11 August 2005 
 
2005/06 RFU Compulsory Insurance A covering letter, poster and insurance brochure will be sent to all affiliated clubs/referee societies and CB''s within the next 10 days. The claims experience over the last two season has led to a significant increase in the premium costs. An urgent review is being undertaken. In the longer term, consideration is being given to a proposal that the total cost of insurance will be borne by the Union with a reduction of ,or in lieu of, direct club funding. In the short term, it has been decided that:
1)  The RFU Council will decide, at their meeting in September, what proportion of the insurance premiums will be borne by the clubs, and what proportion will be borne directly by the RFU.  It will also be decided how the premium will be calculated.
2) The RFU will delay invoicing for premiums until September and October for payment by the end of October or early November. These invoices will reflect the decisions taken by Council. 
Clubs should budget for a significant premium increase.  In the first instance, please speak to your Council Member for further information.

Tours After consultation with the Irish Rugby Union is has been agreed that no overseas tour approval will be required for any English team wishing to tour to Ireland (Northern and Southern) during the forthcoming season. English teams wishing to host an incoming tour from the Home Unions can do so without informing the RFU, however it is recommended that the Host club informs their Constituent Body. Please note that all tour matches must adhere to RFU regulations at all times. If you have any queries regarding touring please email rugbytours@therfu.com <mailto:rugbytours@therfu.com> .
 
2005 Questionnaire  Following feedback from the Rugby Development Team, there were some modifications to the questionnaire from the last send out.  The final tally was 37 questions deleted, 15 questions added,  26 questions with minor wording changes and 6 information points added. The alterations are listed at the end of this email.  All changes are marked with an asterisk on the questionnaire.  Clubs are making excellent progress with 259 having completed the questionnaire and 451 having started it.  Please contact questionnairehelp@rfu.com if you need any assistance.
 
CB Strategic Action Plans  A package including the template for CB Strategic Action Plans (referred to in paragraph 133 of the RFU Strategic Plan) is being posted to you along with an updated CB model structure, role descriptions and financial template.  Please contact carolethelwall-jones@rfu.com if you have any queries.
 
Merit Table Funding  James Winterbottom has recently sent the application form for RFU Merit Table funding for season 2005/06 to merit table organisers. Following the launch of the RFU Competitions Tool in May of this year, there are now 45 Competitions visible on the site. Feedback from current users has been positive.  I would encourage those who have not yet seen/used the site to view it at www.rfu.com/clubs/index.cfm?fuseaction=hm.Home&grou_select=3062 <http://www.rfu.com/clubs/index.cfm?fuseaction=hm.Home&grou_select=3062>  If you have any queries regarding the merit table funding or the RFU Competitions Tool please contact jameswinterbottom@rfu.com <mailto:jameswinterbottom@rfu.com>
 
CB IT Shopping List  The process for ordering IT equipment for your CB is being updated.  Each CB will be able to order products to the value of £2,500 from the ''shopping list'' funded by the RFU (subject to the terms and conditions).  An email with the details will be sent separately by 22 August 2005.
 
Handbooks  You will shortly be receiving a send out  which will include your CB allocation of handbooks  for the new season   (10 of each book - Handbook, Regulations & Competitions and Yearbook)  for you to distribute.   This package should arrive with you week commencing 22/08/05.  Any questions regarding your package should be directed to Jessica Mills jessicamills@rfu.com  0870 1431115 in the first instance. 
 
Volunteer Update  Thank you for all the Year of the Volunteer Nominations.  Four nominees will be put forwards to the H M Queen reception.  All the names received by 31 July were nominated for a Year of the Volunteer medal.  The final touches are being put on the Volunteer Pack.  It will be launched at the ''RugbyForce'' event, a club regeneration project, on 17/18 September.  This event will be attended by Jason Leonard so should attract maximum publicity for the launch.
 
Museum Conference  The Museum of Rugby is hosting a conference (and associated film evening) in early September.  The conference is being held to celebrate a century of New Zealand tours to the British Isles and one of the speakers is former ''All Black'' Chris Laidlaw. For more details, please visit www.rfu.com/microsites/museum/pdfs/museum_mother.pdf.