Rugby Blindside Newsletter - Winter 2019 Issue by Oryx Media

WINTER 2019 / ISSUE 09

IN THIS ISSUE:

Sedgley Ladies Richmond Rugby Haywards Heath Rugby Club And much more...

CONTENTS Haywards Heath RFC new clubhouse is getting closer ..................................................................................02 Sedgley Ladies are reborn! ..................................................................................03 Diss Rugby Club sponsored by Striptees ..................................................................................03 Morely RFC continue facilities refurbishment ..................................................................................03 Aspatria Hornets regain Clubmark accreditation ..................................................................................04 Wimbledon RFC partner with New Victoria Hospital ..................................................................................04 Thurrock RFC announce Orsett Heath Academy project ..................................................................................04 Hove Rugby Club announce Womens Section .................................................................................05 Latchford Giants ARLFC partner with O'Neills ..................................................................................05 Birmingham & Solihull announce new President and Vice-President .................................................................................06 City Office Interiors renew sponsorship with Camp HillÂ Â .................................................................................07 Newport Salop are working with Landfill Community fund ..................................................................................07 Southgate RFC launch Rugby Super Heroes ..................................................................................07 Wellingborough RFC receive RFU accreditation ..................................................................................07

Prenton Rugby Club - Development update .................................................................................08 Kirkland Heating continue as Blyth RFC sponsor .................................................................................09 Camborne RFC support Invictus Trust .................................................................................09 Gun Brewery sponsor Hellingly RFC ..................................................................................09 Len Lindop handed Lifetime Achievement Award ..................................................................................10 New Curry Centre renews sponsorship with Horsham ..................................................................................10 Tobermore sponsor Hinckley Rugby Club ...................................................................................11 Congleton RUFC appoint new Mini & Junior Chairman ...................................................................................11 Avery Landscapes become 'Friends of Malvern RFC' ...................................................................................11 Long Eaton benefit from Co-Op community fund ..................................................................................12 St Ives RFC benefit from Plumb It generosity ..................................................................................12 VitaPhysical sponsor Gateshead Storm RLC ..................................................................................13 Woodford Rugby Club Launch Sponsorhip Program ..................................................................................13 Camelot selected for Co-Op fund ..................................................................................14 Southwark RFC become London rugby hub .................................................................................14 Richmond Rugby announce partnerships ..................................................................................15

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New Haywards Heath RFC Clubhouse at Whitemans Green getting closer

Haywards Heath Rugby Club’s plans for a new Clubhouse at Whitemans Green are moving forward apace with detailed technical drawings and implementation plans under development to turn the rugby club’s dream into reality as soon as possible. With planning permission secured in May and a significant contribution via a facility grantf rom Mid Sussex District Council confirmed in June, the Club is determined to raise the funds needed to make it happen. With Fairfax as its Main Club Sponsor, HHRFC has a commercial partner willing to commit the expert skills, resources and financial support required. The plans also have the wholehearted support of Fairfax Building Young Futures – an education foundation dedicated to promoting blended learning opportunities for students. The new clubhouse will become a base for the foundation’s classroom-based activities.

This combination provides an invaluable impetus, working with the Club to take the project forward. The Club has secured additional corporate sponsors this season, joining a list of other brands and business which now include Fairfax, Pets Corner, Mansell McTaggart, Phoenix, California Raisins, Merlin PCB Group and The Orchards, keen to have their names associated with a growing and ambitious club, both on and off the pitch. Heath 1st XV is currently playing its rugby in the London & South East 2 league having started this season very strongly under Lead Coach Ross Chisholm and his assistant Jim Taylor. The Club needs to be able to offer appropriate facilities for current and future generations of players. Heath’s youth squad is the biggest in Sussex with numbers in excess of 450 young players across ages Under 6 to Under 16 every weekend, plus a mixed Under 17/Under 18 Colts side. The current clubhouse is no longer fit for purpose and the whole Club is working together to make sure that this development opportunity is not missed. The Club has already raised over £350,000 itself and is continuing its fund raising activities, following a successful Festival of Rugby at Whitemans Green in late August and Race Night in October with a planned HHRFC City Lunch in London on 7 February 2020 where former Quins professional Tom Williams will be discussing the fallout from the notorious Bloodgate incident. The CGI images show how the proposed state of the art, two storey, multi-sport pavilion with its massively improved

facilities, viewing balcony and additional parking will help encourage increased participation in rugby at all ages and allow the club to reach its goal of extending the provision of rugby to include girls age 12+ and ladies. The new Clubhouse will benefit not just the local rugby community but also other sports and has the potential to become a major community social hub providing facilities to a wide range of other local organisations and creating a positive legacy for the local area. To this end, fund raising continues in earnest and with the help and assistance of the extended rugby family and the local community, this fantastic proposed new community sports facility is getting closer step by step.

Sedgley Ladies are reborn! Sedgley Tigers have restarted the Sedgley Ladies Team. This is in addition to the U13 and U15 girls teams. Fund raising continues in earnest and with the help and assistance of the extended rugby family and the local community, this fantastic proposed new community sports facility is getting closer step by step.

Diss Rugby Club sign sponsorship deal with Striptees Diss Rugby Club have announced they have signed a three year sponsorship deal with Striptees for the exclusive supply of Club Kit and branded clothing. They are able to supply from most manufacturers and have given the club a superb service over many years.

Morely RFC continue facilities refurbishment

Work goes ahead as part of continual improvement to facilities at Morley RFC. The old panels at the rear of Morley's stand have been removed and replaced with modern panels. This not only improves the look of the building but will improve the weather proofing of the flat roof behind the stand. Water ingress was becoming a major problem where the old panels joined the flat roof and constant patching was no longer effective. This is part of the system of works being carried out to improve the facilities for players and spectators at Morley RFC.

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Aspatria Hornets regain Clubmark accreditation Aspatria Hornets have been awarded Clubmark accreditation, following the club working closely with Alan Davidson from the Rugby Football League. Club Chairman, Peter Thorndike, said “This is a proud moment for the club and bears testament to the hard work, dedication and endless hours of voluntary coaching and training carried out by all the coaches and team of volunteers. "Honorary Secretary, Keith Morley added: “Clubmark provides assurance to parents and carers that the club takes its duty of care seriously by ensuring it has up to date and effective child protection policies and procedures in place.

Wimbledon RFC partner with New Victoria Hospital Wimbledon RFC is proud to announce its partnership with New Victoria Hospital who are based on 184 Coombe Lane West. New Victoria Hospital is a private, charity owned hospital based in West London and is one of the few remaining independent hospitals in the country. It has provided an excellent level of service to the local community for almost sixty years and is frequently ranked by patients as one of the top private hospitals in London.

Thurrock RFC announce Orsett Heath Academy project

It recognises that the club delivers high quality coaching by fully qualified and coaches, that it offers an inclusive, friendly and welcoming environment, and that the club is well managed with links in the community”. Keith also confirmed that the achievement of Clubmark will now provide a further springboard for the club to raise the funds it needs to make the improvements that are being planned for new pitch at Beacon Hill. He said “We have ambitious plans for the future development of the club, with membership growing, we need to keep moving forward in terms of facilities, equipment and the coaching programme we offer.”

The trustees of Thurrock RFC have signed the required documents for work to begin on the Orsett Heath Academy project on the Thurrock RFC site. Work began on site on Wednesday the 13th November 2019. Members and visitors should be aware there will be a works

compound surrounding the site. This is an exciting time for Thurrock RFC. Over the next few months they will see many changes on site and members and visitors should be aware that there will be some inconvenience. For example on some busy 1st XV match days and junior events, it may be required to park on the council pitches like they do for the annual Mini Festival. The entire site project is due to be completed by September 2020 by which time the club will see all of the benefits and changes promised in the project brief.

on front of the women's 1st XV and 2nd XV shirts as well as being located on team training kit. They will also have a small presence in the minis section, with branded 'bibs' to help in training. This is a fantastic partnership with a well renowned brand and we hope to develop a strong relationship over the 2019/20 season and beyond.

Latchford Giants ARLFC partner again with O'Neills Sportswear

Regular meetings between the project manager, contractor and representatives from Thurrock RFC will continue throughout the construction phase and the main committee will be briefed as to the progress of, and any issues with, the project as the club moves forward.

Hove Rugby Club announce Women's section sponsor Persil have come on board as primary sponsor for the Women's section. The club is pleased to announce that Persil have become part of the Hove family in becoming the main sponsor for the Women's section of the club. Persil have been creating laundry detergent products since 1909 and have consistently lead the way in a very competitive market place. Considering Rugby is an all weather sport, it is a perfect fit to have a company such as Persil sponsoring our teams. Persil will be located

Latchford Giants ARLFC have confirmed their official kit supplier going forward for another three years will be O’Neills Sportswear. The relationship between the Giants and O’Neills has grown over the last four years and they are looking forward to building on this solid foundation. Also the Youth & Junior section will join with the Open Age meaning the whole club now comes under the O’Neills banner.

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Birmingham & Solihull announce new President and Vice Presidents

Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Football Club has confirmed the appointment of a new President and eleven new Vice Presidents. Mike Norman, a long serving and highly respected figure at the club, will take on the role of President, succeeding Mike Brennan who stepped down at the end of the 2018/19 season. A former player for Birmingham Rugby Club between 1966 and 1976, Mike is well known and highly regarded throughout the club and has been Chairman of the ‘Dirt Trackers’ and a Vice President since 2015. He also was Mike Brennan’s deputy in recent seasons. Former B&SRC Chairman Chris Loughran, who is already an Honorary Life Member, is one of eleven additional Vice Presidents who will be supporting new the President. He is joined by Darren Court, Terry Dickson, Terry Dight, Ian Edwards, Louise Ford, Rona Higgins, Michael Jinks,

Dai Phillips, Brian Marshall and Alan Morden. The newly appointed Vice Presidents will join existing VPs Bill Harris, Bill Smith and Nigel Bell, bringing much valued experience, knowledge and commitment to the Members’ organisation now in place at Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Football Club.Former President Mike Brennan, who is now enjoying a somewhat quieter life in Devon, has been awarded Honorary Life Membership. Commenting on the announcement, new Club President Mike Norman said, “It is a great honour to be asked to take on the role of President at Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Football Club. It is a club with a proud heritage, now operating with a Membership constitution on a fully amateur basis. The substantial progress made on and off the field to date this season shows the commitment and desire to build for the future. “I am delighted to welcome all the new Vice Presidents into the fold – individually each has made a huge contribution to the club and recognition of their unstinting service is much deserved. Their support and counsel will be invaluable as the club continues to move forward. I am also thrilled that my predecessor Mike Brennan’s contribution as President during his four-year tenure has also been acknowledged. He concluded, “I am looking forward to working with the four Directors of the Club – Lou Lupoli, Pete Carr, Jeremy Smith and Richard Smith – who, along with Tim Bennett, form the main committee, as we Image:our Courtesy Staines Rugby continue unique of rugby journey.”

City Office Interiors renew sponsorship of Camp Hill RFC Camp Hill RFC would like to offer a very big Thank you to Stuart 'Spiro' Spires, Hayley and all at City Office Interiors for their valuable continued support. A long term Partner and Main Club Sponsor, City Office Interiors Company logo is proudly displayed on all Senior Men's Match Day Shirts and Change Strip. City Office Interiors have been creating quality office environments since 1984. Their team of designers, skilled tradesmen and project managers have handled major projects for global corporations and smaller ones for growing companies who are now pretty big themselves. They understand that your office space is critical to the success of your business and the way people see you. So their commitment is to draw on our wealth of experience, skill and trade contacts to create offices that work for you and provide your business with the environment to thrive.

Newport Salop RFC are working with Landfill Communities fund This season New are working with the The Landfill Communities Fund; benefiting people and the environment - in an effort to raise monies for additional Mini & Junior Pitches.

Southgate RFC launch Rugby Super Heroes At Southgate, they have always considered ourselves a social rugby club. A big part of that is also being family friendly. They've had a lot of parents play for the club over the years, and they have always looked to make sure that the club is welcoming for both parents and their kids, to be part of the Southgate rugby family. And as such the club have decided to launch theÂ Rugby Super Heroes, a fun filled activity for kids aged between 2 and 4. Starting on 5th October this season, sessions have taken place every Saturday from 9am at the 6th Southgate Scout Hut based at the Walker Ground.

Wellingboroiugh RFC receive RFU accreditation The club received its RFU ACCREDITED CLUB certificate from the East Midlands Rugby Union President, Nick Powley, at the EMRU Club Development evening at Bedford Blues RFC - Wednesday 6th November 2019. A number of other clubs also received their certificates. Club President Ken Morse received the certificate on behalf of the club. Also present were Ladies manager Karen Stafford and Club Chairman George Shipman

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Prenton Rugby Club Development update Update on club development at Prenton Rugby Club - Some who are close to the club may have thought it has all gone quiet on the development. However things are far from it, there is plenty going on behind the scene. The RFU approached the club a couple of months ago to say that Birkenhead school are looking to sell off one of their rugby pitches for housing, and have to replace like for like. The Club had a meeting with them, and they where very impressed with the club's development plans including their new changing rooms. And it fell in with their plans to site a full size floodlit rugby pitch on the clubs training pitch. From that they have paid to have a full report done on the site, which all came back good. As the plans are now, the changing rooms encroach very close to the proposed edge of new pitch, the ideal thing would be to turn the changing round to run along the end of the club. This still giving the club a large members lounge, as well giving them more space for the pitch. To turn it around they would be going over our boundary line onto their neighbours land Dennis Morgan.

The club arranged a meeting with Dennis to explain about the proposed pitch, hoping to come up with some sort of a deal over the the land so they could turn the changing rooms around. Not only did he agree to give them the land, he gave us an extra 7 meters from the back of the garages in a straight line down to the Brooke. Also with turning changing rooms around it makes things a lot simpler for the drains and the lounge roof as well as the patio area. The school are looking to submit their plans in the New Year, part of their submission will be that they will be putting a new floodlit pitch at Prenton RUFC replacing the one they are losing. Once the club have a letter off the school with their proposal to site a pitch at Prenton, it will improve their chances of funding when they put in their application to sport England. Having spoken to sport England the thing that's going against the club at the moment is that they have no youth section at present. This is why the club believe it is so important to get a youth section going. Currently Craig Cotty and Ritchie are in the process of starting a youth section. The club are also in the process of upgrading their club accreditation, all these need to be in place for when they start putting in our application for grants. This is only part of what's going on behind the scene, its all very time consuming but hopefully it will all be worth it, the club only get one chance so it has to be right. There will be a further update in the New Year.

Kirkland Heating continue as Blyth RFC sponsor

Blyths main sponsor, Chris McGlen of Kirkland Heating and Plumbing hands over a new set of strips to Blyths chairman Bruce Ledger before the game against Ponteland.

getting behind the charity. Invictus helps local families who have to travel to visit their children in inpatient care out of county, they raise awareness by talking in secondary schools about mental health, they have really good online resources for support and most recently have celebrated the opening on a mental health unit “Sowenna” in Cornwall! After 7 years of campaigning, finally the county has its own facility for Under 18s struggling with poor mental health. Mental Health affects all of us and it’s fantastic to see their lads getting this message across!

Gun Brewery sponsor Hellingly RFC

Camborne RFC support Invictus Trust

Camborne RFC are proudly supporting Invictus Trust this season, raising mental health awareness and wearing Invictus hats to promote this local charity. Invictus was set up in Cornwall after Ben Cowburn sadly took his own life just 18 years old, as a former mini of the club and who’s family have been proud sponsors of the club it is amazing to see the Camborne first team

The club have announced the Gun Brewery are now their Training Top Sponsors. They brew at Gun Hill, on a beautiful 140 acre organic mixed farm in the Sussex Weald. The farm has a history of hop growing and some survive to this day in the hedgerows. It’s a lovely place to be and a lovely place to brew. They spent a year refitting the barn, and installing all the equipment ourselves, before selling our first pint in January 2015

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Bishop Stortford's Len Lindop handed Lifetime Achievement Award

series of both large and small capital improvements amounting to ÂŁ1 million over the past ten years or so. Len - Thank you for your service to the club and Congratulations on an award that is hugely well deserved.

New Curry Centre renews sponsorship with Horsham Rugby Club

At the Hertfordshire Service to Sport Awards 2019 Len was presented with a Lifetime achievement award. Len has always been an active volunteer within the Club involving himself in working parties in and around the clubhouse, helping in the preparation of and the running of both small and major events, such as our annual fireworks night, coaching Youth rugby and touchline support at games from Minis to the 1st XV. However, his most significant contribution has been made as Club Treasurer, a position he has held for over 20 years. During this time, his watchword has been sustainability and his very careful control of their expenditure has ensured that the club has stayed within their means, while at the same time supporting members at all levels. Len has carried virtually the sole responsibility for the finances of our club that has become a small/medium size enterprise. He has also played a pivotal role in the development of the Club in so many ways, including the financial delivery of a

Award winning local Indian Restaurant renews sponsorship of Horsham Rugby Club for another year. Members can experience their wide variety of sophisticated authentic Indian & Nepalese cuisine in the New Curry Centre's relaxed, elegant and air-conditioned surroundings. If you are not able to dine-in with them, locals are welcome to sample their cuisine with a takeaway meal! They have a fully licensed Bar that is well stocked with all the favourite drinks and wines you would expect to complement a fine meal. Their staff take pride in achieving high standards for providing the best of service in hospitality. They were awarded the Arta Best Restaurant South East Region in 2018, and the County Times Restaurant of the year 2018.Â Fans of Indian food can rejoice as Horsham has a new takeaway.

Tobermore announce sponsorship of Hinckley Rugby Club

Congleton RUFC appoint new Mini and Junior Chairman The Trustees of Congleton RUFC are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Brady as our new Chairman for the Mini and Junior section. Chris has been a coach within the M&J section for a number of years and brings with him a lot of energy and experience from which the M&J section will thrive.

Tobermore are proud to announce their sponsorship of Hinckley RFC for the forthcoming season. Hinckley Chairman, John Tilley was delighted with the deal: ‘"Our mission is to become the number one Club in Leicestershire. We have come a long way in the last few seasons both on and off the field and the support from Tobermore General Manager Glenn Robinson and his management team will continue to help us deliver on that mission. The sponsorship is a major boost to our ambition to secure promotion in the coming season.’’ Welcoming the sponsorship, Tobermore Managing Director, David Henderson said: ‘"We are great fans of rugby at Tobermore, with customers and staff coming together to attend and support rugby games. In recognising this shared passion, it makes great sense for Tobermore to align itself closer to the sport. We look forward to following Hinckley’s progress in the coming season.’’

He replaces Paul Berridge who has been the clubs Chairman for over 3 years. A big thank you goes to Paul for all his hard work and positive energy over this period. Paul will also be helping Chris ease into his new role over the coming months.

Avery Landscapes become 'Friends of Malvern RFC' Avery Landscapes are a ‘Friends Of Malvern RFC’ and have joined an ever growing list of companies and individuals helping your local rugby club make a difference to the community. Each weekend throughout the season there are over 400 people who take part in rugby at Malvern RFC – ages range from 5-55 and the ‘Friends Of Malvern’ are helping to provide a solid foundation for many generations to come. Avery Landscapes Ltd are an established, reliable landscaping company specialising in larger scale private town and countryside garden projects throughout Malvern and the nearby area.

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Long Eaton RFC benefit from Co-Op fund to keep community fit Derbyshire based Long Eaton Rugby Club have been awarded over £5,000 as part of the Co-op Community Fund, which will go towards helping local children to stay fit and active. The grand total of £5,496, which was presented to club members at Long Eaton’s Grasmere Road and College Street stores recently, is made up of 1% of customer spend on own-brand products over the past 12 months. After applying for the Community Fund in August 2018, the club was selected by Co-op members as one of the three projects that would benefit from the money raised between the period of November 2018October 2019. After being contacted by College Street store Manager, Trevor, at the end of this fundraising period, rugby club members were astonished to receive the news of the grand total it would be awarded. Graham Hockley, Treasurer at Long Eaton Rugby, applied for the fund on behalf of the club. He said: “When Trevor got in touch to say our club would be the beneficiaries of over £5,400, I was completely shocked and delighted; never in our wildest dreams did we think we would receive such a brilliant amount.” Long Eaton Rugby will use the money raised by Co-op customers to provide extra-

curricular fitness sessions in local schools for children to improve their health, fitness and self-esteem and to provide a fun and safe environment to learn new skills and make friends. The money will fund venues, marketing, coaching and equipment for fun rugby sessions in primary and secondary schools across Long Eaton and the wider area. Graham continued: “The money is a huge boost for the rugby club and the community as a whole. With this funding, we hope to encourage hundreds of children to take part in physical activity at a young age, to help incorporate fitness into their daily routine and more importantly, make it something they enjoy. The sessions we are planning to develop will not only improve physical skills but support inclusivity with young people with Special Educational Needs in our area, helping them to develop their inter-personal social skills and encourage team working and longlasting friendships. We are so grateful to The Co-op and its generous customers for making our dream a reality by selecting us for this fund.”

St Ives RFC benefit from Plumb It generosity

With players in teams aged from 6 to 60, St. Ives Rugby Club is always in need of balls of various sizes. The Club is therefore very grateful to Huntingdon based independent plumber’s merchant Plumb-It for the gift of two dozen balls. Following the recent Rugby World Cup, Plumb-It found themselves with the balls looking for a good home and approached St. Ives. Director of Rugby Phil Brown commented, “On mention that balls were available for all ages, the demand was instant. We are honoured to have been contacted by PlumbIt and grateful for the gift as balls always wear out and need replacement.” Plumb-It Trade Manager Philip Cox joked, “Plumb-It doesn’t have its own rugby team, so we are especially delighted to be able to support the children playing at St. Ives.”

VitaPhysical sponsor Gateshead Storm RLC

Gateshead Storm are pleased to welcome on board VitaPhysical Clinic as one of their 2020 junior sponsors. VitaPhysical is a unique, state of the art clinic in Sunderland with an Osteopathy pain relief clinic and a massage therapy centre combined.They are specialists in treating musculoskeletal conditions and offer hands on pain relief that doesn't include drugs or

surgery. Every patient is given a treatment plan based on their own individual needs, designed to get them out of pain as soon as possible, at an affordable price. As well as pain relief they have a highly dedicated team of massage therapists covering a wide range of massage techniques. Owner and Osteopath Jason Oshinowo said "Bronyia and I are really proud to be one of the Gateshead Storm sponsors. Our son Titus has played for his age group at the club for about 3 years now and his brothers Isiah and Gussy, keen to follow in his footsteps have just started to train with the minis squad. Rob, Emmo, Chloe and Mark alongside the other coaches have created a friendly, welcoming environment loved by the kids and the parents too."

Woodford Rugby Club launch Senior Player Sponsorship Program The scheme is aimed at individual members, groups of members - who may wish to club together in order to share the cost - and small businesses alike. The cost is £200 per player, although only fully paid-up playing members of the Club will be eligible for sponsorship. All funds raised will be placed into a ring-fenced Playing Fund that will be dedicated to ongoing investment in the Club’s on-field activities at all age levels.

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Camelot selected for CoOp local community fund

Southwark RFC to become central London rugby hub

Camelot RFC needs to raise funds to continue the renovation of its Clubhouse. One of the next big projects is a new kitchen, so they can continue to host and provide catering for players, families and local community events. The Co-op give 1% of what its members spend on Co-op branded products in their stores and on selected services, as well as money raised from sales of carrier bags, to local community organisations & projects. Camelot RUFC has again been chosen as one of those local community beneficiaries. How it works & How You Can Support Camelot RUFC: - Become a Co-op member & present your member card when shopping. - Every time the member shops at the Coop, 5% of the value of all Co-op own-brand items purchased will be credited to the member for future spending. - Every time the member shops at the Coop, 1% of what they spend on selected ownbrand products & services goes to the Co-op Local Community Fund for Camelot RUFC. - Co-op will give Camelot RFC and the other causes in the community an equal share of the money raised from sales of carrier bags. This round of fundraising runs from 27th October 2019 and closes on 24th October 2020.

After 6+ years of consultations and numerous meetings the plans for the redevelopment of Burgess Park sports centre have finally been approved. The existing building will be demolished and rebuilt which will allow for two 3G all weather pitches to be built, one of which will be rugby ready. It will mean the club will be able to play simultaneous matches (retaining our grass pitch) and train in fantastic conditions under floodlights. It's an amazing fillip for the club which will position us as Central London's rugby hub and enable us to ensure that the local community and beyond have access to this beautiful game. The exact timescales have not yet been determined but it is likely that the facility will be in use for some part of the 2021 season. A huge thanks to Vernon NeveDunn, Tom Ulicsak and Rick Bruin at the RFU who have put so much effort into this over the years and Stu Hammond who added much needed professional knowledge over the last few months. Here's to the success of inner-London rugby.

Richmond Rugby signs 4-year partnership with Sporting Pay Richmond Rugby has announced that the merchant service provider, Sporting Pay, has signed a four-year partnership with the club. Sporting Pay is the only complete merchant service provider delivering bespoke payment solutions to the sports industry. As part of the agreement, Sporting Pay will provide all the card machines in the bars at the Athletic Ground and manage all the credit and debit transactions. In return for sponsoring the club, Sporting Pay will receive branding around the pitch and promotion via the club’s social media channels. Chris Norminton, Managing Director at Sporting Pay, said: “We are delighted to be working with Richmond Rugby through this new partnership and look forward to many seasons ahead. One of the key benefits of us working together means we are able to support local businesses in the Richmond area achieve greater benefits from their merchant services by offering the same rates as the club.” Jimmy Wallace, Richmond Commercial Director, commented: “We are really pleased to forge a long-term partnership with Sporting Pay, they are experts in the world of payment technology and we look forward to helping raise their profile in and around London and utilising the club’s network to make introductions to our other corporate partners and local business members.”

Richmond Rugby announces partnership with Cayman Islands The two-year agreement officially starts from the beginning of the 2020/21 season, including the CIDOT logo appearing on the front of all youth team shirts. As part of the arrangement, a CIDOT advertisement will be positioned this season on the large signage board at the entrance to the ground. Adrian White, CIDOT’S UK & Europe Regional Managercommented: “We are delighted to be entering into a partnership to support the youth teams of such an esteemed club as Richmond. Our ‘Caymankind’ family values are a great synergy for encouraging participation in team sport and the benefits it brings to youngsters at such a key stage. In the future, we will be looking at strengthening our commitment to youth sport here in the UK, as well as internationally by exploring joint initiatives with Cayman Rugby." Jimmy Wallace, Richmond Rugby’s Commercial Director, commented, “We are really thrilled to forge a partnership with CIDOT and look forward to working with Adrian and his team in promoting the delights of Cayman to our supporter base. One of our Women’s squad, Mya Heiss, hales from Cayman, so we already have a connection and are keen to explore further rugby opportunities together going forward.”

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From the professional game... Premiership Rugby, Gallgher and BT Sport support Rainbow Laces campaign Jonathan Turner, CEO of Gallagher’s UK underwriting operation and Chair of the Inclusion & Diversity Committee at Gallagher, said: “Whether it’s a workplace, rugby field or sports stadium, everyone should feel welcome and confident in being able to be themselves, and as a large employer we are wholly committed to championing the positive power of inclusion and diversity.

Leicester Tigers partner with Marc Darcy Leicester Tigers will be kitted out by new formal wear partner Marc Darcy for the 2019/20 season.

RFU publishes annual report and accounts for 2018/19 The report highlights rugby investment of £100.5 million and iincludes investment in the professional game and community game.The financial outcome for season 2018/19 saw total group revenues of £213.2m (prior year £172.4m), operating profit of £14.9m (prior year loss of £24.4m) and profit to reserves (after reinvestment in the game) of £3.9m (prior year loss of £30.9m).

Castleford Tigers reveal new retail brand Castleford Tigers’ Managing Director Mark Grattan explains: “The launch of the Club Castleford brand is a really exciting one for our retail operation. “The UK marketplace is rapidly changing in terms of kit manufacturers and we thought the best option was to set up our own retail brand that puts us 100 per cent in control of our look and image, whilst retaining our current strong partnership with Elite Pro Sports behind the scenes.

Our Partners

Great Britain and England Rugby League partner with Skopes Great Britain and England Rugby League teams have been proudly wearing Skopes suits in the southern hemisphere this autumn – as part of a new commercial partnership with the Rugby Football League. The heritage British tailoring business, which turned 70 last year, has been supporting Rugby League and supplying the England and Leeds Rhinos teams for several years.