Check above for details of this workshop which we feel sure will be of benefit to clubs in Cornwall.
President’s XV haul down Navy Under 23 colours
Cornwall Presidents XV 50 v Royal Navy U23s 12
Report by Paul Hayes, at Tregorrick Park
The Cornish rugby world came together to commemorate the memory of John Sumnall following the sad news of the passing of the former CRFU President. John was a true champion of the community game who embodied the traditional values of rugby. He would no doubt have approved of the minute silence in his honour before the kick-off impeccably observed by the players and a large crowd at Tregorrick. John was also an inherently modest and humble man who would have been embarrassed by the fuss being made and flushed at the many glowing tributes recollecting his immense contributions to the game. One thing is for sure; he would have been delighted at the match that followed – a fiercely competitive contest between two young sides determined to run the ball at every opportunity.
Despite being drawn from ten different Clubs the Cornwall squad quickly clicked into gear to put the Navy under pressure from the start. The high tempo was stretching the Navy to the edges, but it was the powerful forward surges that delivered the first points. Hooker Pete Harris finished a lineout maul that moved almost 20m at a rate of knots. Number Eight Finn Wolstencroft repeated the routine in the opposite corner, and the pack soon added another with flanker Hector Bright dotting down under a pile of bodies. Archie Bees added the conversion, and this was quickly followed by a penalty try to make it 24-0 after a ruthless opening quarter from Cornwall.
The Navy finally enjoyed some good possession on in dangerous areas but found the Cornish as adept in defence as they had been in attack. Another surge up field instigated by full back Archie Bees laid the foundations for a fifth Cornish try of the half with Finn Wolstencroft going over for his second of the evening. Pete Harris completed his brace and the final score of the half to make it 36-0 at the interval.
It was a rejuvenated Navy side that came out for the second period to show great heart and determination to stem the tide of Cornish scores. They dominated the third quarter to score two tries and one conversion to get themselves on the scoreboard. Both benches were now being emptied which broke the flow of the game as the changes took time to settle. Cornwall were being forced to defend for prolonged periods but did enough to prevent the Navy from adding to their two tries.
As the game entered the final ten minutes the Cornish team regained their earlier high tempo with the forwards providing quick ball for live wire scrum half Will Tanswell to spin out to an eager backline. With a penalty advantage being played, an astute cross field kick found winger Ollie Bebbington out wide who finished superbly in Apples Corner.
There was still time for Finn Wolstencroft to complete his hat-trick from a catch and drive in the same area. Ben Rosevear converted both tries to make the final score 50-12 to complete a great win for Cornwall and a good workout for the Navy ahead of their Inter-Services tournament. Above all else the match and the occasion was a fantastic tribute to former CRFU President John Sumnall.
The Tribute Player of the Match was Finn Wolstencroft selected by Vice Admiral Andy Burns. The hat-trick hero was pushed hard for the accolade by strong running prop Olly Derry, scrum half Will Tanswell who kept the Cornish team ticking, and hooker Pete Harris who was a constant thorn in the Navy side.
Cornwall President’s XV: Archie Bees (St. Austell), Rhys Williams (Exeter Uni & Helston), Jamie Stanlake (St. Austell), Harris Eddy (Penzance & Newlyn), Ollie Bebbington (Launceston), Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn), Will Tanswell (Camborne); Declan Prowse (Penzance & Newlyn), Pete Harris (St. Austell), Olly Derry (Wadebridge Camels), Charlie Knight (Saltash), Mark Vian (St. Austell, Capt), Hector Bright (St. Austell), Will Symons (Wadebridge Camels), Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth).
Replacements: Rob Walsh (Saltash), Cam Leigh (Redruth), Rohan Ewels (Redruth), Will Perkin (St. Ives), Charlie Tumon (Launceston), Ben Rosevear (Helston), Jack Sander (Wadebridge Camels), Ben Wragg (Penzance & Newlyn).
Scorers
5 mins Pete Harris (St Austell RFC)
14 mins Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth RFC)
18 mins Hector Bright (St Austell RFC), Con: Archie Bees (St Austell RFC)
20 mins Penalty Try
22 mins Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth RFC), Con: Archie Bees (St Austell RFC)
33 mins Pete Harris (St Austell RFC)
HT 36-0
41 mins Charlie Over (RN)
45 mins RN try, George Edson (RN) 36-12
69 mins Ollie Bebbington (Launceston RC), Con Ben Rosevear (Helston RFC)
78 mins Finn Wolstencroft (Redruth RFC), Con Ben Rosevear (Helston RFC)
Cornwall President’s XV – Result
Cornwall President’s XV 50 – 12 Royal Navy Under 23s
Report to follow
John Sumnall RIP
It is with great sadness that the CRFU have been informed of the death of our past President John Sumnall.
At this stage we await further information and will post on here when we are able to.
Our President Andy Reed and all members of the CRFU Management Board offer their sincerest condolonces to John’s family and many friends.
There will be a minute’s silence in his memorary ahead of tomorrow night’s game at St. Austell when Cornwall President’s XV play the Royal Navy U.23s.
The following was written by our Chair Steve Murley.
It was with great sadness that the CRFU was told of John Sumnall’s recent passing.
John was a respected and dedicated past President of Cornwall RFU, a position where his
leadership helped shape the future of rugby across the county. His impact, however, reached beyond the administrative offices and onto the very heart of community rugby.
In 1993 he was the one of the founders and a driving force behind the Bolingey Barbarians,
serving as their inaugural Chair. This unique club, which raises vital funds for children’s
charities in Cornwall, perfectly encapsulated John’s blend of good humour, community spirit, and love for the game.
In addition, in 1999, John, along with others helped to form the Cornish branch of the
Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby. Their mission is to transform the lives of
disadvantaged and disabled children and young people through the power of rugby.
For many years, he was also a key and highly valued member of Perranporth RFC, where
his wisdom and commitment were instrumental to the club’s success and spirit. John was
Honorary Secretary for many years and helped to move the club from a small village team to the expanding network of youth and senior teams that flourishes today.
John acted as both Bolingey Barbarians and Perranporth RFC’s representative on the
CRFU. He sat on many CRFU committees, was meticulous in his preparations and
contributions and always gave wise and considered counsel.
In addition to his administrative and club roles, John was an accomplished ex-rugby referee.
His dedication to the whistle was such that he officiated not only across the UK but also in
South Africa, giving him a broad perspective and deep respect for the game’s global
community.
Over a 30 year involvement from 1997 to 2007 he took on many roles within the Cornwall
Rugby Referees Society ( CRRS ). He acted as Exchange Secretary, Secretary, Chairman,
RFU Assessor as well as representing the CRRS on CRFU Committees including
Disciplinary. During this time he was also asked to serve on the Executive Committee of the
CRFU and SW Society of Referees.
John became CRFU President in 2019, a well deserved recognition of the years of selfless
service he had given to Cornish rugby in many capacities. His involvement spanned local
community rugby to Senior County rugby, from refereeing the game to administering our
game and ensuring that rugby was utilised to make a contribution to those less fortunate.
John’s legacy is one of unwavering service, camaraderie, and a genuine desire to use rugby
as a force for good. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the entire Cornish rugby community whose lives he touched.
Paladin On-line Shop Open
Please link below for the Winter online shop and attached online breakdown for the supporters
This store includes a puffer jacket and “dry robe”, ¾ length jacket
See time line above for your orders.
Community Game Update October
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| 1. IMPORTANT UPDATES Don’t miss the chance to have your say on competitions Following our tour of the country last season, we’ve been working hard to ensure everyone in the game has the opportunity to engage and help shape the game. The next opportunity will be on the topic of competitions, taking place in October. Find out more in this section. Try Love Rugby Following the success of the Red Roses and the Rugby World Cup, now is the perfect time to inspire more girls to give rugby a try. Try Love Rugby: 4 Week Intro is a programme that focuses on introducing girls to rugby in a supportive, all-girl environment. Age Grade Updates – Registration & Playing Out of Age Grade Make sure your age grade players are registered to play rugby, find out how you can win prizes for your club and re-familiarise yourself with the playing out of age grade rules in this section. READ ONLINE > |
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| 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Registrations for the Volunteer Area at Quilter Nations Series Volunteers who already have tickets to an England home match at Allianz Stadium can register for up to four places in the volunteer area pre-match, find out how to do so in this piece. Female health resources and projects Check out the updates to the resources available for all players, coaches, match officials and club volunteers in the female game, from toolkits to workshops. Upcoming webinars and support available for your club! Find details and registration information for our upcoming webinars and support here. |
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| 3. FOR AWARENESS Bonfire night events – Public Liability Insurance As bonfire night approaches, it’s reassuring to know that affiliated clubs are protected under the RFU’s Public Liability cover, as long as you are able to comply with the insurers risk management conditions, details of which can be found 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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Coaching Development Day success
On October 12, 2025, the CRFU hosted its annual Coaching Development Day, with mini and Junior rugby in Cornwall paused to support coaches in taking the opportunity to participate in activities that would support their development.
Over 60 coaches from 21 clubs participated in a variety of activities, which included coaching clinics led by Cornish Coaching Legends Graham Dawe and Graham Whitmore.
The one-stop development day offered courses, featuring Wayne Reed and Gemma Carnegie delivering RFU-accredited sessions on first contact, kicking, catching, and passing throughout the day. 121 GMS workshops were conducted by Ian Renard, and a Play it Safe safeguarding course was run by Paula Rowe, along with a first aid course.
As a county, we believe that great coaches make great players, and the aim of creating events like today is to encourage coaches to collaborate, share ideas, and continue their own development, thereby providing the best quality coaching to their age groups.
Vacancy – Cornwall Clubs XV Team Manager – Voluntary Position
CRFU are seeking to appoint a well organised motivated individual to manage and support our Cornwall Clubs XV.
For clarity the Cornwall Clubs XV plays a small number of fixtures each season and is selected from players in Counties 2 Cornwall – Level 8 & Counties 3 Cornwall – Level 9.
The principal elements of the role will involve:
• Organising fixtures (Eg Opposition, Date, Venue, Kit, Officials, Refreshments)
• Liaising with host clubs (Home fixtures) to ensure that fixtures are delivered to a high standard
• Establish a Coaching structure, Squad Selectors and Team Physios
• Work closely with other CRFU post holders (Eg Commercial Development, Social Media, Rugbysafe)
• Plan and organise travel 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 Representative Rugby Committee; these meetings are held monthly (Sept-June).
Individuals interested in the role are invited to submit their expression of interest direct to Kevin Thomas (Chair of Representative Rugby) via email kjc.thomas@aol.com .
In addition, please feel free to have an informal chat with Kevin on 07565 156469 to discuss/ask any questions regarding any aspects of the role.
Closing date for Expressions of interest 21st September 2025.
CRFU Handbook 25/26 season
The current handbook can be accessed here.
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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RFU Coaching Courses in Cornwall
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Book via GMS.
Vacancy for Youth & Education Lead
We have a vacancy within the CRFU for a Youth & Education Lead.
Please note this is a voluntary role.
This position is an important part of the Management Board structure, which administers rugby union within the county.
To register your interest, please submit your details by the 31st May and include the qualities and experience that you would bring to the particular role:
Jane Bell, Hon Secretary, Email: janebellcornishrugby@gmail.com ‘
Role discription below
Youth & Education Lead
Composition of Committee:
Chairs of following sub committees:
- Mini Junior Group
- 17/18 Group
Representatives from: - Girls U12/14/16/18
- Tertiary Colleges
- Schools’ 6th Form
- Administrator School of Rugby & Young Player Development
Remit: - Overarching responsibility for all rugby played to the age of 18 years.
- Encourage and support player centred rugby
- Reintroduce age-grade education days to ensure players, coaches & parents are in tune with Rugby’s
core values and any new rules of play that are applicable. - To submit written Reports to the Management Board (via Honorary Secretary)
- To support coaches at Club level to gain qualifications
- Support Clubs to increase number of qualified referees including young players as well as adults
(parents). - Ensure that coaching techniques across all representative sides is standardised so that player
transition across the age groups is seamless. - To create and maintain good relationships with schools and colleges.
- Promote attendance at CRFU Coaching functions/Advertise.
- Continuous review of players at club age grade
- Support the RFU Player Developer and Club Developer to garner good relationships with community
clubs and encourage the implementation of playing development courses across the CB. - Ensure that each Group responsible for arranging Representative rugby matches meets the conditions
laid down in RFU Regulation 9.2 (Player Safety) - Ensure the smooth transition from youth to senior rugby
- To create and maintain good working relations with Representative Managers
- To recommend to the Management Board persons suitable to fill the following posts:
o Team Managers for the following Representative XVs:
➢ U17 (Boys)
➢ U18 (Boys)
➢ U18 (Girls)
o Coaches for the following Representative XVs
➢ U17 (Boys)
➢ U18 (Boys)
➢ U18 (Girls)
Match Official Abuse from 1st January 2024
The RFU Head of Judiciary has issued new guidelines in respect of Match Official Abuse cases as and from 1st January 2024.
The CRFU policy of adding 1 week aggravation to proven cases has now been replaced by a national aggravation policy, which CRFU Disciplinary will be implementing immediately. The aggravation sanctions are now much more severe!
These new regulations DO NOT apply to Age Grade rugby. Therefore the CRFU 1 week aggravation for cases of Match Official Abuse will continue to be applied in any Age Grade cases.
Please read and take note of the new guidance in the link
Bill Hooper
CRFU Discipline Secretary
President’s XV selected to play Royal Navy U.23s
Cornwall RFU President’s XV chosen to play the Royal Navy Under 23s next Wednesday 29th October at Tregorrick Park, St. Austell RFC, kick-off 7:30 pm.
Ground entrance £5, under 16 free.
Clubhouse and food outlets open.
Financial AGM
The CRFU’s Financial AGM will be held on Wednesday 22nd October 7pm at Camborne RFC.
Agenda and accounts have been sent out to clubs ahead of the meeting.
CRFU President back at Camborne
CRFU President Andy Reed attended Camborne’s last home game against Lymm RFC in National League 2 West.
Whilst he was at Crane Park, Andy was delighted to present Camborne RFC with a plaque which acknowledged the club having nurtured a British & Irish Lion, namely Andy himself.
Also attending was Dave Saunter Cornwall Clubs Rep to the RFU Council.
Picture by Steve Monk
