025/2026.
Secondly I wish to congratulate all those involved in the Ladies Cornwall Cup competition at Penryn RFC. It was a truly joyous occasion with a feast of running rugby and skills. Your CRFU gazebo is a welcome addition to the rugby scene in Cornwall.
You will see a few photos from Saturday attached including the Gilbert Match-ball presentation to Jo Holden as well as your group photo. Please feel free to share/post them.
And finally please pass on our congratulations to the U.20 squad and coaches on their win over Gloucestershire yesterday. It was a notable performance over a County that produces good young players.
Kind Regards
Phil Trevarton
TASC Chairman
Women’s Cornwall Cup 2025
This season’s competition took place on Saturday at Penryn RFC.
With some 200 players attending from all the clubs around the county an competitive but fun day was had by one & all.
The main competition saw Launceston Ladies retain their cup with Truro Women runners up.
The Shield competition, for Inner Warrior sides, saw Saltash Phoenixes win with Wadebridge Camels Women the runners up.
Heartfelt thanks to Jo Holden for organising the event to Penryn RFC for hosting Cornwall RRS for providing the match officials, also Ann’s Pasties & Penny’s Pies for keeping everyone fed on the day.
Cornwall Under 20’s off to a winning start
JASON LEONARD CUP
CORNWALL U.20, 32 – 22 GLOUCESTERSHIRE U.20
By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground, Camborne
A try by Rosko Troughton in the dying moments of the game foiled any hopes Gloucestershire harboured of a miraculous comeback.
It also ensured Cornwall had an opening day bonus point win ahead of their trip to Tiverton next month to take on Devon.
The result, if not always the manner, pleased head coach Richie Kevern. He said post-match. “I am happy to get the campaign off to a winning start and with the bonus point. We stuck at it and showed grit when Gloucestershire had momentum . I thought our defence at times was top draw we knocked their big forwards back time and again.
“We created some very good chances but we failed to finish them off and that almost allowed Gloucestershire back into it. We will need to be more clinical in our next games. We did show that we have some serious gas out wide if we can get it right we will cause sides problems.
Thoughts will now turn to the Devon game on April 27th at Tiverton in what is likely to be a group decider. “Devon’s win today against Somerset sets up a great encounter next month. We will be working hard between now and then to make sure we go into that game well prepared.”
Cornwall took the lead with a routine penalty from fly-half Jowan Kerry. That lead proved short lived when the visitors kicked for the corner and the rumbling Gloucestershire pack put Reuben Millward over for the try.
Both Billy Jordan and Ben Roskilly went close to scoring before Leo Armstrong-Lever went over from a maul to put Cornwall back in the lead, Kerry adding the extras.
The black and gold back three showed plenty of pace throughout the game.
The Cornish back row of Freddie Jordan, Will Symons and skipper Jack Jenkin ruled at the breakdown as Cornish pressure built.
Armstrong-Lever then crossed again as Cornwall dominated play before wing Rhys Bowery sped in at the corner with Kerry again on the money with the conversion.
Cornwall’s concentration switched off just before the break when Millward bagged his second fo the visitors to leave Cornwall 22-10 up.
The second half proved cagey, Cornwall took the points from a penalty in front of the posts from Kerry to stretch their lead.
Gloucestershire pressed and were rewarded when Zac Mountfield crossed with Ollie French adding the conversion and when Omar Ly scored his side’s fourth try Cornish nerves jangled as the lead was cut to just three points.
Cornwall redoubled their efforts. A tremendous forward drive in the final moments gave Troughton his chance to score following several phases with Kerry adding the extras to ensure the win.
Cornwall U.20 (Helston, unless stated): Barney Lewis (Newquay), Ayden Earnshaw, Ben Roskilly, Bill Jordan (Penryn), Rhys Bowery (Newquay), Jowan Kerry (Perranporth), Jarvis Lee (Truro); Dan Bennett (St. Austell), Leo Armstrong-Lever, Olly Derry (Wadebridge), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Oli Wells (Redruth), Freddie Jordan (Penryn), Will Symons (Wadebridge), Jack Jenkin (Capt)
Replacements: Jalal Bennett (Truro), Rosko Troughton, Joe Court, Ben Smith (both Camborne).Luke Young (Redruth), Callum Phillips, Lewis Wiltshire (both Wadebridge), Harry Rigg.
Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Armstrong –Lever 27, 32, Bowery 38, Troughton 78, Cons, Kerry 28, 39, 79, Pens, Kerry 4, 58
Cornwall Star Man: Rhys Bowery
Cornwall Under 20 team named to face Gloucestershire
CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 The Jason Leonard Cup.
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2025 gets underway with their first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team hosts Gloucestershire for their first pool game of the competition on Sunday 30th March. The game will be played at Camborne RFC with a 1400 kick off time.
CRFU President Andy Reed said “It is great to get this year’s competition off with a tie against Gloucestershire. We thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”.
Cornwall have named Jack Jenkin (Helston, pictured above) as the captain for the season, alongside him is another new player this season, Ted Kullich from Camborne, who is the vice-captain.
Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a good test for this new set of young players. We start a fresh with a whole group of new players entering the competition for the first time. Playing Gloucestershire is never easy, playing Gloucestershire in the very first game of the season will be an even bigger challenge for these guys”.
Cornwall has a new coaching set up this season, so joining well established Rich Kevern is ex U20 player and current Camborne player Brad Howe as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich. There is also a change in the team management with LJ Collick from Helston taking over as Team Manager. LJ has many years of experience and has been involved with the U18’s and the Southwest sides.
Cornwall Captain Jack Jenkin said, – “It is an honour to be asked to captain the side for this season. I know the guys are up for a tough campaign as always and have trained well in preparation for this game. This is my first season with the 20’s and I know that it is a tough competition, and we will have to perform at our best in every game. We have had great numbers at training, and I know some guys will be disappointed not to be in the team, but this is a squad for the season so keep pushing us for those places, nobody’s shirt is fixed. For those who will run out with me on the 30th, we have a big task ahead of us but I’m confident in our ability”.
Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be Devon away on Sunday 27th April at Tiverton RFC with a 1400 kick off time and then finally Somerset at Redruth RFC on Sunday 11th May again with a 1400 kick off time.
The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. So, we start to build again with a mixture of players transitioning from the U18’s, new players identified and nominated from clubs around the county. There are a number of these players who will be around for the next 2 seasons, and we are always on the lookout at new talent who can come into the squad and join them over the coming seasons. For those joining the U20s, it is part of their rugby education adapting to different teammates, coaches and patterns of play. Our U20s have a great record of rising to these challenges and it is always a pleasure to see them progress and develop as a team”.
Entry on the day will be via the purchase of a match programme at a cost of £5, with Under 16’s having free entry. Or tickets can be pre purchased on the CRFU website Fan Base link. https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=9772
There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact Tanya Thomas of the CRFU in the first instance.
Email – commercial-development@crfu.co.uk
24/03/2024
Cornwall U20 v Gloucestershire U20
Sunday 30th March @ Camborne RFC 1400 kick off.
| 1 | DAN BENNETT | ST AUSTELL |
| 2 | LEO ARMSTRONG-LEVER | HELSTON |
| 3 | OLLY DERRY | WADEBRIDGE CAMELS |
| 4 | CHARLIE KNIGHT | SALTASH |
| 5 | OLI WELLS | REDRUTH |
| 6 | FREDDIE JORDAN | PENRYN |
| 7 | WILL SYMONS | WADEBRIDGE CAMELS |
| 8 | JACK JENKIN (CAPT) | HELSTON |
| 9 | JARVIS LEE | TRURO |
| 10 | JOWAN KERRY | PERRANPORTH |
| 11 | RHYS BOWERY | NEWQUAY HORNETS |
| 12 | BILLY JORDAN | PENRYN |
| 13 | TED KULLICH (V CAPTAIN) | CAMBORNE |
| 14 | AYDEN EARNSHAW | HELSTON |
| 15 | BARNEY LEWIS | NEWQUAY HORNETS |
| 16 | JALAL BENNETT | TRURO |
| 17 | ROSKO TROUGHTON | HELSTON |
| 18 | JOE COURT | CAMBORNE |
| 19 | BEN SMITH | CAMBORNE |
| 20 | LUKE YOUNG | REDRUTH |
| 21 | CALLUM PHILLIPS | WADEBRIDGE CAMELS |
| 22 | BEN ROSKILLY | HELSTON |
| 23 | HARRY RIGG | HELSTON |
| TR | WILL LUSCOMBE | REDRUTH |
| TR | CHARLIE BRICE | CAMBORNE SCHOOL OF MINES |
| TR | LEWIS WILTSHIRE | WADEBRIDGE CAMELS |
| TR | LOWEN MEARS-OLLERENSHAW | NEWQUAY HORNETS |
Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee
Team Manager LJ Collick, Assistant Terry Williams
Medical cover – Hen Gard + Sam West
Kit – Paul Hurrell + Colin Hatch, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop
RFU Community Game Update – March
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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. |
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| 1. ACTION REQUIRED Tackle Height Implementation Update We wanted to take this moment to thank you for your hard work in ensuring the changes to Tackle Height were successful, and to update you on some of the results we have seen so far. T1 Rugby Resources available to you With the summer fast approaching, it may be time to start thinking about your club’s non-contact offer. Following the successful launch of T1 Rugby in schools and colleges, we’ve produced a range of resources that will help you maximise the opportunity the format provides. ICYMI: A message from Sir Bill Beaumont and the RFU Board Last week, Sir Bill Beaumont and the RFU Board wrote an open letter detailing the focus of the RFU moving forward and a new motion to be voted on at the upcoming SGM based off feedback heard on the recent nationwide tour. Read the letter in full in this section. Papa Johns Men’s Community Cup Updates We are happy to now be able to announce the finals venues for the Papa Johns Men’s Community Cups. Find them here as well as more general updates on the competition. Age Grade Playing Calendar 2025/26 We are pleased to provide the National Age Grade Playing Calendar for 2025/26. This is the framework for national competitions and player pathway activity throughout the year. Payment of Players Declaration 2025 update (Regulation 7) A reminder that the 2025 Payment of Players declaration went live on 1 March 2025 and is open until 30 June 2025. The declaration covers the period of 1 June 2024 – 31 May 2025. READ ONLINE > |
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| 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Are you ready to make the most of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025? We know many clubs are already thinking about how they can make the most of this summer’s Rugby World Cup. In the coming months, we will be providing clubs with a comprehensive suite of activation resources to support any activity you may be planning. Mascot Opportunities at Red Roses matches We want to let clubs know that we have a very limited number of community mascots opportunities for the upcoming Red Roses games at LNER Community Stadium, York on Sunday 23 March, and Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, Leicester on Saturday 19 April. Coaching Resource – Developing England Players: Catch and Pass For this month’s U14-U18 coaching support, the England U20 players guide you through some key skill zones that help support the development of catch and pass. Upcoming webinars & support available for your club! Find details and registration information for our upcoming webinars and support here. |
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| 3. FOR AWARENESS Fixture Upload Reminder A reminder that all your fixtures for this season need to be uploaded by 23 May 2025 and your new international ticket allocations will be sent to you next summer. 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 > |
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