The current handbook can be accessed here.
CRFU Development Day 12th October
NOTE: Now at St. Austell RFC
Following the success of last year’s development day, we have organised a variety of courses for this year’s event. These will include both CRFU and RFU courses.
To book a place on the RFU courses, please use the GMS system.
For CRFU courses, please register using the links provided below. https://forms.gle/GahCqAt78179jKn38 – First Aid https://forms.gle/fkDxK2YqwwfE2rVR7 – CRFU Coaching Clinic https://forms.gle/wCb28K34LSM8XsDLA – GMS Sessions https://forms.gle/e3LNqE2eHWuYZFcj6 – Ready 2 ref
Yours in rugby
Daubroy Game Development Lead
Important Information Ahead of New Season
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MEN’S PRE-SEASON BRIEFING DOCUMENT With the new season fast approaching, this RFU Competitions pre-season briefing document has all the guidance you need on key information, including Adult Player Registration, League Competitions, and the Counties Community Cup Competitions. Information on the new playoff system for National and Regional Clubs can also be found. READ NOW > |
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WOMEN’S PRE-SEASON BRIEFING DOCUMENT This document provides key updates on regulation changes, playoffs, the community cup and adult player registration for the women’s game. READ NOW > |
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RFU COMMUNITY CUP DRAW The draw has been made for all clubs from Counties 1 and below, unless a team opted out of the competition. VIEW DRAW > |
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Community Game Update RWC Edition
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SUPPORT THE RED ROSES The Women’s Rugby World Cup is now underway and to get clubs involved we’ve pulled together key marketing assets, tips on how to use them, upcoming events and more! Marketing Assets and Promoting Your Events Find marketing assets, tips on how to use them and our new FindRugby events feature here. RugbyFest – Register Now Remember to register to host a RugbyFest event! All the details in this section. Yarn Art Installation – 27th August On 27th August, Exeter’s historic Guildhall will be given a rugby themed makeover thanks to an army of volunteers supporting the Red Roses’ bid for World Cup glory this summer. Find out more here. Design Your Shirt We are inviting the next generation of rugby fans to get creative! Learn more about the Design Your Shirt campaign here. VIEW MORE > |
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Vacancy for Cornwall Senior XV Team Manager
Vacancy – Cornwall Senior Rugby XV Team Manager – Voluntary
Cornwall RFU are seeking to appoint a well organised motivated individual to manage and support our Senior Men’s Rugby XV.
The principle elements of the role will involve:
• Assisting in additional fixtures outside of the Championship campaign
• Overseeing the County Championship campaign (May-June)
• Liaising with host clubs (Home fixtures) to ensure that fixtures are delivered to a high standard
• Work closely with Senior Team Coaches, Selectors and Team Physios
• Work closely with other CRFU post holders such as Commercial Development
• Plan and organise travel and accommodation for away fixtures
• Assist with the management of the various squad selections that are established during the season
The postholder will report directly to the Chair of Representative Rugby through the committee structure. These meetings are held on a monthly basis (Sept-June).
Individuals are invited to submit their expression of interest and outline their relevant experience by email to Kevin Thomas (Chair of Representative Rugby). kjc.thomas@aol.com
If you feel you have the required skills set to achieve the above and the ability to be an ambassador of this iconic brand, we would be delighted to hear from you.
In addition, please feel free to have an informal chat with Kevin on 07565 156469 to discuss and ask any questions regarding any aspects of the role.
Closing date for Expressions of Interest 25th August.
Successful Coaching Conference
On July 12th, Cornwall RFU hosted its annual high-performance Coaching Conference at Truro School. This immersive half-day event, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, was designed to prepare coaches for the upcoming season. Coaches from across the county attended the conference.
Jon Bates from Coaching Centred facilitated the event, and Allan, Gavin and Jo from the Cornish Pirates coaching team delivered the practical activity. Additionally, the former Director of Rugby for the Cornish Pirates, Ian Davis, provided valuable insights into communication and the session design.

The conference included sessions focused on:
– **Team Mindset, Strategy & Turnover Gains**: Coaches explored how to convert possession shifts into tangible advantages in the game.
– **Phase Defence Insights**: Emphasis was placed on adapting defensive principles based on pitch location and the dynamics surrounding the ruck.
– **Session Design for Decision-Making**: Interactive discussions aimed to refine techniques for session progression that enhance players’ decision-making capabilities.
These sessions were structured to translate directly into improved training designs and effective game-day strategies.
The event fostered peer-to-peer learning and reinforced the importance of continuous improvement through collaboration.
Stay tuned for further game development activities.

RFU Community Game Update – July
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1. ACTION REQUIRED Getting Ready for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Find out how to make the most of the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup through Girls’ Activity Days, RugbyFest events, Yarn Art and more in this section! Important Update on League Promotion & Relegation changes for the 2025 Season With longer-term changes to competition formats requiring more discussion and club consultation, we have fast-tracked a change to National and Regional Men’s leagues to begin the process of modernising our competitions. Learn about the changes in this piece. RFU Leagues Travel Funding Support for the 2025/26 Season We’ve increased the Travel Funding Support by £200K this season. The travel funding policy for teams playing in the 2025/26 RFU Leagues will remain the same as last season for offshore travel, with a slight change for onshore travel. Community Cup Changes for Counties 1 & Below We’re introducing a new format for next season, giving clubs a cup fixture early in the campaign. All clubs will be automatically entered, with the option to opt out by August 8th. Player Registration is Open! Adult players can now renew their registrations and parents or guardians can renew their child or dependent to ensure they’re ready to hit the ground running when the season kicks off. Age Grade Updates Check out the latest Age Grade updates here, from Match Load and Recovery Guidance, to the Summer Activity Framework for July and August. READ ONLINE > |
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2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Calling All Coaches! The 2025/26 season coach training programme is here! With over 800 courses and 15,000 places available for booking it’s time to secure your place on the course you need. Join the CRISP Project – Help Shape the Future of Player Welfare The Community Rugby Injury Surveillance and Prevention (CRISP) Project is now open for team registrations for the 2025-26 season. RFU Virtual Safeguarding Conference 2025 – Last Call for Registrations! The RFU Virtual Safeguarding Conference is taking place on 12th July 2025 for CB safeguarding managers and club safeguarding officers, but also open to committee members, coaches, referees, and all volunteers involved in our sport. Support available for your club! Find details and registration information for our upcoming webinars and support here. |
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3. FOR AWARENESS What do you know about the RFU Injured Players Foundation? Complete this five-minute survey to help the IPF understand levels of awareness of the charity amongst the community and you could win an England Rugby signed shirt. First Aid Training – Key Updates for 2025-26 Following a recent review of the Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union (EFARU) course, England Rugby will no longer deliver face-to-face first aid training. To support clubs, comprehensive guidance is now available on the Pitch Side First Aid & Immediate Care webpage. GMS-Howden Risk Assessment Tool Integration The Howden Risk Assessment Tool is a bespoke platform that includes a number of risk assessments templates. This includes the first aid risk assessment template that can be utilized for the annual risk assessment. Club Safeguarding Audit 2025 – Now LIVE! The deadline for submission this year is 24th October 2025 and no further edits or submissions will be allowed after this date. Gender Participation Policy Review When the Gender Participation Policy was approved in August 2022, the RFU committed to reviewing it regularly based on new evidence and feedback from the community. Read about some updates in this section. 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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Two stalwarts of Cornish rugby honoured at CRFU AGM
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.

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.

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.

Barry Ninnes – R.I.P.
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.
Payment of players return due by 30th June
A reminder to clubs concerned that this return needs to be completed by the end of this month.
https://help.rfu.com/support/solutions/articles/103000275565-how-to-complete-payment-of-players
