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.
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
Age Grade Summer Activity Guidelines
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. |
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| 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 > |
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| 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. |
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| 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 > |
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Steve Bird – R.I.P.
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
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
Ready to take your coaching further?
This summer, the RFU have a variety of courses designed to support your coaching career and development. For more information, log on to https://gms.rfu.com/GMS/Dashboard/Organisation/457475
Remember, the CRFU will provide support with funding to attend courses.
Notice – C.R.F.U. A.G.M.
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
South West Leagues presentations
David McAteer and Denis Preece from the South West Regional Organising Committee joined us at Redruth RFC on the occassion of the Bill Beaumont Cup match against Kent to make the presentations to the variius Cornish League Champions.
TRIBUTE COUNTIES 1 SOUTH WEST
PIRATES AMATEURS RFC
TRIBUTE COUNTIES 2 CORNWALL
SALTASH RFC
TRIBUTE COUNTIES 3 CORNWALL
CAMBORNE CRUSADERS
COUNTIES CORNWALL LEAGUE 3 PLATE
LANKELLY-FOWEY RFC
GOLDSWORTHY CUP & ALAN BARBARY CUP WINNERS
SALTASH RFC
Roger Watson R.I.P.
It is with great sadness that the CRFU learned today of the passing of our former Honorary Secretary Roger Watson.
Roger’s passion for Cornish rugby was demonstrated by the many roles he undertook in the game.
As well as afforded Life Membership by his club Redruth RFC, he was also made a Life Member by Trelawny’s Army Supporter’s club
Our thoughts are with Nikki and all the family at this sad time.
The following appeared on Redruth RFC’s website earlier today;
Roger held many roles in his service to the game. Roger was the first Honorary Secretary of Trelawny’s Army Supporters Club and in 1994 Honorary Secretary of Cornwall Schools (16 Group) and sat on the CRFU Committee. From 2001 to 2014 Roger was the Honorary Secretary to Redruth RFC and travelled the length and breadth of the country in support of the Reds. In recognition of his service to the club, Roger was awarded Life Membership. In 2015 Roger became Honorary Secretary to the CRFU and held this position until 2018 whilst also holding the position of Secretary to Cornwall’s Disciplinary Committee. Soon after Roger and Nikki, along with their son Rawlyn moved to the Rhymney Valley in South Wales to be closer to their daughter Esyld and young Granddaughter Isla. Roger continued to love the game and was still attending matches locally last season.
Funeral details will be posted when available.
Cornwall Women win Tamar Cup
A stirring second half performance saw Cornwall Women overturn a ten point half-time deficit to win the inaugural Women’s Tamar Cup 31-27 at Polson Bridge.
Devon’s two bonus points from the game were enough to confirm them as group winners and progression to the semi-finals.
Match report below
GILL BURNS CUP DIVISION 2
CORNWALL WOMEN 31 – 27 DEVON WOMEN
By Bill Hooper at Polson Bridge.
On a glorious afternoon at Polson Bridge both sides served up a feast of attacking rugby for the four figure crowd.
For Cornwall the spoils of the game and with it the Tamar Cup that captain Amy Bunt proudly lifted in front of the grandstand.
Devon too had much to celebrate, two bonus points from the game enough to see them top the group and advance to the semi-finals.
Devon kicked off towards the Devon end and immediately put Cornwall under pressure.
Cornwall defended well but gave away too many penalties, eventually the Devon pressure told when the ball was worked wide to wing Charleigh Hopkin to dot down.
Having missed the conversion Devon’s Beth Plumpton kicked a routine penalty from in front of the posts to stretch their lead.
Cornwall needed to get into the game, Abi Smith sounded the charge with a good run, the first of many. Cornwall kicked a penalty to the corner from which scrum-half Amy Warman fed Michaella Roberts, the No.8 used her strength to power over for a try bettered by Georgia Hall.
Roberts was again involved when Cornwall took the lead, she linked with Smith who’s pass found Bunt who scored an unconverted try in the corner.
Smith then showed her defensive qualities with a crunching tackle on a Devon player that left her square on her back!
The threat from Devon on the wings was still there and when the ball reached Issy Edworthy the Okehampton wing showed her speed to outpace the cover and score under the sticks allowing Plumpton a simple conversion.
Despite losing No.8 Megan Heath to a yellow card Devon scored again before half-time through the impressive Edworthy, Plumpton’s extras giving the visitors a 22-12 lead at half-time.
The break allowed the Cornwall Women’s team from 1994 to parade around the ground, players that Cornwall head coach Jo Holden described as “true pioneers who laid the foundations for what we have now.”
Cornwall came out for the second half in determined mood. An early try-scoring chance just failed to go to hand with line beckoning.
The Cornish forwards through Roberts, Kim Upcott and Izzy Burrows were making ground.
A quick tap penalty from Warman near the Devon line led to Meg Okey charging over near the posts allowing Hall the conversion.
Just as Cornwall had Devon in their sights a moment of lapse concentration allowed Edworthy to escape the clutches to score her third try.
With both sides turning to their respective benches, it was Cornwall who finished the stronger. Leading by example Bunt shrugged off a tackle to score in the corner to bring Cornwall to within three points.
Devon then lost Plumpton to a yellow card as Cornwall now pressed hard.
The winning score came from another quick tap penalty from Warman who found Smith who scored near the posts, Hall’s conversion completed the scoring as Cornwall saw out the game.
Speaking after the match head coach Jo Holden said. “They put everything out there today I am so proud of each and every one of them.
“Winning the Tamar Cup is a huge milestone for us as we strive to improve each season, this is a very good Devon side we beat today. I can’t wait for next season and where it can take us as a group.”
Cornwall Women (Launceston unless mentioned): Amy Bunt (Ivybridge, Capt), Tia Larson (Bude), Abigail Smith, Georgia Hall (Penryn), Lisa Allin (Bude), Meg Okey (Ivybridge), Amy Warman; Libbie Cole, Teigan Aitkin (Penryn), Kim Upcott, Megan Arnold, Rhiannon Thomas, Rosie Ninnis (Penryn), Izzy Burrows (Truro), Michaella Roberts (Ivybridge).
Replacements: Janna Arnold, Jessica Varker (Helston), Josie Ninnis, Vinnie James (Bude), Nicole Rowland (Ivybridge), Faith Rowe (Camborne), Lydia Hawkins (Falmouth).
Cornwall scores: Tries Roberts 19, Bunt 24, 56, Okey 52, Smith 74, Cons, Hall 20, 53, 75
Referee: Rob Lowe (Plymouth RRS)
Crowd: 1,054
Cornwall Star Player: Michaella Roberts
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)
Have your say on how rugby is run
| View in browser News | Tickets | Store HAVE YOUR SAY ON HOW RUGBY IS RUN IN ENGLAND A nationwide public consultation has been launched on potential changes to the RFU’s governance and representative structures. Your feedback that the current decision-making structure of the RFU is complex and unwieldy and that the game feels excluded, has been heard. This is your chance to give your views on how rugby is run across England, led by a desire to better embed game representation directly within decision-making bodies. TAKE PART >  News | Tickets | Store © All Rights Reserved. Please do not reply to this email. Unsubscribe | Privacy | Contact Us Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Allianz Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW2 7BA |
Introducing Ian Davies as our 1st Guest Coach for the Cornwall XV Aside Conference
Dear Coach,
Following the success of last year’s coaching conference we are pleased to confirm we have scheduled for Saturday 12 July 2025. The invited coaches will be announced in the coming weeks.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic coaching development opportunity.
https://www.coachcentered.com/coach-development
We’re thrilled to announce the first of our guest coaches for the XV Aside Conference at Truro School on Saturday 12th July — Ian Davies, former DoR of Cornish Pirates.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the best! Stay tuned for more announcements.
Click Here to secure your spot and access the early bird conference offer.
Jon Bates
Coach Centered Ltd
07764336709
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
