NLD Senior KO Comps Update
October 12th, 2018 by Luke GreenThe draw for the next round of the NLD Senior Knock Out Comps has been made.
Matches are to be played on 10th November 2018.
Any clubs with RFU matches will have the NLD fixture deferred to the next available date. Alternatively, a double headed can be played if preferred.
Shield
| Stamford | V | Lincoln |
| Spalding / Sleaford | V | Newark |
| Ilkeston | V | Long Eaton |
| Bakewell | V | Casuals |
Plate
| Grimsby | V | Bourne |
| Boston | V | North Hykeham |
| Worksop | V | Ashfield |
| Moderns | V | East Retford |
Vase
| Stamford College OB | V | Bingham |
| Corsairs / Keyworth | V | Gainsborough |
| Leesbrook | V | Meden Vale / Amber Valley |
| Crusaders / Nottinghamians | V | Bye |
NLD U16’s Nomination, Trial and Selection Process
October 9th, 2018 by Luke GreenNLD RFU U16 Squad Nomination, Trial and Selection Process 2018-19
NLD RFU has in place a programme of ‘player identification’ using appointed NLD coaches as well as the ‘Player Development Group’ (PDG). This supported through close liaison with schools and clubs within NLD to ensure that any players deemed to be performing in line with positional expectations at CB level are monitored accordingly.
To be eligible for NLD selection a boy must meet at least one of the following four criteria:
- Born within the RFU Constituent Body (‘CB’) of NLD
- Be a registered player of an NLD ‘CB’ club
- Reside within the NLD ‘CB’ area
- Attend a school within the NLD ‘CB’ area
The NLD under 16s squad for the 2018/2019 season (i.e. last seasons under 15s and the new seasons under 16s) will be made up of boys who are eligible from the Leicester Tigers PDG and those who trial successfully. It is therefore important to manage the expectations of players that you nominate, ensuring that they are aware that the process is highly competitive and will require each player to produce their very best at trial and beyond, should they be successful. Please note that boys within the PDG are not selected automatically and players will be selected on current ability and potential.
The first trials will be held on Monday 29th October and Monday 5th November for all players that are not currently involved in the PDG group, due to large numbers last year we are doing the trials in two groups this year’s so players have a greater opportunity. All players who attend this trial must be nominated in advance by their club or school coach and there is a limit of 2 player nominations from any one club or school, preferably one forward and one back. We cannot consider any player for trial that has not been nominated by their club/school coach. All successful players will then be invited to attend the final trial alongside the players from PDG on Monday 3rd December, following which a playing squad will be selected.
The trials will be held at Newark RFC, the venue for the training sessions & matches will be confirmed shortly.
How to nominate:
Use the following link to complete the nomination document: https://goo.gl/forms/04Ex7HTp3D3Diy132
Please ensure the document is filled out in full.
Closing date for nominations is Monday 22nd October.
The season will include the following training sessions and fixtures:
Monday 29th October Trials – Venue TBC – First group of Club players
Monday 5th November Trials – Venue TBC – Second group of Club players
Monday 3rd December Trials – Venue TBC – Shortlisted Club players plus PDG
Monday 10th December Training
Monday 17th December Training
Saturday 29th December Training
Sunday 6th January Match (Super Sunday – TBC)
Monday 14th January Training
Sunday 20th January Match Staffs – Home
Monday 28th January Training
Sunday 3rd February Match Eastern Counties – Home
Monday 11th February Training
Sunday 24th February Match Leics – Away
The selection process and structures season has been extremely successful in recent seasons with an excellent series of match results and, more importantly, a number of NLD boys going on to represent Midlands and England.
All clubs and schools within the NLD region are thanked for their continued support.
If you would like to discuss any of your nominations or have any queries regarding the programme please contact:
NLD U16 Manager – Adrian Taylor [email protected]
Community Game Update October 2018
October 8th, 2018 by Luke GreenEngland Rugby Grand Draw returns for 2018/19 season
The England Rugby Grand Draw is returning for the 2018/19 season. Since its launch 16 years ago, the draw has raised almost £7 million for the community game, with almost 600 clubs and schools participating every year. Clubs and schools must register to receive a starter kit, and once registered, have no costs or risks associated to the draw. All draw material is provided free of charge by the RFU, and for every £1 ticket sold, the club or school keep 85p with funds raised available to utilise on new kit, equipment, coaching or any other beneficial resource.
Raffle prizes this year include a £10,000 top prize, £1,000 and £500 cash prizes, signed shirts, tickets for Twickenham fixtures and many more. The next draw will be made on 10th April 2019, with RFU President Chris Kelly officiating.
To register and order raffle books, please contact the Grand Draw team ([email protected]).
Latest CASC newsletter released
The latest CASC newsletter includes information on making the most of Gift Aid, making tax digital for VAT requirements, and VAT payments. You can access the newsletter here. For further information, please contact Dave Stubley ([email protected]), RFU Club Services Manager.
Advice on the operation of drones during training or fixtures
Drones have become increasingly popular but, just like other aircraft, must be flown in a safe manner to prevent endangering any other aircraft, people or property on the ground. Camera mounted drones should never be flown over training sessions or matches by anyone not equipped to protect people on the ground. With reports of drones being used in rugby, the RFU strongly advises caution and refers anyone involved in the game to take guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority’s website. The RFU also advises anyone planning to use a drone to contact Howden’s regarding insurance to make sure that you have the proper and adequate cover.
The England team work with a specialist company, who are experts at filming in high-pressure environments and one of the pioneers of drone filming, and they regard safety and reliability as key.
Players, approaches, contracts, payments and player movement – 2018/19 season update
As you are all hopefully aware, the regulations pertaining to payment of players came into force on 1st August 2018, as part of RFU Regulation 7 – Players, Approaches, Contracts, Payments and Player Movement (please click here for Payment of Player FAQs). The RFU has received a number of queries on topics related to Regulation 7 that we feel would be helpful to share more widely:
1. Payment of Player declarations: Club declarations will be due between 1st March and 30th June 2019 in respect of any Gross Payments of Material Benefits paid or payable between 1 June 2018 and 31 May 2019. Therefore the arrangements that clubs currently have in place will be captured by this declaration and may impact upon the RFU benefits the club is eligible for next season.
2. Requirement to have a contract: Any person or entity giving or receiving (whether directly or indirectly) any Material Benefit for participation in the Game must ensure that: (a) a Contract is in place; (b) such
Contract is in a form approved and/or distributed by the RFU; and (c) RFU Regulation 14.6.3 is complied with (submission of documents to registrar). Please utilise
model contracts made available by the RFU
3. Player approaches: No party may directly or indirectly approach any Player who is under Contract with a Club to attempt to induce the Player to leave that Club, unless in the final six months of the term of that Player’s Contract, or with agreement of that Club. This season the RFU has successfully brought cases against two clubs (one at level 3 and one at level 6) for approaching players under contract.
4. Agents: In one of the above cases a RFU Registered Agent was also sanctioned for his part in the unauthorised approach. RFU Regulation – Agents mandates that Registered Agents must not take any steps (including the making of public statements) intended to induce any person to act in breach of any Rules of a Home Union or in breach of his or her written agreement with the Home Union or any Club or any other Registered Agent.
Clubs or Players are also reminded that should they wish to engage a person to act for them in carrying out Agent Activity (as defined in RFU Regulation 8) and/or in relation to any approach, negotiation, arrangement or execution of any transfer or registration of any Player with a Club, they must only appoint a Registered Agent. Please click here for a list of RFU Registered agents.
If you need more information and have any questions, please contact [email protected]
Update: International ticket allocations and their misuse
With tickets for November’s Quilter Internationals being sent out in the coming weeks, we wanted to remind all of the communications around International Tickets and their misuse, from June’s Community Game Update.
As you may be aware, at least 50% of all tickets for England internationals at Twickenham are allocated to the Game. Profits from all ticket sales (including commercial sales) are reinvested back in to the game, both at grass roots and elite levels.
So far in 2018 we have already had to sanction 53 clubs, CBs, colleges, schools, universities and referee societies by restricting access to their international match ticket allocation, for their tickets being sold on the secondary market. In addition a number of England Rugby Club members, debenture holders, local residents and other ticket holder types have been found to be in breach of the ticketing terms and conditions, and have therefore received sanctions.
A letter from Steve Brown in June 2018 reminded all of how international match tickets can be utilised. Any questions about how such tickets can be used and their terms and conditions, should be directed to [email protected]
NLD U16 REPRESENTATIVE Head Coach Opportunity
October 10th, 2018 by Luke GreenNLD are very excited to invite applications for the NLD U16 Representative Squad Head Coaching role.
This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with developing some of the best young players that the CB has to offer and be a part of the journey that has seen numerous players from NLD go on to represent Midlands & England.
The NLD U16’s Representative Programme runs from November – February with matches being played post-Christmas.
The Job descriptions for the post can be found by clicking here. Interested parties should complete and submit this application form to [email protected] by the closing date of Monday 22nd October 2018.
Interviews will take place during the final week of October/ first week of November, venue and time tbc. Please note those applying for the position will be expected to deliver a coaching session as part of their interview process. Further details regarding this element will be given if invited to interview.
For an informal chat regarding the role please contact NLD Head of Representative Rugby Lee Slack on 07739 295182.
NLD Girls 10’s Festival 2018
October 3rd, 2018 by Luke GreenThis year saw the 4th Festival of Rugby for girls hosted by NLD RFU take place at Newark RFC. Since its inauguration this, now annual, event has seen year on year growth in overall numbers. This year was no exception with nearly 300 players plus coaches and parents in attendance. 
With fine weather to help us along, the afternoon saw U13, 15 and 18 age groups play round robin matches. The format proved crucial in allowing the girls to showcase their skills, in what was a great advert for competitive opportunity within game. Newark RFC kindly hosted us for the second year running and, despite club house building work still to be completed, provided a friendly welcome to all with BBQ and bar for those in need of refreshment.
I would to thank everyone who helped on the day; the officers for Newark RFC, Gina who organised the car parking and raffle, the referees who had already officiated in the morning, (must be the water round these ‘ear parts!!), the NLD physio’s who administered assistance where needed, the U13 coaches who ran their own age group matches to brilliant effect on the day and everyone else who had a hand in organising and running this fantastic event.
This years decision to limit the number of teams was taken on the premise of potential site restrictions in addition to ensuring adequate playing times for the participants. We are looking at ways to expand the festivals capacity and increase match times. We hope to see you all again next year on Sept 22nd 2019 for the next NLD Girls 10’s Festival of Rugby.
Neil Clack
NLD RFU W&G’s Chair
Support Role Opportunities Within The NLD Women and Girls Rep Squads
October 8th, 2018 by Luke GreenThe following support roles within the Women and Girls representative squads and club game are available for application.
X1 Assistant Coaching Position U15 Girls
X1 Assistant Coaching Position U18 Girls
X1 Assistant Coaching Position Senior Women
X1 Team Manager Position Senior Women’s Team
X3 Age Grade Facilitators Positions (1 per age group: U13, U15 & U18)
The NLD W& G programme starts in January/February and runs until April/May. Coaches are expected to comply with current RFU regulations and work as part of a team within NLD to provide a stimulating and challenging environment for players of all ages and to develop their playing skills and abilities. Our ethos is to encourage player development and not “win at all costs”.
Age Grade Facilitators will be responsible for the co-ordination of the NLD Pitch Up & Play age group programme. The aim is to provide a structured calendar of events that supports clubs, players and the wider CB W&G’s programme as a whole. You will be working with the NLD Girls Head Coach and Committee to provide a stimulating learning environment and assist in the development of Xrugby and 7’s as reflected within the new CXB programme. There will an opportunity to be involved in the planning and running of NLD W&G’s Festivals.
Please take the time to complete the application form in full giving a detailed account of previous experiences and qualifications. All applications will be considered on merit. For those applying for coaching roles, an ideal candidate will have experience of coaching within the relevant age group(s) and possess a current L2 RFU coaching qualification or higher. When completed, please return this application form via email to Luke Green.
The deadline for applications is 28th October 2018 with interviews to be held in early November 2018.
Interviews will be held at Long Eaton RFC on the evening of Wednesday 14th November 2018.
For more information on any of the roles or for an informal chat please contact Neil Clack on 07734 179339.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING (SGM) Notice
October 1st, 2018 by Luke GreenPlease read the following message posted on behalf of the NLD RFU Board:
Notice is hereby given that a Special General Meeting will be held on Monday 29 October 2018 commencing at 7.30pm at Mansfield RUFC.
The following matter is the only item for consideration and approval:-
The approval of the Union’s financial accounts for the periods ended 29th June 2017 and 29th June 2018.
All member clubs are invited to send a representative with the authority to vote on behalf of the club to the meeting.
The SGM will be followed by the Management Committee Meeting.
NLD FUNDING AVAILABLE TO CLUBS!
September 18th, 2018 by NicoleAs we move into the early stages of 2018-19 season we would like to make all clubs aware of funding opportunities to support growth and development.
Both the Club and Game Development groups have a number of funding support projects available to support your club.
Game Development Funding Opportunities
Facility Development Funding Opportunities
To apply for funding please complete the Expression of Interest PFR 18-19 Document and submit it to the NLD RFU Office.
The Facilities Group and the Game Development Committee next meet on the 3rd December 2018. Therefore, prompt submission of your clubs expression of interest document is recommended.
In collaboration with the RFU Area Facilities Manager Pete Shaw, NLD RFU would like to gain a deeper understanding of your clubs development plans as part of their Rugby Club Facility Improvement Programme. On submission of your application for funding please include this short form, detailing what your facility development plans are for the future.
If you require any additional support with your application, please make contact with the NLD RFU Office or RFU Rugby Development Officers for NLD.
What is the Community Game Update?
September 18th, 2018 by NicoleThe Community Game Update, sent through on the first Friday of each month by the RFU, is a vital platform for providing clubs with important information regarding the community game. The update is in place to ensure information is published in one place and not sent out as a barrage of individual email notifications.
The update, in addition to its publication on the NLD RFU website, is sent directly by the RFU to all club Chairs, Secretaries and Treasurers. If you believe your club is not regularly receiving The Community Game Update, please confirm the contact details of the aforementioned positions at the club are correct on the GMS system. If you do receive the update, please ensure it is distributed to all relevant areas of your club.
The GMS email function is useful tool to utilise. It can ensure specific groups within your clubs, or the entire membership, can be sent information with ease. Click here to access guidance on how to send emails through GMS
The last four RFU Community Game Updates can be found here:
CALLING ALL NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CLUBS!
September 14th, 2018 by NicoleNLD RFU are now inviting tenders for clubs to host the 2018-19 NLD Knockout Finals Day on Saturday 27th April 2019. The opportunity to host rotates around, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Derbyshire on a 3-year cycle and for this season the venue will be in Nottinghamshire.
Clubs in Nottinghamshire interested in hosting the Finals should complete the Host Tender document by clicking here and return it to NLD RFU by 31st December 2018.