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COUNTY OFFICE NOTICES ARE AVAILABLE AT www.gloucestershirerfu.co.uk/county_office_notices

Season 2017-18 Issue 1

GLOUCESTERSHIRERUGBYFOOTBALLUNION

GRFU FOCUS FOR 2017-18“More Players - Playing More Often”

SPECIAL FEATURE on page 4/5

Gloucestershire

RUGBY NEWS

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Sponsored by Wadworth 6X

2 – Issue 1 - September 2017 Gloucestershire Rugby News

Contact us:GLOUCESTERSHIRE RUGBY NEWS

is published by Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union.

Gloucestershire RFU, Old Stone Cottage, Orange End, Inglestone Common, Badminton, South Glos GL9 1BP.

T: 01454 299215 County Office is open from 9am-1pm Monday- Friday.

If you would like to submit an entry for inclusion in the September edition of the GRN, please send your copy and photos by email to [email protected] or [email protected] by 28/10/17.

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Tony Fielding E: [email protected]

COUNTYCHAIRMAN

Peter WilliamsE: [email protected]

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Inside: Women & Girls 3Special Feature - GRFU Focus 4/5Ellis Lane - Gloucestershire Live 5Representative Rugby 6/7Youth Competitions 8Facilities and Funding 9Combinations 10/11Festivals 12/13Tours 14/15/16Club News 18Special Clubs Feature 19School News 20Safeguarding 21Referees 22Volunteers 23

President’s MessageI think it is essential for any look forward to be preceded by a brief look back. In particular I would like to begin by thanking Jeff Tyler for his sound leadership and tireless endeavour as President. During his time in post the County clearly became a leading CB in the eyes of the RFU and Jeff’s contribution has been considerable. Jeff has been a tremendous role model for me and I have greatly valued his counsel in my year as Vice-President.

I am delighted and honoured to have been elected as your new President. As a break with tradition, my pathway has been through the Schools set up. I began teaching in Bristol in 1977 at Patchway High School before progressing to St Brendan’s Sixth Form College as Director of Sport and, ultimately, became Curriculum Director with responsibility for Pastoral Care. Throughout my career I have been actively involved with

Stuart takes over the reins of Competitions having served on the Competitions committee for just under 20 years in a variety of volunteer roles. He has been involved in every age grade of rugby, the old and new Adult Cup Competitions and, for the last 5 seasons, League Administration of Glos Prem and Glos 1. Contact details: Mobile: 07523 949854 Email: [email protected]

Tony will be well known by many as the Hon Secretary of Bristol & District Combination and an active referee for Bristol & District Referees Society. Tony is also very involved with Bristol Saracens RFC, having been 1st Team Captain for three years [in his day] and Hon Sec for 25 years. He brings a wealth of knowledge to his role with GRFU which will be invaluable across all Sectors. Contact details: Mobile: 07534 137225 Email: [email protected]

Tracy has worked as Safeguarding Manager for the south of the county for over ten years and has worked with the Bristol clubs and RDOs with dedication and professionalism ever since. Tracy’s professional experience brings gravitas to what she does and we are very lucky that her voluntary support of GRFU enables others to benefit from her expertise.Contact details: Mobile: 07904 230329 Email: [email protected]

SAFEGUARDING - Tracy Sparrow

FACILITIES & FUNDING – Tony Swash

COMPETITIONS – Stuart Gilbraith

the Bristol Schools Rugby Union and with the County. Sadly, my playing days ended in 1986 due to Saturday afternoon fixtures with the College teams.

In recent years Planning Funding & Reporting has been pivotal in Gloucestershire, moving the county forward to the benefit of all our members. This has led the CB to take a more detailed look at the strategic plan. In turn this resulted in modifications to the way we operate and there are more changes to come over the next few years. My undertaking is to communicate these changes to you and to seek your input and support. I wish to be as inclusive and transparent as possible and, most importantly, I want to listen to the views of all our members. I am aware that the GRFU operates largely on the goodwill of its members and I thank you for that. Future developments will require extra volunteer support and I am keen to encourage more involvement. With your support we can achieve our objectives and the CB will continue to flourish to the benefit of all.

If you would like me to attend any activities at your club I would be delighted to do so depending on my availability. Please contact the County Office with any requests.

Finally I would like to wish all our Clubs, Universities, Schools and Referees Societies every success during the coming season whilst endeavouring to uphold the core values of the Rugby Football Union.

Keith Gee

Gloucestershire Rugby News Issue 1 - September 2017 – 3

WOMEN & GIRLSBristol Ladies join Premier League

The new ladies Tyrrells Premier 15s is a major development for the women’s game in England and will significantly raise the standards of rugby domestically. It will help support the Red Roses’ ambition to be the number one team in the world. It’s also expected to help grow participation and create new commercial partnerships to help underpin the competition.

The announcement reflects the increasing popularity and success of women’s rugby in England, following the Red Roses’ success winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2014 and Great Britain playing in the first Sevens competition of the Olympic Games last year in Rio.

Bristol Ladies said they are very excited to be a part of an accredited Rugby Union, which will ensure their players get the necessary support

from its staff and their colleagues. Of course, they aim to develop women’s rugby as well as inspire more young ladies to be part of something special and have the opportunity to represent their country at the highest level. There is no doubt that the professional support and coaching will increase morale and they expect this will be reflected in their on-field performance this season.

The pre-season preparations have started with new coach, Kris de Scossa, who will also work with the Bristol Rugby Men’s coach Pat Lam from time to time. Kris has a wealth of experience that will push the ladies to be the best they can be and it’s hoped that the city and the fans will be inspired to get behind the new Tyrrells Premier 15s League.

Thornbury has formed a Ladies team and they played their first game in late July. The ‘Thornbees’ travelled to Aretians and put up a great show before going down 19-5. The performance was all the more remarkable as only two of the team had played rugby before. Although the Aretians side was far from experienced, the Thornbees showed great enthusiasm and determination in making their debut a memorable and enjoyable occasion.The side was brought together by Gemma

Tyrrell and consists mainly of mums of players in Thornbury Juniors, plus partners and family of other Thornbury members. They are coached by Quentin Jackson, assisted by Ian Maunder and Gary Kingston, with expert forward coaching from Jonny Wilson, who also coaches Gloucestershire’s Under 18s boys. The dedication of the coaches and commitment of the players have seen ten weeks of work turn from nothing into something quite special.

Thornbury has had a strong girls team in the past when managed by the inspirational Annie Parker, who worked tirelessly for the club and Gloucestershire. Several England International players, including Roz Lambe and current star Amber Reed, played junior rugby at Thornbury, as did current Wales player Rhiannon Parker, but this is the first time it’s had a ladies team.

There is huge potential for a strong ladies side at Thornbury, but it is very early days. They play their first home fixture on August 12th and the Thornbees are looking to build up a list of friendly fixtures, ideally against ladies teams with a similar level of inexperience.

With the new season fast approaching Thornbury RFC are recruiting ladies 18 years old and over to join our squad.Whether you’re new to the game, looking to move club or re-starting your playing career you will be welcome

at TRFC Ladies.For more information please contact [email protected]

Or ring Ian on 07966 486332 or Gemma on 07572 646136

Thornbury RFC Ladies Need You

Cheltenham Ladies is one of the longest running ladies teams and celebrates its 27th birthday this year. The Club prides itself on being family focused. Only last year one of its founding ladies, Tammy Shakespeare, retired having been with the club over 25 years!

Cheltenham Ladies

Cheltenham boasts an U13 and U15 girls team, with 6 girls representing Gloucestershire and one of them going on to represent the Regional team – South West! This season they hope to develop an U18s team.

The Senior 1st XV play in the Championship which is the league below the new Tyrrells Premier 15s and they have a development XV for new developing ladies. Last season 7 of the senior ladies represented the County.

The club has a great coaching set up, including Tom Hudson and Charlie Beckett of Gloucester, and Gareth Taylor and Dan Murphy, coach the Senior men. The Club hosts regular coaching seminars where coaches can share and develop ideas.

Every year they go on tour – the last few years they have attended Magaluf Beach rugby and this year they had some representation at the Berlin 7s, with Cheltenham Girls playing in a team that finished 2nd.

In the summer they play 7s – it’s fun and friendly, but also enables fund raising for a special charity, The Alzheimer’s Society.

For the coming season the club’s aim is to finish in the top 3 of the Championship, building towards challenging for the Tyrrells Premier 15s in 3 years’ time. Training is on Tues and Thurs evenings at Newlands Park, Southam Lane 645-830.

“All for one and one for all”


SPECIAL FEATURE - GRFU Focus

Without doubt, the most talked about topic in clubhouses and meetings throughout the county is the demise of 2nd and lower XVs playing regularly through the season. Debate rages whether there are less playing numbers than 5 or 10 years ago, or whether there are roughly the same number of players, but they do not want to play as often; with rugby on Saturday afternoon being more difficult because of work or family commitments. National surveys by Sport England would suggest there are as many adult males playing rugby as 10 years ago, but there are far less who want to play every week, with many more who want to play, at most, once or twice a month. Whatever the reason, clubs are struggling to regularly field 2nd and lower XVs and it becomes a vicious circle, in that a club can field a team but the opposition find (often at late notice) they cannot – so no one (including the referee) gets a game. When this happens regularly, players become disheartened and decide that rugby is no longer for them.We, therefore, need to find how we can

encourage more players to play more often. In taking up the challenge, Gloucestershire RFU has set a priority in its Annual Delivery Plan to support clubs in increasing the number of 15-a-side games played each season. This is not something that will be completed in the coming season. It will take time, looking at a variety of ideas and strategies (eg as more artificial grass pitches are built around the county, would players find it better to play at other times rather than the traditional Saturday afternoons?) We need to support clubs so that their players want to play more often.

Re-Brand the Reserve Leagues – Wadworth 6X Leagues

Work began with 2 club forums (one in the north of the county and the other in the south) in April. Some 70 individuals from 30 clubs attended

these seminars. The major item of discussion was the competition structure; something that GRFU can influence in the relative short-term. The first of these was the GRFU Reserve Leagues, which provide a competitive structure for clubs’ 2nd and lower XVs. A number of ideas were suggested and an on-line survey held in June about a number of aspects of the reserve leagues. There were some 170 responses, of which 43% were 2nd and lower XV players, 6% were team managers or coaches of 2nd and lower XVs and there was at least one individual from 49 GRFU clubs who responded – a fantastic, wide response! As a result, the leagues have been re-branded as the WADWORTH 6X LEAGUES, removing any reference to “reserve”. Teams will continue to be allocated on a geographical basis to minimise travel. However, while the Bristol & District Lge One and the Gloucester & District Lge One will have fixtures throughout the season, the other leagues will initially have 6 teams playing from 2 September until mid-November. This will confirm whether all the teams are viable. The leagues will then be re-organised for the remainder of the season, with just teams that

are likely to fulfil their fixtures, ensuring that games are likely to be competitive without mis-matches. In addition, the survey favoured that the leagues should be decided on a points system, no matter the number of games played, rather than the percentage system that has been used in previous seasons.

GRFU is also looking at how clubs can easily have to hand a set of regulations for the Wadworth 6X Leagues (such as an A3 sheet prominently displayed in every clubhouse or changing rooms), so that there can be no argument about the flexibility the leagues offer in terms of number of players on the field and starting matches with uncontested scrums, for example.

Combination Cup CompetitionsThe second issue discussed at the club forums

was the Combination Cups. In the south of the county, clubs were generally happy with the various Bristol Combination competitions for clubs’ 1st XVs, because the 40 or so clubs in the Combination made each competition viable and competitive. However, it was asked if similar competitions could be organised for 2nd and lower XVs; this has been left with the organisers of the Bristol Combination Cup competitions.

In the north of the county, generally clubs were satisfied with the 4 Combination Cup competitions, which provide for all teams in a club. However, in some of the competitions, there were often few teams (sometimes 4 or less) of comparable standard and, therefore, they provided too few meaningful matches. It was suggested that GRFU explores with the 4 Combination Committees the possibility of bringing all these competitions into a variety of North Gloucestershire competitions, so that there would be sufficient teams of comparable standard to provide additional meaningful cup matches. Initial discussions with 3 of the Combination committees would suggest that such an approach would not be popular, with the possible exception of a competition in the north of the county for the strongest 1st XVs. Clubs very much enjoy cup matches against their nearest neighbours and diluting that opportunity would not be welcome.

17-18 year Old TransitionThe transition of youngsters into the adult

game is also very important in sustaining 2nd and lower XVs. The main motivation for

youngsters playing rugby is to have fun and to play with their mates. Therefore, being able to play adult rugby linked to their birthday and position (as per the current RFU regulations) at various times in the season, detracts from those primary motivations. So, at the forums clubs were encouraged to keep their U17s and U18s together, playing as a team in the GRFU Development Leagues, rather than using them to bolster their 2nd and lower XV numbers and transiting them, as a group, at the start of the following season after their 17th birthday. That way, young players continue to play with their mates and are not overplayed by playing for both an adult XV and an age-grade side over a weekend. They would then

MORE PLAYERS PLAYING MORE OFTEN - GRFU ACTION PLAN

- by Nigel Gillingham


Rugby in Gloucestershire is mightily impressive. Whether it be the quality, the depth throughout the leagues, the playing numbers or the passion for the game, it is brilliant to see.

I have recently taken over the role of Gloucestershire Live’s sport reporter, focusing the majority of my time on local rugby clubs in the county.

Having been raised in Govilon, a small village in south Wales, passionate rugby areas are nothing new to me and in fact, the interest in rugby in the county has a homely feel to it.

Midway through last season I took over as a sport reporter for the paper having previously been on news. In that time I have spoken to, been to or watched games at many of the clubs in the county.

From Cinderford, Lydney and Old Cents to Spartans, Painswick and Tetbury, each club has a proud tradition and a passionate support network.

The quality of each of these clubs, especially at the lower levels of rugby in the county, is seriously impressive. Due in part to the passion for the game in Gloucestershire, the standard of play is high throughout the pyramid.

Luckily, with a job of this nature, the interest in local rugby means that there is rarely a lack of stories to write about.

The historic rivalries between clubs in the area adds to the pot. The North Gloucester Combination Cup finals day made sure that I knew all about the rivalries and how much the competition means. Fans of each club created a raucous atmosphere and on the pitch the niggle was clear to see between the sets of players.

However, like all good rugby rivalries, these end when players leave the field. The support shown to Spartans on their remarkable cup run as they reached the final of the RFU Junior Vase at Twickenham was amazing to see.

There has been plenty going on throughout the off-season with the British and Irish Lions tour taking a lot of attention.

But, with that said, the start of the season could not come quickly enough and I am looking forward to getting back on the touchline at local clubs.

There is plenty to look forward to from every team in the county. I am fascinated to see how Hartpury will go in the Championship, if Old Pats can earn promotion and how Cirencester bounce back from last season, to name just a few.

Whatever the new season brings for the Gloucestershire clubs, you can find all the latest new on Gloucestershire Live. If you have any stories throughout the season, I’d love to hear them. Contact me on, [email protected] or on Twitter at @EllisLane3.

Ellis LaneSport reporter, Trinity Mirror plc

Guest Reporter- Ellis Lane

Gloucestershire Live

transit into adult rugby with their mates and be more likely to be retained in the adult game. Clearly, the most talented U17s and U18s might benefit from playing 1st XV rugby, but these would be the exceptions rather than the rule.

Such an approach requires strong leadership in clubs, to ensure the long-term benefit outweighs the short term need of bolstering their 2nd and lower XVs with young enthusiastic players, rather than looking to persuade some of their older players to support the club by playing more often. One way of achieving this is to play the GRFU U17/U18s Development League on Saturdays at lunchtime, so that the players can then stay on and watch the 1st or 2nd XV in the afternoon, as part of their integration into adult rugby. This would mean club U17/U18 teams would not have their players whose schools play on Saturdays, but again strong leadership would realise such players do not need to be overplayed by playing twice (for school and club) in a weekend. At the southern forum only one club could recall the timing of U17/U18s matches being discussed at their club committee meetings. However, when youth sections (and usually the team coaches) had been asked in recent seasons, the majority had stated a preference for Sunday afternoons. It was not clear if the players were asked by their clubs when they wanted to play their U17/U18s matches.

Consequently, over the summer months clubs have been surveyed as to when the GRFU U17/U18s Development League matches should be played. The choice was between Sundays and Saturdays and clubs were asked to consult the players before determining their preference. Clubs were divided with a small majority in favour of games on Sundays. However, while playing the U17/U18s league matches on Sundays is the default position, GRFU encourages clubs that want to play these fixtures on a Saturday (or even a Friday night) to do so where the opposition is willing; simply for the reasons set out above.

2nd XVs joining RFU Leagues?The last item for discussion at the club forums was whether 2nd &

Lower XVs should be allowed to play in the RFU leagues alongside 1st XVs. At the moment Somerset, Dorset & Wilts and Berks, Bucks & Oxfordshire allow 2nd and lower XVs into their RFU leagues. Comparing our Wadworth 6X Leagues, in the last couple of seasons there has been a completion rate of arranged fixtures of around 55%. Whereas 2nd and lower XVs in those County RFU leagues complete over 80% of fixtures, even though those RFU leagues are more strictly regulated. Teams in the RFU leagues must start the match with the required number of front row players (including at least one replacement) or forfeit the games with the potential for further league points to be deducted, players need to be registered and a team that can only field 13 players (including sufficient front row) will face 15 opposition players, plus their full complement of replacements. Whereas in the Wadworth 6X Leagues there is much looser regulation in that matches can start with uncontested scrums, players do not have to be registered and a team can only start with one additional player on the pitch against opposition that cannot field 15 players. Therefore, it would seem that, surprisingly, more stringent regulations seem to encourage players to commit to playing.

Consequently, GRFU has agreed to put a case to all its clubs in August 2017, setting out the advantages and disadvantages of 2nd and lower XVs playing in the RFU leagues. If there is sufficient support, 2nd and lower XVs could be allowed to enter the RFU leagues from the 2018/19 season. If the majority of clubs are in favour, they will also have to decide at what level 2nd and lower XVs should enter the leagues. Should it be at the lowest level (as Hartpury College did some years ago) where there could be mismatches between the stronger 2nd XVs and 1st XVs of relatively small (weaker) clubs? Or should they be placed at an appropriate level (up to Level 8 – Gloucester Premier, the highest level RFU regulations allow 2nd and lower XVs to play in the RFU leagues), which could mean significant numbers (perhaps as many as 6 or 7 from each league) of 1st XVs being relegated from Gloucestershire Premier, 1, 2 & 3 at the end of the 2017/18 season to retain 12 team leagues? The case will need careful consideration by all clubs to determine if this would make their 2nd and lower XVs more sustainable and fulfilling more fixtures.

So we are making a start on this priority of getting ‘more players to play more often’ to make 2nd and lower XVs more sustainable. We have started with competitions structures, because these can be amended relatively quickly and easily. We need now to look at some of the more difficult issues that will encourage some players to play more often than they currently do. Strong leadership is needed, both in clubs and within the CB. It is important that decisions are made in the interest of the majority and the long term benefit, rather than the short term. There is much to do, involving all GRFU clubs, the CB and the local RFU staff if we are to make inroads and get ‘more players playing more often’


REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY

The County Championship as we knew it has been rebranded ‘The Bill Beaumont Senior Men’s County Championship’ and, furthermore, the competition structure has changed. In 2016-17, Division 1 South – where Gloucestershire plays - was increased from 4 to 6 teams. Devon and Kent have joined the South and in the North, East Midlands and Northumberland, have been included. So tier 1 is now 12 teams - 6 in the South and 6 in the North. But the number of games played has not been increased; teams still play 3 games! Which could be two games at home and one away reversed the year after. Teams do not all play each other so our traditional rivalry with Cornwall has been avoided for two years at least. Teams are judged at the end of their pool games on a points system similar to premiership rugby. The winner of Pool South plays the Winner of Pool North, at ‘Twickers’ and are crowned County Champions! Also there is no relegation or promotion in the first two years. That will be decided on aggregate points every two years, so the first changes will be at the end of the 2018 spring campaign.

In 2016-17 Gloucestershire had two home games v Devon and Surrey and one away game v Hertfordshire. The table, right, shows how the pool ended. Next season it will be against the same teams with home and away reversed.

Gloucestershire finished second in the pool with a better points difference over Kent; while Surrey and Devon failed to win a game. Although Hertfordshire won two games, they had 2 points deducted because they fielded an ineligible player against Kent.

This year Gloucestershire blooded 17 new players and, in a departure from the past, only picked players who could and did train. Over 10 clubs were represented and the players, picked on ability not level, embraced the playing experience from levels 3 to 9.The team missed regular former stalwarts like Mike Wilcox and Leo Fielding, both injured (with almost identical injuries), but this in turn gave others opportunities.

Senior Team photographed before game v Devon 6th May 2017

They easily beat Devon, 55 -12, with a blistering second half. They had a poor first half against Hertfordshire, eventually losing 19-46 and wound up with a thumping win against Surrey 56-12; again with a dominant second half. In fact this was a campaign where Gloucestershire saved the best for the second half in every game.

In total they scored 45 points in the first halves and conceded 44 points. In the second halves they sored 85 conceding 26. So upping their game from the start may help?

This year as well we had a few siblings playing County rugby together for the first time. Ross and Tom Webb from Newent RFC and the Goatley’s Sam, Barney and Ruben, representing Cinderford RFC, Cleve RFC and Old Centrallians respectively. Sam was man of the match on two occasions, scoring 7 tries in total, making him the leading try scorer in the competition overall.

Congratulations to Jack Preece who was Gloucestershire’s sole tourist with England Counties on their tour to Spain. (Both Mike Wilcox and Leo Fielding were unavailable to tour and Sam Baker who did tour now plays for East Midlands).

Cornwall, who we didn’t play this year, went to Twickenham on the 28th May for their 3rd final in a row but lost to Lancashire 19 to 8. They remain the best supported county in the country, with 3525 spectators at Camborne to see them beat Hertfordshire 45 to 28; that is some support! Could Gloucestershire, a proud rugby county, ever match that?

SENIOR MEN – BILL BEAUMONT CUP

Sam Goatley in action


The new Women’s County competition has also been rebranded – it is henceforth to be known as “The Gill Burns Women’s County Championship”. Gloucestershire are in Division 1.

The Ladies opened their campaign against Devon at Cleve RFC on the 30th April losing 22-34. They were then on the road to Berkshire playing at Maidenhead RFC and, after starting well, allowed Berkshire to edge to a narrow win 22-21.

Strong start from GRFU with tries from Chipping Sodbury’s Katie Lane and Bristol Ladies’ Clea Fawcett, both of which were converted by Mary-Anne

THE GILL BURNS WOMEN’S COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

Gittings, put them 14-0 ahead. Berkshire then took a grip on the game, with some poor tackling and lack of accuracy at the breakdown from Gloucestershire, allowing Berkshire to score a try and penalty of their own. HT score 10-14.

Berkshire started the 2nd half better and quickly racked up another couple of scores and raced into a 12 point lead. This spurred Gloucestershire into life and they started to put some phases together, allowing them to create pressure on the Berkshire defence, resulting in a well worked try for Aretians’ Amy Meechan, who showed outstanding footwork to beat 4 defenders on the way to the line. Jade Gamlin converted to make it a 1 point game with 4 minutes left to play. There was a frantic and energetic last few minutes with lots of intent and desire shown by Gloucestershire, but ultimately ending with them coming up short.

Back on home turf at Cheltenham Tigers, the Ladies put in a very

spirited performance to lose to last year’s competition winners Surrey 34 to nil. This was a performance full of commitment and endeavor and, had the Ladies capitalised on their early attacks, they could have upset their visitors. A sterling first half performance meant the Ladies were only losing 0-5 at the turnaround. It was in the second half that the much bigger Surrey team took control of the game and came out convincingly on top.

The Gloucestershire team got better and better with every game they played. The squad of 35 players wore the county shirt with pride and should be very proud of their achievements this season. The results in all three games could have been so different if the team had had more time together.

This is a team with promise and if the nucleus remains next season, along with the supportive coaching set up, prospects look bright for 2018 and beyond.

Every year at the GRFU AGM, we award the Mike Shore U20s Player of the Season. Seen here is Mike Shore presenting his trophy to Will Greenway. Will, who is from Drybrook RFC, was chosen as the most consistent player in the squad of 2016-17.

U20s MIKE SHORE TROPHY Richard Planchant, First Team Coach

at Cinderford RFC and Head Coach of Cinderford United, will take on the role of U20s coach having previously been Assistant Coach with the Under 20s. The Gloucester-born coach has also previously worked with the Under 16s team.

The 28 year-old began his playing career with Chosen Hill Former Players RFC, but it was cut short by injury. He then went on to play for the Churchdown side before moving on to Cinderford and Gloucestershire.

Richard, who has been with Cinderford for the last four years, is optimistic about the talent at his disposal in the age grade.

New U20s Coach - Richard Planchant

Richard Planchant pictured on the leftRugby Memory Maker and Amazing Season Finale

Sunday 30th April saw an end of season to remember for Thornbury and Lydney U8s. It was Wayne Barnes’ ‘Forest v Barnes’ annual charity rugby match in aid of the fantastic charity ‘Breast Cancer Now’. Wayne’s team included a host of internationally capped players, with guest head coach Eddie Jones and were to play home side Lydney.

What a fantastic welcoming atmosphere. Both junior teams warmed up alongside the ‘Charity 15’ on the first team pitch, which was great in itself for the young boys and girls, with the occasional stray ball having to be retrieved by the seniors amongst our teams.

The ground was packed and there was a great buzz amongst the spectators as the main event started.

Half time saw a 15 minute slot in front of a large crowd for a 7-a-side exhibition mini game between Thornbury and Lydney U8s, refereed by Wayne himself.

Now it was entertaining and unexpected to see Wayne not spin a coin but instead use the ‘Rock-Paper-Scissors’ method to start play. Maybe an opportunity for international matches? Both teams rose to the occasion and made their on-looking parents very proud, playing superb rugby. It was especially lovely to hear the home crowd applauding tries equally from both sides. Played and supported exactly in the spirit of our great game and having the added bonus of being refereed by Wayne; it was certainly a match to remember.

As if that wasn’t enough, the icing on the cake was when Eddie Jones came over, following the mini’s match, to meet the players. A true gentleman with real integrity, modesty and a genuine interest in the children’s passion for rugby.

Eddie with Thornbury U8s

The day, co-ordinated by Polly Barnes,Wayne’s wife, was a huge success and resulted in over £15000 being raised for the great cause.

Our thanks go to Wayne and Polly Barnes, Eddie Jones and Lydney RFC in making the day so welcoming and special for our children.

A GREAT OCCASION AT LYDNEY - WAYNE BARNES CHARITY GAME

Senior Ladies photographed before game v Surrey 14th May 2017


U14s Joint Cup Winners - Old Pats and Clifton Old Pats 19 and Clifton 19

U14s Plate Winners - Frampton Cotterell Frampton Cotterell 27 v Dursley 20

U15s Plate Winners - StroudStroud 15 v Cleve 12

U16s Plate Winners - Cleve Cleve 57 v Cirencester 0

U18s Development League Cup Winners - Thornbury

Thornbury 33 v Hornets 14

U18s Development League Plate Winners- Bristol Saracens

Bristol Saracens 24 v North Bristol 19

YOUTH COMPETITIONS - Cup & Plate Results

U15s Cup Winners - MatsonMatson 17 v Old Pats 14

U16s Cup Winners - Old PatsOld Pats 21 v Clifton 10


FACILITIES AND FUNDING

FACILITIES & FUNDINGOxstalls AGP - coming soon

The AGP England Rugby IRB pitch developments are well underway with expected completion in September/October 2017. If clubs are interested in reserving the facility for either training or matches then please contact

their Rugby Development Officer in the first instance.

I have had the pleasure of being the Facilities co-ordinator for the County for just over 5 years. With the professional staff, I have been privileged to see clubs plan and deliver projects both big and small. Tony Swash has now taken on the role of Facilities & Funding Sector Head for the County and, together, we will continue to offer support advice and guidance to clubs.

A quick mention and thanks to Gloucester City Council for their invaluable maintenance work during the off season. Many clubs have also taken advantage of the Nat West Rugby force grant funding worth £2000 per club- this is additional to the works funded by the City Council.

Grounds benefitting from maintenance work include : Matson RFC, Coney Hill RFC, Hucclecote RFC, Longlevens RFC, Gloucester Old Boys RFC, Gloucester All Blues RFC, Old Richians RFC, Old Cryptians RFC and King George V playing field.

What have the Romans (RFU) ever done for us? Invested £1.2m that’s what!

I was recently asked how much financial support the RFU has provided over the last 5 years. I was surprised at the amounts.

The Rugby Football Foundation (RFF) provides help with grants and loans to clubs. In the last five years they have funded 39 club projects, with £130,764 in Grants either through the ‘ground match’ or ‘helping hand’, which is 35.6% of project costs totalling £367,117. They have also helped 5 Projects with interest free loans of

£374,000, which represents 25.9% of projects totalling £1,443,662.

Through The Capital Investment Programme, which included ‘RFU Better Facilities’ and ‘the World Cup Lead Up & Legacy Programme’, 24 Projects received grants of £685,341 with a total cost of £2,572,834 or 26.6%.

In summary, total investment by the RFU into the County in last five years, up to January 2017, has been £1,189,341, towards projects valued at £4,383,613 or 27.13% of

their total cost. This figure does not include Nat West weekends and pitch projects, which will add approximately an extra £40,000.

While this shows the financial input from the RFU, it also highlights the fantastic effort of volunteers and sponsors of every club involved, in raising over 70% of the money themselves!

The work continues and recently all clubs within Gloucestershire CB were asked what their top three facility priorities were. The response was very good so thank you to all that responded. Tony has collated all the information and responded to everyone involved. Jon Bendle, the RFU Facilities Area Manager, has met with Tony and me and we have discussed all the requirements. Clubs will be advised to apply to the RFF

for funding where appropriate and their RDO will help with the application process if required.

Any grants or loans will require certain criteria such as; the sustainability of the club, how long it has existed and the outcomes the project hopes to achieve.

If your club has a project, the RFU has a grant finder on their web site and the address is below http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/club-support/facility-development/funding/grantfinder/

Please feel free to contact me, Adrian Siddorn, Tony Swash, Jon Bendle or your RDO to discuss any future plans your club has.

[email protected]

PITCH MAINTENANCE

PITCH-IN CROWD FUNDER AND LIONS DINNER

- well done Cheltenham RFCJust two events orgainised by Cheltenham RFC raised in excess of £80,000. First a Crowd funder Appeal organised by Dan Townsend raised over £60,000. Then a Lions dinner and after meal auction raised the rest.

At the stroke of noon on Sunday the 2nd of April Cheltenham Tigers RFC exceeded their initial target of £55,000 by raising over £60,000 towards their “Pitch-In” crowd funder.

Why was it needed? - New changing facilities. Once they are in place this could unlock extra RFU funding for a state of the art AGP- a total package in the region of £1m. This facility would benefit all clubs in the North of the County not just Cheltenham.

In just 4 weeks Cheltenham raised 74% of its target. Notable donations have come from Phil Davies former president and British and Irish Lion and a significant contribution from Gloucester legend James Simpson-Daniel. James rode 105 kilometers on a static bike located at the club in order to encourage support.

The Lions Dinner and auction followed in May. Over 300 guests attended the gala occasion at Newlands Park. TV commentator Jill Douglas who is also President of the Tigers Ladies division hosted the event. Former Lions guests were; “Fun Bus” Jason Leonard, Harlequins and England (114) caps, 5 caps for the Lions and ex RFU President; Donncha O’Callaghan 2 Lions tours (4 caps) and 94 caps for Ireland and still playing at Worcester Warriors. Also on the top table was former All Black John Afoa, 36 caps for the Kiwis.

The evening began with Phil Blakeway (Cheltenham Colts and Gloucester, England and Lions) donating his England blazer to the club’s museum. Another Lions connection was Darren Morris, Lions 2001, and player coach Cheltenham 2012/3.

The guest of honour was WPC Davies a centre three quarter and former President of Cheltenham 1972-1985 and 3 Lions caps in 1955. The other notable guest was Frank Cherrington Cheltenham’s oldest remaining former player. Frank started playing at 16 in 1939 and by my reckoning is now 94! He played against all the major clubs in England and Wales and was a Gloucester County player.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening resulted.

NEED TO RAISE FUNDS - THIS IS AN EXAMPLE HOW!

James Simpson DanielJill Douglas

CHELTENHAM TIGERSLIONS DINNER

Phil Blakeway

Donncha O’Callaghan

John Afoa

Newlands Park 4th May 2017 in aid of new changing rooms

Jason Leonard

Darren Morris

COMBINATIONS

On the evening of 26th April under the floodlights at Prince of Wales Stadium in Cheltenham, the Cheltenham & District Combination Vets played Stroud & District Combination Vets in a well-contested and highly entertaining match. The half-time score was 22-22 but the combination of Peter Buxton, Gethin Evans and Matt Mudway, helped the home side to a strong opening 2nd half and an eventual 63-39 wins. The Cheltenham team had the silkier back-line but Stroud, under the captaincy of Gino Beaumont and with Andy Deacon leading the scrum, were their equals in the tighter phases of play.

41 Vets (over 35yrs) played in the open game, well refereed by Simon Collyer-Bristow, with a total of 18 tries being scored and the oldest participant just 61!! Who ever said, “It’s time to hang up your boots”?

A big thank you to all those involved in the organisation of the game and, most notably, Mark Spreadbury of Smiths RFC, Malcolm Kedward and Dave Randall from Cheltenham Combination and Stroud Combination’s Stephen Knight and Gino Beaumont.

Cheltenham & District Vets v Stroud & District Vets

Forest of Dean Junior Cup - Cinderford Stags

Forest of Dean Senior Cup – Newent

Bristol Vase - Avonmouth

Bristol Cup – Clifton Captain, Dan Wells with Jerry Green, Wadworth


A SELECTION OF PHOTOS OF THE WINNERS


WADWORTH 6X Leagues 2016-2017Presentation to Bristol & District League winners and Runners-upPresentation of plaques was made to the clubs at the Bristol and District Combination AGM by Jerry Green of sponsors Wadworth 6X and Jeff Tyler, GRFU President.

Bristol & District League 3 – Winners – Old Elizabethans 2nd XV, Runners-up Aretians 2nd XV

Bristol & District League 2 – Winners – Broad Plain 2nd XV, Runners-up Cotham Park 2nd XV

Bristol & District League 1 – Winners - Thornbury 2nd XV, Runners-up Bristol Saracens 2nd XV

CUP FINAL Winners Clifton 30 : Old Redcliffians 7

VASE FINAL Winners Avonmouth OBs 38 : Winscombe 19

BOWL FINAL Winners Bristol Barbarians 34 : Bishopston 33

Bristol Junior Rugby Combination Competition winners:CupU14 - CliftonU15 - St Mary’s Old Boys & Keynsham - DrawU16 - Cleve

PlateU14 - WinscombeU15 - ChippenhamU16 - Clifton

STROUD AND DISTRICTSENIOR CUP Winners Dursley 1st XV 38 : Cirencester 0

BILL ADAMS CUP FINALWinners Tetbury 2nds 30 : Dursley 3rds 15

JUNIOR PLATE FINALWinners Painswick 1st XV 19 : Dursley 2nds 10

JUNIOR CUP FINALWinners Fairford 1st XV 19 : Stroud 2nds 18CHELTENHAM AND DISTRICTMINOR SHIELD Winners Old Pats Vets, 9 : Cheltenham 3rds 3

JUNIOR CUP FINALWinners Cheltenham Saracens 14 : Bredon Star 13

SENIOR CUP Winners Cheltenham Saracens 39 : Old Pats 2nds 29

FOREST OF DEANJUNIOR CUPWinners Cinderford Stags 20 : Drybrook 2nds 10

SENIOR CUPWinners Newent 23 : Drybrook 22

COMBINATION CUPS NEWS AND RESULTSMINOR CUPWinners Cinderford ‘Bucks’ 44 : Drybrook 3rds 5

NORTH GLOUCESTERSHIREGLANVILLE CUPWinners Matson 3rds 44 : Spartans 3rds 7

JUNIOR CUP Winners Old Cents 2nds 40 : Matson 2nds 17

SENIOR CUPWinners Old Centralians 26 : Coney Hill 16


PAINSWICK RFC -The U7s Fun Day One Day Sunday

U7s at Painswick RFC - Fair Play Award Winners - Chosen Hill Former Pupils RFC

U10s at Cheltenham - Visiting team West Park (Leeds) RFC

U10s at Cheltenham RFC - Fair Play Award Winners - Painswick RFC

FESTIVALS

The festival season started on a very wet and windy day at the end of February when Lydney RFC hosted the U11s. 35 teams representing 24 clubs took part, including Rhiwbina RFC who crossed the Welsh border for a fun day of mini rugby. Darren Dawidiuk and Tom Denton kindly came along from Gloucester Rugby and were happy to sign autographs and have photos taken with the teams despite the cold and damp conditions.

Sunday 5th March saw the festivals move on to Cheltenham RFC for the U10s where, for a second week, Gloucestershire extended their hospitality across several county borders as we welcomed West Park (Leeds) RFC, who brought two teams along to close out their 2017 Gloucestershire tour. Charlie Sharples kindly appeared to do the customary photo shoot and sign some autographs for the boys and girls, despite some bumps, bruises and a ripped ear from the previous day’s activities at Kingsholm!

The 19th March saw the GRFU festival team welcomed at Cleve RFC who kindly hosted the U9s. Another Sunday where we were blessed with a sunny day albeit chilly for the 43 teams taking part. My thanks are also extended to my GRFU colleagues Peter Williams, Tracy Sparrow and Keith Gee for selecting the Fair Play Award winners – never an easy task and so difficult on the day that we had TWO teams selected.

The festival road show then rolled on to Painswick RFC for the annual U7s Fun-Day One-Day Sunday, which was played in more glorious sunshine and where the smallest and youngest county hopefuls didn’t stop running either on or off the pitch, with or without a ball!!

Sunday April 2nd saw the conclusion of the festival season when Old Richians hosted the U8s; another fun filled day with

youngsters who (whilst still playing tag) had improved so much since their first festival 12 months before.

All of the children taking part in the festivals received a collectable GRFU gold coloured pin badge (the seventh in the series), a certificate outlining the skills achieved during the season and a county festival medal.

In each of the five age groups a GRFU Fair Play Award was made; on each occasion selecting the winning team was extremely difficult with many teams narrowly missing out. The RFU code of conduct (Teamwork – Respect – Enjoyment – Discipline – Sportsmanship) being the criteria against which each team was measured. There was also a family ticket for a day out at either Gloucester Rugby or Bristol Rugby (2 Adults and 2 Children) presented to the winning club who in turn selected a family deemed to go “above and beyond” to support the team.

The Fair Play Award winners and lucky family winners were:-U7s – Team Award – Chosen Hill FP RFC - chosen family the Rennebacks U8s – Team Award – Fairford RFC - chosen family the Luffs U9s – Team Awards – Tewkesbury RFC and Painswick RFC - chosen family the JanesU10s – Team Award – Painswick RFC - chosen family the O’Loughlins U11s – Team Award – Broad Plain RFC – chosen family the Wilmots

To conclude….. GRFU extends grateful thanks to each of the host clubs for allowing us to bring together clubs from both the North and South of the county and, who knows, maybe the future stars of Rugby Union! Thanks also go to all of the age group coaches who freely give their time to the coaching and development of the county’s young people.

Lesley Gomer, GRFU Competitions - Festivals

Our young hopefuls give their all at the 2017 GRFU Festivals

PAINSWICK RFC -The U7s Fun Day One Day Sunday

U11s at Lydney RFC - Fair Play Award Winners

- Broad Plain RFC

U8s at Old Richians RFC - Fair Play Award Winners - Fairford RFC

U9s at Cleve RFC - Fair Play Award Winners - Tewkesbury RFC

FESTIVALS

youngsters who (whilst still playing tag) had improved so much since their first festival 12 months before.

All of the children taking part in the festivals received a collectable GRFU gold coloured pin badge (the seventh in the series), a certificate outlining the skills achieved during the season and a county festival medal.

In each of the five age groups a GRFU Fair Play Award was made; on each occasion selecting the winning team was extremely difficult with many teams narrowly missing out. The RFU code of conduct (Teamwork – Respect – Enjoyment – Discipline – Sportsmanship) being the criteria against which each team was measured. There was also a family ticket for a day out at either Gloucester Rugby or Bristol Rugby (2 Adults and 2 Children) presented to the winning club who in turn selected a family deemed to go “above and beyond” to support the team.

The Fair Play Award winners and lucky family winners were:-U7s – Team Award – Chosen Hill FP RFC - chosen family the Rennebacks U8s – Team Award – Fairford RFC - chosen family the Luffs U9s – Team Awards – Tewkesbury RFC and Painswick RFC - chosen family the JanesU10s – Team Award – Painswick RFC - chosen family the O’Loughlins U11s – Team Award – Broad Plain RFC – chosen family the Wilmots

To conclude….. GRFU extends grateful thanks to each of the host clubs for allowing us to bring together clubs from both the North and South of the county and, who knows, maybe the future stars of Rugby Union! Thanks also go to all of the age group coaches who freely give their time to the coaching and development of the county’s young people.

Lesley Gomer, GRFU Competitions - Festivals

Our young hopefuls give their all at the 2017 GRFU Festivals

U11s at Lydney RFC - Visiting team Rhiwbina RFC



WHAT GOES ON TOUR

The Cinderford U15 team went on their first tour for many years over the weekend of April 7th - 9th and stayed at the Golden Coast holiday park at Woolacombe. This coincided with a Cinderford 1st XV game against Barnstaple, a short bus ride away, so what better way to spend Saturday afternoon, watching the 1st XV lose narrowly to Barnstaple! Ah well the weather was glorious.

In total nineteen U15 players watched the game along with various parents and coaches. Saturday evening was spent at the holiday park where all of the lads enjoyed the fancy dress - the theme was ‘toys and film’. (whatever turns you on!)

CINDERFORD U15s ON TOUR

On the Sunday the squad were back to Barnstaple RFC to play against 3 other teams - Barnstaple U15s and 2 other touring teams Northampton Casuals U15s and Lychett Minster U15s. The first game was between Cinderford and Barnstaple with Cinderford coming out on top by 24 points to 10. This was a great result against a strong Barnstaple, team that had not lost a game in nearly 2 years. The games against both Northampton Casuals and Lycett Minster were more in keeping with a ‘tour game’, with the lads playing out of position and swapping between teams to enhance the fun that was had by all.Following this success it looks like touring is here to stay!

At the U9s Festival at Cleve RFC on 19 March, Ian Podmore of Painswick RFC was spotted by our Safeguarding Manager, Tracy Sparrow.

“As I was walking around I watched a coach kneeling on the floor, at eye level with his team, praising them about the way they had just performed. The boys were all standing around him listening and grinning from ear to ear. Another coach came up to the boys and told them they were brilliant and had played a fantastic game of rugby.”

Tracy continued “It wasn’t just Ian’s kind words to the boys that struck me but also the way he took himself down to their level to talk to them. All the boys were clearly enjoying their game of rugby.“

We are delighted to acknowledged Ian’s contribution and that of his fellow coaches Chris Stark and not pictured Darren Clissold. Tracy emailed Ian and this was his response.

“Many thanks for your note and very kind words. I have to say that a big credit goes to the boys themselves, Chris (the one with the accent!) and Darren my fellow coaches.

It’s my first season coaching rugby this year, but I’ve been a qualified coach of the round ball game for a few years now. The FA programmes are very much focused on understanding the players, trying to connect with them at their level and over all having fun. That’s the approach we’ve tried to adopt this year and it’s great to see it working as it did for the boys on Sunday.”

So rugby buffs, myself included, let’s not get snotty about soccer - good coaches deserve recognition whatever the shape of the ball.

Ian Podmore [left] and Chris Stark [right] pictured with Painswick U9s

A coach’s best practice merits special acknowledgement


DOESN’T HAVE TO STAY THERE!

It’s a sign of a well organised rugby tour when the whole thing runs smoothly despite the organiser oversleeping and missing the outbound flight! But we did promise not to bring that up again. Suffice it to say that the vast majority of the Tetbury tour party met bright and early on a misty Saturday morning at Bristol airport, eager to venture north to do battle with the mighty Highlanders of Inverness and Morayshire.

At the appointed hour our aircraft leapt from the runway and lifted into a gin clear blue sky. A short and comfortable flight saw us delivered safely to Inverness airport, where we were met by four self-drive minibuses (what could possibly go wrong!) and better than forecast weather. Though several degrees cooler than “down south,” the anticipated rain had held off and

we were left wondering whether anyone had thought to pack the factor 15.

The convoy set course for our accommodation, via a supermarket pit-stop to pick up essential supplies. For the adults, beer. For the boys, crisps (essential), water (sensible) and fruit (optimistic).

No sooner had we dropped off our luggage at the youth hostel, than the players were heading over to the adjacent Milburn Academy rugby pitches to start warming up for our imminent match against Highlands RFC. Our usual goal kicker was recovering from injury, so to appoint his replacement, the warm up

included a kicking competition with often hilarious results, notably the coaches’ attempts to show “how it should be done!”

Highlands arrived with a large squad, so we agreed to rotate some of their players through our team to ensure that everyone got a decent amount of playing time. The bright sunshine and hard ground made for a great game of running rugby, yielding a dozen tries between the two sides and an eventual victory for the tourists. Smiles and handshakes all round before adjourning to the school hall for a feast of sandwiches and cake!

It turned out that the Highlands 1st team were playing that afternoon at a different location, so we set out in the minibuses to cheer them on, in what turned out to be an entertaining and physical match, before heading further south to Loch Ness. An impromptu cryotherapy session ensued, as the boys donned swimwear and took to the icy water, to the amazement of visiting tourists and passers-by!

Back to Inverness that evening, where the boys embraced the challenge of the “all-you-can-eat”” buffet before returning to the youth hostel for an “early night.”

We rose early on Sunday morning for a hearty breakfast, before heading east towards Elgin and an encounter with a composite team comprising players from Huntly and Moray RFCs. Both sides displayed skill and tenacity in providing a thoroughly entertaining game of rugby. Once again, Tetbury took the spoils but players were dropping like flies towards the end, following a physical but good natured contest.

Another welcoming spread awaited us in the clubhouse and, over a pint for the adults and a squash for the boys, it became clear how much commitment is required from players and coaches alike in this part of Scotland. The head coach explained that, some of the home players had travelled for several hours to play in the game that day and it was not uncommon to travel four hours to an away fixture! It highlighted how lucky we are in Gloucestershire to have so much access to competitive rugby at all levels.

The afternoon provided another hypothermia opportunity at Lossiemouth beach, a beautiful, unspoilt stretch of sand, reachable only via a wooden footbridge. Once again swimming trunks were donned and the boys raced 100 metres to join the dozen or so puzzled surfers, more conventionally attired in wetsuits, gloves and boots!

For the first time since our arrival the sky was lowering and rain threatened. Fortunately, a conveniently located pub provided temporary shelter and sustenance prior to our return to Inverness.

Supper that evening was a chaotic but genial affair, as 35 rugby tourists took over a pizza restaurant, completely rearranging their furniture layout several times before testing the pizza oven to its limits. Back to the youth hostel with just enough time for some “doof doof” music in the world’s most crowded disco (17 teenagers crammed into one bedroom) before lights out.

Monday morning brought more blue skies and a trip to Aviemore for a zip-wire experience; a series of exhilarating high-wire rides criss-crossing a scenic wooded valley. For once the props could claim to be considerably faster than the scrum halves! A hearty lunch at Loch Insch was followed by a group archery lesson. Nervous coaches looked on as the 14 year old rugby players were entrusted with potentially lethal projectiles, but thankfully no injuries arose, despite the targets being at no more risk than the surrounding countryside.

Our final evening in Inverness and a cinema visit. What better choice on rugby tour than “Kong - Skull Island”, featuring a giant monkey fighting assorted prehistoric monsters, with enough explosions to hold even the attention of seventeen teenagers for two hours.

Tuesday dawned with a marked drop in temperature and a keen westerly breeze. Wholly appropriate to lend authenticity and atmosphere to an educational trip to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last major battle to be fought on British soil.

At last it was time once again to take to the skies and return home, tired, but buoyant, following a thoroughly enjoyable and successful tour. Many thanks to Highlands RFC, Moray RFC, Huntly RFC and all those we met over the weekend, for such warm hospitality and a memorable experience. And of course, tour organiser, Kenny. Glad you made it in the end!

The Monster Tour – Tetbury U14s visit Inverness


REFLECTIONS ON THE 2017 LIONS TOUR TO NEW ZEALAND

Sadly it’s now all over, something that I had been looking forward to, talking about and planning for 4 years. Time flies. The two questions about the tour that I have been asked most often are; what is New Zealand like and what has been your favourite tour, bearing in mind this was my 5th?

A story may illustrate the former. I was standing on the corner of the street in Taupo pondering walking to a swimming pool that I knew was somewhere along this road, but it looked as if it was going to be a long, long walk. Suddenly a smiley young Maori man tapped me on the shoulder and said “Please Sir, let me help you across the road”. I replied, “Thank you but I don’t want to cross the road!”

Not to be put off he said, ”Well where do you want to go?”

So a few moments later I was stepping into his car and he was ferrying me to the pool. He had been driving by and seen me standing looking bewildered, admittedly a common look these days, so he had parked off the main highway and walked back to offer his help. No matter what, he was determined to help. This was his lunch hour and I was a random visitor to his country. This is one of many acts of kindness I remember; in all I was given 4 lifts by strangers, rescued from torrential rain whilst sheltering under a tree and pushed what seemed like miles in a wheel chair I had to use. Kind, polite undemonstrative, classless, down to earth, that is how I would describe the people I met. Service was generally very good with no tipping culture that I was aware of. Also it was very expensive but the collapse of the pound because of our problems doesn’t help and, for some reason, wine, which they produce by the bucket load, was particularly expensive. South Island seems to be barely populated and if you like big beast, reptile free isolation this could be the country for you; it certainly is quietly impressive and majestic.

It’s often said that New Zealand is like the UK 25 years ago - well I was around 25 years ago and it was never as welcoming, so I don’t support that view.

My overriding impression was that of friendliness and generosity; this was particularly evident in the rugby clubs we visited. First up was Devonport Rugby Club, North Shore, Auckland, where we met some of our special guests, Shane Williams, Sean Holley (who readers may remember was first Director of Rugby at Hartpury College), Sir Ian McGeechan and others. These guys were on hand throughout and great value they were too.

Sean Holley introducing Shane Williams and Sir Ian McGeechan

South Island, New Zealand; approaching Queenstown.

Next on to South Island and Wakatipu Rugby Club where who should I bump into but Andy Leonard of Bristol Referees Society and Dickie Phillips of Dings Crusaders. A brilliant evening ensued as a full clubhouse watched the final midweek game (the Hurricanes) and who could forget a supper of savoury mince, green beans and mashed potatoes.

But perhaps the most memorable club we visited was at Taihape, where all the guests on our tour, nearly 300, were entertained in proper Kiwi fashion to a Hangi - this is a method of cooking in a pit over hot stones.What was cooked? Whole chickens, joints of mutton and pork, potatoes and root vegetables formed the lunchtime meal, which was simultaneously simple and delicious.

Club members had donated all the ingredients so, in return for our free lunch, cash was collected and the club was able to put $8,000 towards next season. All the clubs we visited were welcoming, no nonsense, down to earth, family based clubs which were a true privilege to visit.

So which tour was the ‘best’? It’s not possible to say because they have all had their unique characteristics. It was certainly satisfying going to New Zealand and drawing with the World Champions, especially after the humiliation of Woodward’s tour in 2005; although in my view the All Blacks were a better team in 2005, but that doesn’t excuse the drubbing we received. It is something of a cliché but no less

meaningful to say that, in New Zealand, rugby is a religion not a sport. It dominates the news, conversation and national mood. After the first test I did wonder if history was going to be repeated but, with character to the fore, the Lions deservedly clawed back to an honorable draw. The atmosphere in the second test was tremendous and certainly up a notch from the first - it was the crowd that swung it - well not really but I’m sure we helped.

South Africa I maintain is the most interesting country to tour and in 2009 we had a real chance of winning against a good SA team, who were also world champions at the time. Basic errors cost us dear, the second test was one of the most memorable I’ve watched. South Africa has tremendous scenery, wild life, coastline and, when you mix in the racial and cultural challenges, it offers something that’s unlike either Australia, NZ or Europe. There is lots of colour and rhythm, a great variety of food and it’s the most reasonably priced. Add some edge and it’s a great place to tour. I really enjoyed touring Australia in 2013, mainly because after 3 tours we finally won a series and I was inducting my son to Lions touring.

The most memorable test I have seen was definitely the first I saw in the Gabba, Brisbane, in 2001, when the Lions stormed to a resounding victory over a good Australian team, (also the current World Champions). O’Driscoll was peerless that night, or “Waltzing O’Driscoll’ as the songs soon christened him and the Lions crowd totally intimidated their Oz counterparts. If you get the chance look at the highlights on You Tube - it will be worth it to be reminded how good Jason Robinson and Brian O’Driscoll were. The atmosphere that night was electric, noise beyond measurement and the singing went on till dawn the next day.

I’m happy that the Lions brand is alive and well after 2005 when it was brought into question. It is truly a wonderful experience to see supporters from the entire home Unions, without exception, get behind the team 100% with no favour to home loyalties. The singing, the camaraderie, the bagpipes on the internal flights, the odd sherry or two, the sea of red wherever you go; these are memories of Lions tours. On this last one I met supporters from Bristol, Stroud, Gloucester, Brockworth, Dings, Cheltenham, Cinderford, and Winchcombe and there were even people from outside Gloucestershire, too. In fact just as on previous tours, the Lions attract supporters from across the world and I know that it’s watched across the world too. I met people who lived in Hong Kong, Thailand, the USA and Canada, all in NZ on a quest. And I have a report it was even watched by a group of Lions supporters at a Munich beer festival!

Was a draw fair- YES. My mate “Geech”- Sir Ian to all of you- told me so in no uncertain fashion. Will I be going again - health permitting – you bet?

The Author toured with Venatour

A LIONS SUPPORTER ON TOUR - Again!!


CLUB NEWS

Bristol Rugby Gives Local Man Opportunity

Bristolian Alex Giltrow is ready to take his chance in professional rugby after being handed a unique opportunity by Head Coach Pat Lam.

The tight head prop – who has represented England Students and England Counties in the past twelve months – links up with the Bristol Rugby squad for pre-season as he bids to earn a full-time contract.

Voted Coach’s Player of the Season at Clifton Rugby following an impressive 2016/17 campaign, Giltrow also represented Bristol United in the Aviva A-League versus Bath United.

“Every pre-season, I’d like to give a player from a local club an opportunity to come in and prove themselves,” Pat Lam told us.

“We have an excellent combination and plenty of quality within our local area, so it’s vital we tap into that and work hard to form strong bonds with the clubs in the combination.”

The 26 year-old, who studied at University West of England (UWE), is a product of the Bristol Combination, having also represented Nailsea & Backwell and Clevedon before joining Clifton Rugby.

He added: “I’m excited about the opportunity to come in and work alongside some very talented players and coaches. Everyone has been very welcoming so far and I’m learning a lot from the experience. It’s a great environment to be a part of and each day brings a new challenge.”

BRISTOL RUGBY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION- AWARD WINNER KRIS TAVENDER

Community Foundation Coach, Kris Tavender, was named Community Coach of the Year at the Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Community Awards at the House of Commons. Tavender beat off competition from Bath Rugby Foundation Outreach Officer, Joe Aygul and Sale Sharks Com-munity Trust Inclusion Officer, Vicky Irwin, to scoop the prestigious award. Chief Community Officer, Ben Breeze, paid this tribute to Kris.

“Kris Tavender really is one in a million. He single-handedly convinced Bristol Rugby Community Foundation and Bristol Rugby of the clear and identified need of a special educational needs, disability and inclusion provision. He’s an amazing man and he has to be the most committed, passionate and dedicated coach I’ve ever worked with. Kris has literally changed the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of young and older people across the Greater Bristol region and we’re tremendously proud of him.”

Heather Taylor – an NGB Account Manager at Sport England, who helped judge the award, admits the selection process was tough and believes Kris was a more than worthy recipient.

“Kris was a stand-out nominee and a thoroughly deserving winner of the Community Coach of the Year Award,” said Taylor. “Every coach nominated has worked tirelessly to help improve their clubs and are truly selfless individuals. Kris has worked extremely hard to deliver the Spectrum Project and helped young people with a wide variety of needs, even quitting his own full-time job to help deliver a host of schemes. He is an incredibly dedicated and hard-working individual who has helped bring joy to so many people in the area. He regularly commits more than 50 hours every week. His energy and passion has helped bring sport to almost 600 people with a variety of disabilities in just nine months.”

Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central and the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rugby Union, said: “Kris deserves all the praise he can get for his achievements over the past year. To hear colleagues hold him in such high regard is testament to his efforts.”

To read more about Premiership Rugby’s community programmes, please visit premiershiprugby.com/community or join the conversation #RugbyChangingLives

Matt Austin, former club captain at Minchinhampton Rugby Club and director at Austin Design Works, was thrilled to see the completion of the first phase of this community project.

Austin Design Works became involved with the design for a new club house four years ago after the club purchased their new home ground at Hollybush Farm. As with many community projects its success has been due to the huge effort by the management team and volunteers, who have

NEW MINCHINHAMPTON CLUBHOUSE

put lots of energy in to applying for grant funding and organising successful fundraising events. Matt’s design for the clubhouse is derived from a traditional agricultural pole barn; constructed using simple timber-framing, clad and insulated externally to give volume inside, with roof lights and polycarbonate windows filling the space with daylight. This simple and economical construction allows for a phased build, adaptable and versatile, with few internal finishes needed.

The club now has more than 250 minis and juniors playing with them and this led the drive for the creation of the refectory space, medical room and changing rooms to be completed first. Both Minch players and visiting teams have had to rough it in shipping containers with alfresco showers whilst funding was obtained for the new facilities. Matt recalls that, “It was a chilly experience at times showering outdoors in our climate, but the new changing rooms and showers were worth the wait”.

SPECIAL CLUBS FEATURE


Tetbury RFC - U6s through to SeniorsBack in 2012 Tetbury suffered from a lack of numbers due to long-term injuries, players moving on and no youth rugby to keep the numbers trickling through to the first team. Ultimately Tetbury dropped out of the Gloucestershire Leagues which found them unable to field a side.

Club Chairman at the time, Jerry Brookes, sought to pull the whole club together, particularly the thriving minis section that was run as a separate part of the club.

In October 2012, Tetbury played a Stroud Combination barbarian side. This saw several minis’ dads play and the game attracted some younger new players who, through the hard work of player Jake Meredith, formed a new group of players, particularly some ex footballers.

Over the next couple of seasons they learnt their trade and entered the Gloucestershire Reserve Leagues playing regular fixtures and, most importantly, fulfilling them.

Since the lows of 2012 the club has become much stronger, particularly with the whole club approach, which has seen a more united club and the emergence of former mini players now playing first team rugby. The great work of Mini and Youth Chairmen like Dale Wilcox, Simon Ursell and Chris Marais, who have worked relentlessly to grow the ‘whole club approach’, has ensured that, from U6s to seniors, players feel connected and see a pathway to senior rugby. Small details matter - like all players now playing in the same shirt.

Drybrook RFC will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2017/18 season and it is fair to say the club is as strong today than at any time in its history.

To celebrate the occasion the club has published a history and will enjoy a number of celebratory events, including a game against the Gloucester Legends XV. The celebrations began with a Gala dinner on 11th August at Kingsholm Stadium.

The playing of rugby in Drybrook can be traced back as far as 1881 (136 years), but the present club was formed out of an amalgamation of others in 1892/93.

Last season the club ran 20 teams; 3 seniors’ sides, a Colts XV and a Veterans XV, as well as 2 senior ladies teams. The junior section contains teams at most age groups including 3 girls’ teams.

Operating in South West One (West), the club’s 1st XV ended last season in 3rd position (its highest ever placement) to firmly establish the club among the top ten teams in the county in terms of league status.

Drybrook’s 2nd XV were County Reserve Premier League Champions in 2015/16 and spent last season in the new South West Pilot league. Drybrook 3rds operate in the lowest of the county reserve leagues and just missed out on promotion last season.

There was much to celebrate in the first one hundred years, but the last twenty-five seasons have brought unprecedented success, based firmly on stability and togetherness, coupled with sheer dogged determination and tenacity. All of this has been brought about by a great deal of hard work and commitment from a long list of dedicated players, volunteers and supporters.

Drybrook is not afraid to take on new ideas and initiatives driven by the RFU and was among the first of the county clubs to be awarded the old RFU Seal of Approval (now known as RFU Accreditation).

The Drybrook “name” is now known both locally and nationally and, in recent years, both its 1st XV and Women’s 1st XV have appeared in National Finals. The increase in membership and improvement in both playing standards and facilities show no signs of slowing down.

Drybrook Ladies National Champions 2016One thing that has not changed though is that

the enjoyment and friendship gained from play-ing or supporting rugby football at Drybrook, is as important today as it was one hundred and twenty five years ago.

THEY START THEM YOUNG IN DRYBROOK - (left) Kids First Award (April 2017) - officials with the youngest age group (The Kittens).

Whatever the recipe, it’s working wonders at Drybrook- how many County clubs can claim two recent world cup winners? Drybrook can!

With the 2016/17 season just finishing, the hard work and dedication has produced some strong results for the senior side, with them finishing 3rd in the league, p r o g r e s s i n g well in the S t r o u d C o m b i n a t i o n Junior Cup and winning the Bill Adams Cup for the first time in their history.

S t e p h e n Knight, is the coach at the helm who started coaching mini rugby at Tetbury, before driving the first team forward in 2015/16. His dedication, together with players who have

played pivotal roles in the club and gone from strength to strength, like Giles Dixon, Scott Seal and Ant Jaep, has resulted in the next milestone for the club. This will be the current U16s integrating with the first team so they step up, over the next couple of seasons, to further increase the player pool available and open up the possibility of a second team going forward.

Making all members feel part of the club and encouraging old players and members back, is the current target. It’s something coach Knight has helped with by playing an old v new game for the second year this season. Having Tetbury past and present players, like Tim Jensen and Chris Jones, bringing back over 40 former players over the past 2 seasons to play at the club, is exactly the initiatives the club needs to reconnect with the past and become stronger going forward.

With lots of exciting plans in place for the future and the club having strong mini, youth and senior sections to keep moving forward, the hard work has started, so that many more generations can play at the club.

First Team Coach, Stephen Knight, said “I would like to personally thank all who have played a part in helping the club start to find its potential, from the brilliant grounds man, hardworking committees across the club and to the players’ wives, girlfriends and parents - and everyone in between. Also the fantastic sponsors that keep us connected with our local community.”

“A WHOLE CLUB APPROACH” TETBURY RISE FROM THE ABYSS - a case study in application, to survive

DRYBROOK RFC – A STORY OF LONGEVITY, STABILITY AND VALUES

Tetbury Captain Billy Udall with the Bill Adams trophy (above)

Club Coach Stephen Knight and his son Arlo (above)

Drybrook 1st Team Squad 2015-16


SCHOOL NEWS

Beaudesert Park School, in Minchinhampton, has recently been named as one of England Rugby’s ‘Kids First Champions.’

Old Mutual Wealth ‘Kids First’ is England Rugby’s approach to rugby for 6-13 year olds. Earlier this year, the school agreed to become a ‘Kids First School.’ This recent award was as a result of Beaudesert being seen by the RFU as one of the top schools in the country at delivering rugby to children.

The national panel, which selects those Kids First schools and clubs that are awarded ‘champion’ status, noted ‘the fantastic work Beaudesert do to support the Kids First Pledge and ensure that children are provided with the opportunity to have fun, learn and build their confidence.’ In particular, Beaudesert’s collaborative work with the Gloucestershire CB, to embrace changes to Age Grade Rugby and adopt the principles of Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Rugby, was regarded as ‘fantastic.’

Over the course of its rugby term at school, Beaudesert provided regular playing opportunities for all boys within the prep school, numbering over 170, with over 19 different teams, from U8-U13, playing regular fixtures.

In recognition of this, on the 28th May, fifteen of the U13 rugby team and five staff were invited to Twickenham to form the Guard of Honour, on the pitch, for the England v Barbarians match.

The group arrived at Twickenham early and were able to watch some of the County Championship Final between Lancashire & Cornwall, before heading onto the pitch to prepare for their role. The boys were delighted with the opportunity to be on the famous Twickenham pitch. They were somewhat awestruck as they watched their heroes, from both the England and Barbarian camps, warming up nearby, before providing a guard of

honour for the players as they ran on at the start of the match. Following this honour, the boys were shown to their front row seats, where they watched England triumph 28-14 in a close and entertaining game. This was the first time that many of the Beaudesert boys had been to Twickenham and it proved to be a fantastic experience for all involved.

Kids First Champions - Beaudesert Park School

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Shown are left to right TOM ROWLAND (Bristol Grammar School) Loose Head Prop. WILL CAPON (Bristol Grammar School) Hooker. IWAN HUGHES (S.G.S. College) Full Back. TOM SEABROOK (Dean Close School) Right Wing.

They each made their international debut for England U18s in the fixture at Aylesbury RFC on Sunday 5 March. England won the game 43-14, with Tom Seabrook scoring the sixth try from seven. All were retained for the fixture versus Scotland U18s on the following Sunday, at Preston Grasshoppers RFC. Again another victory for England, this time by 31-17, with Tom Seabrook scoring the fourth England try. The only defeat so far has been against Wales U18s in Ebbw Vale, where the final score was 29-19. They are now looking forward to the Five Nations Festival in South Wales over the Easter period. Here they will be involved in fixtures versus Canada U19s, Ireland U18s and Scotland U18s. Equally they would then hope for selection for the England development tour to South Africa in August, where they are likely to play France, South Africa ‘A’ and finally South Africa U18s.

ENGLAND UNDER 18s- Gloucestershire players

that made the grade

SAFEGUARDING


The Safeguarding Team:-At the beginning of June this year, Tracy Sparrow said she was very

honoured to be asked to take over the role of County Safeguarding Sector Head for GRFU; a role she didn’t have to think twice about accepting as Safeguarding is part of her job and has been for the last 17 years.

My first task was to set about putting together a team to help me, as we are one of the largest Constituent Bodies so need a strong committee to support all our clubs.

50 of our clubs have active Mini & Youth sections and, as a result, we have a total of 65 Club Safeguarding Officers [CSOs]. Some clubs feel the need to enlist the help of two CSOs due to the number of members. This is excellent practice which is encouraged by the RFU!

I am very grateful for the help from Robbie Davies, Jodie Cantin, Helen Nicolson and Lucy O’Brien in the south and Anita Price in the north; all of whom have a wealth of knowledge. I will continue to grow the team in the north over the next few months.

These CB Safeguarding Officers [CBSOs] form part of my vision for GRFU and already two of the team are mentoring three new CSOs.

Join together in clusters:We will be encouraging clubs to ‘cluster’ with their neighbouring

clubs to help each other out with things such as DBS checks and we’ll encourage you to get together to self-audit your clubs. This is an annual requirement set by the RFU. Why not treat self-audits as a tool to let us know how we can further help you. What do you want from the GRFU Safeguarding Team or the Rugby Development Officers [RDOs]? When an audit form is submitted we do go through it with the GRFU RDOs to help highlight what training might be of benefit and which courses are needed and how best we can deliver.

Training:CSOs will be invited to attend training sessions that will be set up

around the County to which we will be inviting outside speakers.On the 20th June, a Safeguarding Delivery evening was held at North

Bristol RFC. We invited a guest speaker, Sue Wheeler, from ‘Safe in Your Hands’. Sue delivered a session on abuse, types of abuse and the signs to look out for. She also touched on Child Sexual Exploitation and what to look out for. Robbie Davies delivered a session on teenage text acronyms and their meaning. Bit of an eye opener!! It was a very informative evening with a total of 40 people attending. We will be asking Sue to come back in October to the event to be held in the north of the County for the CSOs that missed out in June.

Robbie Davies pictured at the North Bristol event

We will also be arranging a delivery/training session on E-safety over the coming season. If you can think of other topics you would like covered and we get enough interest then I will arrange for training sessions to be held at clubs around the County. Please email me [email protected]

Collaborative working:The County Welfare & Respect Officer for the Gloucestershire Football

Association Ltd, Hugh Feltham, attended the training evening at North Bristol RFC as we are now working closely together to share and discuss

NEW SECTOR HEAD’S VISION FOR THE NEW SEASON

best practice within Safeguarding. We are looking to engage other major sporting bodies so we can get together three times a year to help each other with working practices in relation to Safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults.

Regulations: Playing Out of Age Grade [POoAG] Application Forms are available on

the GRFU website under ‘Useful Forms’ in Organisation & Administration at the following link: https://gloucestershirerfu.co.uk/useful_forms

A change that all clubs should note is the need for the CSO’s signature on ALL dispensation requests prior to sending them to the County Office, including those for U17s [male and female] playing up.Please encourage all your Coaches to check Age Grade Regulation 15:

There are several changes in what the County can give dispensation for so please check regulations before sending your requests. We can only approve what the RFU Regulations allow for with no ‘special cases’ permitted.

This guidance will also cover the new guidance for summer camps (regulation 15.8) and out of season activity (regulation 15.6). All Club Safeguarding Officers should familiarise themselves with the new regulations.

And finally:Lots of new changes to implement but I’m sure we can take this forward

with the fantastic work that the Club Safeguarding Officers are currently doing.

I would like to say a huge thank you and how proud we should all be of the job we are doing to make rugby a safe and enjoyable sport for our youth to take part in.

Remember “Safeguarding is everyone’s business not just someone’s business”

Tracy Sparrow - CB Safeguarding Sector Head

Tracy and Hugh Feltham of Gloucestershire Football Association

0333 600 1020


Ref in the spotlight

This coming season marks the Bristol Referees Society’s 125th year and will clearly be a special anniversary. As they reflect on last season there are so many great and positive achievements to celebrate.

As a Society they covered 99% of games requested and recruited nearly 30 new referees. Steve Leyshon, Chairman thanked the committee for their continuous enthusiasm and hard work. Steve said “it was great to spend time together recently on Exmoor to put together our strategy plan covering all aspects of the Society”.

During the summer Brad Bignell, who has been promoted to the South West Group, together with Tony Swash, a stalwart of the Society, went to South Africa as part of the referee exchange programme. Besides having the opportunity to referee, they also experienced the different culture and uniqueness of South Africa, with one of their highlights being a visit to a game reserve.

Additionally Jim Bennett, Ben Green and Andy Gibson represented the Society at the United World Games in Klagenfurt, Austria and Richard Timbrell and Gareth Dinsdale officiated at the Amsterdam 7s.

As the season commences, the Society will have held its first general meeting to look at the new global law variations which will come into play. Tony Bowers will once again be organising the Society’s training and development programme, which will assist all of our members, whether they are referees, match observers or coaches, to build their understanding and knowledge of the game.

To anyone who would like to take up the whistle, contact the Society via its website www.bristolrefs.co.uk or contact Tony Swash directly. Another successful season begins and already they are planning the end of season dinner - save the date: 18th May 2018 - it promises to be a great night out!

How did you start refereeing?I broke my right leg badly playing for Bridgewater & Albion 3rds in 1972 and, although I played the following season, I found I was nervous of injuring my leg again so I thought I would give the whistle a go.

Which rugby club did you play for and in what position?I was a bit of a nomad, because of moving frequently for my job and, in addition to Bridgewater and Albion, over the years I played for Wasps, Ilford Wanderers, Twickenham and Chew Valley.

I was only ever a third team player and, as such, frequently had to fill-in in different positions, so I actually played in every position except second row, but my favourite was open side wing forward, as I was fairly quick in those days.

Last season you were honoured by the Bristol Referees Society with the award of Life Membership, how did you feel?Very proud – I had always looked up to previous Life Members as shining examples of the game and I never thought that I would possibly reach that level (or age!).

Over the last two seasons you have refereed over 50 games each season; what keeps you motivated to referee?Very difficult question - apart from a love of the game and being involved, my biggest motivator has always been being told that something is too difficult for me to do so as I get older and people’s eyebrows go up when told my age (71). I have to prove that age is no barrier and that experience can make up for loss of pace.

Apart from that my 10 year old grandson has now started playing rugby and I would dearly love to referee him when he gets to U15 level. Maybe a step too far but you have to have targets in life.

The Bristol Referees Society reaches its 125th anniversary this coming season and you’ll clearly have a key role in this. What is your vision for how the Society will celebrate this achievement?I was lucky enough to be active with the Society when we celebrated our centenary and this season should be another great celebration of the achievements by all of our members over this time.The 125 year dinner at Bristol Grammar School next May should be one of the highlights and I am particularly looking forward to renewing some old acquaintances and listening to some great speakers.

LATEST NEWS FROM BRISTOL REFS SOCIETY

BRISTOL REFEREES SOCIETYAwards Dinner 2017

REFEREES

What’s the highlight during your time officiating as a referee? 34 years and over 1200 games obviously produce an awful lot of memories and the top ones would have to be: • Thewomen’sVarsitymatchattheMemorialGroundinfrontofalargeand

vocal crowd; the first time I was ‘miked-up’ with 2 ARs.• TakingtheplayersoffthepitchatWhitehallduringaGloucesterPremier

match because of an unbelievable hailstorm and then returning after a 10 minute break to ensure we got a result.

• MonmouthSchoolvStoweSchool,roundfiveoftheDailyMailCupwiththe score at 8:6 and Stowe, the favourites, camped on Monmouth’s line for the final 15 minutes, but unable to score, intense pressure on me but really enjoyed it.

• Anunder16smatchwhereaplayerwasinjuredandIrefusedtoallowthecoaches to move him until an ambulance had being called. We continued the match on another pitch and, two days later, I received a phone call from the player’s father to inform me that his son had broken two vertebrae but would make a full recovery – probably the best and most important decision I have ever made on the pitch.

The following were awarded at the dinner:Young referee 16-17 James Maby (left)

Most improved referee 16-17 Paul Namata (middle)

Clubman of 16-17 Pete Dixon (right)

Life membership was awarded to: Chris Brockett, Andy Miller, Jeff Morgan, Ian Hillier, Adrian Johnstone, Ian Woodgate and Tim Mahoney

Tankards were awarded to the following referees who officiated at 50+ games during the 16-17 the season:Peter Dixon, Adam Glen, Tony Swash, Adrian Johnstone, James Maybe,Oli Carey, Joe Crawford, Brad Bignell and Andy Miller.

Barry Clark [left[ and Adrian Danks [right] being presented with their Gloucestershire 25 Years’ Service award by President, Jeff Tyler, at the GRFU AGM in July 2017.

Gloucester & District Referees Society recognises 25 years’ service

Adrian Johnstone, Bristol & District Referees Society


VOLUNTEERSMITSUBISHI Volunteers of the Year Awards

The sponsor for England Rugby, Mitsubishi Motors, awarded 52 of Gloucestershire’s deserving volunteers for their dedication to rugby in the county this season. Two events took place at Mitsubishi dealerships in Bristol and Cheltenham to which the volunteers were invited. From each event one person was chosen to be invited to a black tie awards evening at Twickenham in September. At this event the overall Mitsubishi Volunteer of the Season will be chosen. The winner from the Bristol event was Derek Barnett of Old Colstonians RFC and from the Cheltenham event it was Sarah Hayes from Tewkesbury RFC. We wish them both the very best of luck at Twickenham in September.

One of the Mitsubishi Volunteers of the Season, Rob Flood, who was unable to attend the dealership event, being presented with his award at the AGM.

GRFU AGMAt the GRFU AGM held at Avonmouth RFC

in July, the retiring President, Jeff Tyler, gave several awards to our volunteers that were recognised in 2016-17.

Life MembershipOne of the

most prestigious awards given by the County is Life Membership and sadly, due to ill health, Ivor Woodman was not able to receive his award in front of the AGM audience. However, Jeff Tyler and Keith Gee visited him on 3 August at his home and presented him with his certificate and a gift of vouchers. Ivor was involved with the County wearing many hats over 30 years. In 1988 he became Chairman of the Marketing Committee, introducing the system where Patrons could donate to GRFU in return for the option to order International Tickets. This has resulted in funding of over £40K; a most valuable contribution prior to the RFU’s improved funding of the county. Ivor was also instrumental in the first GRN, which started as a Newsletter and has grown to a 20 page full colour publication issued three times per season. Ivor was also a member of the Representative Match Working Group until 2013 and a Life Member of the Bristol Referees

Society, having refereed for 30 years. His club loyalty lies with Bishopston RFC, where he is a Life Member having joined the club in 1950. A most worthy recipient of the GRFU Life Membership and we sincerely thank Ivor for his outstanding contribution to rugby within Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire AwardsThese were awarded to 8 stalwarts who

have given dedicated service to rugby within Gloucestershire over many years. Those who were unable to attend the AGM were presented at subsequent club events but, pictured below are the 4 who were present, being given a gift from the GRFU Sponsor Wadworth’s Sales Manager.

Gloucestershire Award Winners left to right: Jerry Green [Wadworth], Rich Berry [Old Bristolians RFC], Keith Holbrook [St Mary’s OBs RFC], Dough White [Old Richians RFC], Graham Rees [Frampton Cotterell RFC] and Jeff Tyler [retiring GRFU President]

GRFU Volunteers of the Season Mark Knight of Old Patesians RFC who was

unable to attend the event at Minchinhampton RFC, where we were honoured by the presence of our Patron HRH The Princess Royal, was presented with his GRFU Volunteers of the Year award at the AGM instead.

CLUB & SCHOOLS INCENTIVE SCHEMEAlso awarded at the AGM were forty-three

clubs that received a very sizeable bag of goodies as a result of achieving the necessary points under the Incentive Scheme. Successful recipients are seen below obviously delighted with their stash. Twice the number of clubs were awarded this year than in 2015-16. We are hoping that even more qualify in 2017-18. Make sure your club applies when the invitation goes out at the beginning of the new season!!

And finally ... at the AGM we said a fond farewell to Jeff Tyler. Our new President, Keith Gee, (pictured on the left), gave Jeff a gift of vouchers in recognition of his 2 year tenure. GRFU looks forward to Jeff’s wise counsel in future years as he will still serve on the Appointments Panel and Awards Panel as Immediate Past President.

Left to right: Henry Snow, [GRFU Volunteer Sector Head], Rob Flood [Old Colstonians RFC] and Jeff Tyler.

DEREK BARNETT (left) - Bristol Winner. SARAH HAYES - Cheltenham Winner

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