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]
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.
Exciting Opportunities Within NLD To Support The Women And Girls Game
August 14th, 2018 by NicoleSeveral positional opportunities have become available to support the Women and Girls (W&G) game both at club and CB level within NLD.
The W&G game within NLD moves from strength to strength and has been a key area of growth for the CB over the past several seasons. These roles will support the growth and sustainability of the game as NLD look to continually develop the offer in place for all Women and Girls across the CB.
The following roles are available for application. Please click on the below roles to access their descriptors:
NLD Head Coach: U15, U18, Senior (x1 position for each age group)
NLD Assistant Coach: U15, U18, Senior
NLD Senior Ladies Team Manager
W&G’s Age Group Facilitator (responsible for the development of the girls club game Pitch Up and Play offer): U13, U15, U18 (x1 position for each age group).
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”.
Please take the time to complete this form in full giving a detailed account of previous coaching experience 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 1st September 2018 with interviews to be held at Mansfield RFC on Friday 14th September 2018.
Please note those applying for Head Coach positions will be expected to deliver coaching session as part of their interview process. Further details regarding this element of the interview process will be given if invited to interview.
Successful applicants will be invited to interview via email no later than 6th September 2018.
For more information on any of the roles or for an informal chat please contact Neil Clack on 07734 179339.
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.’
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.
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 U20’s Into Midlands Squad
May 2nd, 2018 by NicoleGreat news for the NLD under 20 squad. Following their semi final win over Devon a couple of weeks ago and in advance of the final of the Jason Leonard under 20 county championship division 2 this Sunday, the following players have been selected for the midlands for divisional weekend on the 12th May.
The next honour potentially available to these players is a cap for England counties under 20 and a trip to Georgia involving two tests after the divisional trials.
The players are (alphabetical order)
Luke Brown – West Bridgford
Kane Linklater – Scunthorpe
Dec Neary – Long Eaton
Tom Tucker – Long Eaton
Jack Weedon – Long Eaton
Jacob Wright – Long Eaton
Reserves
Dan Glasse – Nottingham Academy
Toby Hutchison – Nottingham Academy
Henry Trimmer – Nottingham Trent University
Huge congratulations to all of the players!
More Honours for NLD U20 Players
April 27th, 2018 by Nicole
NLD have 8 players in the full Midlands squad of 30 to play Nottingham Academy in a trial match at Long Eaton RFC on Sunday 29th April. All are welcome to come and watch.
This follows on from NLD’s under 20 last gasp victory against Devon to reach the final of the county championship. This is to be played at Moseley RFC on Sunday 6th May – kick off at 2.00pm. Put that date in your diary and come and support your CB’s up and coming young stars on their quest to win the county championship final!
Dan Glasse – Academy
Henry Trimmer – NTU
Jack Weedon – Long Eaton
Kane Linklater – Scunthorpe
Dec Neary – Long Eaton
Toby Hutchinson – Academy
Tom Tucker – Long Eaton
Jacob Wright (reserve) – Long Eaton