Dear Members, Today the RFU Council ratified my appointment as Interim Chair of the RFU Board; it is a great honour to be taking on this role and I thank Council for their support. I’ve had a busy few weeks engaging with the RFU Board and Council, and listening to players, volunteers, match officials and fans. From those conversations it is very clear the game wants and needs unity, and it is my priority to help to bring the game together. Unity does not mean no challenge or debate. I hear and empathise with some of the concerns around the payment of a long-term incentive plan. I want to understand how decisions were taken, and it is right that an independent review of the process has been commissioned. The review should be allowed to run its natural course, and I look forward to its outcomes. This is a serious moment for the game of rugby in England. There have been demands for change without clarity on the real reasons why, or proposals for an alternative vision. There has been a call for a Special General Meeting (SGM) and we will respect the right of members to have their views heard. Our sport has a long history of in-fighting and we sometimes lose sight of what is best for rugby as a whole. Whatever we do next, it needs to be for the good of the English game. We need to listen and be supportive of one another. That is why I will be hitting the road on a nationwide tour of rugby clubs in January and February, so we can debate and agree a united way forward. We also need to reflect on how hard the last few years have been. I can offer a wider context on that from my recent position as Chair of World Rugby. The impact Covid, inflation and a cost-of-living crisis has had on the game around the globe has been significant in terms of participation, confidence, and finances at every level. Objectively, we should ask whether English rugby, in the aftermath, was managed effectively. Having seen all countries wrangle the same problems, I can say with confidence in comparison to many other countries the RFU has come out of this period very well. The RFU did not receive any government or World Rugby loans. It did, however, successfully negotiate support on behalf of community clubs, and facilitated professional clubs’ access to government loans, which ensured rugby received more financial support in England than any other sport. There is much work needed to reset and come together as a united game, and I am committed to supporting that. In the short time I have been back in this role, I have also seen that rugby in England has lots of positives to build on. The RFU has committed to an investment programme in the community game that will see more coaches, more resources for clubs, and accessible forms of rugby being taken into thousands of schools. We are set to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup – a generational opportunity to get more women and girls playing rugby. Participation in the men’s game has also bounced back close to where it was pre-Covid. When I’m on the road I will be listening to your feedback and input so do please sign up to join one of the sessions which will be announced in next week’s Community Game Update. We all want winning men’s and women’s England teams, and this can’t happen without a thriving community game. I want us to have unity, and the stability required to deliver this. If we work together, we will succeed. If we work against each other, English rugby will not be the winner on or off the pitch. |
England Rugby Mentor Award
Are you a coach, referee, or volunteer passionate about growing the game? The England Rugby Mentoring Award is your chance to inspire others and make a real impact!
What You’ll Gain: – The skills to mentor and support others effectively. – Insights to help develop people across all roles in the game. – A nationally recognized qualification to advance your rugby journey.
Who’s It For? Anyone involved in rugby looking to share their knowledge and support the next generation of coaches, referees, or volunteers.
How to Register: https://gms.rfu.com/GMS/coursefinder Venues Exeter Athletic RFC 25/01/2025 or Redruth RFC 02/02/2025
Cornwall Under 18’s round up
Cornwall U18 South West Tournament Round Up
Paul Howard, Team Manager
The U18 season for Cornwall is now complete. We had three very enjoyable games at Hartpury, but overall we have to look back and know we didn’t play to our full potential for long enough periods over the games. When it clicked in the 2nd half of the first game, 1st half on the 2nd game and patches of the 3rd game, we were the best side on display over all the counties, but at other times we may have been considered one of the worst. We scored some great team tries, were dogged when defending our own line, showed some real power in the scrums and were clinical in the line-out. There were plenty of positives for all the players to take from playing for Cornwall.
Thank you to all the boys and parents for their commitment to train and travel.
After our last game the SW selectors shortlisted players to move forward to SW trials at the end of Jan. Although we would have liked more, well done to the five below who were selected:
Archie Beetles
Ola Phillips
Oli Wells
Joe Horne
Will Geddes-Brown
Best of luck for the next stage.
Results
Game 1 v Dorset & Wilts
Final score 20-15
Try Scorers : Lewis, Murray, Bennett, Holland
Game 2 v Oxfordshire
Final score 20-25
Try Scorers : Dawson, Wells, Lewis, Jago
Game 3 v Somerset
Final score 20-20
Try Scorers : Collins, Holland, Penalty Try, Fletcher
Playing Squad: Archie Beetles, Ola Phillips, Leon Holland, Max Walker, Toby Collins, Dan Davey, Joe Horne, Oli Wells, Matt Walker, Pax McDowell, Will Pellow, Jake Shirlow, Will Geddes-Brown, Ben Dawson, Pete Fletcher, Jake Walker, Alfie Middlewood, Jacob Bennetts, Max Bennett, Jowan Kerry, Ethan Taylor, Tristan Jago, Jack Old, Cohan Wallace, Oshi Baker, Ewan Murray, Barney Lewis.
New Year message from Steve Murley
As our Cornish clubs prepare to return to league action and we all return to rugby following the festive season, the CRFU wants to pass on our thanks and best wishes to everyone involved in providing rugby throughout the Duchy
It takes a huge amount of time and effort, with literally hundreds of volunteers helping with Senior and Youth teams across the length and breadth of Cornwall.
In addition, games couldn’t take place without referees who do a fabulous job in keeping rugby going.
Whatever team you are involved with and in whatever role, many thanks for your efforts.
Have a Happy and Healthy 2025 !!!
Steve Murley
Cornwall U.18s side to play Somerset this Sunday
Cornwall Under 18s play their Somerset counterparts this Sunday at Hartpury in their final South West county match.
Good luck to the team and best wishes for SW trials selection.
Cornwall to take on Chiefs
As promised – we said there was to be some exciting news to impart with our supporters.
We are immensely grateful to Tony Rowe for inviting the CRFU Senior Men’s Team to play an Exeter Chiefs XV at Sandy Park on the 17th May 2025.
This exciting fixture will enable our players to measure themselves against Premiership opposition on the lead into our County Championship Campaign.
We will be announcing travel options and ticket availability in the New Year.
Jewson, St Austell Brewery, MSB Group Mechanical & Electrical Ltd, Ann’s Pasties, RG Kellow Ltd, Kelsall Steele Investment Services Ltd, SUEZ UK, Newells Travel, Trelawny’s Army, Paladin Sports
New Cornwall shirt unveiled
Proud to announce the unveiling of our official playing shirt and introducing our new provider and kit sponsor Paladin Sports.
Not only do we have this stunning design but sublimated in the numbers on the back of the shirt are all the clubs affiliated to the CRFU.
A nod to the the clubs that provide the talent and the support to allow us to represent Cornwall in this iconic shirt.
In the coming weeks we will be highlighting each of our sponsors, to whom we must say a massive thank you for joining us for this season and next.
Jewson, St Austell Brewery, MSB Group Mechanical & Electrical Ltd, Kelsall Steele Investment Services Ltd, RG Kellow Ltd, Ann’s Pasties, SUEZ UK, Newells Travel, Trelawny’s Army
RFU Community Game Update December
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| 1. ACTION REQUIRED Honda Volunteer Hospitality registrations for Guinness Six Nations As part of the Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme, volunteers who already have match tickets to one of England’s Guinness Six Nations home fixtures can register for up to four tickets for pre-match hospitality. Your chance to play at Allianz Stadium We want to hear about the innovative ways your club has inspired adult players to get on the pitch. Winning entries will be invited to the Allianz Stadium Takeover Day in April 2025. Allianz Future Fund – Apply now! The Allianz Future Fund is now open again giving grants of between £500 to £3,000 to help local, grassroots rugby clubs. Age Grade Registration – 45 Days Regulation Reminder We have now reached 165,000 registered age grade players. Registering all club age grade players each season is an important regulation of our sport and must be done within 45 days of the start of their playing season. READ ONLINE > |
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| 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Is your first aid risk assessment status up to date? Clubs have a responsibility to the health and safety of players, and to ensure that rugby is delivered in a safe and enjoyable environment. Coaching Resource – Introduce-Develop-Stretch This months U14-U18 coaching resource focuses on tailoring your coaching sessions for different playing abilities. 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 England Rugby Clubhouse From early 2025, all registered adult players will have access to the Clubhouse, a space to support players, boost their game, and bring them closer to everything England Rugby. International Ticket Allocations – Upload Your Fixture Data by 27 December Any fixtures still to be uploaded to GMS for the 2023/24 season can be done so up until 27 December 2024. Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety If you have portable devices that use lithium-ion batteries, such as mobile floodlights, your insurers will want to know, given the increased fire risk that they present. The Rugby Family Spirit – IPF Make sure you know how to contact the IPF and what support is available in the unlikely event of a life-changing injuring occurring on the pitch. 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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Redruth to host Tamar Cup match
Venue Announcement
Tamar Cup
Cornwall V Devon – KO 14:30
Easter Saturday 19th April 2025
Venue: Redruth RFC.
The CRFU are delighted to help Redruth RFC celebrate their 150th Anniversary at this iconic venue.
Historically a mid-week game, the CRFU hope this Saturday fixture will allow more supporters, and their
families, to come along to the Redruth RFC and cheer on our players.
Cornwall make great start to Hartpury games
Cornwall U18 v Dorset & Wilts U18
Report by Paul Howard Team Manager
Sunday was our first game in this year’s U18 SW tournament. Drawn against Dorset & Wilts, we made the long trip to Hartpury College expecting a tough game, after losing to the same side as U17’s earlier in the year.
Cornwall were very slow to get going and for the first 15mins they struggled to get out of their own half, losing the ball in contact or exit poorly. On the positive side, the scrum was dominant, the boys put their bodies on the line and defended heroically holding the ball up over the line 3 times. However, Dorset & Wilts managed to cross the whitewash for 2 well deserved tries.
With the vocal travelling crowd fearing the worst, Cornwall’s nerves settled. The ball handling and decision making improved, and they started to play themselves back into the game. Now on the front foot and in the opposition half, they applied pressure to the opposition defence with the forwards continuing to dominate at scrum time and backs stating to interchange with fluidity, leading to our first try just before half time.
In the 2nd half, the players confidence grew, and Cornwall had Dorset & Wilts constantly under pressure, with destructive carries from the forwards and the backs slicing through the gain line regularly. Having had the majority of possession, they also found the cutting edge with some defence splitting passes allowing Cornwall to score three more team tries, after strong build up play.
Dorset & Wilts came back with thrilling try right on the final whistle by which time it was too late, and the Cornish contingent celebrated the win with gusto all the way back to the Duchy.
Final score 20-15
Team : Archie Beetles (Capt), Max Walker, Toby Collins, Joe Horne, Oli Wells, Will Pellow, Jake Shirlow, Will Geddes-Brown, Jake Walker, Jacob Bennetts, Max Bennett, Jowan Kerry, Ethan Taylor, Jack Old, Barney Lewis, Leon Holland, Ola Phillips, Peter Fletcher, Tristan Jago, Alfie Middlewood, Cohan Wallace, Ewan Murray, Matt Wright
Try Scorers : Lewis, Murray, Bennett, Holland
Our next game is on the 15th Dec @ Hartpury v Berkshire. 14:00 KO.
