Cliffe Crusaders RFC Ladies’ Post

Winning a rugby trophy from the competitors 2024. How'd we do it? Firstly, over a year ago we had to absorb the disgrace of losing to a better prepared Western Titans team in Nadi. We hadn't prepared at all. I took a reality check as I had taken this trophy for granted because we won it every year. We won mixed volleyball and netball. But let go off our cherished familiar touch rugby trophy. Now, the question was how were we going to get it back. [STRATEGY] Secondly, this year, I had to be reminding members of the team, both existing, ex and potential that the time clock was ticking. There was no particular order of preps. No schedule. I get it. I wasn't a member of the Fiji Law Society but I have friends in the council. After COVID19 struck I hadn't renewed my membership. As a non-member I was paying more to be registered. Also, players most likely were talking behind the scenes as to my current work status, and other incidental matters. Third, we had to put in the action as we were two weeks down away from the games [IMPLEMENTATION]. I had to not only visit people in their offices, urging them, reminding them, pleading as well. A few phone calls later. The weather in Suva (including Nasinu, Nausori and Lami) was either pouring heavy rain or drizzling. It didn't help our morale at all. I seem to be the only one eager to turn up to training. Others had their reason for not attending. Lastly, Saturday 1st June on the grounds in Nadi, it was dry and cool. I had to scheme quickly. How we were going to do this. I figured, we were heavily depending on our experience, cohesion, fitness (for me, been training for 3 months) and open communication. I argued a bit with senior players and it got heated. The younger players were eager and following our lead. I had to step up or watch helplessly. We've been doing this for about 8 years together. But in my wisdom I had to let the "heat" slide. The team matters. Let's face it, I have a reputation of being a bad loser. Only because I prepare, prepare and prepare. I have an almost stubborn passion for it. Especially if I believe in it. Waking up the game competitiveness in my team. And losing hurts. We needed it. It compensated. Try after try we made. The other team scored tries as well. As our team confidence and cohesion kicked in we ran in more tries. I knew that I had done it. I knew that I had tapped into that x-factor level (conscience and subconscious) that Fijian athletes are known for but rarely employ. I took a breather. By the time the final whistle was blown, we had lost count of the score. In the end we came out victorious. We had regained the lost Touch Rugby trophy and it was going with us to the East and staying there for a year. Congratulations to the Western Titans for winning each and every sport (netball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, squash, beer pong, etc.) except for the sport that was led by me. So until next year, let's enjoy. Coz' I did! A lot to learn. Yes, we managed to do it.

I’d never really thought of myself as a rugby player but when I was asked to join in with a weekly women’s rugby training session it seemed like a good idea at the time. Living in Thailand, working part-time and with 2 young children to look after, opportunities for outdoor sport were limited. Weekly rugby training fitted the bill well. Our session was from 5 – 6p.m. in the cooler part of the day and the last of the daylight. Our pitch overlooked the sea so there was often a cool breeze. The kids all loved it as they took a picnic tea and played together while we went through our drills. Warm-ups, fitness exercises, rugby skills and ending with a 10 minute game of touch rugby. It was a great feeling. As the only women’s group in the area, opportunities for matches were limited but I’m not sure we were too worried about that. Rather then feeling like a rugby team, we were more a collection of tennis, netball or hockey players who wanted to keep fit in the open air. The training was enough on its own. But not for our coach! When he heard about a women’s rugby tournament taking place 2 hours away in Bangkok he persuaded us to let him enter us. You can imagine the excitement come trepidation that built up as we boarded the mini-bus. That quickly turned to trepidation come terror. Already in our positions on the field for our first match, we turned to see our opponents coming towards us. I remember my face and jaw dropping. They looked as if they meant business. Touch rugby involves, in our case, giving your opponent a tap as you catch them, requiring them to pass the ball. Apologies for tapping too hard were very much the culture of our team. Not so for our opponents, for whom the tap was more of a shove. Suffice to say we lost the match As is so often the case in expat life, this part of our lives ended when our coach returned to his native Australia but overall it had been a fun episode. How you could use a similar story: As with most stories, mentioning a sport or hobby gives your audience a peep behind the scenes of you as the professional person. Perhaps more importantly, there’s the opportunity for them to relate to you if they share an interest in something similar. In this story that could either have been for rugby itself or a different sport, being a Mum to young children and trying to juggle a bit of time for yourself that works for them too or of being faced with a challenge they hadn’t anticipated. Each story has various angles or themes that can be teased out. Some sports stories will also have an element of achieving goals, resilience being the best you can be, etc. which this particular one doesn’t. This one is more about wellbeing and having exercise and fun in our lives as well as different perspectives and objectives. i.e. my team’s purpose for playing wasn’t so much about aspiring to excellence in the game whereas it’s likely that those first opponents had a different purpose.

Reflection time. Last night, the #rugby team I #coach, Consett Rugby Club, faced defeat in the Men's Durham County Senior Cup by Durham City Rugby. As I pondered the reasons behind our loss – whether it was skill levels, player performance, decision-making, or coaching strategies, of which I think a lot comes down to the coach – I couldn't help but draw parallels between the world of rugby and the dynamics of the business world. In coaching rugby at an amateur level, our approach mirrors that of nurturing talent within a business. Each week, we see players turning up for training, committed to honing their skills. We invest time in refining techniques, drilling repetitive exercises to instil muscle memory, and meticulously analyse past games to inform our coaching strategies moving forward. Similarly, in the business arena, success hinges on fostering a positive environment that encourages innovation and growth. Just as a rugby team rallies around a shared goal, in #business, a cohesive team spirit is essential for achieving collective success. It's the 'one for all and all for one' attitude that epitomises teamwork, making the dream work. Moreover, at Consett, we're building something truly special. It's not just about the first team; it's about how the community adopts rugby and the rugby club as a whole. We're striving to embed the ethos of the rugby club across all levels – from social gatherings to community events. Our aim is to foster a sense of unity and purpose, driving towards shared goals both on and off the field. The idea of localism within business is proven to be successful, and we're eager to bring this concept to the forefront of the community within rugby. By providing a platform for young men and women, children, and adults to engage with the sport in various capacities – whether playing, socialising, or simply meeting up – we aim to create a vibrant hub where individuals can connect, compete, and grow. Through rugby, we not only instil fundamental skills but also provide people with a sense of purpose. Whether it's on the pitch or within the clubhouse, our goal is to nurture a community where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. As a coach, I believe it's important to take the burden of the loss. While we acknowledge there's work to be done, we're confident that we're moving in the right direction. In both rugby and business, the achievement of small goals leads to a positive mindset, building confidence that anything is achievable. We want the team involved with Consett to embrace this mindset – it's okay to strive for improvement, but we need to do it together. If anyone is keen to come on this journey with us, please let me know. Your support and enthusiasm would be greatly appreciated as we work towards our shared goals. 🤔 Thanks for all the support David Trott Ian McGeorge Ian Jackson Glyn Howatson

Rugby Programmes/Player Pathways ­ - How do we judge success?    A Personal Reflection after 42 Seasons! I’m sure there are many metrics for judging how successful a rugby programme is, whether that is a school or a mini and juniors club programme, you could list how many schoolboy internationals it has “produced” or how many Springboks or Ireland internationals went to a particular rugby “powerhouse”, how many old boys are playing as professionals or how many current pupils are in various DPPs, PDGs or Academies. All very impressive, valuable, interesting and fantastic to hear about. However, in an era where male adult rugby participation rates have been falling for years, clubs, or teams in clubs, are folding and ceasing to exist. HWO or AWO as a result in the leagues is more prevalent than ever, I thought one number that could be used to judge the success of a rugby programme is how many boys who played at a school are still playing adult “club rugby”, whatever the level. I have reflected on my own journey in rugby, it wasn’t called a “pathway” then, it’s been “peaks and troughs”. I was sent to boarding school, my dad used to joke “It was either him or me leaving!” He sent me for 2 reasons, it was a Jesuit school and it was a “rugby” school, our coach in the 6th Form, legend of the game Brian Ashton, recognised my talent immediatly and together with the 1st XV Captain (still my best pal today) decided I was going be a stalwart prop for the 2nd XV! We lost once in 2 seasons, 6-7 in the last game away at Lancaster Royal Grammar. The results aren’t the thing though, on reflection, I know that playing rugby has influenced every area of my life, my family, my friends, my career, my house, and that started at school.    Every year at our school, I say to the boys who are leaving, “Please make sure you try to keep playing, I don’t mind what club or at what level, or keep involved at a club in some capacity, it will be of benefit to you and keep in touch.” Maybe some schools don’t know their numbers, I think they are crucial. So, with some reminders from clubs Instagram pages, but mostly out of my head I wrote a list of those that I know are still playing, they're all over the world, but mostly in South West London! I’m sure there are more and it changes each season. I’ve counted 105 at 21 clubs (see below) and I’m proud of them all, whatever the club or level! I'm still involved in rugby and teach at a Jesuit school, not a bad decision by my dad 42 years ago!   Harlequins FC: 3 Gloucester Rugby: 1 Richmond FC: 1 Wimbledon RFC: 2 Sheffield Tigers RUFC: 1 London Welsh RFC: 1 Battersea Ironsides RFC: 1 Wanstead RFC: 1 Old Rutlishians RFC: 16 Old Wimbledonians RFC: 63 Met Police RFC: 3 Raynes Park RFC: 3 Shipston on Stour RFC: 1 Mitcham RFC: 1 Manly, Australia: 1 Eastern Suburbs, Australia: 1 UBCOB RFC, Canada: 1 Meroloma Rugby, Canada: 1 Pesaro Rugby, Italy: 1 A.S.D Rugby Belluno, Italy: 1 Kuwait Scorpions RFC: 1

Meet The Player - Cherie Taylor An original team player since day one, faster than lightning, a really key team member for motivating the rest of the girls and always the most valuable voice on the pitch – Cherie Taylor took a moment to take part in our player interview this week… 1. How did you hear about CCRFC Ladies? “My sister Tiegan told me about there being talks about starting up a ladies touch rugby team and said how it’s for socialising, mental health and a bit of fun, she wasn’t wrong.” 2. What made you want to try Touch Rugby? “To meet new people, social and fitness.” 3. What knowledge did you have of Touch Rugby before you joined? “None, I have never played any sport.” 4. What 3 skills have you gained since joining the team? “Confidence, quickness and passion for a sport.” 5. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about joining? “It seems really daunting the thought of it, but honestly it’s awesome. One of the best decisions I made was joining this team and when I can’t make a Thursday I get really bad FOMO. The ladies are all so welcoming and it’s a lot of fun.” 6. Why is CCRFC Ladies important to you? “It gets me off my bum and out of the house, it helps me mentally and physically.” 7. Describe the ladies team in 3 words “Friendly, banter, supportive” 8. What do you like to do to unwind other than rugby? “Gym, walking, spending time with my nieces and nephews. I am a big kid at heart.” 9. Favourite drill/part of training? “I actually feel like I am good at something for once. I enjoy going back to the original drills we used to do. That’s how we learnt our core skills and it’s good to always refer back to them. We have had so much support especially from the Cliffe Crusader Boys Rugby Team. They are always there to help train us and play friendly games to gain more experience. I am looking forward to our next chapter and start competing 💪🏼🩷🖤🩷” #ladiesrugby #touchrugby #medway #cliffe #womenssports

**Understanding Rugby Through the Legendary Springboks: A Journey of Character Building** Rugby, a sport deeply embedded in the cultures of many nations, particularly in South Africa, can seem like a mystifying game to the uninitiated. For someone who knows little about the rules, positions, or strategies, the world of rugby can appear daunting and complicated. However, as a spectator or an admirer of the sport, there's a unique beauty found not just in the game itself but in the stories surrounding its legendary players, particularly the Springboks. These narratives serve not only as thrilling anecdotes but also as valuable lessons in character and resilience. The Tale of the Springboks The Springboks, South Africa's national rugby team, have a storied history filled with triumphs and trials. Their journey is not merely about the games won or lost but about the spirit of a nation and the heroic figures that have emerged through adversity. One of the most iconic moments in Springbok history came in 1995 when South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup. The victory over New Zealand not only marked a peak in sporting success but also symbolized unity in a country healing from years of apartheid. Nelson Mandela's legendary gesture of donning the Springbok jersey underscored the importance of reconciliation and nation-building. These stories of resilience and collective identity resonate deeply, reminding us that sport often transcends mere entertainment. They teach us essential life lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of standing together in the face of challenges. Lessons in Character While I may not be well-versed in the technicalities of rugby, the tales of the Springboks illustrate several core values that are pivotal in building character: 1.Perseverance-Rugby, much like life, is filled with physical and emotional challenges. The Springboks’ commitment to continual improvement, regardless of past failures, exemplifies the power of persistence. This virtue teaches us to embrace difficulties and view setbacks as stepping stones rather than obstacles. 2.Teamwork-The essence of rugby lies in collaboration. Every player, from the forwards to the backs, has a defined role that contributes to a collective goal. In our daily lives, recognizing the strength found in cooperation and mutual support can lead to greater achievements, whether in professional endeavors or personal relationships. 3. Courage-The sheer intensity of a rugby match demands not just physical strength but mental fortitude. The stories of Springbok legends facing formidable opponents resonate with the importance of facing fears and standing up for one’s beliefs, even when the odds are stacked against you. 4. Recpect -rugby operates on a foundation of respect—toward teammates, opponents, and the game itself. This value is integral to building healthy relationships in all aspects of life, teaching us that respect fosters an environment of trust and collaboration.

We are pleased to share the newsthat our Acting CEO, Felicity Wilkeson is among eight sports leaders joining the Australian Sports Commission's Play Well NSO/D CEO Advisory Group. The advisory group will help guide Australia’s first Sport Participation Strategy, Play Well, which aims to create safe, welcoming, inclusive and fun sporting experiences for all. Felicity will assist the group to play an important role in identifying operational gaps and opportunities, offering key insights from the blind sporting community into the current sports landscape and help foster collaboration across the sector. Felicity Wilkeson commented, “I am excited by the opportunity to join the Play Well NSO/D Advisory Group to help ensure sporting participation opportunities for people with a disability are maximised and pathways strengthened. I believe the green and gold runway to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics presents a golden window of opportunity to harness support, raise awareness and increase participation for people with a disability that will ultimately change the landscape for inclusive sport in Australia.” #blindsport4all #blindsportsaustralia #inclusivesport

Building a Rugby Legacy at Stonar Stonar School has been on an incredible journey over the past decade. Since going co-educational 10 years ago, the school has worked hard to build sporting programmes that reflect the diverse talents and aspirations of our pupils. This year has marked a particularly exciting milestone: the formation of our first-ever 1st XV rugby team and the start of our Rugby Excellence Programme. Having only started at the school 15 months ago I can see the benefits rugby is bringing. A Vision for Rugby at Stonar The aim is ambitious yet clear: to establish rugby as the major sport at Stonar. Rugby holds a unique power in a school environment; it’s not just a game but a culture. For many boys and girls, success on the rugby pitch represents a status that boosts confidence, camaraderie, and pride in their school. By pushing our rugby programme, we’re not only enhancing our sporting provision but also strengthening Stonar’s identity as a school where teamwork, leadership, and resilience are core values. Rugby is definitely a powerful marketing tool. It’s a sport that attracts families looking for a school that develops well-rounded individuals. Schools with a strong rugby tradition often stand out, and this programme will help to raise Stonar’s profile in an extremely competitive sector, particularly where rugby is concerned. The Benefits of Rugby: More Than Just a Game Rugby offers unparalleled physical, emotional, and social benefits. Physically, it builds strength, stamina, and coordination. Emotionally, it fosters resilience, teaching players to handle both victory and defeat with grace. Socially, rugby creates unbreakable bonds among teammates, instilling a sense of belonging and mutual respect. These benefits extend far beyond the pitch. Rugby players develop skills that serve them throughout life: discipline, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure. At Stonar, our goal is to ensure that every pupil who takes part in the Rugby Excellence Programme leaves not only as a better player but also as a more confident and capable individual. Supporting the Next Generation of Rugby Talent The Rugby Excellence Programme is designed to provide a platform for all our players to improve and reach their potential. While we are committed to pushing our most talented players to achieve success at and beyond school, the primary focus is on creating an environment where every player can grow. Through expert coaching, individual conditioning plans, and access to more competitive opportunities, we aim to ensure that each pupil leaves the programme as a stronger, more confident rugby player, regardless of their starting point. The launch of the 1st XV and the Rugby Excellence Programme is a foundation for what I hope will become a thriving rugby culture at Stonar. I’m hoping we can build a legacy that enriches the lives of our students. I’d love to hear your thoughts: how did rugby shape your school or career?

Continental, Kwik Fit partner for a more female-friendly rugby For 2025, Continental Tyres aims to “empower young girls and women to participate in rugby by eliminating barriers to their involvement.” The official partner to England Rugby is undertaking this endeavour in partnership with Kwik Fit and Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) and will focus upon promoting equality in sports and revitalising community spaces, specifically by renovating rugby clubs and boosting facilities for girls, whilst helping local young people to gain hands-on trade and employability skills. Ellie Kildunne, Continental Ambassador and World Rugby 15’s Player of the Year, echoed the importance of this sentiment when she visited Anchorian’s Sport Club in Gillingham: “Projects like this will definitely accelerate girls and women getting involved in rugby.” Kildunne recalled the early days of her rugby career and the experience of getting changed in cars or behind towels. She emphasised that quality, private changing rooms, though seemingly a small step, make girls feel more included in their clubs. These modern facilities are crucial for nurturing the future of women’s rugby. Better facilities having an impact “Working with this partnership is a fantastic opportunity for us to improve grassroots sports facilities in communities, whilst also supporting local young people to gain hands-on work experience through our mentoring programme, gaining skills, City & Guilds accreditations and work-readiness on our projects,” says VIY’s Hannah Denny. And it’s clear that the new facilities have already had a profound impact on the young athletes. “The girls were thrilled,” adds Simon Somerset, Anchorian’s Youth & Mini’s Chairman. “Having Ellie here made the day even more special—they won’t forget it.” Making a real difference Continental Tyres emphasises that this partnership with Kwik Fit and VIY spotlights its continued support for Women’s Sport. “We are very proud to be part of this project, and we're thrilled to have Kwik Fit and VIY alongside us,” says Peter Robb, Marketing Director of Continental Tyres. “It’s fantastic to see how it's already making a real difference and creating an inclusive environment where women and girls feel supported in pursuing rugby.” Laura Cowling, Retail Campaign Manager at Kwik Fit, adds: “It’s been inspiring to see the impact the new facilities have already had. We’re delighted to be part of this project with Continental and VIY and build on the long-lasting relationship Kwik Fit staff and customers have with the club. Our team of volunteers from our local centres helped with painting and construction and were thrilled to be able to support an important community asset.” By championing equity in sports, Continental Tyres says it is “inspiring future athletes and fostering inclusivity.” The tyre maker adds: “These upgraded facilities remind us that meaningful change

Touch Rugby: The True Global Format In recent discussions around the future of rugby, there have been a lot of claims about T1 Rugby being hailed as the new format by World Rugby and the RFU. While innovation is always welcome, it’s crucial to recognise the longstanding impact and global reach of Touch Rugby — a format that has been embraced globally. An easy demonstration of this is that 39 countries competed at the 2024 Touch World Cup. The ironic aspect in recent discussions called for a consistent format, where the World Rugby rule book online mimicked the rules of the Federation of International Touch. Touch Rugby is a sport with significant global participation. In Australia alone, over 700,000 people play Touch Rugby, demonstrating its widespread appeal. The collaboration with O2 Touch in England (an RFU programme using the England Touch / Federation of Internation Touch format) a few years ago saw over 40,000 participants, demonstrating that the delivery model works in England with such synergy between Touch and Rugby. It's also popular in New Zealand, with over 230 registered leagues to participate in. The Pan Pacific All Schools Touch Championships 2023 attracted teams from Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, The Philippines & Thailand. Where Touch is the format of choice, these statistics underscore the global resonance and popularity of Touch Rugby. England Touch has existed for over 25 years, and it's nice to see the importance of non-contact Rugby finally recognised as a strategic area for growth. Non-contact sports clearly reduce the risk of injury and make the game inclusive for everyone. Touch encourages social interaction and teamwork, contributing to community building and personal development. Its accessibility and simplicity make it a gateway for new audiences to engage with rugby. There is a way for all rugby formats to work together and move forward. We're all trying to promote a brilliant game and growing interest in rugby. It feels short-sighted to overlook Touch as a viable option, given its roots in contact rugby and its global participation. Are scrums, simulated rucks and mauls, and lineouts what new participants want? Unsure, equally, there is space for this somewhere. Recognising Touch as a legitimate and popular format within Rugby is essential for the growth of the sport. By working together, we can ensure that rugby in all its forms continues to thrive and inspire future generations. For now, we have not seen enough evidence to change, and we will continue to use Touch to impact more school children to get active, experience amazing events, and bring them into the environment with an oval ball. The feedback from teachers over our recent events is that they found Touch simple, fun and easy - and wanted more of it. With such interest in debate, please share your thoughts on this topic. Let’s engage in a constructive conversation about the future of rugby and how we can support its growth together.