NLD Colts Cluster 2018-19 & Lincolnshire Colts Competition
June 5th, 2018 by NicoleFollowing on from the meeting a couple of weeks ago please see attached a copy of the minutes outlining everything that was discussed on the evening.
NLD Colts Cluster Meeting 15052018
In addition please also see attached a copy of the proposed fixtures list for 2018-19 as agreed at the meeting.
Colts Cluster Fixtures 2018-19
Please note a couple of points on these:
- As we have listed all teams playing home & away fixtures this requires a large number of dates through the season and therefore it has not been possible to avoid all of the dates from the National Competition & the Lincolnshire County Competition (latter stages). You will need to look at these fixture dates carefully and manage according to your own team.
- At the meeting it was discussed that three / four way fixtures would be beneficial through the season. We have not prescribed these for clubs but please look at other teams playing on those weekends and work together to find something that suits you all.
- Likewise with fixtures between two clubs who are a little further apart, meeting in the middle can be a great compromise to save on the travel and make the game more feasible.
- The two festival dates included are 6th January & 31st March – we will no doubt require host clubs so please do keep this in mind too!!
- Please remember the ethos of the cluster and communicate clearly with each other either through the group, on email or via telephone.
- Contact database – latest version I have is attached although there are some gaps. Please do let me know any changes / updates that need making to your team and I will send a revised copy to everyone in a couple of weeks when the majority of changes have come through.
- Transition dates – these have been included post Christmas to fit in with the Derbyshire dates where possible so that you can work with other local teams, please take note of them on the fixture list.
- Fixture lists – while we have tried to work within a couple of club fixture lists we were given this has not been entirely possible, please check dates carefully and take a flexible, proactive approach with your opposition.
- Lincolnshire Colts Competition – the details from Melvyn are below, Lincolnshire clubs will need to respond directly to Melvyn regarding entry.
An additional point to note is that following on from the meeting Mansfield confirmed they would not be entering, hence they have not been included in these fixtures.
Huge thanks to all teams for all of their positive input into the Cluster so far – let’s make it even more enjoyable & successful in 2018-19!
NLD Senior Women’s Round Up 2018
June 4th, 2018 by Nicole
The 2018 NLD Women’s programme was headed up by Dan Edson with coaches Carl Whitley, Gareth Pilkington and Sam Bignall with the NLD Women playing in the Gill Burns RFU Shield competition travelling to Leicestershire & Cheshire and hosting Staffordshire at Derby RFC on the new AGP pitch.
2018 was a bit of a mixed bag. Along with the rest of the country we had to contend with the “Beast from the East”, (messing up this season’s trial), but the good news was a high proportion of returning players to the county programme and some very talented new players who came through the NLD Girls U18’s. Although losing both away matches the Women developed as a team producing ever stronger performances as the programme progressed. Leicestershire were a tough opening match which could have gone either way at half time. The second match saw a travelling NLD squad battle it out against a full Cheshire squad in summer temperatures. The Women finished their programme with a win against Staffordshire, which was always going to be hotly contested, no pun intended; it was 23 degrees though!
NLD Head of Women & Girls Rugby Neil Clack commented; ‘Dan, Carl, Gareth and Sam have again committed their own time into making the CB programme as challenging and rewarding for players as possible; so a big thank you them. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the physios, Steph and Jenny, who have tended to players throughout the programme and to Caitt, who as squad manager, has put in a lot of work behind the scenes to make the programme go as smoothly as possible. It goes without saying that we would not have a programme at all without players who are proud to put on the Blue and White shirt and represent their 3 counties. To all of you who have committed to the this seasons programme, a very big thank you.
With the new season soon upon us we are looking at ways to make the County programme more challenging and rewarding for players and coaches alike. There are several meetings that take place throughout the season which are intended to be your forum to offer your suggestions so please get involved. If you want to challenge yourself and take an active part in the County programme please come along to trial sessions or look out for coaching vacancies on the NLD website. You will always be made welcome and the more support we get the better we play.’
Women & Girls Minutes
May 25th, 2018 by NicoleA copy of the minutes from the latest NLD Women & Girls meeting held on 11th April 2018 are available to download here.
NLD & Academy Players Represent England Counties in Georgia
June 4th, 2018 by Nicole
NLD RFU & Nottingham Academy had four players representing England Counties Under 20 on the recent Tour to Georgia.
Jacob Wright, Dec Neary, Henry Clement and Connor Field all featured in the Two Test series, Connor scoring a try in the first test which were both won in exciting last minutes dramas.
The First Test at Avchavcha Arena Stadium was a physical test against a huge Georgian pack, billed as a final warm up for the Georgian Professional team before they go to the World U20 Championships in France. In an exciting and outstanding performance from the England boys who had been together for just three days, a last-minute score from Tom Carleton earned them a 24 – 17 Victory. In the Second at Rustavi Stadium Test, six days later, if the first test was exciting, then this was surpassed. The Georgians fully loaded their team with revenge on their minds. An intensely physical encounter, a last play penalty kick from Mitch Pinkus with a 40-meter touchline conversion to secure the victory 24 – 22.
Chris Brookes, England Counties U20 Manager was over the moon with the Tour. “The Tours for the aspirational pathway are not just about the Test Matches, it’s also an ambassadorial tour for the players coaches and management to promote the RFU values and standards. Without doubt this Tour as both successful on an off the pitch. All the players including the local boys did the red rose proud. Obviously, I am in neutral position with England, but naturally I am always pleased to see my own CB and Division do well. My first opportunity of managing the aspirational route was with NLD U18 and following two promotions, its real honour to be Manager of the England Under 20’s.” he added, “the support of the Clubs, Coaches and CB for the aspirational pathway is paramount to its success. We are lucky that with the growth of the profile of the Counties program that we are seeing more and more clubs across the country support their players in the pathway. Long may this continue, and, fingers crossed, I look forward to seeing more local lads on Tour next season, I’m not biased though!”
Pictures
(Players) – Left to right Dec Neary – NLD U20’s Long Eaton and Nottingham Academy. Henry Clement – Nottingham Academy and Nottingham Trent University. Connor Field – Nottingham Academy and University of Nottingham. Jacob Wright – NLD U20’s, Long Eaton, Nottingham Academy and Leeds Beckett University. (Management) Chris Brookes – Team Manager, Paul Arnold – Coach, formerly of Nottingham Rugby, after the second test victory in Georgia.
Big Developments at Ashfield Rugby Club
June 4th, 2018 by NicoleState of the Art Clubhouse to Bring Sport into the Heart of the Community
Tuesday 18th December 2018 is set to be the biggest day in the history of Ashfield RUFC. This is the projected opening day for the club’s first home of their own in the Ashfield District. And what a clubhouse it is going to be!
The new building is a two-storey construction, with a balcony viewing area overlooking the vast playing area which will include two full sized rugby pitches, a training area and a cricket square.
Ashfield RUFC was formed in 1997 when the Swans and Spartans came together to form one single club for Ashfield. Since that time, the club has moved its home around, with a brief stint at Moore Lane in Mansfield and at the Unwin Club in Sutton for the last 10 years. The new clubhouse, situated on Larwood Park, Kirkby, is the culmination of a project which has taken 17 years of hard work. On Thursday 24th May, the dream of their own clubhouse took a major step forward with the erection of the steel framework for the club.
Below: Construction begins at Larwood Park
Delivering Rugby to the Community
Superbly situated on Larwood Park, behind the Fire station on Sutton Road in Kirkby in Ashfield, it is hoped that the construction will help to raise awareness of Ashfield RUFC and in turn provide the best facilities in the area for players, current and new, to enjoy a team sport which promotes the RFU Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.
Ashfield RUFC runs teams for all age groups, from 5 years to seniors (Men’s and Women’s teams), and is actively recruiting players for all levels, both experienced and new to the game.
Vice Chairman David Owen says, “This is a very exciting time for Ashfield Rugby Club. The 1st XV has just had its most successful season, and the Ladies Team keeps going from strength to strength. Our teams at all age grades are enjoying a lot of success and are developing a fantastic family atmosphere at the club. With Ashfield School being right over the road from the new site, we hope that more and more youngsters, both boys and girls, will take this chance to come and try this wonderful sport with us. Summer camp sessions are being run on Sunday mornings from 1st July, and all are welcome.”
Below: Aerial View of the new home of Ashfield RUFC on Larwood Park, Kirkby
Community Focus
Funding for the construction of the clubhouse has been supported by Westerman Homes, who are building the residential development on Larwood Park, by the RFU and Sport England. It is planned that the clubhouse will be more than simply a rugby club, but rather a centre for the whole community. Talks are already in place for a local cricket club to be included on the site and the clubhouse itself will be available for use during the day for community groups, such as parents and toddler groups, and other community-focussed activities. The large function room will also be available for both private and corporate events.
For further information, or if you are interested in training times and opportunities, please contact Becky Brewer on 07594 362924.
Peter Allsop
May 29th, 2018 by NicoleIt is with regret that we hear of the passing of Peter Allsop last week. Peter was a stalwart of the Old Mannerians RUFC in the 60’s and 70’s at hooker, who then took up refereeing and developed a fine reputation under the auspices of the NLD Referees Society.
Peter’s funeral will be at Chesterfield Crematorium, Brimington on Wednesday 6th June at 11.50 a.m.
Our thoughts are with Peter’s family at this difficult time.
Sutton Bonington Students RFC Part-time Coach
May 21st, 2018 by NicoleSutton Bonington Students RFC is made up of students from the University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington campus (LE12 5RD). The club currently play in the NLD Security Plus Pennant League 1 which they have won 3 seasons in a row and have been entered into the NLD Senior Knockout Cup for next season. The club has always been run by students with the help of a part time coach who is now retiring.
The club is looking for an enthusiastic, qualified coach who is looking to build experience coaching younger players. The club is mostly made of 18-24 year olds with varying abilities and experience. The team trains Monday and Friday evenings as well as Wednesday afternoons, before playing on Saturdays.
Key responsibilities will be:
- Continue to deliver and support our culture of development focused, supportive and challenging training that drives an attractive and fun style of Rugby.
- Work with the captain and committee members to plan, deliver and analyse the clubs plan for the season.
- Run training sessions on Monday evenings 7-8:30pm (if possible run Wednesday afternoon, 2-3pm, and Friday evening sessions, 5:30-6:30pm, also). Opportunity to coach the women’s side on Monday evenings after the men’s session.
- If unable to attend Wednesday and Friday sessions then assist with a plan for these sessions liaising with the team captain.
- Coach the team on match days – Saturday’s.
- Be able to deliver personal, unit and team training sessions in line with our style of play.
- Assist with player recruitment and retention.
- Supporting and bringing through players who have never played senior rugby before into the 1st
What we offer:
- Unique opportunity to coach an ambitious club made up of young fresh talent with a fantastic team spirit.
- Great training facilities (access to 4G training pitch, fitness studio, gym and fantastically maintained pitch).
- A young mouldable squad willing to learn.
- A chance for a young or new coach to gain experience coaching senior rugby.
Expenses paid include travel and time for sessions run, session planning and match day fee.
How to apply:
Please email your CV to Sam Bennett at [email protected] or call on 07535707229
Potential coaches will be asked to run a session as part of the interview process.
Application deadline: 30th June 2018, applications may close early if the right candidate is found.
RFU Community Game Update
May 14th, 2018 by NicolePlease find the latest edition of the Community Game Update. As previously communicated, we are moving to a regular, monthly communication, replacing our previous fortnightly releases. You will receive the next editions on the following dates:
Friday 8th June // Friday 6th July // Friday 10th August // Friday 7th September // Friday 10th October // Friday 9th November // Friday 7th December
We hope you find the reformatted Community Game Update a benefit to your clubs, and if you have any feedback, queries or content you would like to feature, please email Tom Ainscough ([email protected]).
Payment of players update and information
Earlier this year, following extensive consultation with the game, the RFU Council agreed the regulations around payment of players which will come into effect from the start of 2018/19 season.
From season 2018/19 clubs will, if they wish to receive financial benefits from the RFU, be required to submit an accurate and completed signed annual declaration confirming if players have been paid and the total value of those payments. Clubs will be free to exceed the maximum payments laid out in the regulations but, in doing so, will render the club ineligible for RFU financial benefits. We are circulating the new regulations and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) now, in order that clubs can familiarise themselves with the system and the information that will need to be disclosed. The new regulations can be found here, and a list of FAQs can be found here.
We will communicate further with clubs in a month, at which point they can do a test run of their completion and submission of the declaration for the 2017/18 season to familiarise themselves with the process. Please note that this test run phase is not mandatory and will not impact RFU financial benefits for the 2018/19 season. For more information or any queries, please contact [email protected]
Online Risk Assessment Tool
To help clubs to assess the risks within their premises our insurance broker, Howden, has worked with the RFU to create an online risk assessment tool. Here clubs will find a number of simple, easy to manage, risk assessments, each designed to help clubs through the process with guidance on what risks they need to consider and how they can best manage them. Clubs will find the process easier by using our online risk assessment tools.
Working with Howden, we have secured a bursary from our insurers to use the services of Veritas Risk Management to support clubs with their risk reviews. Please get in touch if you have a group of clubs that Veritas Risk Management could visit to carry out a risk review on the same day, or over two days, as well as running A Practical Approach to Risk Assessments Workshop on the evening for all clubs to attend. The clubs would get a free risk review that would normally cost £350 per club.
For more information please contact Alex Thompson ([email protected]) or alternatively utilise our online resource.
How to create a University – Club partnership
With the end of the university year fast approaching, the benefits of a strong university-club relationship are evident across the game. The RFU is keen to help clubs and universities work together via the network of RDOs, CRCs and University Partnership Managers.
Whether sharing facilities, or creating a crossover of players between club and university, a partnership can help both club and university in many ways. This short video, or alternatively our case study from Vale of Lune RFC, gives examples of how the RFU have helped develop partnerships already. To understand how the RFU can help your clubs and universities, contact [email protected], our RFU Education Development Assistant.
OMW Kids First becomes Quilter Kids First
From Tuesday 1st May 2018, Old Mutual Wealth Kids First became Quilter Kids First. The same people, same commitment, same approach, just a different name. Quilter Kids First puts children first. Aimed at U7-U13 boys and girls, it upskills coaches and creates a great rugby environment, so that everyone stays in the game for longer. More than 900 clubs and schools from across the country have pledged to put children at the heart of our sport. For more info on this approach please visit www.englandrugby.com/kidsfirst or contact [email protected]
Age Grade newsletter’s latest edition released
As we approach the end of the season, please find the latest edition of the Age Grade newsletter here. It contains information about the half game rule, which we encourage everyone in the age grade game to implement for the coming season. We have also released an out of season guide which helps clarify out of season regulation and permitted activity. If you have any further questions please contact [email protected]
NLD U20 Squad Named for National Final
May 5th, 2018 by Nicole
The NLD U20 squad to line up against Lancashire in the Jason Leonard RFU U20 County Championship Final has been announced.
After a nail biting last grasp victory against Devon in the Semi Final the squad will make the considerably shorter journey to Moseley RFC on Sunday 6th May 2018 to face their northern rivals, kick off 2pm.
NLD U20 Head Coach Nic Corrigan commented ‘This campaign has been enjoyable and we set out to create a learning opportunity for the players who have taken part. I am indebted to Graeme, John, Matt, Tim & Steph for their work on the program this season. It hasn’t been straight forward managing many areas outside of the sessions but nevertheless to be on the eve of national final is a highlight in all of our rugby journey’s irrespective of route. The focus has been these players developing and learning to challenge themselves. They have appointed their own leadership group and are at the point where they run the game plan and are mentoring each other in smaller groups to add it together as a unit which they have forged.
I am a proud Cestrian (someone from Cheshire) to play against such a distinguished county as Lancashire in this competition is a challenge not many get the chance to take them on. Lancashire are a fantastic CB with names in the coaching game such as Mark Nelson, Brian Ashton MBE, Paul Arnold and Warren Spragg to name a few over the years who have dominated both the senior competition and U20s competition. I wish them and the NLD team the very best for the day but approach this from a point of view that players involved have an opportunity to demonstrate the value of knock out rugby in a highly structured and busy season.’
| Number | Name | Club/University |
| 1 | Henry Trimmer | Nottingham Trent University |
| 2 | Jack Weedon | Long Eaton RFC |
| 3 | Kane Linklater | Scunthorpe RFC |
| 4 | Charlie Barker | Derby RFC |
| 5 | Toby Hutchinson | Nottingham Academy |
| 6 | Natty Brisco | West Bridgford RFC |
| 7 | Luke Brown | West Bridgford RFC |
| 8 | Jacob Wright | Long Eaton RFC |
| 9 | Jamie Murray | Nottingham Trent University |
| 10 | Harrison Wells | Nottingham Trent University |
| 11 | Josh Arimoro | Nottingham University |
| 12 | Josh Bloomfield | Nottingham Trent University |
| 13 | James Peachey | Nottingham Trent University |
| 14 | Aaron Walker | Long Eaton RFC |
| 15 | Dan Glasse | Nottingham Academy |
| BENCH | ||
| 16 | Ben Jesson | Nottingham University |
| 17 | Tommie Collingwood | Nottingham Trent University |
| 18 | Dec Neary | Long Eaton RFC |
| 19 | Joe Mcmenimin | Long Eaton RFC |
| 20 | Will Harding Terry | Newark RFC |
| 21 | Oscar Malik | West Bridgford RFC |
| 22 | Adam Castle | Long Eaton RFC |
NLD Vets Beat Staffordshire
May 2nd, 2018 by NicoleAn NLD Vets squad turned out last week to take on local rivals Staffordshire at Derby RFC. The team which comprised players from across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire delivered a strong performance and ran out 35-19 winners.
Excellent displays in particular from Greg Hill, Matt Upton, Tim Pritchard (Nottinghamshire), Ben Chamberlin,Karl Ward, Russ Wright (Lincolnshire) and Gaz Daykin, Steve Leadbeater (Derbyshire).
Huge thanks to Matt Worsey and the Coaching team for their hard work ahead of the fixture.