| As Christmas approaches, and concerns continue to grow around the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the RFU has introduced flexibility around this weekend’s Community Game fixtures to give clubs and players options. The below applies to level 3 and below in the men’s game and level 2 and below in the women’s game, for the weekend of 17-19 December 2021. Fixtures scheduled for the weekend of 17/18/19 December • Matches can go ahead as normal this weekend if both teams are happy to play. • Should either club involved in a scheduled fixture this weekend wish to postpone, they can do so without sanction. Both clubs must contact their respective organising committee as soon as possible, and at the latest by 1200 on Friday 17th December. (Clubs must not postpone their fixture via Electronic Matchcard). The postponed fixture must be played on the next available weekend as determined by the Organising Committee. • To postpone a fixture for clubs in the Men’s and Women’s English Club Championship (RFU Leagues) they must adhere to the following process: 1. Submit a Covid declaration form 2. Include ‘concerns about Covid’ as the reason for the postponement 3. For this weekend – 17/18/19 December 2021 – there is no requirement to provide additional supportive information for the Covid declaration. If clubs do decide to play fixtures this weekend, we would advise sensible precautions should be taken to protect members and players. In line with public health advice, we would suggest: • Encouraging players, coaches, members, match officials, to undertake Lateral Flow Tests ahead of attending and to self-isolate if the test is positive, and take a PCR test to verify the result. • Minimising use of changing rooms – encourage players to arrive in kit. If changing rooms or treatment rooms are required, facemasks must be warn and rooms should be ventilated where possible. • Minimising use of social spaces, ventilating where possible and keep spacing within rooms. • Implementing regular cleaning protocols of communal areas and toilet facilities. • Ensuring hand sanitisers are readily available. • Reminding members to follow government and public health guidance on mask wearing. • Minimising travel with other people. Covid-19 Guidance We want to ensure rugby clubs have easy access to guidance over the Christmas period. Alongside government guidance, which can be found here, and Sport England guidance here, you can find information, resources and FAQs on our England Rugby Coronavirus Hub which will be updated if government advice changes. Please check back regularly. If you can’t find the information you are looking for please contact us ClubSupport@RFU.com We will continue to monitor the situation and to work closely with government and public health experts and further guidance will be issued post Christmas. The safety of all players, coaches, officials and volunteers remains the priority. |
RFU Community Game Update 7th December
| Back In The Game Update Read Online |
| 1. *****ACTION REQUIRED***** GMS Review Update Deloitte has been appointed to conduct an independent review of GMS, to assess both the essential and desirable needs of the game from an administrative Platform For Rugby. Details are included on what the review will entail and how volunteers can join focus groups to engage in the review process. Mandatory Club Safeguarding Self Audit – 7th Jan Deadline The Safeguarding Audit is mandatory for all clubs who offer Age Grade activities, or who wish to have 17-year-old’s playing up into the adult game. The deadline for completion has been extended to 7 January 2022. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Age Grade Changes 2021-22 Season – Next steps from January 2022 A reminder that from January, Age Grade players will begin to play the rules for their age. Also 17-year-olds are able to play adult rugby again with CB consent. Emily Scarratt explains benefits of hosting a Warrior Camp this January Emily Scarratt shows her support for Warrior Camps with January being the most successful time to recruit new players. An editable press release is included to help clubs promote their camps. Register your interest now. 3. FOR AWARENESS Speak Up for the Core Values Rugby’s core values are why so many people get involved in the game. They need to be protected and championed. We encourage you to report any unacceptable behaviour or concerns through our Speak Up channels. Content to support returning Age Grade players As age grade players continue to return to the game, clubs have been sharing how they have retained and brought in new players. View our video series here, in case ideas can benefit more clubs. Reminder of new Girls Age Bands from 2022/23 A reminder of girls’ age bands from September 2022 with shareable infographic. RFU Injured Player Foundation #RugbyRunners Team for the TCS London Marathon Spaces available for anyone looking to run the London full and half marathon to help raise funds for the IPF. You can find out more and sign up here. News Round-Up including Active Together Crowdfunding Active Together, a Sport England initiative, will match funds up to £10,000 for not-for-profit organisations that raise funds via the crowdfunding website. |
Game on goes Global!
| World Rugby has today announced ‘Game On Global’ which provides national unions with the ability to implement a menu of 10 law variations in the community game. It is at the discretion of member Unions to decide which principles they may wish to utilise in the future. This builds on work already done by the RFU and other Unions around ‘Game On’ domestically and is fantastic news for the global game to enable more rugby to be played across the world. Whereas previously Unions were required to ask permission from World Rugby to implement law variations, World Rugby has looked at the most common variations that could get more games played and has given advance permission for Unions to implement these if they wish next year. Over the coming months, we will assess the implications and opportunities that the additional law variations may bring. No decisions are imminent, and no action is needed by CBs, clubs or schools/colleges at this time. The RFU Game On principles remain in place. More information on these and levels they apply to is available below. Game On principles allow teams to be more flexible with the laws to allow matches to go ahead. WR Press Release RFU Game On |
RFU Community Game Update 23 November
We hope the below structure helps to distinguish between where action is required and where information is for awareness.
- Action required
- Action if of interest
- For awareness
There is important information contained in this update regarding the following;
Future Competitions Structure – Lower XV criteria for entry into RFU leagues
17- year-olds playing adult rugby
NEW – Girls age bands from 2022/23 approved by RFU Council
Former international referee Lawrie Prideaux gets his referee’s cap.
This week at Twickenham Cornishman Lawrie Prideaux was one of 22 of the 26 living RFU referees to have taken charge of a test match to receive an international cap from the RFU.
Lawrie received his cap from RFU President, His Honour Jeff Blackett.
Cornwall RFU wish to add their congratulations and acknowledge Lawrie’s contribution to the game in Cornwall and wider afield.
Back In The Game Update Community Game Update 9th November
| Back In The Game Update Community Game Updates are now structured as follows to help volunteers distinguish between where action is required and where information is for awareness. 1. Action required 2. Member services – action if of interest 3. For awareness A PDF version is available by clicking on the ‘Read Online’ button. Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED – N/A THIS WEEK 2. MEMBER SERVICES – ACTION IF OF INTEREST Returning to Rugby for 16-18 year-olds Bitesize videos and guides including tips from other clubs to help keep 16-18-year-olds engaged in the game Refereeing Content available to share – we hear from Luke Pearce and Matthew Carley on how they got into refereeing, how others can get involved to help get matches played and why refereeing gives you the best seat in the house. Upcoming webinars Leading into December, we have webinars on subjects ranging from GMS to Grounds Management. Read more and register for those that will be of value to your club. GMS drop-ins GMS drop-in sessions continue this Wednesday, when we will focus on booking courses and voucher codes. Again, there will be a Q&A opportunity at the end 3. FOR AWARENESS England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award 2022/23 Details of the prerequisites for the upcoming Advanced coaching award and how to book on. How much is your club paying for its energy use? Advice from our preferred Energy Consultants ZTP on how they can help around the current rise in energy prices. A reminder of Game On Game On is a great way to keep players involved, even if you don’t have 15 players. Read more about the principles behind it. News Round-Up – Harlow Poppy Appeal, Yorkshire reach 150, Max raises £565,441 and Combe Down RFC 125. Hear how Harlow RFC raised £6,872 for the RBL Poppy Appeal, Yorkshire Rugby celebrate their 150th Anniversary, Max, who has camped in a tent since 2020 has raised £565,441 and Combe Down hit 125 years. Congratulations! |
Community Game Update 26th October
| Back In The Game Update Community Game Updates are now structured as follows to help volunteers distinguish between where action is required and where information is for awareness. 1. Action required 2. Member services – action if of interest 3. For awareness A PDF version is available by clicking on the ‘Read Online’ button. Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED – N/A THIS WEEK 2. MEMBER SERVICES – ACTION IF OF INTEREST Reminder of how to show Autumn Internationals at your club How clubs can access the Autumn Internationals to show in their clubhouses. Warrior Camp – save the date, 21 Nov Off the back of what will be a hotly contested Autumn International Series live on the BBC, we would encourage clubs to consider hosting a Warrior Camp around the last Red Roses’ game, to capitalise on heightened interest. Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union course saves a life Recently, two players saved a fellow player’s life, having just completed the Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union course. Find out how you and your members can book a course and what other training is available. Training Course Voucher Codes This Friday will see the release of Training Course Voucher Codes, which will allow organisations to purchase places on courses for their volunteers. GMS club drop-ins GMS drop-in sessions continue this Wednesday, when we will focus on Electronic Match Cards. Again, there will be a Q&A opportunity at the end. Inclusive volunteer recruitment on-demand webinar Available to watch now, alongside access to the recruitment toolkit. 3. FOR AWARENESS Key focus areas update: Referees & 16-18 year-olds The game needs referees, so if you have a qualification or are looking to get one, you could help thousands of people to play rugby. Guides coming this week on how to engage 16-18-year-olds and get them back into playing. Government backs RFU’s Rugby World Cup 2025 bid Last week we announced the RFU’s intention to host the Rugby World Cup in 2025 and shared our Every Rose action plan, which you can find in this story. Celebrating Black History Month Stories from around the game highlighting the history behind some of the great black players and teams to have played rugby. News round-up – IPF Fundraising walk & 100,000 age grade players affiliated Thanks to all clubs who have supported the walk so far. A selection of photos and next destinations are included. Also, last week saw a milestone reached with 100,000 age-grade players now affiliated with clubs across the country. |
RFU President’s 150th anniversary walk
RFU President His Honour Jeff Blackett and his wife Sally are undertaking a 15 day charity walk in aid if the Injured Players Foundation as part of the RFU’s 150th anniversary.
Details of their walk and how to donate to the fund can be found in the link
Jeff and Sally will be with us on the morning of Wednesday 3rd November when they will commence that day’s walk from Saltash RFC, accompanied by members of the Cornwall RFU, heading back into England across the Tamar Bridge to be welcomed by members from Devon RFU.
CRFU President John Sumnall added the following;
May I remind you that this season the RFU is celebrating its 150th Anniversary and are using this Anniversary to raise funds for the Injured Players Foundation.
The RFU President, Jeff Blackett, in early November will be walking 150 miles taking in as many Clubs and Counties as possible. He will be visiting Cornwall on Wednesday 03 November starting at Saltash RFC and then crossing into Devon to visit Tamar Saracens RFC. Further information can be found at:
https://www.rfuipf.org.uk/news
https://rfuipf.enthuse.com/cf/rfu-presidents-150th-wa
In Cornwall we started early in our fund raising and the CRFU Chair David Saunter in early August walked 150 miles from Weston-Super-Mare to Perranporth raising some £600 for the Injured Players Foundation.
We will continue this fund raising by a third event and I would be grateful if you would please consider encouraging your Club to join my President’s Challenge by forming a team or a group of teams to complete 150 laps of your pitch. If your Club is able to join this event it would be greatly appreciated and you will be supporting a great cause. There is not an end date other than this season please and all funds can be donated to our specific Just Giving:
If your Club has age group teams may I suggest that the event is perfect for this Challenge and would be grateful if you would please ensure that they are aware of the event.
I do hope your Club will be able to join others that are already committed to the Challenge.
RFU Community Game Update 12 October
| Back In The Game Update Community Game Updates are now fortnightly rather than weekly. They will also be structured as follows, to help volunteers distinguish between where action is required and where information is for awareness. 1. Action required 2. CB & Club member services – action if of interest 3. For awareness A PDF version is available to view by clicking on the ‘Read Online’ button below. Read Online |
| 1. Ongoing player affiliation (Mandatory Age Grade, Voluntary Adult) Over 97,000 age grade players have now affiliated across 800 clubs. There are helpful guides for registrars and data officers to continue to drive the affiliation process. CB & CLUB MEMBER SERVICES – ACTION IF OF INTEREST 2. How to show Autumn Internationals at your Club Details on how clubs can access the Autumn Internationals to show in their clubhouses. 3. Webinars – Building inclusive volunteer teams, Mobile Ticketing The first webinar talks about building an inclusive volunteer base and the second on how clubs can access and distribute their international tickets via the new mobile ticketing service. 4. Club GMS Support & Webinar We continue our support on GMS by identifying the two highest priorities seen from raised tickets and how to solve them before they become issues. Details on a Club GMS drop-in session every week for the next month. FOR AWARENESS 5. RFU President Jeff Blackett visiting clubs during IPF fundraising walk HH Jeff Blackett will be walking 150 miles in 15 days across 18 counties to raise money for the Injured Players’ Foundation (IPF) and thanking volunteers in person for their hard work in keeping the game going during the pandemic. 6. Player welfare resources including Activate, HEADCASE and RugbySafe Toolkit A reminder of our player welfare resources to keep players in the best condition possible and away from injury. 7. Age Grade – Under 7s Ideas on how to keep the youngest players engaged until January 2022, when they can play matches. 8. The Touch Union – St Columba & Torpoint RFC success A success story from the new non-contact playing format of the game where one club has formed a new section. |
Community Game Update 28 Sept
| Back In The Game Update A PDF version is available to view by clicking on the ‘Read Online’ button below. Read Online |
| In today’s Community Game Update: 1. Volunteering – Autumn pre-match hospitality + Leaders network Details on how club volunteers who already have match tickets for the upcoming Autumn Internationals can register for up to four tickets for pre-match hospitality, as part of the Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme. Sunday 10 October deadline to sign-up for the Rugby Leaders’ Network, helping to develop clubs of the future. 2. Wednesday 29 September mobile ticketing webinar for Six Nations tickets This webinar will explain how to access and distribute club allocations ahead of the move to mobile ticketing. 3. Game Management System (GMS) update Update on the short and long-term plan around recent GMS challenges and a reminder of the services provided on the platform. 4. County Championship update for season 2021/22 Details for this season confirmed and an update on next steps. 5. Bonfire night planning With bonfire night approaching, RFU insurance broker Howden is on hand to help with risk management guidance. 6. Inclusive volunteer recruitment toolkit Rugby is a game for everybody – a toolkit of tips and advice is available to help clubs and CBs to provide an even more inclusive volunteer experience & engage a diverse volunteer base. 7. Discipline Update A reminder of our Speak Up channels and ways to report any incidents of discrimination, abuse or harassment. 8. Tackle height evaluation, tackle & scrum resources Details on an extension to the tackle height evaluation and a reminder of tackle height and scrum resources, including Tackle Ready from World Rugby and contact activity guidance. 9. Age Grade Rugby – including what teams 17-year-olds can play/train with A reminder that U17’s can only play and train with adults for senior rugby from January 2022. Includes infographic to share with parents and players. 10. Media coverage of ‘Pitch Up For Rugby’ campaign Examples of coverage to support the return to rugby and link for clubs to provide feedback on Pitch Up activity. |
