Rugby Blindside Newsletter - May / June 2018 Issue

MAY- JUNE 2018 / ISSUE 03

IN THIS ISSUE Fylde RFC Coventry Rugby Darlington Mowden Park Richmond Rugby

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Contents Editors' Comment ....................................................................01 Fylde RFC announce new General Manager ....................................................................02 Coventry Rugby and Elonex launch digital screen partnership ....................................................................03

Holland & Barrett sponsor Nuneaton RFC ...................................................................09 Horsham Rugby Club renew AToM sponsorship ....................................................................10 South Notts Sapphire Girls Rugby finds sponsor .....................................................................11

Darlington Mowden Park & Create Development ....................................................................05

Our Partners ....................................................................12

Richmond Rugby secure historic partnership ....................................................................07

Commercial news from the professional game ....................................................................13

Editors' Comment An already loyal reader of the Rugby Blindside will notice that this issue is our largest so far. I have been blown away by the popularity of the Rugby Blindside newsletter and its reception within the grassroots rugby community. Within our first six months we have quadrupled our readership, begun two newÂ

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partnerships with existing grassroots rugby organisations and shared many great news stories. Once again, this issue includes some great sponsorship and partnership stories from all levels of grassroots rugby clubs. Enjoy!

- WP

Fylde announce Mike Jefferson as new General Manager Fylde RFC has announced the appointment of Mike Jefferson to the post of General Manager. This new role will be responsible for all sales, marketing, PR and operational management within the Club. He has a strong commercial and business background which will assist the Club in its forward plans.

Mike has a very strong background in rugby, most recently as Chief Executive Officer at Sale FC. He’s been involved in coaching junior teams for many years and has a deep, personal interest in the development of sport in schools.

He's committed to bringing a strong business acumen to the rugby environment.

Fylde Chairman Dave Young said: “We are really excited about Mike joining the club. He brings huge experience of management in a rugby club environment and a great enthusiasm for the game.

Image: Fylde RFC

“This has been a season of great change for us on and off the field.

Mike’s appointment is another important step in our plans to create a more sustainable future for the club.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank club member Ben James for guiding us through the recruitment process.”

Mike Jefferson said: “I am delighted to have been appointed in this role at Fylde Rugby Club. Looking forward, I feel that with the Club’s standing, facilities and infrastructure, coupled with my vision, expertise and passion for rugby, there are exciting times ahead, both on and off the pitch.”

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Coventry Rugby announce new digital screen partner be the first of these installations and will be fully operational for the final game of the current season.

Image: Coventry Rugby

Elonex has been announced as the Official Digital Screen Partner to Coventry Rugby.

In an exclusive seven year agreement, Elonex will deliver the very latest sports stadium visual technology at Butts Park Arena, the home of Coventry Rugby.

With the club newly promoted to Rugby Union’s Greene King Championship, work is already underway on the first phase of planned digital screen installations at the stadium.

A giant pitch facing 6m x 3m digital spectator screen and scoreboard will

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Digital screens are also being installed at the entrance to Butts Park Arena, whilst pitch side LED perimeter screening will be in place for the start of the 2018/19 season and Coventry Rugby’s return to the Championship.

When completed, Elonex will then be responsible for commercialising the screens through advertising and sponsorship sales.

Commenting on the new partnership, Lara Hunter, Business Development Manager at Coventry Rugby said: “Bringing Elonex into the mix at Coventry Rugby is a massive step in improving our match day experience here at Butts Park. With such a large fan base, greater than many in the division, we are looking forward to offering our supporters both old and new,

the very best day’s entertainment from start to finish.

“The experience that Elonex have within the sports environment also means that they will bring the latest technology and innovation pitchside and we are very pleased to welcome them along for the journey.”

Nick Smith, CEO at Elonex added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Coventry Rugby right now, at what’s such an exciting time for the club. ” With Championship rugby now secured for next season, the visual technology planned for the stadium will hugely enhance the spectator experience at Butts Park, and its implementation really does demonstrate the ambitious nature of the club and its vision for the future.

“Being heavily involved in the game and already working with many professional clubs across Rugby Union and Rugby League, we know Coventry Rugby really does have the feel of a club that’s going places.

Indeed, this is the first time we’ve worked with a rugby club outside of their respective top division, and the team at Elonex can’t wait to play a part in Coventry’s future success.”

News of this new partnership at Coventry Rugby further strengthens Elonex’s position as a market leader in sports stadium technology. The Birmingham-based firm has secured multiple similar agreements across top flight rugby, football and cricket, and continue to drive innovation in sport, improve spectator experiences and offer clubs new means of generating income through digital screen advertising sales.

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Darlington Mowden Park partner with Create Development

Image: Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club

The Darlington Mowden Park Community Scheme has teamed up with Create Development to provide real PE sector leading training for teachers. The aim is to inspire positive changes in primary aged children’s relationship with and participation in physical activity. The Community Scheme is now into its 6th year and has already delivered programmes and initiatives to over 50,000 children and young people in 75+ schools, colleges and community groups across the North East.

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real PE is a unique, holistic approach to teaching and learning.

It provides fun and simple Schemes of Work and support for primary school teachers that give them the confidence and skills to deliver outstanding PE. Fully aligned to the National Curriculum and Ofsted requirements, real PE focuses on the development of agility, balance, coordination, healthy competition and cooperative learning.

Anne Rose, Community Manager at Mowden Park said: “We’re thrilled

to be working in partnership with Create Development to support schools to develop positive relationships between young people and physical activity. The partnership allows us to expand our education provision within the community to help build brighter futures.”

Ronnie Heath, Managing Director of Create Development said: “Darlington Mowden Park share our vision to create positive

relationships with physical activity for life for all children and so build brighter futures for people in their communities.

Teachers understand and know their pupils better than anyone and that extra layer of support helps build their confidence in teaching PE. By focusing on the child first we help them develop essential behaviours, physical literacy, thinking and emotional skills."

Has your club got news to share?

Sponsorship deals Partnership news Facilities upgrades Community projects

Email: rugbyblindside@gmail.com 06

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Richmond Rugby secure historic partnership with HM YOI, Feltham Richmond, the world’s second oldest open rugby club, is proud to announce an unprecedented partnership between its community development team and HM Young Offenders Institution, Feltham to bring the benefits of rugby to young men in prison aged between 15 and 18.

The club, which seeks to bring an amateur ethos to the highest levels of the English game and currently has a 1st XV playing in the Greene King Championship, is seeking commercial sponsors for the partnership with Feltham. The initiative, led by Dom Palacio, Richmond FC’s Head of Community, follows a successful trial period which saw participant numbers treble in size over six weeks.

Sessions involve youths from across the age groups taking part in 90minute training sessions, led by RFU trained coaches on the facility’s on07

Image: Richmond Rugby

site rugby pitch.

This programme is the first ever outside sports project to be offered to the younger inmates at Feltham.

Kirk Nodding, the gym custodial officer, said: “This is a real trailblazing moment for Feltham and for Richmond FC. There is a good buzz about the project and it’s great to see something so positive being delivered to young people.

Our senior manager of the education department is keen to embed it within the education department’s long-term strategy.”

Head of Community Dominic Palacio, in his first year working

with Richmond, has targeted local schools, disadvantaged youths, and a variety of age groups as he seeks to use rugby as a tool to help shape futures, and the opportunity at Feltham is one he has pursued for some time.

“I am not aware of any similar initiative between rugby clubs and teenagers in young offenders’ institutions anywhere else in the country. Knowing about the benefits that sport can have in rehabilitation, it was a no-brainer to get in touch with Feltham and see what we could do. Everyone has been hugely excited about the training sessions,

and all the young people who have taken part have loved it. The next step is to secure funding for a longer-term strategy.”

Mark Keadell, physical educational instructor at Feltham YOI, said: “This is the first time we have been able to offer our inmates aged between 15 and 18 years of age the opportunity to play rugby. We recognise the potential benefits of physical activity and of rugby’s values, which can help give the young men here something to focus on and look forward to on a weekly basis.”

Images: Richmond Rugby

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Nuneation RFC announces Holland & Barrett as Academy sponsor Nuneaton RFC are very pleased to announce that Holland & Barrett will sponsor the Club’s new Academy which will be launched next season.

It’s the latest in a series of positive announcements for the future of the Club. Recently John Beart, former Nuns and Bath prop was appointed as Academy Coach.

The Academy will help to support those in the under-16’s, under-17’s and under-18’s age groups and assist with their transition in to playing for the senior rugby team.

Commenting on Holland & Barrett’s support, Neil Robinson, ViceChairman of the Nuns said:

Image: Nuneaton RFC

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“This is further good news for the future of Nuneaton rugby. We are very grateful that Holland & Barrett want to invest in the local community and youth of the town in which their headquarters are based. We have exciting plans for

the Academy and the future of our Club and to take on board a major partner like Holland & Barrett is wonderful.”

Huw Thomas, Director of Rugby, said: “What a boost. We can now start to make major plans for our newly launched Academy and Colts team.

This summer is going to be a busy one preparing for the new season but it’s a great time to be a Nuneaton Rugby Club player.”

He continues, “This is the start of a longer term look at our player development so that we can get the best out of what our successful minis and juniors section produces.

We can invest in some provisions

that all players at the club will benefit from for a number of years and we hope that this is the beginning of a long term relationship with a company who has a healthy ethos at its forefront.”

Chris Keen, Chief Financial Officer at Holland and Barrett, said: “We are proud to support such a fantastic initiative in our home town of Nuneaton, working closely with the Academy to support the health and wellness of its players. Having been the lead sponsor for Leicester Tigers for some time now, it’s great to be able to partner with a grassroots rugby team as well. We are really excited to see how this relationship develops over the coming season.”

Horsham Rugby Club renew sponsorship with AToM Image: Horsham Rugby

Horsham Rugby Club has announced that AToM (All Types of Mortgages Ltd) have renewed their sponsorship of Horsham Rugby Club for another year.

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South Notts Sapphire Girls Rugby secures a brand new sponsor

Image: West Bridgford RFC

The success of the South Notts Sapphires Girls Rugby goes to prove that two heads are better than one!

Since Caroline Towndrow from West Bridgford RFC and Marie Chaston from Nottingham Moderns RFC decided to combine their girls sections, player numbers have grown, the number of games played have increased and more age groups are getting involved.

They realised that combining their considerable coaching experience, as well as having the backing from both of their clubs and the NLD, would create a much stronger base for a girls rugby squad to thrive. Jo Batten, a former player, has also joined the coaching team, and her enthusiasm has been beneficial to the squad already.

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So, South Notts Sapphires Girls Rugby was created. The name was decided by the girls themselves and Marie and Caroline were happy to go with it. Marie managed to secure great sponsorship deal from Clifton Bidding Bargain Page, a Facebook bidding page, especially created to raise money for local charities and groups. This has meant that new playing shirts and training tops will be available at the beginning of next season, and will include a new logo to give the girls' rugby section its own identity.

“We will have a barbarian attitude to socks so the girls will continue to wear the socks from their original club,” said Caroline. “It’s great that a local business wants to see girls getting involved in sport, especially rugby. Sport is so important for growing confidence in girls today.

And hopefully CBB will enjoy watching the continued growth at South Notts Sapphires during the season.”

Our Partners Rugby Blindside is pleased to announce two new partners: Fill Your Boots Rugby and Grassroots Rugby Media.

Fill Your Boots Rugby The Grassroots Rugby Player Exchange. Helping Rugby clubs find those extra players in order to #MakeGamesHappen.

Each week, lots of Rugby clubs around the country struggle for players.

If you are without a fixture, why not see if other local clubs need extra bodies for their matches.

Grassroots Rugby Media Grassroots Rugby Media (G R M) is the number 1 platform for Rugby Clubs across the UK. We offer a wide range of media services which provide a spotlight for talent of all levels playing our great game: This is Grassroots - Match highlights Post-match media package GRM Spotlight Promo-videos and event videography

Want to partner with Rugby Blindside? Get in touch: rugbyblindside@gmail.com

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From the professional game...

EPCR announces Heineken title partner return The four-year deal will see the tournament renamed as the Heineken Champions Cup. “We have substantially developed the Champions Cup over the past four seasons and it is fitting that at such an exciting time for the tournament, we welcome back a world-leading brand in Heineken®. They are steeped in rugby history and inextricably linked with the heritage of European club rugby and we are delighted to be embarking on this journey with their full support.”

- EPCR Chief Executive, Vincent Gaillard

Harlequins appoint Billy Millard as General Manager 13

SportPesa partner with PRO14 Rugby PRO14 Rugby has confirmed that SportPesa has completed the lineup of Guinness PRO14 Final Series sponsors as the Official Gaming Partner of the Championship’s knock-out stages.

LeoVegas extend partnership with Leicester Tigers Leicester Tigers and mobile Casino & Sports betting site LeoVegas have announced a two-year partnership extension that will see the deal run until the end of the 2019/2020 season.

Saracens agree two year sponsorship deal with Alan Day Volkswagen “We are proud to sponsor such a fantastic club along with the inspiring Saracens Sports Foundation and will continue to support the club and their supporters who we have forged a unique relationship with. This special bond between the club and Alan Day is very strong and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”

- Managing Director of Alan Day Volkswagen, Paul Tanner

Edinburgh Rugby announces Principal & Prosper as main club sponsor "It’s an exciting time for Edinburgh and it’s an exciting time for our business. We have seen first-hand the great improvements made by the club on and off the field over the past year."

- Owners of Principal & Prosper, Purves and Siegel

Gloucester Rugby announce new club logo Worcester Warriors announce partnership with VX3 14

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