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SporTedd support Teddington Women
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The local community group SporTedd awarded a grant of £1,300 to the Teddington Women’s Rugby, for six new tackle bags.
Although the team cannot train currently due to pandemic restrictions, the new equipment will help the squad be ready to get up and go again as soon as they are lifted.
Beyond COVID, the equipment will used for many years to come to continually develop new and existing players and work on aspects and techniques.
SporTedd supports a wide range of sport-themed projects in the local area. Lou Allin from the Teddington Women's team said: “The equipment has arrived and looks amazing. Many thanks are due to SporTedd for their fantastic support. It makes a big difference, especially at this tough time for sport.
SporTedd member James Johnson, who helps assess the merit of all SporTedd applications said: “We are delighted to be able to support such a good cause as Teddington Women’s Rugby which is really growing in popularity in the area and will hopefully go from strength to strength in 2021”
Hemel Hempstead Camelot Rugby Club run to raise funds
Hemel Hempstead Camelot Rugby Club is running 2,500kms during lockdown to raise money for the club and the Hospice of St Francis. Due to unprecedented support the club are doubling their fundraising target to £10,000 and if met, they promise to double the distance to an incredible 5,000km!
Hemel Hempstead Camelot Rugby Club has pledged to run 1km during lockdown for every minute of rugby missed during the Coronavirus pandemic. 75% of funds raised will go to essential work needed at the club, with the remaining 25% being donated to Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.
Like hundreds of other local amateur rugby clubs up and down the country, Hemel Hempstead Camelot Rugby Club is having a difficult time right now. As a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), the rugby club relies on match days, club lunches, events and beer sales to keep the doors open. Obviously, none of this is possible right now and it might be a while longer before they see their clubhouse packed out again at home games or during the Six Nations.
By the club's calculations, the senior players alone have missed approximately 2,500 minutes of rugby since March 2020. From now until the end of lockdown (and beyond if needed!), the entire club is teaming up to run at least 1km for every minute of rugby that has been sadly missed due to the pandemic. That's just one month for a bunch of lads who hate running without a rugby ball to collectively run 2,500kms.
That’s an astonishing 500kms a week for five weeks! Every player, parent, volunteer and mini is pulling their weight in order to achieve this rather ambitious target and every player taking part in the challenge will be donating too.
All of this will be in aid of raising much needed funds for the club to renovate the kitchen and 25% of the money raised will also be donated to Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.
The Hospice of St Francis does incredible work within Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area. Their funding has been severely hit by the pandemic at a time when some people need them more than ever, so as a club they wanted to give something back to such a wonderful organisation.
Blackburn RUFC smash funding target
Blackburn RUFC would like to thank everyone that has supported their Restoration and Preservation Crowdfunder so far.
They have reached well over 100 supporters and hit 25% of our £20,000 target.
As a result of this, Sport England have pledged a huge £8,000 in support of the club under the Return to Play: Active Together funding.
This is huge but it is just the beginning! They still have a long way to go to smash their target and raise the funds to make the restorations for when everyone is able to join them at the club again in the future!
Old Brodleians RUFC launch Project90 campaign
Almost a year without matchdays, busy Sunday mornings, luncheons, dinners, parties, awards nights, Six Nations on the big screen, external functions, music festivals, family fun days, gin nights, curry competitions……..
But suddenly there’s now a real sense of change as everyone at Old Brodleians finally have light at the end of the lockdown tunnel.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has created an uncertain landscape for grassroots sports clubs which is going to make it very challenging for them to survive - and like many other clubs, Old Brodleians is facing financial pressures with the on-going situation.
2020-21 should have been the club’s 90th anniversary season with a series of celebratory events to add to the rugby and their usual social program. It should have also been the year in which the club welcomed their biggest facility improvement project since the building of the clubhouse in 2003.
However, with all the clubs revenue streams significantly impacted since last March, they reached out for support to help raise the funds to enable the clubs to continue our Project90 improvements. This will allow them to continue to develop the club facilities for members old and new as well as the wider community they serve. When the rugby returns the club is hoping to welcome the arrival of an outstanding new training area, increased car parking, increased space available beneath floodlights and a quality new floodlit pitch.
Old Brodleians will shortly be launching their Project90 Crowdfunder page to help them realise these ambitions and finally get some figures on the club’s balance sheet in what’s been an unprecedented trading year. The page will be packed with numerous ways to support the club including the opportunity to buy some quality England rugby stash, limited edition Brods merchandise and some outstanding signed souvenirs.
A number of the club’s volunteers have been putting together the items and many of their teams have already started fundraising initiatives to support the cause.
Orrell RUFC receive support from Wigan MBC
Orrell RUFC want offer a huge thank you to Wigan MBC for their support of their Crowdfunding campaign and donation of £1,000 to keep their club going and helping us get back to rugby (just as soon as they can).
Governance: London Scottish Rugby Club Career support given to players at London Scottish [DRA
London Scottish told Rugby Blindside about the club's new player career support programme. This initiative shows a real understanding of the problems faced in the modern game for players plying their trade in the second tier of English rugby.
The last 18 months has thrown new challenges and problems at rugby. In the RFU Greene King Championship London Scottish felt their hands were tied as the financial implications of playing without game day revenue meant they had no other choice but not to compete in 2020/21 reduced season. The club confirmed that they would not be taking 10-year government loans through the Sports Winter Survival Package in order to play 10 loss-making matches in the reduced format Championship.
They argued that the matches which the club’s members and supporters were unlikely to be able to attend would run the risk of sudden postponement owing to Covid.
The Board had been working to a three-year plan to drive the club to a sustainable break-even future after years of annual deficits. These efforts were on track to be achieved this season even after the unilateral RFU funding cuts to the Championship announced in February 2020 which resulted in the club transitioning from a full-time model to part-time.
Sadly, however, the arrival of the pandemic resulted in further cuts to central funding and closed down all
Image: Prime Media Images
rugby, players’ primary source of income has been fundamentally affected. The RFU's funding to Championship clubs has been spiralling downwards for a couple of years now and by the start of 2022/23 season the funding will be at £288,000 per club. Not something that is sustainable for clubs at that level.
The RFU is currently facing a crisis with the Championship as it has admitted itself that it doesn't know its role in the rugby pyramid anymore. Previously a hub for English Academy Players (EAPs) and young English Qualified Players (EQPs) to develop and hone their skills, now this is no longer the case.
Back when the latest funding cuts were announced in February 2020 RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney, said: "The Championship is, and will continue to be, a useful way for players to get additional developmental experience, but we do not believe it is the primary place where Premiership and England players are discovered and developed. ”
Considering these factors and the change in the RFU's attitude to Championship clubs, London Scottish took it upon themselves to help look after and protect the welfare of their players.
This is why they launched thePlayer Career Support Programme, whereby the club can help players develop their careers off the field as well as on it.
In the past former 1st XV player John MacDonald Brown sourced a job forformer player Bobbie Beattie, while business partner Future Proof Pro helped current player Jake Ellwood find a new role in IT following a mentoring process, including interview training and CV enhancement. More recently Frank McKay has recruited a new player to train and work full time as a fibre optics engineer.
This excellent initiative will not only help support their current crop of players, but also help attract new players to the club.
With the knowledge that this sort of initiative is in place, players joining London Scottish can feel more comfortable that their future best interests from a financial consideration are being addressed. London Scottish have also shown great awareness that the career of rugby player is short-lived.
Planning and preparing for life after rugby for a player in the second tier of English rugby is especially important as it’s unlikely that they will have amassed the fortunes that some Premiership players benefit from. So, a Career Support Programme like this is exactly what players need. Hats off to London Scottish.
Whilst we can appreciate the fantastic initiative by London Scottish, it does also beg the question that why is it still necessary for the club to have to do this?
The big picture is that the club’s recent forced change from full time to part time status is indicative of the clear lack of enough progress from the birth of professionalism in rugby in 1995. It’s obvious that more financial support for clubs (and players) at this level is needed from the governing bodies.
normal commercial activity which meant no income for 12 months. London Scottish Chairman, Malcolm Offord, said: “Unfortunately, we were offered loans, not grants, to help us survive Covid.Much as we all desperately wanted to see London Scottish competing on the pitch, we did not believe the solution to short-term losses was taking on long term loans.
"Director of Rugby, Matt Williams, had put together a great squad for last season and we were all bitterly disappointed, especially for the players, that we didn’t get the chance to see them play. But we had to put the long-term sustainable future of the club first for the benefit of our members, staff, shareholders, sponsors and supporters.
Due to the challenges of the pandemic and London Scottish not participating in the reduced Championship season the players were put on furlough under their existing contracts and the club looked at options to assist their next moves. In light of the RFU cuts, the on-going financial effects of the pandemic and the necessary transition to part-time RAFT]
Summer 2021 - Rugby Blindside | 27
Mental Health & Psychology for the Rugby League Player in 2021 With over 30 years' experience of helping develop people and organisations, Ross McWilliam discusses the concept of resilience and its impact on performance and mental health for a rugby player. Featured: MINDSETPRO [DRA
How do you balance the psychology of a player to perform at his best against the needs to protect, or even develop his mental health? Are these two components mutually exclusive in as much as by developing one component, the other suffers?
Or is it possible to create a Stephen Covey type Win-Win scenario where improved mental health has a positive impact on player performance and vice versa?
An interesting place to start this debate might be to look at the components needed to become a successful rugby league player.
It could be said that qualities such as skill, physical fitness, attitude, adaptability, motivation, reliability, being able to absorb pain, having fortitude and patience to overcome injury, and being resilient and even being brave, are all key components that make up the complete rugby league player. Knowing how to gain, nurture and develop these qualities, and when to use them, are also key factors to consider.
Equally, being aware when we are maybe not making progress, or are actually reducing performance, is another critical factor to be considered.
Let’s take the key concept of resilience and look at its impact on performance and mental health. For many people resilience is synonymous with keep pushing, no pain no gain, and suck it up type statements. Others add another layer on by stating resilience is also about being adaptable to change, and being able to bounce back.
On the surface this is all well and good – it’s a must have component. However, if developing resilience comes at the expense of our mental health, then a compromised mental state is surely going to have a negative impact on performance.
So, resilience can be good, but an over emphasis in terms of frequency, duration and intensity could produce fracture points that may be difficult to heal.
This over emphasis can be seen in terms of more and sustained injuries, poorer on field performance of trying too hard, being too resilient, and a real compromise in our mental health as we try and live up to expectation of being resilient, on and off the pitch.
The male stereotype of being strong when others are ‘weak’ , to be the bread winner, to be the performer, to take care of things, can all quickly become the problem rather than the objective. Mental health can and will be negatively impacted.
However, if you want a more complete analysis of resilience, that takes into account sustainability of its development, especially in the longer term, you should look no further than the world renowned academic expert Rick Hansen who describes resilience as having any components not least compassion, gratitude, confidence, grit, learning, mindfulness, motivation and even intimacy.
This more wholesome description identifies a number of self-care qualities we must develop if resilience is to be useful to us, as opposed to something that could actually compromise our performance and mental health.
Getting back to our Win-Win scenario, what else should we be aware of, and develop, or eliminate if we are to be mentally healthy and a top performer? In the first instance it is being able to adopt a view point that good mental health will not only improve performance, but it could almost certainly prolong a career.
Being aware of your day to day feelings and emotions and how these impact on your behaviours is a simple, yet powerful tool.
Daily checking in with yourself by asking questions such as:
Q How do I feel right now? Q What is bugging me? Q What is going right? Q Am I taking on too much today and in the future? Q Do I need support? Q Who can I be vulnerable with?
This is all part of a personal plan of self-care and daily checking in is a key part of this. Eliminating negative factors or even unfriending certain people who do not have your emotional interests at heart, maybe the way to retain your mental health.
Allied to this, is the accessibility to professional support when we approach or hit crisis. This immediate support to prevent mental ill health, or hasten recovery, is pivotal to top players as consistent performance is the name of the game. Possessing the right knowledge concerning what perpetuates good mental health and helps prevent poor mental health is also key.
There are 5 pillars of mental well-being that need to be constantly referred to if sustained mental health is to be achieved:
1 Good sleep hygiene 2 Diet 3 Exercise 4 Being connected 5 Self-esteem and purpose
In the case of the professional player, the two key elements are being connected and self-esteem/purpose. Having a supportive network around us of friends, nonplaying professionals, non-judgmental people is critical.
Being able to identify your self-esteem, know how to develop and sustain it whilst retaining your purpose feeds into positive mental health, and as such, can produce better playing performances.
A final word on stress. It often gets a bad reputation. When Hans Selye coined the phrase ‘stress’ in the 1950’s, he meant it to be considered as a good thing, ie we actually need stress to get out of bed in the morning, to meet people, to learn, to earn, and also to perform.
However, when the frequency, intensity and duration of the stress, whether it’s real or perceived, becomes too much to handle, and we may also not be aware of this, then mental health compromise lies in wait.
Email: ross@mindsetpro.co.uk Business Website: www.mindsetpro.co.uk Book Website: www.cuppajourney.com Tel: 07771916788 Ross McWilliam is a freelance speaker, trainer and author with more than 30 years’ experience of developing people and organisations. He works with organisations such as EFL, NCS, IBM, Santander, NHS, and is a MHFA England Trainer in Youth & Adult Mental Health and has worked in over 1500 schools, colleges and businesses. He is also an author of various mindset books aimed at children and young professionals and works with large groups, or one to one coaching to improve performance. RAFT]
Summer 2021 - Rugby Blindside | 29
Commercial news
Darlington Mowden Park extend deal with Lucid Technology
Darlington Mowden Park RFC have announced that Lucid Technology Solutions have agreed to extend their sponsorship of the club for a further 5 seasons. The local IT experts based in Norton have been supporters of the club since their move to the Arena in 2012, and will continue to provide technology support until at least May 2026.
Asked about extending their sponsorship of the club, Lucid's Technology Director Paul Alsop commented: “I am delighted to be able to continue our partnership with the club for the next 5 years. The values of the club and its members are directly in line with our own which makes it an easy decision to continue and extend our support. We are excited about being able to help the club grow out of the difficulties everyone has experienced over the last 18 months and look forward to further improving services within the stadium over the coming years. We cant wait to be back at the stadium for live rugby and will be introducing as many people as possible to great rugby and a great game day experience” .
Formerly known as Yarm Computers, Lucid rebranded in 2018 and moved to their new premises in Norton in 2019 as the business continues to grow year on year. Having successfully completed 30 years in business, their team has grown from 2 to over 20. The growth and everchanging dynamics of technology has allowed them to expand as a company and focus on the provision of a wider range of support.
The renewed partnership will also see Lucid’s logo appear on the DMP playing kit for the first time; featuring on the 1st XV playing shorts for the next 5 league campaigns. Speaking on the renewed sponsorship, DMP Chairman Mick Birch added: “Paul and the team at Lucid have been huge supporters of the club for the last 8 or 9 years and I’m thrilled that they’ve pledged their support for a further 5 seasons. We’re hugely grateful for their ongoing support, particularly given the difficult year we’ve all had, and I thoroughly look forward to welcoming them back to the Arena for a game in the near future!” obstacles together and challenging yourself then anything is possible. Given this and the fact our events share so many similarities with community rugby –teamwork, camaraderie, inclusivity, resiliency, fun and mud to name but a few, it was a natural fit for both organisations to partner. What’s more, with Spartan South East and Tough Mudder London South just a stone’s throw from East Grinstead in Pippingford Park and Holmbush Estate respectively, we can’t wait to see more of the Sussex Rugby Community rise to the challenge and join us on our start lines in the near future. ’
Andy Poole, East Grinstead RFC President commented: ‘We are thrilled to be entering this new chapter with Spartan & Tougher Mudder, sharing the same ambitions and values and already working closely with the players, coaches and managers to build resilience, discipline and intensity within our senior teams. It is hugely rewarding to work together with two companies which also have a mind for community involvement, continuing our commitment to make rugby inclusive to all.
‘To launch the new partnership, we have been working closely with our official kit supplier, O’Neills who have created this very special senior playing shirt which is identical for both men and women players. The club are also excited to introduce the new EGRFC cycling shirt, training vest and running t-shirt which will be available to members very soon.
Spartan and Tough Mudder have charitably donated part of their sponsorship rights to recognising the incredible work of the NHS and its frontline health workers as they continue to lead the battle against Coronavirus. As a result, thanks to permissions granted from the Department of Health and Social Care, East Grinstead’s men and women senior teams will this year show their support and appreciation by carrying the words ‘Thank You NHS’ on the sleeves of their shirts.
The rugby season may look a little different right now but it is certainly proving to be a motivating time for members of East Grinstead RFC. The club would like to thank all their sponsors for the continued valued support during this unprecedented season.
East Grinstead announce new principle partner
Spartan and Tough Mudder, the global leaders in obstacle course events, have become principal partners and the club’s new official EG Men 1st XV and EG Women's players kit sponsor.
Matt Brooke, Spartan UK & Ireland Managing Director said: ‘During what is set to be an exciting time for East Grinstead Rugby Club on and off the pitch, we are delighted to be supporting it’s male and female teams deliver against their ambitions on the pitch. At Spartan and Tough Mudder, we believe that by overcoming
Wasps FC announce technical and retail partnership with hummel
Wasps FC have announced a new technical and retail partnership with iconic sportswear brand hummel following a competitive tender process.
The long term agreement, which comes into effect for the start of the 2021/22 season, will see hummel manufacture and supply Wasps FC with bespoke playing, training and travel wear for the Men’s, Womens, Legends and mini and youth sections of the club as well as coaching and operations staff at Twyford Avenue. The iconic Danish brand, founded in 1923, have a rich heritage and are one of the most recognised sport brands in the world. The deal also provides the
opportunity for the Wasps family to align with our professional cousins in Coventry also announcing a long term partnership with hummel today. This will be the first partnership of its kind for hummel in rugby union and covering Wasps Netball.
hummel is represented in the UK and Ireland by its exclusive Brand Partner Elite Group who, as part of the agreement, will develop and deliver a comprehensive retail offering, as well as operate the Club’s online retail stores.
Wasps FC Executive Committee, Waheed Aslam, said: “The Wasps brand is one of the most iconic in Rugby Union and Sport generally, working with hummel and the professional club will allow our members to share the wider benefits of the Wasps brand and provide an even more exciting club to be part of at the grassroots level”
“Everyone at the Club is really excited by the discussions that have taken place and we look forward to working with hummel to deliver a fantastic range of kits and merchandise and further aligning the Wasps group”
The club would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to Samurai for all their support over the last three seasons.
Ipswich RFC announce physio and medical sponsor
Harris Strategic Land confirmed as sponsor of our club physio and medical supplies for the coming season. We put a high priority on injury prevention and effective rehabilitation at IRFC, and it is great to have this supported going forward.
Harris Strategic Land (HSL) are proud to sponsor Ipswich Rugby Club, Tony Harris, Director of the company, grew up in Ipswich and has many school friends and business contacts affiliated to the club. “As a company we work on numerous projects in and around Suffolk and are always looking for future land deals in the area. Ipswich Rugby Club have always been a great club and the work that is going in to their fundraising campaign is phenomenal, we wish them every success and look forward to a bright future with them”
HSL work in partnership with landowners to get residential planning permission and then promote the land within the sector to sell on the open market, advising and supporting the landowner throughout the process ensuring their land realises the best commercial outcome for residential property development. their whole clubs playing & training attire, the deal is the first of its kind for grassroots rugby.
As part of the 3 year deal, Under Armour have developed the club's own dedicated online shop which will link straight into their main Eton Manor RFC website. The online shop should be available from July onwards where anyone will be able to peruse and purchase all our Eton Manor RFC branded kit & training wear.
The club will also be offering some other specialised UA branded attire and related products which they will be expanding on as they develop our online shops product lines.
Please note that to offer a far more efficient service for our members and to keep the cost of the new kit to a bare minimum, we will not be offering any new UA kit for sale via the clubhouse shop for the time being. We have worked hard with UA to make sure all our playing & training attire is priced at comparable prices to other suppliers within the Rugby retail market. But most of all, we feel the biggest difference will be the quality and durability of the clothing from Under Armour, which of course is a world renown High Street brand.
As part of our changeover to Under Armour, we would like to know if there are any Youth & Minis age groups that have any potential to gain a full or partial kit sponsorship for 2021 onwards? If you have this ability or potential, please can you contact Youth Chairman Gary Davies so we can move this forward as expeditiously as possible.
We realise there will be a lengthy changeover period, so please do not to worry about what design club kit your year group or children may be wearing, it is all still our Blue & Blue, it is all still Eton Manor RFC, no matter what the design brand, we all wear our Club shirts & badge with pride.
Horsham Rugby Club is delighted to announce that Aspect8 have become a major new club sponsor
Aspect8 will be sponsoring the next set of match shirts for the Men's 1st and 2nd XV's, the Ladies 1st XV, and every Mini Rugby age group plus a pitch side board and a website link.
Aspect8, is a multi-award-winning Chartered financial planning firm, the gold standard in financial advice. They have been helping people make the most of their money since 1993.
Individuals, families and business owners have trusted Aspect8 to help them achieve long-term financial security for nearly 30 years.
They take pride in providing a friendly, responsive and straightforward personal service with a human touch.
Eton Manor team up with Under Armour
Eton Manor RFC are delighted to announce that they have secured a new 3 year partnership with USA sports equipment & clothing giants, Under Armour, to supply
Horsham Rugby Club announce Aspect8 as major club sponsor
Featured: BTWL
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Opinion: Dave Swanton [DRA
34 | Rugby Blindside - Summer 2021
Hopefully, I say with everything crossed, the 20212022 season will be one we will all enjoy, either playing, coaching or watching. We have all had enough of re-runs on television and watched the 2003 World Cup DVD over and over. There is nothing like the real thing but I think one of the biggest factors will be use of common sense. Local Councils are a little inconsistent and questions are asked why the Grand Prix can allow 140,000 spectators and the epic Premiership Final between Harlequins and Exeter was only allocated a 10,000 limit! We also have the potential problem of whether Wales, Scotland and Ireland follow the English lead and agree that we have to live with Covid now as part of our lives. Attitudes have changed since we were locked down in what seems an age ago, do people want to buy season tickets, do they wear a mask, and do they sit or stand next to someone who may not have been vaccinated or maybe just a carrier? I have a friend who had developed a wristband that could be issued to supporters as a ‘stadium passport’ for the day of the game whereby a steward could check the ‘QR’ code before entry. He believed it would be a good idea but there are some who think it’s an invasion of privacy and any form of ID/Passport should not be allowed. Clubs have launched season tickets for next season and from what I hear and read the dash to purchase has not been what was expected by rugby starved fans. In fairness clubs have been offering, on the whole, generous discounts to those renewing their season tickets but is it enough? Clubs need to demonstrate that it’s safe to attend a live game and maybe re-educate their fan base. Opening the gates and then being greeted by a
Getting crowds back in
steward wearing a face mask or being served a hot dog and coke buy someone dressed as a space explorer isn’t a good idea. People will be incredibly inquisitive about cleanliness at grounds whether it is Twickenham or the local grass roots club. I have had a few discussions with club and league administrators on the phone and Zoom whilst recovering from my heart surgery and I know what I would do and have actually drawn up a plan of action to help clubs not only bring back their existing fans but also attract new ones. Make no mistake, every you can think of where people are entertained will be battling for that pound in your pocket and gimmicks like kids for a quid or kids go free will not be enough. Some staff have been furloughed that long it will be part of their CV and they need to be back at work, getting mentally fit and ready for the challenges ahead. Once furlough ends and the season starts for all winter sports it’s going to be a survival of the fittest. Fail to provide a safe environment is going to push some clubs over the edge of a cliff believe me. Mental Health is also going to need to be managed too, both on and off the field and stress levels will hit bursting point. Sadly during the last 18 months people’s attitudes have changed and everyone is that bit more irritable, selfish and have lost communication skills. Personally I am looking forward to the challenge, 2020 and 2021 have not been good years for me with a serious heart issue and a divorce, but I am still here smiling and have absorbed so much information and knowledge about the inner workings of sport, I can’t wait to share them. Want to know more? Get in touch at dave@swannymediaman.com or visit www.swannymediaman.com RAFT]
Summer 2021 - Rugby Blindside | 35
From the professional game
Cardiff Blues rebrand to Cardiff Rugby
Cardiff Rugby have entered an exciting new era to fully embrace its rich history and heritage. Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, Cardiff Blues can confirm they will become Cardiff Rugby for the 2021-22 season and beyond.
As part of this evolution, an updated logo has been designed and the club will return to its traditional, world-famous colours of blue and black. This heralds a new era for the Cardiff Arms Park outfit with Dai Young back at the helm as Director of Rugby, plans advancing for a new training complex and a young and exciting squad.
One year on from the Club’s inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride Game on February 15th 2020 Harlequins has launched an LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Association; following research across rugby and the media, the Club believe it is a global first for professional rugby.
In doing so, the Club continues its mission to champion diversity within rugby, use its platform to positively influence the experience of LGBTQ+ community in sport, and continue its work to make the matchday environment a safe and inclusive space for supporters from all sexual and gender identities.
New Edinburgh Rugby stadium completed
Edinburgh Rugby and Scottish Rugby are delighted to announce the completion of the club’s new, purpose-built stadium.
The £5.7 million ground is adjacent to BT Murrayfield and will hold around 7,800 supporters (around 5,800 seated and around 2,000 safe-standing), close to the action and under covered stands on all four sides. The stadium is now officially in the hands of the capital club and is the team’s first permanent home since its inception as a professional side in 1996 and as an amateur district select dating back to 1872.
The completion of the project includes World Rugby certification for contact training and playing on the new state-of-the-art 3G surface, meaning the Edinburgh Rugby squad can now begin training in the ground.
Under normal circumstances, the club would now be formulating plans to welcome fans for a celebratory opening event or fixture.
Premiership Rugby has confirmed the renewal of its partnership with Land Rover, as their Official Vehicle Partner.
Dating back to 2002, Land Rover’s renewal with the Premiership Rugby cements the automotive brand’s commitment to supporting rugby at all levels in the UK; from grassroots to the elite.
Land Rover’s support of grassroots rugby is typified through the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup; a national series of rugby festivals for Under-11 and Under-12 teams.
Premiership Rugby extend partnership with Land Rover New Challenge Cup sponsors announced
Betfred have secured the Rugby League “Double” for 2021, with a one-year deal to become title sponsors of the Challenge Cup to add to their long-running partnership with the Super League.
It means the Betfred Challenge Cup winners will be crowned at Wembley in July, with the Betfred Super League trophy to be presented at Old Trafford in October.
The deal also includes sponsorship of the Women’s Challenge Cup, completing another double with the Betfred Women’s Super League.
