Please see details on the poster and contact Lesley to book your place.
CRFU Hon.Sec makes award presentation
Cornwall RFU Hon. Secretary Jane Bell made the presentation to Matt Shepherd last evening of the Bill Osborne Memorial Shield at Trealwny’s Army Supporters Club A.G.M. held in the convivial surroundings of St. Austell Brewery Visitor Centre.
Matt previously won the trophy in 2015 when playing for Launceston, the year Cornwall won their first Bill Beaumont Cup. He is only the second player to be awarded the trophy more than once, the other player being three-times winner Richard Carroll 2003,04 & 05.
The Jess Humber Shield, for the Cornwall Women’s Player went to full-back Amy Bunt of Ivybridge Ladies RFC. Amy scored in every game for Cornwall this season and proved a constant threat to the opposition with her strong runs from deep. Amy came through the ranks at Liskeard-Looe RFC and is destined for greater things in the Women’s game.
The Tony Mead Memorial Shield for the Cornwall Under 20 player went to the skipper of the Jason Leonard Cup winning side, Ethan Pearce-Cowley, Ethan proved an inspirational leader of his side guiding them through a tough campaign that saw them defeat Kent at Worcester’s Sixways to become the first Cornish side to win at this level. Ethan came through the youth set-up at St. Austell RFC and is currently playing for National League1 side Plymouth Albion.
There was also a presentation on Tribute Ale to Cornwall Under 20 Team Manager Colin Hatch, whilst Lee Maher was on hand to receive a cheque from the Army for £500 for Colts rugby in Cornwall this season.
RFU Community Game Update 13 September
Rugby community unites to pay respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Rugby came together over the weekend to show its respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. You can see some of the moving tributes captured in this section.
Club guidance for National Mourning Period and Pitch Up
In line with the Government’s National Mourning Period guidance, there is no obligation to cancel or postpone sporting fixtures or events this week or weekend.
However, as a mark of respect to Her Majesty The Queen, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events or fixtures. Players may wish to wear black armbands.
The RFU would strongly encourage rugby clubs to postpone or cancel events/training and close venues on Monday 19 September, the day of the State Funeral.
Read Online
1. ACTION REQUIRED
Clubs facing escalating costs
As clubs begin to see escalating costs, we would be grateful if you could complete the form in this article to help us further understand the impact price rises are having, or will have, on your club. You can also find a helpful energy saving checklist including 60 low-cost tips.
22/23 Community Rugby Inclusion & Diversity survey
Later next week we will release the Community Rugby Inclusion & Diversity Survey. We would appreciate you sharing this with your rugby network to help shape the future of the game.
2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST
Staying in touch with university students
It is important to keep connected with players while they are at university. The Student Pass allows students to be registered at two different clubs while they are studying, meaning they can play at university, a club local to university and their home club during term breaks.
Monday 19 September
Following the announcement that Queen Elizabeth’s funeral will take place on Monday 19th September, the Cornwall RFU expect all rugby activities to be postponed on that day.
All Club, College and School rugby, including training, should be suspended in respect to her Majesty, who gave 70 years service to this Country and we are proud that the Cornwall RFU has had Royal Patronage since 1931.
John Sumnall President CRFU
Dave Saunter Chairman CRFU
A Message from the CRFU President
Guys,
The many comments following the sad loss of Queen Elizabeth 2 state much.
However, these comments come from many generations and backgrounds, and rightly or wrongly have changed with time and should be respected.
The Cornwall RFU must not forget that we have had a long association with the Royal Family as Patrons and whilst I understand those persons/Clubs who feel matches should proceed we must respect those that have chosen to not play.
The time for true reflection is when the funeral, on a date we still await, takes place and I hope and expect all unnecessary activities will cease.
Yours,
John Sumnall
CRFU President
Rugby Union matches to proceed this weekend
| Rugby Union to go ahead this weekend GAME UPDATE: The official guidance we have received from Government is that there can be respectful continuation of sport at all levels this weekend. The overwhelming opinions shared so far within the game, are that teams and supporters want to come together to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to be united in our grief as we express sorrow at her passing. Rugby, at its heart, is about community and bringing people together, in good times and in sad. Rugby clubs are a source of strength and support during times of uncertainty, and we hope that by enabling games and other rugby activity to go ahead this weekend, with families and friends congregating it will help us all to unite at this time of national mourning. We strongly encourage all those playing sport this weekend to respectfully pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen by holding a minute’s silence ahead of all fixtures this weekend. This an opportunity for teams from different areas to join together in honouring and celebrating her life. For clubs who have outdoor screens or for clubhouse televisions, graphics will be available to display via englandrugby.com/resources later today. Postponements While for many in the game, matches this weekend will be an opportunity to come together and celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, there may be some clubs who will find it more appropriate to postpone their fixture, such as those with closer connections to the Royal Family or those with large numbers of players in the military or emergency services who may be called away to work on official duties as a result. If that is the case, both clubs may agree to postpone their fixture this weekend without penalty – in that case they must inform their Organising Committee at least four hours before kick-off. Revised fixture dates would be arranged according to the relevant competition regulations. We trust the rugby community will respect the wishes of those clubs who wish to postpone because of the sad news and what is needed following it. Guidance for matches and rugby activity for the remainder of the National Mourning Period will follow as early as possible next week. Our thanks to Her Majesty The Queen We are deeply grateful for Her Majesty’s support of our sport over many years, including serving as the RFU’s Patron for 64 years, helping the Union to celebrate its centenary in 1971, her reception at Buckingham Palace after England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, and honours bestowed on many of those who have served the game. Her Majesty earned the respect and affection of generations of rugby players and supporters here in England and around the world. On behalf of the rugby union community in England, we offer our condolences to the whole Royal Family at this time. The St George’s Flag has been lowered to half-mast at Twickenham Stadium. |
First Aid Courses – Postponed
In the absence (at time of writing) of any firm guidance from RFU, after taking a straw poll of RugbySafe leads and following discussions with course provider, I have taken the decision to postpone both of this weekends first aid courses.
It is an emotive subject and an emotional time for us all and the last thing I would wish is that any individual feels obliged to attend or that any decision to proceed is perceived as being disrespectful or inappropriate, especially as Prince Phillip was a past Patron of Cornwall RFU.
This decision mirrors the guidance provide by Scottish RFU last night and echoes actions taken by other sports out of respect for the life and contribution of Her Majesty and her family to the nations sporting life – I am sure you understand.
Bob Hubble
RugbySafe Lead
HM Queen Elizabeth II
The President of the Cornwall RFU and Officers are saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty the Queen and wish to convey their deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the Royal Family.
Community Game Update 6 September
| Community Game Update Please pay particular attention to the Age Grade section of this update. Approval forms for playing 17 year-olds into open age rugby have been updated and are now in electronic format. With the season underway for both adult and age grade rugby, we would like to remind clubs of some important information including Rugby Safe, Activate, HEADCASE and the suspected concussion tool on Electronic Match Cards. Click read online to find player welfare resources.Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED 2022 GMS Club Safeguarding Audit is now live Any club offering Age Grade rugby or wishing to have 17-year-olds playing adult rugby, will need to complete a club safeguarding audit by Saturday 31 December. You can find out how and where to complete the audit in this section. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Game On – Every Game Matters Game On provides teams with a flexibility of options to play matches even if they don’t have a full 15. Hear from Old Grammarians RFC who benefitted from using the Game On framework and find out how you could make it work for you. GMS Update and Technical Support On Sunday 4 September, the Game Management System (GMS) experienced significant performance issues and we apologise for the inconvenience this caused. We are working with our third-party provider First Sport International (FSI) to understand the root cause. We have included a reminder of the technical support available to clubs during the week and at weekends. #GrassrootsBeauts – Your tries on national television! #GrassrootsBeauts is returning this season on the ITV highlights show. If you have a great try from your games, post it on twitter, tag in @RFU and @premrugby using #GrassrootsBeauts and you might see it on TV! You can see last year’s montage online The Community Rugby Injury Surveillance & Prevention (CRISP) Project As we continue our advancements in player welfare, we are looking for teams, both adult and age grade, to take part in the 2022/2023 CRISP project. You can discover more information on how to take part in this section. 3. FOR AWARENESS How to make the most of the national participation campaign and Pitch Up Take some time out to watch our social media webinar explaining how clubs can engage in the Play Together Stay Together campaign and grow numbers. A summary of content available to share with players is contained in this communication. Age Grade Rugby 2022-23 With Age Grade rugby now underway, here are the regulations and some guidance on, playing out of age grade, how to manage 17-year-olds playing adult rugby, girls age-banding, and affiliation of all age grade players. To find out more on each of these topics read on. Important notice if clubs are contacted about VAT on fuel and power We have been contacted by clubs regarding ‘Utility Consultants/Brokers’ who have suggested they have been paying too much VAT, which is unlikely. If you have any questions regarding this you can contact our club VAT advisor Russell Moore whose details are included online. Football Foundation announce investment in multi-sport facilities With the launch of the PitchPower app on 17/18 September, the Football Foundation has agreed to invest £92 million over the next three years into multi-sport projects, including rugby. To find out more about the announcement, read this story. Premier 15s enters next exciting stage of tender process The next stage of the tender process for the third cycle of the Premier 15s kicked off at the beginning of September. This stage invites all clubs who have formally expressed an interest in joining the league to respond. More details can be found online.Read Online |
Volunteer Leadership Network
With the season start upon us, we wanted to share with you some information on our upcoming Volunteer Leadership Network.
The Network provides the opportunity for rugby leaders to connect, exchange ideas, discuss hot topics and collectively develop clubs that are fit for the future. The programme includes leadership development modules, face to face training, virtual networking sessions, webinars, and virtual workshops.
To give you an idea of what you can gain from the programme, take a look at some of the words and comments from previous delegates;
· Confidence
· Catalyst for change
· Guidance
· Reassurance
· Self- belief
· Inspirational
· Saved me hours of time
· A voice to speak up with
There is a South West Network and also a National Women and Girls Game Network, applications are open for both until 10th October – don’t miss your opportunity to both develop yourself and the game further. APPLY HERE
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Best,
Nicola
Nicola McCombe CB Relationship Manager South West Mobile: 07850 611057 Email: nicolamccombe@rfu.com
