Ruby Blindside Newsletter - Summer 2019 issue

SUMMER 2019 / ISSUE 07

IN THIS ISSUE: Horsham Rugby Club North Walsham RFC Stockton Rugby Club And much more...

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CONTENTS Horsham Rugby Club & Ladies sign new sponsor .........................................................02 RFU re-accreditation for Stockton Rugby Club .........................................................02 Northwich RUFC strike deal with Socotra Logistic .........................................................03 Carlisle Rugby confirm Border Sevens Festival sponsors .........................................................03 Newent RFC announce 2nd team sponsor .........................................................03 North Walsham RFC: Access for All Clubhouse Lift Installation .........................................................04 Nuneaton RFC announce new management .........................................................04 Cosby Rugby Football Club get new goalposts, corner protectors and flags .........................................................05 Wanstead RFC announce new development plans .........................................................05 Recognition for Mark Webster of North Walsham RFC .........................................................06 Tynedale RFC appoint Community Rugby Coach .........................................................06 Eastern Rhinos RLC announce new partners .........................................................06 Colchester Rugby Football Club: Northern Gateway update .........................................................07

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Culcheth Eagles raise money with sponsored bike ride .........................................................08 Morley RFC begin pitch preparations for the 2019/20 season .........................................................08 Northwich RUFC launch Superstars mini's program .........................................................08 Clifton Rugby Football Club announce deal with Elonex .........................................................10 Alton RFC Girls announce new sponsor .........................................................10 Club members engage with Prenton community .........................................................10 Towcestrians RFC announce club project update .........................................................11 Halstead Templars RFC work together to level the playing field .........................................................11 Luton RFC appoint Director of Rugby .........................................................12 Old Emanuel RFC support Momentum Childen's charity .........................................................12 Whitley Bay Barbarians Tour to Australia 2020 .........................................................12 New Partner: The Rugby Show .........................................................13 From the professional game .........................................................14

Horsham Rugby Club & Ladies sign new sponsor

RFU re-accreditation for Stockton Rugby Club

The Gin Kitchen is a micro distillery which makes gin for people in the Horsham and Dorking area.

Stockton RFC has reached a further milestone in it's history by maintaining the Rugby Football Union's Accreditation status.

The Gin Kitchen was brought to the club by the new Ladies XV Team, the owner of which plays for the ladies. She is also the parent of one of Horsham Rugby Club's Under 11's.

RFU Accreditation recognises the efforts and achievements of volunteers in reaching standards required across the whole range of activities within a rugby club; in planning for the long term sustainability of the club in the local community and the development of rugby union in general.

Horsham rugby club now have 24 ladies on their books, growing from 2 at the beginning of the season, which is a fantastic achievement.

A gin tasting event was held at Horsham Rugby Club which coincided with Mother’s Day and their annual Mini Festival.

The Gin Kitchen is a distillery in the Surrey Hills crafting fabulous spirits with love, laughter, passion & skill. They make just 30 bottles at a time in their beautiful copper pot stills, so each bottle receives their special care & attention. They offer tours, tasting experiences and distilling experiences as well as a shop and cocktail bar.

Clubs are assessed by the RFU and must demonstrate evidence of good practice in areas such as club management, player development and recruitment, sports equity, coaching, refereeing and volunteering.

The Rugby Football Union Club Accreditation scheme aims to help all rugby clubs in England become stronger, more effective, more efficient and more enjoyable places in which to play rugby.

Accreditation earns advantages such as the Sport England Clubmark recognising the excellence of a club’s youth and junior section and promotes increased status and credibility with local authorities, educational establishments and potential sponsors.

As a club, Stockton RFC is proud of the effort put in by all volunteers from all age groups who have made this achievement possible.

The club would like to say a special thank you to Terry Wilson and Len Small for all their hard work.

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Northwich RUFC strike deal with Socotra Logistics

Ken also advised that discussions are well progressed for Tim to join the committee, as the club’s commercial director.

“Tim can bring many years of business experience to the table, along with plenty of ideas and numerous contacts, all of which can be utilized to help drive Northwich RUFC forward. I am very much looking forward to working with him over the coming season and beyond.”

Ken Jones, chairman of Northwich RUFC, has advised that a major deal has been agreed with Socotra Logistics UK Limited, which will see this company become the main sponsor of the club next season and, and all remaining well, for the following two.

Socotra is a fast growing and successful logistics company based in Derbyshire, with offices in London and France and a network of partners throughout Europe.

The significant sponsorship agreement has been struck with Tim Harris, Northwich based managing director and major shareholder of the company. Tim has been a regular supporter at Northwich RUFC for the last couple of seasons, following his move into the town, and has already proved himself to be a generous benefactor.

“This is fantastic news for the club”, said Ken, “sponsorship is one of our key income lines, along with the bar and membership revenues. Having this substantial commitment in place, and early, will enable the club’s committee to move forward with confidence as it continues to work hard to deliver on the club’s strategic plan.”

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Carlisle Rugby confirm Border Sevens Festival sponsors Carlisle RFC have announced that the 2019 Border City Sevens Festival will be sponsored by Lamont Pridmore and Thomas Graham.

Both firms are current supporters of the club and are excited by the potential of the BC7’s festival.

Barry Earl, Sponsorship and Events Director, said: “We are very much looking forward to growing our partnership with Lamont Pridmore and Thomas Graham and look forward to welcoming Chris Lamont, Roger Smith and their guests to the inaugural BC7s festival on the 28th & 29th June 2019”.

Newent RFC announce 2nd team sponsor Newent RFC, also known as the 'Green Army', have revealed that TJ Veale Construction will sponsor Newent RFC's 2nd team next season.

North Walsham RFC: Access for All Clubhouse Lift Installation Project It will be Access for All at North Walsham Rugby Club from September when the Club achieve their long held ambition of installing a lift in the Clubhouse enabling everyone to use the first floor social facilities.

The £61,000 project, which also includes a new meeting room and entrance, will complete a transformation of the upstairs, an improved kitchen and extended bar having been operational since 2016.

Funding is coming from three sources: a Rugby Football Union interest free loan, £10,000 from North Norfolk District Council's Big Society Fund and a £31,000 grant by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through their LEADER programme. This European Union funded programme has amongst its aims improving the quality of life in rural areas and strengthening the rural economy, with local priorities including the development of facilities for businesses and the community.

"This is a major step forward for the Club. It means we can significantly enhance what we offer to members, visitors, businesses and our local community," said Chair Keith Jarvis.

"The improvements will mean everyone can use the upstairs. Currently many disabled and older people just cannot get up the stairs and it can be equally difficult for parents with young children. They are missing out on the social side of the Club."

Jess Swart recently had a baby and is looking forward to the lift's arrival. She said: "My two older children play and we used to go into the clubhouse but now it is just too much hassle. I have to leave the pram outside and then trying to hold my baby whilst having some refreshments is just too uncomfortable. So we miss out on the social side of the Rugby Club which is a great pity."

Already well used by Scottow Parish Council and Schools, the Club hopes the improved facilities will lead to increased use by community organisations and businesses, and that it will become a venue for private events too. The LEADER grant process was managed by Club Member Mike Mack of whom Keith Jarvis commented: "his drive, determination, skills and knowledge made it all happen."

Nuneaton RFC announce new management for 2019/20 season Geraint Davies has been appointed Head Coach for the 2019/20 season.

Geraint was Head Coach at South Leicester in National 2 last season. His coaching career spans 17 years and includes roles as Head Coach for Leicestershire Senior Men, Director of Coaching at Lutterworth RFC, Lead EPDG Academy coach at Gloucester Rugby, and Backs and Attack coach at Cinderford RFC in National 1, where he also played.

Geraint commented on his new appointment: “I am extremely excited at the prospect of coaching at Nuneaton RFC, and

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look forward to the challenges of Midlands Premier. Nuneaton RFC is a club with a proud past and we are building a strong squad with a mix of current and new players to prepare for the future.”

Geraint will be supported by Lee Cassell as Senior Back Coach, Nick Smith as Forwards Coach. Geoff Trew will continue as 1st Team Manager assisted by Paul Jenkins. Lee Young will continue as Sports Rehabilitator.

David Marriott of Apex Group organising and undertaking the installation works, with assistance from Joe Farrands, Andy Timms and Josh Hollingsworth.

Wanstead RFC announces new development plans for clubhouse

Neil Robinson, Vice Chairman of Nuneaton RFC commented: “We are delighted to welcome Geraint to the Nuns. Throughout our discussions with him we were impressed by his professionalism and his coaching experience. His leadership qualities together with his enthusiasm to join us was a significant factor in his appointment. We are confident that the players and staff will enjoy working with him.”

Cosby RFC get new goalposts, corner protectors and flags The pitch at Victory Park has undergone a major facelift. It has seen a revamp of the pitch with the old, infamous goalposts finally being taken down and replaced with some new ones.

With advice and support from the LRU's Development Officer, Cosby Rugby Club managed to secure a small grant to help with the cost and the club also purchased new flag poles, safety corner flags and new, custom made protectors all round to give the pitch a new look. The club couldn't have completed it without some help of course,

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Wanstead RFC goes into planning for exciting new pitches and balcony and clubhouse extension.

Wanstead RFC have submitted a preplanning application to build 3 new pitches and a number of junior pitches at Centenary Fields. The club believes this will give them some of the best playing facilities in Essex and a much anticipated county standard playing pitch directly outside the clubhouse.

The club plan to start creating the pitches in Autumn 2019 with the aim to be completed and ready to use for the 2020/21 season.

In addition, Wanstead RFC have submitted plans for a balcony and clubhouse extension. Again they plan to have the balcony completed by Summer 2020.

Recognition for Mark Webster of North Walsham RFC

recognition which is well deserved," said Chair Keith Jarvis. "The Club is run by many dedicated volunteers like him, without them it would not exist."

Tynedale RFC appoint Community Rugby Coach Tynedale RFC, in partnership with the Northumberland Rugby Development team and Northumberland County Council, have confirmed the appointment of Larry Mew as Community Rugby Coach (CRC) to the West area of Northumberland.

Mark Webster has received RFU and Club volunteer awards.

The commitment and skills of North Walsham Rugby Club's Groundsman Mark Webster have twice been publicly recognised recently. First Vikings Captain Matt Hodgson presented him with the annual George Howard trophy for outstanding contribution by a volunteer. Next he was chosen as one of six groundsmen nationally to be invited under the Mitsubishi Volunteer Recognition Programme to watch the Premiership Grand Final and then spend a day at Twickenham with the RFU's Head of Grounds Keith Kent.

A former player Mark has held many Club roles and began managing the nine hectares of grounds last Autumn. With the Club developing their site into a whole community asset, assisted by other volunteers he works on the pitches, woodlands, walking and jogging tracks and playground. "Delighted with Mark's

Larry’s appointment follows a long tradition of Tynedale RFC supporting the development of rugby in the West of the county and has had a CRC for a number of years now. Larry is an RFU level 2 coach and has played rugby for Northumberland at various different age grades. Last season he represented Northumberland in the County Championship.

The role will support the development of Rugby in the West in clubs and schools for both male and female players.

Eastern Rhinos RLC announce new partners Eastern Rhinos Rugby League Club announce a number of club partners for the 2019 season: Main club sponsor: Island Landscapes Man of the match sponsor: Rugby Box Medical partner: Highwoods Health Clinic Partner: Island Arb and Groundworks

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Colchester Rugby Football Club: Northern Gateway update

the club will be set in newly planted trees and meadows and will share grounds with a multi-use sports centre, a cycling track, archery range and equestrian centre. Having shared Mill Road for over 50 years with various other sports, the members at Colchester RFC are looking forward to meeting their new neighbours!

For those who have ever attempted parking at Mill Road on a particularly busy weekend, will know that parking is often an issue.

Although the council have offered the club a solution, they are still negotiating parking provisions to ensure the club gets exactly what it needs.

The members who gathered at Mill Road on for the EGM, unanimously voted in favour of the move.

After nearly 10 years of negotiations with Colchester Borough Council. The committee are satisfied that the proposed plans reach the requirements that the club set out at the beginning of the process back in 2010.

Members admitted that from travelling around various other clubs, even in National League 3, it was evident they were very blessed with the club set up the club currently has at Mill Road. Therefore, in order to convince them to move, the council had to come up with something pretty special.

The proposed new club includes nine brand new pitches, including two artificial pitches.

Four of our new pitches will be floodlit, including the two artificial pitches. As part of the wider Northern Gateway redevelopment,

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Finally - the clubhouse. Downstairs the clubhouse will feature; eight changing rooms, all with their own showers and toilets, 2 referee rooms, two physio rooms, the club shop, kit drop-off room, visitor toilets and a large storage area for playing kit. Upstairs is home to; three function rooms, a covered balcony, large kitchen, storage area, and more visitor toilets.

It's important to note that club will have sole control over the clubhouse, and their club independence is preserved. Other teams will have the right to use the changing rooms, much like they do currently (cricket in the summer etc) unless they conflict with the rugby clubs needs.

This is just an overview of the move and up until the scheduled move-in date (summer of 2020). Colchester RFC will keep the rugby community informed with regular updates through their weekly e-newsletter.

Culcheth Eagles raise money with sponsored bike ride Culcheth Eagles Owls rode from Salford Rugby Club to Warrington Wolves.

The Owls managed to raise a great total of ÂŁ1,882.05 for Anna Bailey, when they braved the wet and windy weather and completed their bike ride.

With several Salford Reds players waving them off, once they reached the Halliwell Jones they were met by Warrington's Chris Hill.

training sessions for all sections of the club over the past few years. The club took the decision to significantly increase the spending on ground maintenance. 100 tonne of sand was purchased and spread on the pitches at the start of 2018-19 to help improve drainage.

This was spread mainly on the first team pitch and the result was that teams were able to play and train on many more occasions than last year.

This year, the second team pitch will get its turn for TLC and the majority of the sand will be spread there to help improve drainage and playing conditions for all teams.

The club received help from their ground maintenance contractors, Bedford's, who went to Vertidrain the pitches before spreading the rest of the sand.

Northwich RUFC launch Superstars mini's program

Morley RFC begin pitch preparations ahead of the 2019/20 season Thanks to an impressive Fund Raising effort by every team, Morley RFC has injected extra funds into repairing the rugby pitches at Scatcherd Lane.

The heavy rain and condition of the pitches have meant cancelled games and cancelledÂ

Northwich RUFC has developed something different for the relaunch of their Mini & Junior section where greater participation and involvement will encourage more local children & families to join in. This format differentiates Northwich RUFCs rugby experience from other local clubs.

Northwich Superstars mini's program stimulates a mutual respect between the differing mini age groups and skill levels interacting together, whereby the elder or more technically advanced players actively support in training drills and demonstrations, to improve not onlyÂ

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themselves, their peers but also their younger teammates. Being a “Buddy” is encouraged. The Northwich RUFC SuperStars sessions are open to both boys and girls aged 5-11, and continue provided free of charge by the Northwich RUFC Youth Development Charity supported by a number of local businesses who have been attracted to and joined in partnership with the program.

The club have seen a huge wave of support in the past few months since launch of their Northwich Rugby SuperStars program. Not only is their member base growing rapidly, but the club has had lots of support from companies who share their values wanting to come on board and help the club on their mission to raise awareness of the importance of children’s mental health & exercise.

Northwich RUFC wanted to take the time to introduce the rugby community to their new sponsor, Coleman Canal Boat Services, based in the heart of Cheshire, at Bartington Wharf on the Trent and Mersey Canal, and Weaver River on the outskirts of Northwich.

Northwich SuperStars will be commencing in the new season in style, thanks to the generosity of four local businesses: David Wilson Homes (Housing developers, Winnington Village). iAgent & Royal Fox both leading Northwich Estate Agents.

Majesticwoodfloors.co.uk commercial & domestic restoration & installation specialists based in Northwich.

The continuing support of sponsors will allow the club to progress to phase two of rebuilding the M&Js section which involves Northwich coaches attending local schools.

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Clifton Rugby Football Club announce exciting deal with Elonex

& Ross Ancell (M&J parent and Chairman at Churngold) have proven invaluable in getting the project over the line.

As well as Elonex running dual screen digital networked advertising boards at Clifton Rugby, the club are proud that such a prominent national company will be on the first XV playing shirt for the 2019/20 season.

Alton RFC Girls announce new sponsor The diggers are in and work has begun on an exciting new venture for Clifton Rugby.

Clifton Rugby Football Club's Honorary Secretary, Pete Mitchell, started a chance conversation two years ago while on a visit to Birmingham to look at rugby club development ideas; hard work and a persistence has meant the Club will now benefit from additional income and profile.

Many of you will have see digital advertising boards alongside motorways and sports stadia; they are prestigious, successful and eye catching.

One of the industry leaders and with a strong connection to sport is Elonex, and Clifton Rugby is delighted to reveal their new commercial partnership with them.

The Committee has been very supportive of the project and special mention must go to Glynn Thomas who has recently aided getting construction underway during the Summer break to prevent sport disruption.

Other Club stalwarts, Steve White (former Chairman), Charlie Bullimore (1st XV prop).

Alton RFC offers its thanks to their new sponsor Parkside Suite Frimley and Parkside Suite Wexham. The club are very excited about working with them as their numbers grow weekly. The team are looking forward to getting their new kit and displaying their logo with pride.

Club members engage with Prenton community Four members of Prenton RUFC joined forces with Connect Us on a door knock in the Prenton area to promote the forth coming Prenton RUFC Community Hub. Over 500 homes were visited with a large percentage of residents showing an interest in what Prenton RUFC are trying to achieve for the local community. Questionnaires were completed by many residents and have been taken away by Connect Us to be analysed and feedback will be given to the club in the coming weeks.

Prenton RUFC would like to thank Kieran Hatton and his Connect Us team for their support and advise during the door knock.

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Towcestrians RFC announce club project update

a new entrance at the top of the land past the cricket pavilion.

There is a lot of Health and Safety work that will go with the ground works, so the club is asking its member to bare with them. As ever the club and committee is indebted to the people who are making this happen.

Halstead Templars RFC work together to level the playing field

Towcestrians RFC has reassured its members that there has been, and continues to be, a huge amount of work progressing in the background regarding the clubs new development plans.

Most of the work has been with planning, discharging of planning conditions, soil tests, drainage and turf consultations and meetings with our National Governing Bodies (NGB’s) to secure their support and in some cases funding. The club has also been in talks with their major potential funders and the council and are finally in a position to start work on the site.

Details will be shown to all members in the near future of how each part of the next stage of the project will be delivered. This will depend largely on how much funding the club can secure as to what part of the project they can do first.

The club has however, started working on a lot of the ground works including putting in

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Despite the very random weather, volunteers from the club descended on The Pit on to shift a couple of tonnes of soil onto the pitch to fill some of the more sizeable valleys.

Many hardworking club members all gathered with spades, shovels, wheelbarrows and a van kindly donated by Charlie Cooper to dig up the mounds of soil donated by Bloor Homes and move it the 50 feet onto the rugby pitch where it was redeposited in strategic fashion.

Starting at 9am and battling against the heat, rain and hailstorms that came their way over the course of the morning, the team managed to fill the most obvious of dips that have hampered home and visiting teams alike. The sections of the pitch, that have seen flying wingers felled as if shot, will be reseeded so there's a healthy covering of grass in readiness for next season.

The club offers a special thank you to the volunteers at the coal face as well as those who donated tools, so the work could be done.

Luton RFC appoint Director of Rugby Steve Haynes has moved from Chair of Rugby to Director of Rugby.

As part of the management committee’s ongoing efforts to restructure the playing side of the club and make it fit for the challenges ahead, senior club management and coaches are working on several projects that will in time, enhance both the senior and junior sides of the club.

Momentum are a local charity supporting children who have cancer and other lifechallenging conditions. The work they do with these kids and their families is awe inspiring.

Throughout the year the club will be holding fun events to raise money for Momentum.

In order that these projects may proceed smoothly, the club feels that the time is right for them to appoint a Director or Rugby with responsibility for all matters relating to the playing side of the club.

The management are committed to supporting the Director of Rugby, so they that can co-ordinate organise and ensure these projects run successfully in tandem.

Luton RFC would ask all players, parents, members and supporters of the club to do likewise. They are delighted that Steve Haynes has agreed to take up this Director of Rugby role with immediate effect.

Old Emanuel RFC support Momentum Childen's charity Emanuel Lions are delighted to support Momentum Children's Charity.

The Lions has adopted Momentum as their Charity for at least the next 12 months.

Whitley Bay Barbarians Tour to Australia 2020 In July of 2020, Whitley Bay Barbarians Women and Girls are aiming to become the first side from the North East of England to tour Australia and only the second girls rugby league side to tour.

The tour will last for 16 nights and involve around 2/3 fixtures as well as a host of sightseeing trips. The group is made up of 3 staff and 27 players.

In the Summer of 2020, Whitley Bay Barbarians Women and Girls Sections (WAGS) will be embarking on an historic tour of the Gold Coast in Australia. The overall cost of the tour is over £50,000.

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The WAGS only started 7 years ago and they have grown to be one of the biggest rugby league clubs in the country, with well over 100 registered players. The majority of the team have ambitions to go as far as they possibly can in the women's game.

As part of the fundraising efforts, the club is aiming to get a Main Tour Sponsor for the tour to help support the tour and provide some extra funds for any costs that may come up over the process of planning the tour. The cost of this would be £10,000.

New Partner: The Rugby Show

providing the skills to not just survive, but to thrive.

For the players it’s all about fitness, injury care, kit, training, masterclasses and including individual and team sessions with pros.

They want a sea of shirts of all colours and all teams in the aisles and to celebrate the game we all love.

Why visit?

The Rugby Show has been specifically designed and created to support, engage and encourage grass roots rugby.

It’s for everyone in rugby, the players, the friends and relatives who come to the matches and cheer them on, the former players who are now making sure the club is well run, the coaches who give up their time week in and week out. It’s for the complete rugby family.

About: A national event aimed at amateur rugby players, the grassroots clubs and the wider fan community.

It’s about passion and excitement and celebration. About meeting the heroes and hearing their stories first hand, about trying your luck and helping you to be the best player you can be.

Covering club needs like attracting players, purchasing of equipment and services and

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Deliberately planned outside of the season, The Rugby Show is the perfect team day out.

- Improve yourself as a player - Get training from professional players - Take care of that niggling injury at one of the clinics - Get advice on fitness, nutrition and injury recovery - Meet the companies that can help improve your club - Pick up some great deals on products from our commercial partners - Hear from World Cup winners, British & Irish Lions and many other heroes from the game - Raise a glass in The Rugby Show Arms https://www.therugbyshow.com/

From the professional game Premiership Rugby announces CEO succession plans The Board of Premiership Rugby has announced that Mark McCafferty has decided to complete his term as Chief Executive at the end of the current Gallagher Premiership season in June 2019 and will then become an advisor to CVC Capital Partners, the private equity firm that has partnered with Premiership Rugby to help grow the sport. He will be succeeded as Chief Executive, Premiership Rugby, by Darren Childs.

Wasps Rugby and Vodafone announce major partnership

Glasgow Warriors unveil new club logo

“We look forward to announcing further plans along with the new shirts for the 2019/20 season in the near future."

- Stuart Cain, Managing Director at Wasps

“It’s something that we’d been looking at for a couple of years now. Our old badge is 23 years old its been with the club since the dawn of professionalism."

- Glasgow Warriors Managing Director, Nathan Bombrys

Super League and Betfred announce record deal [Watch video]

CEO leaves Gloucester Rugby Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Vaughan has announced his decision to leave Gloucester Rugby after a successful six year period that has seen the club transformed on and off the pitch.

Dacia renew Magic Weekend partnership for Super League’s Big Weekend “I’m delighted to continue our partnership with the Super League, and be able to announce the renewal in advance of the highlight to our rugby calendar – the Dacia Magic Weekend, which we are immensely proud to be a part of. It’s a real festival of the sport – a time for the whole rugby league community to come together – and it’s fantastic that it will be played at the iconic location of Anfield for the first time.

- Ben Fletcher, Head of Dacia UK

Harlequins partner with Persil Harlequins have announced that Persil, Unilever’s leading laundry brand, will join the Club’s growing commercial family as both the Club’s Official Community Partner and Official Laundry Partner.

Our Partners

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