reviewing regulations was approved and during the annual review of regulations, there were changes to allow England Academy Players to develop through playing at the most appropriate league level. New Rugby Agents Regulations were approved and the Registration of Agents scheme, operated by the Agents Review Board, introduced. As a result of the Mountford judgement, the Schools and Youth Regulations were revised, with particular attention to age grades and applicable variations. A specific Rules & Regulations website was launched to ensure that the RFU provides an efficient regulatory service to all stakeholders. More than 50% of clubs are now accessing RugbyFirst to administer both their Youth and Adult Player Registrations.
Despite the wet weather a busy year for the RFU’s Leisure Rugby team saw 346 events with 3,243 teams taking part, compared to 2,599 last year. The Leisure Rugby Conference during the IRB 7s tournament at Twickenham provided a catalyst to develop further activities and was supported by England 7s captain, Simon Amor.
As more and more clubs use leisure rugby to recruit and retain players, officials and volunteers, the requests for assistance grows. Several weekends have seen over 20 events being supported at the same time by the team in partnership with clubs, Constituent Bodies (CBs) and local authorities. The promotionaland exhibition units travelled to events throughout England, some 175,000 people visiting the exhibition pantechnicon. A website and DVD have been created to provide guidance on all leisurerugby activities.
The RFU Beach Rugby Series covered 21 events and 379 teams; including the inaugural Birmingham Urban Beach event
in conjunction with the English Volleyball Association. Tag rugby was the main beach game, although two contact pilots were run and further contact events are planned. Two events used touch to integrate rugby league, with more to be explored following the success of the British Asian Rugby Association Tag scheme in the Midlands. Six pilot adult only tag leagues were established and further touch activity run in wider partnerships, including the English Touch Association, Wooden Spoon and the Premiership clubs. Both non contact variants were demonstrated as curtain raisers for the Churchill Cup games.
The Summer Sevens leagues expanded outside London to Trojans RFC and continued at Wimbledon RFC with 21 teams participating in the six week leagues and one day festival. In partnership with the Middlesex Sevens, the winners, London South Africa played Rosslyn Park before the main premiership final at Twickenham.
A full time project manager was appointed to handle increased demands and with future appointments of specific development officers for leisure rugby further sustained growth is anticipated, particularly within the Go Play campaign to entice players back to the game.
Terry Burwell
Tournaments and Competitions Director
More than 50% of clubs are now accessing RugbyFirst to administer both their Youth and Adult Player Registrations