Royal Air Force

Rugby Union 2016

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Message To Our Sponsors

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By Director of Corporate Affairs Group Captain David Manning ADC MA CMgr FCMI RAF

On behalf of the Chairman, the RAF Rugby Union Board of Trustees, the players and the coaching staff, I would like to extend our collective thanks to all of our loyal Sponsors. Your support over the past 12 months, and especially through the International Defence Rugby Competition (IRDC), has helped to make a real difference to the overall investment in our teams. It has subsidised tours, ensured that the teams have a corporate image but most importantly it assists the coaching staff with instilling an esprit de corps, which is so vital to providing that competitive edge. This investment in time and money bore fruit with the great number of successes on the rugby pitch in 2015; culminating in the fantastic Senior Squad’s Inter Services win. We managed to host many of you at Rugby World Cup warm up games. We now look forward to hosting you at the forthcoming Six-Nations, French Air Force and Inter Services fixtures. A special mention needs to be extended to Shepherd Neame who provide the liquid refreshments, before and after the Twickenham games, and operated so successfully out of the Spitfires 7s team van in the Cardinal Vaughan Car Park. I am equally delighted with the increasing number of current and exService members who have taken time 2

out to find us during these games. All are welcome to the open house venue and a cold beer. Separately, you will have noticed that when I took over from Guy van den Berg, my Team and I have built on his superb work (for which I must publically thank him) and have developed the Corporate Affairs pillar which incorporates Public Relations, Engagement and Sponsorship sitting under me to provide the linkages across the other pillars. Some of the key changes that you will see over this season will be an improved corporate image for RAF Rugby, an improved Inter Service Dinner at RAF Halton and we are actively working on an end of season sponsor/ awards luncheon similar in style to the RAF Sports Awards - more on that to come as we mature our offer to you as Sponsors. All that is left for me to say is, enjoy the rugby and we look forward to your continued involvement with RAF Rugby Union - we could not achieve our current level of success without your generous support. Are you interested in sponsoring the RAFRU? If so, please contact the Director

of Corporate Affairs on [email protected] l • • • • • • • • • •

Airbus Defence and Space Amey Ajilon AMSS Babcock Knights BMW Marshall MBDA Shepherd Neame RAF Benevolent Fund - sponsored by Hewlett Packard • Raytheon UK • Securecloud +

Message To Our Sponsors

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Check out the latest news at www.raf.mod.uk/rafrugbyunion

Foreword

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RAF Rugby Union Senior XV

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Contact us via: [email protected] or email the RAFRU Webmaster at rafruwebmaster@hotmail. co.uk

RAF Rugby Union Women’s XV

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RAF Rugby Union ‘Vultures’

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RAF Rugby Union Spitfires Rugby Sevens

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Investing in the Future: RAF Rugby Union U23

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The Hawks RAF Rugby Union Development Squad

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RAF Rugby Union Referees Society

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RAF Rugby Union Rugby Development Officer

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RAF Rugby Union Community Pillar

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Want to be part of RAF Rugby Union?

Join us on: FaceBook www.facebook.com/ RAFRugbyUnion Twitter RAF Rugby Union@ RAFRugbyUnion

Foreword By Air Marshal Greg Bagwell CB CBE MSc RAF President RAFRU Chairman of RAF Rugby Union Air Commodore Steve Lushington CBE MA RAF

2015 was a fantastic year for RAF Rugby Union where we saw the Senior Men’s XV crowned Inter Service champions, the RAF Spitfires 7s continuing their success and the International Defence Rugby Competition being held in the UK, with the RAF pool hosted at RAF Halton. Although the RAF’s campaign ended in a defeat to the French Armed Forces side in the quarter final, the competition was an outstanding display of quality rugby, won eventually by the Fijians. It is fantastic to see the Women’s XV on an upward trajectory, and now boasting premiership and international players, including the Welsh international, SAC Sian Williams, who has recently been awarded Elite Athlete status. In the 2015 Inter Services, the squad beat the RN and edged ever closer to the Army and so all eyes on 2016. RAF Rugby Union has lots to offer and this Brochure should give you a flavour of the people, events and triumphs that have been part of RAFRU recently and with a look to the future. There is something for everyone with the range of teams and roles, whether you are a new member of the Royal Air Force with burgeoning talent or a former player keen to rekindle your love for the sport in any capacity. RAF Rugby Union is thriving and the current 4

players, support teams and committee members are pulling together to raise the game and continue the momentum from grass roots level at the Units through to the development and representative sides – the Community Pillar report brings this to life with impressive stats including a 50% increase in games played last season. Anyone across the Whole Force can get involved and I am pleased to see that the O2 Touch programme was rolled across more RAF units last year, encouraging wider participation. Sport is a key part of Service life and adds hugely to the commitment, fitness and high levels of performance that we deliver on the front line. I am pleased to say that the support given by stations and units across the RAF and Defence continues to be excellent, despite the on-going operational tempo, allowing the teams to flourish and hopefully go on to greater success and wins at the annual Inter Service competition. Please come along to the fixtures, support your team

and witness some high quality rugby for free. For full details of what’s going on across RAF Rugby Union, go to www. raf.mod.uk/rafrugbyunion and if you are keen to get involved, please get in touch with us. Finally, I want to wish everyone involved in RAF Rugby Union from the squads, the support staff, the committee members and volunteers the very best as they strive to win and take RAF Rugby Union forward. You all make a tremendous contribution and you should be justly proud of what you have achieved I have no doubt that the results are now beginning to pay back all of that hard work and effort on and off the pitch. l

Director of RAF Representative Rugby Union Air Commodore Chris Moore MA BEng(Hons) CEng FCMI FIET RAF

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RAF Rugby Union Senior XV International Defence Rugby Competition 2015

IDRC showed that the RAF team can rise to the challenges presented and represent the Service with pride and passion ...

Hot off the back of winning the Inter Services’ Championship in 2015, the first RAF team to do so in 23 years, planning began to compete in the International Defence Rugby Competition 2015 which was to be held in the UK at the same time as RWC 2015 was being played out to a global audience. The current coaching and management team of the Senior XV are the same team that took the RAF side to Australia to compete in the inaugural IDRC in 2011, so were aware of the very high standard of rugby that exists in other By Squadron Leader Rich Lane 6

forces and the level of intensity to expect when it came down to the competition itself. IDRC 2015 was hosted at Portsmouth, Aldershot and for the RAF pool, RAF Halton, with the semi-finals and final being played at Twickenham Stoop. As the competition loomed squad selection was paired down with games

against Henley Hawks, London Scottish and RAF Brize Norton being used to aid the difficult selection process. With Henley Hawks being a great supporter of RAF Rugby Union, the game could be arranged that suited the intent to expose as many players to a fast physical style of play that they would face at IDRC. ROYAL AIR FORCE RUGBY UNION

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The next pre-IDRC game was against London Scottish at the Athletic Ground in Richmond. Again London Scottish are great supporters of RAF Rugby Union and the game management would be key to getting the exposure needed to get the best out of the opportunities presented. Before this game though RAFRU were honoured to be hosted by AIG, the All Black main sponsor, at the All Blacks training base at the Lensbury Hotel in Teddington. The aim of the visit initially was to view an All Black training session, but plans changed and the senior XV, along with a number of Hawks and U23 players, were given a master class coaching session by All Blacks legends Sir John Kirwen and Andrew Merhtens. Once this was over the group was again honoured by a Q&A session with All Blacks coaches Ian Foster and Steve Hansen, along with a number of current All Blacks such as Conrad Smith, Brody Retallick, Ben Franks, Dan Coles and Aaron Smith. Naturally the RAFRU members present made the most of the opportunity and the number of selfies posted onto social media increased dramatically as a result. At the end of the session, Wg Cdr Howard Parr thanked AIG and the All Blacks for 8

the honour of hosting the party and reminded Steve Hansen that England would be winning the Webb Ellis Trophy - we all know what happened there! The IDRC 2015 was formally opened on 5 October at HMS Victory in Portsmouth and despite the inclement weather the event gained significant interest from local and Forces media as well as being attended by the delegations from High Commissions and Embassies of the nations competing. The RAF was drawn in a pool with Tonga, South Africa and Georgia. The quality of the Tongans was known, as they were narrowly beaten by the British Army in the semi-final of 2011, the South Africans less so but they looked capable and much rumour surrounded the Georgians and that those playing in IDRC were players who narrowly failed selection for the Georgian national side. It appeared the RAF had a difficult group and a challenge ahead of them. Fly past and National anthems despatched, the RAF squad lined up to face for the very first time the Sipe Tau – the Tongan equivalent of a Haka. This had the effect of gelling the RAF players and despite the size and physicality of the Tongans the RAF matched their opponents point

by point. It was clear from the outset the Tongans were happy to play on the edge of what was legal and safe with the high tackle count rising rapidly. Only when the RAF full-back, Martin McRobbie, was knocked unconscious from a shoulder full onto the head did the referee take action. Despite the RAF pack and set piece controlling the game time was against the Airmen and the game ran out 21-19 to the Islanders, although to all those present the better team lost. Game day 2 saw the RAF face the Georgians. What was now known was the Georgians were not the side that the rumours had painted them. They were certainly strong and proud but lacked the control and skill that would give them any advantage over a rampant RAF side. It was a one-sided affair with the Airmen scoring almost off every 1st phase ball. This rattled the Georgian discipline and a number of Georgian players were to see yellow during the game which in the 2nd half was to impact on their ability to defend against a controlling RAF pack and flying back line. To their credit they continued to attempt and compete and driven on by

immense pride the Georgians managed to claw 12 points back from 2 tries one of which was converted. The RAF side were actually very pleased they did score as a whitewash was not deserved. The final score, 87-12 to the RAF, was immaterial as the winner was rugby and the friendships forged. Going into the final game the RAF were guaranteed a quarter-final game as the Royal Navy had lost all their pool games and so were destined for the Plate competition. What was needed was a win against South Africa to secure the home draw. Despite their pack being of a similar size to the RAF pack there was a clear difference in skill and fitness and carrying a number of injuries the South African’s were struggling to compete at the scrum. Countless penalties where the referee should have gone for the penalty try went without any action or sanction and only after the RAF Captain made representation to the him did take some form of action and yellow carded the South African Loose Head

prop, bringing about a penalty try and uncontested scrums. The second half was a closer affair with South Africa keeping more of the ball and denying the RAF scoring opportunities that would see them extend their lead beyond 24-7. Having secured the home quarterfinal the RAF had to wait until later that night to see who it was they would be playing. If the Army were to beat France in the evening game at Aldershot the RAF would again face the South Africans at home which was a prospect that had Head Coach Tug Wilson salivating over. However, the French had not read the script and resoundingly beat the British Army in their own back garden meaning our friends from across the English Channel would make the journey to RAF Halton to play the RAF. Having played the French Air Force much was know about how our Gallic cousins play their game. To be expected was a physical temperamental game and this expectation more than lived up to it. The weather conditions were proving difficult with cold showers mixed with strong winds and that aided the French game plan of kicking the ball long to RAF back line and making the Airmen do all the hard work to run it back.

To their great credit the French did this all game long without the RAF having an answer for it. By half time the RAF were in the lead and appeared to be in control, but only just! Although the game was now beginning to breakdown in terms of discipline and flow with 2 serious injuries sustained by French players requiring lengthy delays and with French tempers flaring this had an adverse effect on the RAF players not helped by quick score by the French immediately after half time being the catalyst bringing the French into the ascendency. The RAF did not handle this well and with no answer coming for the long kicking game, the game raced to a frantic close. The RAF were being frustrated having been camped on the French 22 for long periods and not gaining any points advantage and refereeing decisions not going their way with the final nail in the coffin being a French hand clearly in the ruck going unpunished which knocked the ball on out the back of the ruck to the French full back coming in from an off-side position to run the ball the full length unopposed under the posts to bring the game to a painful end at 29-13 in favour of the French Combined Services side. ROYAL AIR FORCE RUGBY UNION 9

So ended the RAF participation in IDRC and with it bringing down the curtain on the playing careers of a number of players. RAF captain and Prop Corporal Tim Coghlan, 2nd Row Squadron Leader John Hall and Back Row Corporal Andy Tibbatts all hung their collective boots up after IDRC and all 3 should be congratulated and thanked for their sterling commitment to RAF Rugby Union. All 3 embody all the qualities representing the Service require and they will leave large gaps in a very close knit squad.

As an experience for players and management alike IDRC represents a fantastic opportunity to forge friendships on a global scale all in the name of the sport we love. It also provides an exceptional challenge to manage a high tempo complex competition within a team environment and this can only be made possible if the team is acting as one.

IDRC showed that the RAF team can rise to the challenges presented and represent the Service with pride and passion. l BELOW: RAF Rugby Union Senior XV collecting the trophy at Twickenham after winning the Inter Services’ Championship.

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RAF Rugby Union

Women’s XV

Rugby Union squads the world over would give much to field a team filled with Premiership players and International stars ... but for the Royal Air Forces’ Women’s Rugby Union (RAFRUW) Squad this is reality! From their humble beginnings 15 years ago the RAFRUW has rapidly developed into a highly professional unit that is dedicated to supporting all players, whether ab initio or elite, to reach their potential. In addition to the heralded 1st XV, the RAFRUW encompasses a highly successful ‘Jaguars’ 7’s team, whilst also By Wing Commander Mark Jackson 12

encouraging grass roots rugby, through its rapidly growing Development Squad. Although players remain at the very heart of the team, the RAFRUW is also committed to developing Coaches, Referees, Medics and Managers, to ensure that the Women’s Rugby Union success story continues to grow year on year. Offering an open, inclusive and transparent policy the RAFRUW has long encouraged all players, whether

seasoned or emergent, to pick up a ball and give Rugby Union a go! Such ambition has evolved into a rapidly growing Development Team that engenders inclusivity and equality among its championed attributes. Regarded as an exemplary platform for new players, the Development Team now stands as the foundation on which RAFRUW success will be built.

Following Development Team success and recognising the growing appeal of the ‘World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series,’ the RAFRUW is extremely proud of its ‘Jaguars’ 7’s Team. With an expansive and entertaining style of play, the Jaguars have enjoyed success at a plethora of national tournaments, receiving much acclaim. Providing a test bed for many talented players, the Jaguars are rapidly becoming the ‘must see’ team during the Summer Rugby Festival Season. Development and Jaguar accomplishments led the 1st XV to enter 2015 with much expectation for success during the Inter Services Competition, 14

An exciting fixture calendar over the next 18 months for Development, Jaguars and 1st XV, including many high profile matches, is a tempting prospect for players, sponsors and support staff alike, all of which will culminate in a tour to New Zealand in 2017, where the the RAFRUW players are expected to reach even greater heights against some of the greatest players in the world! To enable future success the RAFRUW is supported by a committed voluntary Management Team, which operates as a highly professional body. Coaching Development, Strength and Conditioning Instruction, Communication Plans, Engagement Policies, Financial Management and Medical Support are only some of the range of support pillars that are now enabling and professionalising the RAFRUW, to ensure that every player achieves her potential ... Potential that is now reaching a global audience! The RAFRUW 1st XV is almost exclusively composed of ‘Women’s Premiership’ Rugby Players. Whether it be for Lichfield or Saracens, Worcester or Wasps, you would be hard pressed to find a Premiership side that doesn’t included a RAFRUW player.

Regularly featured on National Sports Channels and in the printed press, many RAFRUW players are gathering media plaudits and turning the heads of International selectors SAC Sian Williams exemplifies the emerging cadre of International players within the RAFRUW. Recently awarded RAF Elite Athlete Status, this is a major breakthrough for Women’s rugby and for the RAF with Sian now able to dedicate her time to rugby and to achieving further international-level ambitions. As Welsh Captain, Sian epitomises the rapid evolution of Women’s Rugby Union in the Royal Air Force ... but she is not alone! Exciting new talent such as Flt Lt Chrissy Siczowa, SAC Charlie Murray and SAC(T) Kat Robinson are hot on her heels. The opportunities that the RAFRUW provides for its players, has also attracted seasoned England Internationals, who impressed by the strength, depth and exciting future development of the Women’s Rugby Union in the Royal Air Force, have applied to join the Royal Air Force Reserves. Olympics, World Cup and Commonwealth Games glory is a real possibility for many of the RAFRUW

players, who see their military Service as pivotal part of their success ... Success that that will hopefully inspire and encourage the next generation of women to pick up a rugby ball and take their place among the growing number of Royal Air Force Women’s Rugby Union stars! l

and they were not to disappoint! Victory against the Royal Navy and an extremely close battle against the historically dominant British Army, heralded a new era for Women’s Rugby Union in the Royal Air Force. Triumph that only scratched the surface of their future potential was quickly realised by the inclusion of many RAFRUW players in the UK Armed Forces Team, setting the springboard for even greater feats in 2016 and 2017! ROYAL AIR FORCE RUGBY UNION

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RAF Rugby Union ‘Vultures’ The RAF Vultures Rugby Union team represent the RAF at the annual Inter Services rugby championships against the Royal Navy and British Army.

The team is made up of serving or full time reserve members of the RAF who are aged 35 years or older. The Vultures’ ultimate goal is to win the Inter Services (IS) title and in preparation for the intensity of the IS they play a number of warm up games throughout the season against a variety of opposition. This allows the opportunity to raise the profile of both RAF Rugby and Veterans rugby in the local and wider community, whilst introducing new players to the demands of Vultures rugby. Notable opponents have included: Leicester Droglites, Surrey Vets, West Midlands Police, Lincolnshire By Flight Lieutenant Andy Smailes

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Vets, Dudley Kingswinford Wanderers, Lincolnshire Vets, British Prison Service and British Fire Brigade Vets. The season usually gets off to an auspicious start with the team travelling to The Channel Islands to take part in the Jersey International Veterans 10s Tournament. It is quickly developing a reputation as being one of the best competitions for Veterans Rugby around, and the Vultures have won the event an a couple of occasions and been runners up in a number of others. The Vultures season proper usually starts in Oct and games are played on a regular basis with increasing levels of skill and intensity until the matches against the Royal Navy and British Army take place in Apr for the right to be

called Inter Service Champions. Whilst winning is important, the Vultures try to engender an ethos of camaraderie and tradition whilst providing the opportunity for players who are approaching the twilight of their career to continue to play representative rugby at the highest of levels. Make no mistake though, the passion and ferocity is evident in all of the Vultures matches, in particular the games against our military rivals, and this requires the team to demonstrate fitness, skill, courage and discipline of the highest order. A number of players who have represented the Vultures have also represented the Senior RAF team and Combined Services, though many have not and this is the first taste of

Mission Statement:

To win the annual Inter Services Rugby Championships and uphold the tradition and history of RAF Rugby Union and Vultures Rugby both on and off the pitch.

playing at the highest level. The Vultures provide an opportunity for players to gain the experience of representing the RAF against the Army and RN and such matches represent the pinnacle of RAF rugby - the competition for places in the match day 23 is fierce. To those players who step onto the field a RAF Vultures cap is just as important as any other RAF Inter Service Rugby Cap. Whilst playing rugby to the highest standard possible and representing the RAF is our main priority, the Vultures also feel a responsibility to ‘give back’ to the game which has provided many opportunities for its players over the years. Many Vultures are involved in grass roots rugby at stations or in the

local community as coaches and managers, others act as mentors to younger players who are coming through the RAFRU player’s pathway. Vultures are Chairmen, Managers and coaches of Divisional and representative teams including the RAF Under 23s, Hawks, Women and Seniors. Whilst the organisation of rugby within the RAF community and competitions at Inter Service level, would not take place if it were not for members of the RAF Vultures. The Vultures are constantly seeking to develop as a team and promote RAF Rugby in the community. If you are a serving or full time reserve member of the RAF who is still playing or aspires to play a good standard of rugby and who

is committed, dedicated and a selfless team member the Vultures would welcome you into a team that offers more than just a good game of rugby. Contact Air-RAFRU-Vultures@ mod.uk for more details. l

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RAF Rugby Union

Spitfires Rugby Sevens

2015 was another great season for the Spitfires, with some notable developments for RAF Rugby 7s. We retained a prestigious title at the Elite level, chalked up our 5th successive tournament win in India, undertook another major charity cycle ride and introduced a Spitfires Development team - the Hurricanes! The season started with some apprehension, with the challenge of emulating the achievements of previous years. With many of the players By Flight Lieutenant Rory Wood, Club Captain 18

having come straight from a very intense 15s season, and the fantastic Inter-Services success, we were always going to be up against it. We’ve always looked to stretch ourselves and certainly did in some of the Elite tournaments we entered. The Apache 7s at Maidenhead proved a tough opener for the Spitfires but did mark the emergence of the Development side, led by Flt Lt Matt Pereira. It was great to be back out in the sunshine, with no mud in sight

(though the 3G pitch caused some vicious ‘carpet burns’!) and a new raft of RAF 7s players were introduced to the ROYAL AIR FORCE RUGBY UNION

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fast-paced format of the game. A few weeks later we went to Bournemouth with a mixed side, again competing at the Elite level having won the Plate title the previous year. Repeating the feat looked unlikely on paper but the players really gelled and produced some excellent 7s, battling their way onto the podium again. SAC Daz Oliver was a titan all day, and SAC Adie Gillespie and Fg Off Tchad Collins-Francois showed their customary pace and power. Retaining the Plate was an outstanding achievement, especially for the handful of players getting their first taste of 7s with the Spitfires. We competed in the Summer Social 7s at Richmond but were knocked-out in the Quarter Final by an injury-time score. The Sevens and the City 20

tournament was a new fixture in the calendar, played at Saracens’ home ground Allianz Park. The event also featured a netball tournament and we linked up with the RAF ladies to cheer each other on. The tournament attracted some very accomplished opposition but we reached a Semi Final for one last appearance on the 4G pitch. The season concluded as ever at the Harpenden National 7s, with both of the Spitfires sides appearing together again. However, both squads were depleted and, despite some great 7s being played, both teams exited early in the knock-out stages. Harpenden represented the tough season we’ve had, especially in terms of the quality of the tournaments and opposition faced, but the integration of a Development side is a considerable success and key to harnessing and enhancing emerging RAFRU talent. l

Charity work is at the heart of the Spitfires’ activities off the field. Over the years we have raised a significant amount - over £80K. Crucially, planning and executing fundraising events brings us together as a team, providing a vehicle for professional and personal development whilst benefitting our chosen charities; The RAF Benevolent Fund and Khelo Rugby. Our efforts this year have accrued approximately £15,000 and earned a nomination by the RAFBF for a Soldiering On Award. This year we undertook our second major cycle ride, making a gruelling journey around London and the South East – on folding Brompton bikes – to commemorate the Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary. ‘Ride75 - The Battle of Brompton’ proved a real challenge in a number of respects but engendered true teamwork and was a very memorable week for all involved - especially as we completed the ride at Twickenham, for the opening game of the RWC! By Squadron Leader Tim Barlow MBE, Director & Coach

Also associated with the Battle of Britain anniversary we produced charity wristbands which we sold all over the UK; at our tournaments, during the bike ride, at England’s RWC warm-up matches and through the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight shop. The wristbands helped promote RAF Rugby, our charities and our sponsors, and raised several thousand pounds in the process. Particular thanks to Fg Off Tom Rock for instigating the wristband enterprise, and Sqn Ldr Alex Blackstock for his coordination and navigation of the bike ride. Our sales of Canterbury supporters’ shirts continues to generate significant sums, with a £5 donation included in the purchase price. A number of the designs have proven particularly popular and continue to sell very well at tournaments, and especially at the Royal International Air Tattoo. Led by Sqn Ldr Nick Monahan and Flt Lt Steve Mills the sales team sold virtually the whole shirt stock over

the weekend, representing over £700 for the charities and lots of happy customers. Canterbury have produced two more great designs for the 2016 season which we look forward to showing off around the country, and on planned tours to the USA and Singapore. l

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Investing in the Future: RAF Rugby Union U23 The RAF has a proud tradition of youth rugby and producing players that have progressed to gaining representative honours with the Senior XV and UK Armed Forces XV (formerly known as the Combined Services).

Pulling on the jersey ... to represent the Service has always been a big honour to me and it started every time I ran out for the U23s ...

The RAF U23 XV carries on the mantle as the age-group based team, taking over from the erstwhile U21 XV. It is with pride that U23 XV set-up continues to provide young players with the opportunity to develop and show their potential for further honour. For some it will be the highest level of representative honours, but for many it is the first rung on the representative ladder and age-group rugby remains a fundamental part of the RAFRU player pathway. We have spoken to some of the current Senior XV players to understand more about how being a part of the U23 XV aided their development within the RAFRU and what it means more personally. Flt Lt Lloyd Owen, who has plays for the Senior XV and UK Armed Forces XV, describes how being a part of the player pathway has seen him progress, “I think the most significant thing for me personally about the U23s is it started the 5-year journey to being part of the RAF Senior Team that won the IS [Inter Service] title.” Lloyd is obviously supportive of the investment made into the individual development of players with potential, stating “it developed me into the player the seniors want you to be.” Last season’s Senior XV Captain, SAC Tim Coghlan quantified why the representative made such a difference to his development, “It allowed me to progress my rugby to a higher level than I had been able to prior to joining By Wing Commander Jack Matthews

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the RAF. Being around better players and training more frequently under better coaches developed my game extremely quickly.” Players like Lloyd and Tim progressed through the U23 XV at the same time and Lloyd believes the togetherness and familiarity has contributed to the increased success for the Senior XV, “In that [Inter-Service] starting line up, 9 of us had played U23 rugby together. However, we are part of a strong RAF Rugby generation.” Playing and performing for the RAF U23 XV is not all about the long-term future, there are also great experiences that individuals enjoy at the time, both through recognition as an RAF player, making with friendships and getting the opportunity to compete for a place in the UK Armed Forces U23 XV at Twickenham. SAC Andy Byrne, a current Senior XV player, thinks that, “My best memories to date would have to include captaining the U23s during the U23 Inter Services competition against the Army and Navy, closely followed by playing at Twickenham for the U23 Combined Services team.” This is something echoed by Tim Coughlan who said, “My best memory from being an U23 was getting the opportunity to play at Twickenham with the Combined Services’ U23s. “We had a strong representation from the RAF that year and it was an excellent experience running out at the home of rugby with some of my best mates.” Getting the ethos right within the squad is key to using the sport of rugby as a vehicle for developing individuals,

so that the positives of sport can be taken back into the work place. Andy Byrne, who is currently undergoing the Air Traffic Control fasttrack system to SNCO, makes the link in rugby developing his leadership, saying it is “it has taught me multiple lessons for both the rugby pitch and Service life. It has given me valuable leadership experience both on and off the field and taught me the importance of teamwork and followership with my team mates, officials and the management staff.” Tim Coghlan, talks passionately about the foundation that the RAF U23 XV has given him, saying that “it instilled a sense of pride in the RAF that I hadn’t yet felt in my career to that date. “Pulling on the jersey and being able to represent the Service has always been a big honour to me and it started every time I ran out for the U23s.” The work of the RAF U23 XV is sometimes understated, but it continues to identify and develop individuals that progress to further representative honours. As has always been the case, healthily functioning age-group rugby is fundamental to the overall RAFRU and being able to make the most of the playing resource that is at the disposal of the RAF. Hopefully, the focus of holistic development of individuals has been brought out by the affection to which players, that are now Senior XV, look back at the their time with the RAF U23XV and extent to which it put them on a pathway to success. l

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The Hawks

RAF Rugby Union Development Squad

The Hawks are the Royal Air Force Development Squad. The Hawks management team is charged with responsibility for identifying and developing players to reach the standard to challenge for a place in the Senior XV. Players are drawn from the RAF U23s, identified from the RAF Divisional Tournament or recommended from by the rugby management on RAF Stations and will be given an opportunity to attend a training camp that lasts 3-4 days, culminating in a By Wing Commander Paul Rose MBE Director Hawks 24

competitive match against civilian or service opposition. The essence of the Hawks is to nurture talent and produce players that raise the competition for places at the highest level of RAF Rugby Union. The Hawks also seek to identify and develop coaches with the potential and enthusiasm to coach at a higher level. This includes a specialist cadre of Strength and Conditioning

Coaches that have made a significant contribution to the professionalism and athleticism of current RAF representative teams. A typical season starts in November with monthly training camps leading to the final match of the season against the RN Presidents XV. In total around 7 matches are played and although nominally at RFU level 5 standard, opposition is varied. The Hawks will be

pit against everything from professional academy teams, such as Nottingham Academy, to the representative team of Her Majesty’s Prison Service. The emphasis on the fixtures is for the Hawks to be faced with fiercely competitive matches that challenge them in as many ways as possible. Academy teams tend to play fast paced, highly skilled and expansive rugby in stark contrast to the combative and confrontational style of teams such as the Prison Service. Through this contrast in styles we get to see the players under pressure, providing the ideal tool for identifying areas for development. Development is centred on both coach-led and personal reflective assessment of physical, technical, mental, tactical and lifestyle capacities. Areas for development are identified and the player is given the tools to improve. The emphasis is firmly on the player to take control of their own development and consequently show the desire and attitude required to play at the highest level. Joint training and physical assessment is held with the Senior XV

every season to provide the Senior XV with exposure to up and coming players, and also to provide developing players with a target to aim for. Communication has been key to ensuring the players with the right talent and attitude progress up the representational ladder and in this area the Hawks has been very successful

in recent years. Several players in the current senior squad have progressed from the Hawks and every year more get the opportunity to represent the RAF at the highest level. For more information, you can contact us by emailing Air-RAFRUHawks @mod.uk l

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RAF Rugby Union Referees Society

The Rugby World Cup not only thrust the world’s top players into the limelight, but also the world’s best referees. Although we can’t all be Nigel Owens, referees continue to be an integral part of rugby within the Royal Air Force, all of which is run through the Royal Air Force Referees Society (RAFRURS). The society has certainly hit the ground running at the start of the 2015/16 season, with the International Defence Rugby Competition (IDRC), commitments to “The Pack” at RWC 2015, plans afoot for the Society’s 50th anniversary in 2016 and all the By Flying Officer ‘JP’ Priestley 26

usual commitments to Service and civilian rugby. Six members of the society were involved in IDRC 2015, officiating throughout the pool stages at Halton, Portsmouth and Aldershot and the knockout stages at Maidenhead and The Twickenham Stoop. Matches refereed by RAF Officials included The British Army v New Zealand Defence Force, Royal Navy v Japanese Defence Forces in the pool stages and the society also had two members in the team of match officials who took charge of the final hours

before the RWC Final. The opportunity to work with referees from different nations is one that does not happen often for officials below elite level, and was an excellent learning and development opportunity for all those involved. The heights which can be reached within RAFRURS were also shown in abundance in October as FS Andy Watson graced The Olympic Stadium (and our TV screens!) having been appointed 4th Official for RWC 2015’s Bronze Final between South Africa and Argentina.

Andy was supporting match referee John Lacey and Assistant Referees Glen Jackson and Chris Pollock. In this role he served as a key link between the on and off field officials, helping manage the teams benches and substitutions. Andy’s appointment follow several years of experience as a member of the RFU’s Elite officiating group, regularly turning out as an Assistant Referee for Aviva Premiership fixtures up and down the country. RAFRURS officials also formed part of “The Pack”, the army of “Gamesmaker” style volunteers who helped run The Rugby World Cup in a variety of roles. Logistics, driving and customer service roles were all carried out by members of the society, from Twickenham to Elland Road. One particularly visible volunteer was Sqn Ldr John Barlow, who found himself several feet in the air doing his best Tennis Umpire impression providing information to spectators outside Twickenham.

The Society is also due to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016, and we plan to mark this special occasion with events befitting such a significant milestone. This started at the Divisional Championships in January where “The Coin Toss” was held. The event coincided with the Society’s Training Day and proved an excellent kick starter to what we hope will be a great year of events. RAFRURS is also hoping to capitalise on the RFU’s “Keep Your Boots On” campaign, which encourages those coming to the end of their playing days to stay

If you are interested in ‘being in the middle’ and taking up refereeing, contact with the society can be made via DII E-mail: Air-RAFRU-Referees Society (MULTIUSER) l

involved in the game through refereeing or coaching. Plans are already being prepared for Level 2 (Refereeing the 15-a-side game) course, which prepares students to take charge of adult matches. ROYAL AIR FORCE RUGBY UNION

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RAF Rugby Union Rugby Development Officer

The RAFRU RDO is charged with growing the game of Rugby Union within the RAF and using the game as an opportunity to showcase the RAF to potential recruits or reservists. It is a unique post in many ways, especially as it has demands from 3 organisations that have to be blended and supported together rather than separately. The first role is in support of the RAF Engagement programme, targeting the 15-24 age groups for both full time and reservist roles primarily, but also to By Flight Sergeant John Wilding 28

increase the positive profile of the RAF amongst this cohort. The RDO achieves this in a different way by using Rugby as the tool to bring the parties together. Examples of how this works in practice is the England Women Talent Development Group

(u15-u18) holding all their training camps at RAF Halton and Cosford, whilst also taking part in visits and activities with RAF personnel. Other partners are building strong reciprocal relationships such as England Women U20 who held a training

This programme has proven to be a great way of introducing new people to our great game through a fun, social and less physically intimidating environment.

week at Cosford as well as Saracens Community Rugby Youth camps at Halton. The next organisation that the RDO is working with on a daily basis is the RAFRU itself. Working under the direction of ‘Play more rugby!’ this role is mainly based within the Community game. In practical terms this is engaging and supporting the Station and Divisional teams in their daily business. For some this may be just regular contact with the committees to see how things are or with others this means greater engagement to help resolve club issues. These can range from a lack of teams within the Service environment to provide regular fixtures, to resurrecting a club that has been dormant, to players dispersed to other units during major construction at the home unit. Opening up links with the club’s local RFU RDO can usually provide some assistance and together with the RAF RDO, many clubs have found that help is close by. Another facet of the involvement of the community game is in the Rugby Education area. The RAF RDO is a RFU Trainer which means that the RAFRU is totally self sufficient in Rugby Education, from Coaching award courses to Continual Professional Development Courses. 2015 saw the first year that all rugby education was carried out under one organisation within RAFRU, from basic coaching non-award courses through to referee courses to Strength and Conditioning Levels 1&2. Building on the strong success of Brize Norton’s O2 Touch pilot, 6

other stations have now taken up the initiative with at least 2 more planning to do so in the summer of 2016. This programme has proven to be a great way of introducing new people to our great game through a fun, social and less physically intimidating environment. A player who was spotted in a Touch programme has recently been involved in the Senior XV Training camp after 2 years in rugby. There are 3 women who played in the RAF Women’s Development team in 2015 who were first identified through the Touch programme. But perhaps more imprtantly, the real power has been the continual raising of the Rugby Club’s profile on the Station and the gathering of support for them during the summer months and regularly through into the main season. The final organisation that RDO links in with is England Rugby. Indeed, England Rugby provides resources to support this role in terms of funding and support. Like our sister Services, the RAF are part of Area 2 in England Rugby and we support many of their initiatives and events, including providing RAF Coach Educators and Trainers to deliver on civilian courses. The RAF RDO also supports the Representative teams, as required, whether it be with co-ordinating coaching, managerial or administrative support or indeed actually doing some coaching. As enjoyable as this, the best support that RDO can give these teams is a strong and vibrant community game,

producing a conveyor belt of good players and excellent support staff to keep the standard high and challenging. So, what does the future look like for the RDO? There are many challenges faced by all in the community game, but the passion, determination, effort and achievements found at the majority of clubs are highly impressive. The RDO support to these committees helps progress and the result is that more rugby is being played, teams are being resurrected from long periods of dormancy, there are more coaches and referees beginning their journey and rugby re-establishing itself as a social pull on many units. Indeed, 2014-15 season saw a 67% increase in the number of 15 a-side games played in the RAFRU Community Game. I look forward to building upon this further in the quest to ‘Play more rugby’. You can contact the Rugby Development Officer by email at: [email protected] l

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RAF Rugby Union Community Pillar The 2014/15 season was a successful one for RAF Community Pillar rugby with a large increase in the number of games played, compared to the previous season; Community Pillar games played increased from 99 to 151. The impressive increase is the result of the hard work on the units from rugby club committee members to find fixtures, chase players and find the time for rugby. The players have responded well and last season contributes to an upwards trend in the number of fixtures being played. To facilitate, the Community Pillar committee set goals for station sides and the Rugby Development Officer (RDO) visits units to assist with local solutions. The new RAF Cup Merit Table structure itself increased fixtures from 69 to 93 matches. Rugby Briefing Days for Station Rugby Officers have become a permanent fixture on the rugby calendar, with two meets per season. Through the informative briefing days, the pillar has developed a better understanding of the issues facing teams and through de-conflicting fixtures and having a targeted Growth Strategy, more people are playing rugby at the grassroots level in the RAF. The Growth Strategy focuses on providing information, support and central coordination of fixtures to allow more players to be available for rugby. By Squadron Leader Martin Hole 30

As well as the strategy, each station has been allotted a target for fixtures played and the teams will be measured against their goal at the end of the season. The RDO, John Wilding, has been instrumental in setting targets and providing support and guidance to units. Competitions The prestigious RAF Cup is the largest competition in the RAFRU and it is open to all station sides. The 2015 final at RAF Halton was a close game between Brize Norton Buccaneers and Lossiemouth Owls and Lossie came out on top 25-19. It was no coincidence that the two teams who play the most fixtures were prepared to go all the way to the final. The Warrington Shield Trophy is played for between teams who finish 9th-12th in the Merit League and those who lose at the first stage of the knockout competition. Odiham Eagles played Leeming Hawks in the Warrington Shield final and Odiham won 54-14. The Spitfire 7s (Binbrook Bomb) is run alongside the home Inter-Services fixture at RAF Halton. The popular 7s tournament allows players to play a number of games, whilst watching their team-mates represent the RAF

and enjoy the rugby festival. In a slight upset, RAF Brize Norton B side won the trophy in 2015. 2015-16 Season To build on the increased participation in the 2014-15 season and the excitement of a Rugby World Cup, a new Merit Table structure was initiated for the 2015-16 season to provide a North and South League structure. Regional fixtures allow teams to play locally thus reducing the commute time. RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Akrotiri would sit out the Merit Table clashes and join at the knockout stages, if they play the required amount of fixtures.

Once again, the competitions are the cornerstone of RAF rugby and ably run by Keith Gow and Mark Burton. O2 Touch was also rolled-out across the RAF to allow male and female participation in touch rugby. Whilst still in its infancy, O2 Touch will be fully supported by the Community Pillar because it allows for maximum participation in the game and it increases the profile of the sport. Divisional Rugby The Divisional Championships allows 88 players to show off their talents over a 3-day competition and it can be a stepping stone for some players to advance to the Under-23s, Hawks or Spitfires. The Divisional Championships is played between four RAF regions, Stags (north), Eagles (east), Sharks (south) and the Wolves (west). The Southern Sharks won the Divisional Championships in season 2014-15. Due to the International Defence Rugby Cup in 2015, the seasonal Divisional Championships were deferred to Jan 2016. Martin Kenworthy is the focal point for organising Divisional Rugby and despite various challenges, the Divisional sides are well established and the Championship is one of the key rugby meets of the season.

2014-15 Season Honours RAF Cup Winners Lossiemouth Owls Warrington Shield Odiham Eagles Spitfire 7s/Binbrook Bomb Winners Brize Norton B Divisional Champions Southern Sharks Coaching The Coaching facilitators managed to train 34 Level 2 coaches in a very productive 2015. The RAF Rugby Development Team became self-sufficient in all training deliverables, which meant that they have no requirement to hire external personnel. In the same year, 6 CPD events were organised for 30 RAF coaches and the first RAF RFU Trainer (assurance role for Coach and Referee Education) was established. Furthermore, the coaching team delivered the first Strength and Conditioning Level 1 and Level 2 courses and increased foundation training for qualified referees. Two RAF RFU Coach Educators and Developers were also qualified. To keep a record

of the qualifications, a database was established using Coaching Database Manager. Thankfully, there were no reported rugby career ending injuries during the 14-15 season and the introduction of the First Aid in Sport Course in December 15 has increased the number of officials available to assist with any potential injuries pitch-side. The Community Pillar is always looking for volunteers to assist - the Director is Frank Clifford, Dep Director is Kev Sanders, Sec is Andy Smailes and the Co-ord role is filled by Martin Hole, who organises the regular OIC Rugby Briefing Days. The whole committee recognises the thankless work carried out on stations every day to enable rugby fixtures to be played. Grassroots rugby always needs volunteers to assist in any capacity and we would welcome all newcomers as players, officials, coaches, referees or fans. We are playing more games of rugby in the RAF than in the last few seasons, but there is still a lot of work to be done to help our teams play even more rugby. Support your local team. l

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30 Produced by Air Media Centre, HQ Air Command. 2088_15SJD © UK MOD Crown Copyright, 2016