Club rugby issue 3

ISSUE 3

Sporting fixtures – who’s showing what and when www.info@clubrugby.org.uk

AT THE HEART OF THE RUGBY COMMUNITY

The Six Nations – we look ahead to the greatest show on earth Entries now open for ‘Rugby Club of the Year’ How you can join the audience for Rugby Tonight

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WELCOME

Welcome

Rugby supporters are in for a treat in 2015. First up, we have the annual feast of rugby that is the Six Nations Championship in all its glory, with armies of travelling fans set to make pilgrimages to some of Europe’s most beloved sporting cathedrals; many more heading to their local pub or club to watch the live coverage on TV; or, of course, installing themselves in their living rooms to witness all the hard-hitting action and drama from the comfort of their sofas.

Whatever their vantage point, Six Nations supporters will, as usual, experience the full range of emotions as the action unfolds throughout the 15 unmissable games of the Championship. Once again, there is an unpredictable air to proceedings with even the most knowledgable and confident of pundits unwilling to put their reputations on the line and pick a winner.

Of course, there are those who view the Six Nations as a mere hors d’oeuvre to the main course of RWC 2015 in September but that would be to underestimate the passions and tribal loyalties that the Championship engenders. The players themselves will certainly have banished all thoughts of the impending World Cup from their minds ahead of the Six Nations. For them, this is the main event and they will eat, sleep and breath Six Nations rugby right up until the final whistle blows on the last match – England v France – on March 21st.

Our coverage of the Six Nations begins on page 12 with a full preview of the tournament as well as an in-depth look at some of the key players who will be gracing the tournament over the next few weeks.

We also go behind the scenes of Rugby Tonight, BT Sport’s flagship Monday night rugby magazine programme and have details of how you can be part of the studio audience for future broadcasts of the programme.

There are also exciting details of how you can enter your club for the 2015 Club Awards which take place in November and let everyone know about the hard work and dedication that is driving your club onwards and upwards!

In this issue

Caroline Scoular

Sean Ferris

Nick Walton

Bill Sanderson

Lawrence Hardcastle

Leigh-Anne Ogilvie

Editor Justin O’Regan Design David Foster Events Leigh-Anne Ogilvie, Jill Slingsby Circulation Jon Hardy Accounts Michael Jeffries, Pam Attrill

Club Rugby is published by Alchemy Contract Publishing (ACP) Ltd. Club Rugby is a sister title to ACP’s Club Mirror and Clubhouse Europe.

ACP Gainsborough House 59/60 Thames Street Windsor Berkshire SL4 1TX UK t. +44 (0)1753 272022 f. +44 (0)1753 272021 e.info@clubrugby.org.uk www.alchemycontractpublishing.co.uk

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Club Rugby does not verify the claims made by advertisers regarding their products.

JUSTIN O’REGAN

CLUB RUGBY 3

Contents 20

16

12

6 News A round-up of the latest news from the rugby scene, including Wooden Spoon’s expedition to the North Pole.

10 Legal Eagle Top advice from our legal expert.

12 Six Nations preview

27

Club Rugby hears from some of the leading players and coaches about what promises to be another tight contest for the RBS 6 Nations title.

16 Six Nations: Players to watch

27 And the Winner is...

We look at the players who could have a mighty impact for their respective teams before the 2015 Six Nations Champions concludes in March.

A look back at the spectacular 2014 Club Awards, staged at the Palace Hotel in Manchester and presented by John Inverdale.

There were also cameo appearances by Harlequins and England wing Ugo Monye and the Aviva Premiership trophy as well as glory for the joint winners of the ‘Rugby Club of the Year’ category – Darlington Mowden Park RFC and Northern FC.

20 Behind the scenes with BT Sport

46

Club Rugby goes behind the scenes of Rugby Tonight, BT Sport’s flagship magazine programme.

24 Top live sport coming your way The Six Nations may be taking centre stage over the next two months but there are plenty of other big live sporting events coming up on TV.

4 CLUB RUGBY

32 Club Awards 2015 – Entry form Details of how to enter this year’s prestigious Club Awards – to be held on November 26 –

which celebrate the unsung heroes and volunteers whose hard work ensures that their clubs have a healthy future.

your food offer right in your club – whatever the size of your operation.

48

48 Women in clubs 42 Hail the Ale Beer Festival – free to clubs Club Rugby invites you and your club colleagues to attend our Beer Festival meet friends, old and new, network with peers and sample traditional ales, all stored and served to perfection with the help of CAMRA.

46 Getting your food offer right Bookers Wholesale offer some advice on getting

James Stibbs, Head of Communications for the Sport & Recreation Alliance, ponders the issue of why females are poorly represented at many clubs in the UK.

50 Gaming Dransfields managing director Chris Haley looks at the latest developments in the gaming machine sector.

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News from the touchline RFU chief opens new Bredon Star clubhouse The new clubhouse of Gloucestershire club Bredon Star was recently opened by RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie.

The Gloucester Division One club raised the funds alongside grants from the RFU, Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund, Severn Waster Environmental Fund and Wychavon District Council.

Businesses helped with a buy-a-brick sponsorship scheme, while cash raised from the Star 2014 calendar was shared with the Air Ambulance charity.

Ritchie praised grassroots community clubs with Star chosen by the RFU to become one of 500 Lead Up and Legacy Centres for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England and Wales as part of an overall £10million investment.

Club chairman Kevin Falvey said: “We are delighted our project won approval following its original identification by North Midlands RFU and we will now have some of the best facilities in the area.”

He added: “The 2015 Rugby World Cup will inspire a new wave of people of all ages to become involved in rugby and this RFU investment will help our club to be even better equipped to welcome newcomers.”

Twickenham to host students finals Friday Night Lights on March 27 will see the British Universities & Colleges Championship Finals at Twickenham, the men’s finale at 7.30pm and the women’s kicking off at 5pm.

Four of England’s 2003 World Cup winning squad: Will Greenwood, Richard Hill, Kyran Bracken and Martin Corry played in previous BUCS Finals.

The Students’ Rugby Football Union (SRFU) is hosting a development forum in the morning, inviting students to share their views with the SRFU committee and area representatives. This will be followed by the SRFU Award lunch and AGM. BUCS are hosting a development event focused on enhancing skills and empowering young leaders, from club captains and committee members to student sabbatical officers.

For further information visit: www.bucs.org.uk/rugbyunion 6 CLUB RUGBY

Emily Scarratt honoured

by Rugby Writers’ Club England World Cup winner Emily Scarratt won the prestigious Rugby Union Writers’ Club Pat Marshall Memorial Award as the sport’s personality of the year for 2014.

Men’s 2003 World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson and Ireland’s most-capped player Brian O’Driscoll were also honoured, receiving the RUWC’s discretionary Special Award for their services to rugby during distinguished careers.

The awards were presented to Scarratt and Wilkinson at a gala ceremony in central London in January, with O’Driscoll unable to attend due to family commitments.

Scarratt is recognised after playing a key role in England’s 2014 World Cup triumph in France that saw her contribute 16 points in the final as Canada were dispatched 21-9, a haul that included a dazzling solo try.

The 24 year old from Lichfield, who can

play outside centre or fullback, finished as the tournament’s top points scorer with 70 and has amassed 55 caps since making her debut against the United States in 2008.

She becomes only the second woman to win the award after England team-mate Maggie Alphonsi was honoured back in 2010.

Scarratt was joined on the four-strong

shortlist by her World Cup captain Katie McLean.

Completing the quartet were Wilkinson and Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, who steered the Irish to the 2014 Six Nations title and a clean sweep of autumn victories over South Africa, Georgia and Australia in his first full year in charge.

Enjoy a pint of Zinzan’s Drop The Windsor and Eton Brewery and legendary New Zealand rugby player Zinzan Brooke have reunited to brew Zinzan’s Drop following a successful brew last year ahead of this year’s Six Nations. The beer - named in honour of Brooke’s extraordinary 47-metre drop goal against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup semi final – is an easy-drinking 4.0% bitter, reddish-black in colour with a fruity dry aroma featuring ingredients from Mr Brooke’s homeland of New Zealand with the rugby legend also helping out with the brewing process.

‘Everyone’s invited’ to the Festival of Rugby 2015 England Rugby 2015 and the RFU have launched the Festival of Rugby 2015, a new programme which will see rugby-themed events taking place across the UK to celebrate the game’s biggest year.

The Festival of Rugby provides clubs, schools, community groups, organisers of sporting events with the opportunity to take part in the celebration of rugby in 2015.

The Festival of Rugby is open to any event hosted between 10 June and 31 October, 2015, that includes a rugby theme

or element. This can be as simple as a link to a rugby team, song, food, visuals or cultural elements of the game.

From bake sales to national sporting events, people across the UK are invited to join in by registering their existing event or creating an event to be part of the programme. The new dedicated website www.festivalofrugby2015.com will also allow people to locate and attend events in their area with a postcode search feature launching later this year.

All events registered as part of the

Festival of Rugby 2015 will have access to the Festival of Rugby brand enabling them to produce items including bunting, t-shirts and promotional tools to use at their events.

Organisers will also have access to their own event page on the official Festival of Rugby website.

England Rugby 2015 chief Executive, Debbie Jevans, said: “The Festival of Rugby 2015 aims to create a true festival feeling across the UK by offering the opportunity for national, local, community and individual events to be part of rugby’s biggest year.”

Barbarians set for Argentina clash at Twickenham in November

Be a winner at the Club Awards 2015 Entries are now open for the 2015 Club Awards which recognise the commitment of clubs, committees and individuals who ensure a healthy future for their clubs.

If you agreed with three or more of these statements then you could be a finalist and the Awards team wants to hear from you.

The Barbarians will celebrate a spectacular year of international rugby against Argentina at Twickenham Stadium next November in the annual Killik Cup Autumn fixture. The famous invitation side celebrates its 125th birthday in 2015 and will take on the Pumas on Saturday, November 21 (2.30pm).

The two sides last met in 1990 when Argentina were beaten 34-22 by a Barbarians side led by Wales scrum half Robert Jones in Cardiff as part of the Barbarians’ Centenary celebrations.

Since then, many famous Argentine players have represented the club, including the legendary Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contepomi. This year Juan Manuel Leguizamon captained the team against England and Juan Martin Hernandez also

featured, while Joaquin Tuculet, Tomas Cubelli and Matias Alemanno all appeared in the 11-try thriller against Australia.

Barbarians president Micky SteeleBodger said: “We have strong links with rugby in Argentina, many of their players have represented the club with distinction and playing the Pumas at Twickenham will be a splendid occasion.

“Argentina have got a proud record to maintain and I am sure they will make a significant contribution at next year’s Rugby World Cup. Special discounted 2 for 1 early bird adult tickets are available, for a limited period only, from £30 for adults (for two tickets) and £15 for juniors (U16) at www.ticketmaster.co.uk 0844 847 2492.

Why enter?

It could be you

Do you think you could be a finalist? Do you have what it takes to beat the best and stand out from the rest?

Does your club have/do THREE OR MORE of the following?

• A turnover of £100,000 or more?

• Provide regular entertainment?

• Provide a good range of beers and spirits?

• Have a thriving junior section?

• Encourage new members?

• Play an important role at the heart of the community?

Take part in Rugby Tonight on BT Sport BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight has become essential viewing for players and supporters so why not get a closer view of the programme by becoming part of the studio audience?

Read our behind-the-scenes article on page 20 and find out how you can join Martin Bayfield, Matt Dawson et al at the BT Studios.

Clubs who make it through to the finals use their success to: • Raise the club’s profile • Gain coverage in the local press and media • Encourage new members • Thank members for their support • Demonstrate that the club is spending members’ money wisely The deadline for entry is June 12, 2015. For more information on the 2015 Club Awards, turn to pages 31-32.

England pair prepare for tough charity trek to the North Pole Former Leicester Tigers and England fullback Tim Stimpson and exEngland 7s winger Ollie Phillips will captain two teams on an expedition to the Arctic to raise money for Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby.

If the threat of -50°C temperatures, thinning ice and polar bears weren’t taxing enough, the 14-man team will attempt to rewrite the record books after a 100-mile trek by playing the most northerly game of rugby ever staged.

The project aims to raise £300,000, which will go directly towards helping disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK and Ireland.

The expedition departs for the Magnetic North Pole on April 15, where they will be guided by world-class polar adventurer, Jock Wishart.

Former England and Bath hooker Lee Mears will referee the match but Phillips believes just getting there will be an incredible achievement in itself.

The Arctic Rugby Challenge 2015 is Wooden Spoon’s most extreme challenge to date. Rugby fans can go to twitter @wsarcticchallenge and tweet messages of support to each team using the hashtags #teamtim and #teamollie – for more information visit http://www.arcticrugbychallenge.org/ CLUB RUGBY 7

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Number of league games quoted is total shown on Sky Sports from 2014/2015 season as a whole. Scheduling may be subject to change.

Terms apply. Calls to Sky cost up to 5.1p per minute (plus 15.97p connection fee) for BT customers. Calls from other providers may vary.

Correct at time of supply 26/01/15.

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Key Highlights Premier League Darts 12, 19 & 26 February

Honda Classic, PGA Tour Golf Thursday 26 February - Sunday 1 March

Wigan Warriors vs. Huddersfield Giants, First Utility Super League Friday 13 February

Leicester City vs. Chelsea Saturday 28 February

Man City vs. Newcastle Utd Saturday 21 February

Liverpool vs. Man City Sunday 1 March

Southampton vs. Liverpool Sunday 22 February

Norwich City vs. Ipswich Town Sunday 1 March

England vs. Scotland, ICC World Cup ODI Sunday 22 February

Plus so much more...

LEGAL EAGLE

Thoughts on the year gone by andpredictionsfor2015 Although 2014 had promised so much in terms of regulation, it was thankfully not as severe as had first been thought. But what will 2015 bring? Club Rugby’s Legal Eagle Nick Walton reflects on 2014 and dusts off his crystal ball to examine the year ahead.

“

As 2014 came to a close after a year which had seen significant remembrance of World War I and the events that took place 100 years ago, I reflected on the life of those who worked in the largest munitions factory in Europe at Gretna in Cumberland.

The Government of the day was so concerned about the effect of drink on the workers in the munitions factory that they nationalised the pubs and off-licences around the area where the factory was situated. They even started brewing their own low alcohol beer. Anyone living in the area who wanted a drink had no choice but to go to a pub where the offer was this nationalised beer or water (off-licences had been banned). At said pub, buying rounds was banned as were whisky chasers.

Saturdays were spirit-free to prevent workers spending their pay packet on booze and get legless on Saturday afternoons!

Illegal sports screenings will continue to hit the on-trade headlines.

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Televised sports There was no football on the television in those days; in fact there was no television. Football addicts went to the match on a Saturday afternoon in collar and tie (and a suit). How times have changed of course, and last year in 2014 televised football matches continued to pull in the crowds via the approved routes of BT Sport and Sky Sports. Those premises that chose the route of cheaper foreign satellite receivers for access to live Premiership football were in for an expensive shock. The Premier League in support of their copyright material commenced prosecutions for the use of any receiver for live Premier matches other than those televised by Sky Sports or BT Sport.

What may now be old news was certainly a wakeup call in January and February for those caught using an unauthorised transmission. Not only were there fines for the guilty party and costs to pay, but solicitors acting for the Premier League also com-

menced a process of assessing compensation to be paid to the Premier League for intellectual property theft. I would be very surprised if every club and pub up and down the land is not aware of the risks they take by screening football illegally. I reported in January 2014 that the challenges based upon European Union Harmonisation would not be considered as the issue was one of copyright infringement. Unfortunately, I see that even in November 2014 there continued to be prosecutions relating to the use of what would now be an illegal transmission on a Saturday afternoon.

Reflections on the World Cup licensing hours Everyone following football will remember the euphoria when England made the finals of the World Cup. Special arrangements were made through an Order discussed in the House of Commons to make the World Cup an “exceptional circumstance” – rather similar to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This

was to enable clubs and pubs not licensed to stay open the extra hours to show the matches in their entirety and to be able to sell alcohol. I have probably said enough already about this; suffice to say one was highly memorable whilst the other best forgotten!

Food allergens – a cause for concern.

Food for thought – allergens Allergen issues in food and the need for better and more uniform advice crept up on the industry. I have had a steady stream of calls from clubs who provide food for their members. If one reaction to an allergen is avoided by improved knowledge and communication about what is in the food we serve it has all been worth it. Don’t forget beer is also classed as food and should have allergen advice available.

Selling of alcohol below cost Below-cost selling of alcohol was addressed in 2014 – mainly relevant to the off-sales, in particular any large multiples selling alcohol as a loss-leader to draw people into their stores.

Tap water v potable water Various changes to the Mandatory Conditions were announced including the change of availability of “tap water” to “potable water”. Arguably in 2014 there are few instances where water that comes out of the tap in Great Britain should not be “potable”; clearly a lot of time was spent considering such a change!

Personal licence holders Whilst much time was spent altering the wording of conditions already in force, no one appeared able to grasp the urgency of making changes to the primary legislation (the Licensing Act) to avoid Personal Licence Holders losing their permission to sell alcohol because their licence had expired. Not until late in December did further advice became available – perhaps a sign that the present administration had increasingly got its mind on other matters.

We learned that a new revised form to renew Personal Licences came into effect on 5 January, 2015. As we went to press, the government remained in a bit of a corner as, if they intend to change the legislation with respect to Personal Licences, it has to be done by the end of March as the House of Commons will go into recess before the General Election. [Editor’s note: We will keep you updated on this in Club Rugby.]

The importance of this date is that, if the primary legislation is not changed by the end of March it will probably not be changed for the foreseeable future in which case everyone that has a Personal Licence will need to renew their Personal Licence if the expiry date is 2015. This will be with a simpler form; there will be no need to pay the renewal fee, to enclose any further photographs or to have a criminal record check.

We understand from the Home Office that they will provide guidance to the Licensing Authorities so that they may agree to receive copies of the Personal Licence (this means that you will have to find your Personal Licence rather than the driving

licence card part of it) and the whole thing can be done by email rather than having to send it by post.

Deregulation Bill A whole raft of measures are included in the Deregulation Bill which may or may not become law in 2015 depending upon when the final parts of the Bill are placed before the House of Commons for approval and whether this can be done by the end of March. No doubt we will discuss this again in future articles depending upon whether the measures are agreed or not.

Late night economy If I was to make any predictions about what would happen in 2015, it would be that there will probably be further measures introduced to deal with the blight on communities created by binge drinking and the excesses of the late night economy.

Regrettably a few members of society are creating a significant issue for the vast majority, and, to quote Sir Ian Gilmore, Chairman of the Alcohol Health

Alliance, “clubs staying open until 5am in the morning selling alcohol were not the problem; the problem is supermarkets, convenience stores, small shops and petrol stations selling cheap drink”.

It appears that there is evidence that the current licensing regime is too unwieldy and changes are probably afoot. My crystal ball is beginning to fade so I cannot identify what type of changes will be made. However, if your operation demonstrates due diligence and is effective in the way that you handle the late night economy in particular (if you are involved in it) you are far less likely to become the target of enforcement measures which I believe will change and become more effective in 2015.

I wish you all the very best for your clubs throughout 2015.

”

Further information on this subject can be obtained from Nick Walton on 0115 934 9177 or n.walton@popall.co.uk

CLUB RUGBY 11

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SIX NATIONS

Six teams, one prize The upcoming RBS 6 Nations Championship is the highlight of the year for most rugby players and supporters and will have an added frisson in 2015 given the close proximity of the Rugby World Cup. Club Rugby looks ahead to what is certain to be another unforgettable Championship.

I

t’s been called the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ and for the majority of rugby fans it’s the highlight of their year – the Six Nations Championship which kicks off in February.

Wherever they happen to be on the globe during each 80-minute battle, English, French, Irish, Italian, Scottish and Welsh fans will all be eager to cheer on their teams and enjoy some goodnatured rivalry as the 15 matches unfold between Friday, February 6th and the final triple-header of games on Saturday, March 21st.

With the 2015 World Cup – to be staged in the UK – just under a year away, there’s an added incentive for all the teams competing in this Six Nations as they attempt to prove that they are genuine contenders to lift the Webb Ellis trophy next November.

Ireland may be defending Six Nations champions, having won the title on points difference last

12 CLUB RUGBY

time out, but there is a massive expectation among England supporters who believe the team is close to becoming a world-beating force on the biggest stage, having run the World Champion All Blacks relatively close in a three-match series during the summer.

But an injury-hit England face a tough Six Nations opener as they travel to Cardiff ’s Millennium Stadium for a Friday night game, a relative rarity in the tournament but one that will have fans buzzing on both side’s of Offa’s Dyke as fans flood in to witness the 126th meeting between these two fierce rivals and get the tournament off to an explosive start.

Despite over 12 first-choice England players finding themselves sidelined due to injury – including fly-half Owen Farrell who has been ruled out of the entire Six Nations – skipper Chris Robshaw believes that English rugby has the

strength in depth to remain competitive and challenge for the trophy.

“I think we are in a very fortunate position in that we are playing for a country where so many players out there are playing so well,” he said at the Official Launch for the Six Nations in London.

“Of course it is never ideal when you lose players, and I’m sure Stuart (Lancaster) was not enjoying watching seeing key players go down for their clubs. But we have other guys who are going to step in who have been waiting for the opportunity for a while, and I’m sure they will step in and grab it with both arms.

“So it’s exciting in terms of seeing so many guys being able to put their hands up. The EnglishWelsh rivalry is still what it always has been. Since I’ve been watching and then involved in the games the rivalry between all the countries is

fierce and that’s the beauty of the Six Nations tournament.”

Robshaw’s Welsh counterpart Sam Warburton – and what a fascinating subplot to the main event the head-to-head between these two hardy back row warriors promises to be – is relishing the prospect of taking on England in the Welsh capital.

“We won’t be looking at either of the games against England over the last two years,” said Warburton. “Every year is different in the RBS 6 Nations as a lot can happen in just six months.

One team’s form can completely change from one year to another.

“In 2012 we won the Championship and then lost eight games in a row, then ended up winning it again. You never know what side will turn up, and what form they’ll be in, so you’ve got to prepare every game as though it is the best possible side you could play.

“Wales and England clashes are always hotheaded and emotional. My dad is English so I always have to tread very carefully when I’m talking about the rivalry between England and Wales!

It’s the same as every other year – the public absolutely love games between Wales and England and for them I imagine it is the best fixture of the Championship.”

Meanwhile France, who open their account against Scotland, are once again a bit of mystery package with no-one quite sure whether Les Bleus will produce fireworks or simply misfire during the campaign. While the French clubs have been in fine form in Europe, many of the standout players on show are foreign nationals, a fact of life for French manager Philippe Saint-Andre who still has some outstanding talent at his disposal.

“We just have to be focused for the first game against Scotland at the Stade de France,” said Saint-Andre. “The first game sets the tempo for

Ireland secured the 2014 title with victory over France in the final game.

competition.It’s very difficult to predict - four countries can win it. Last year we missed a penalty against Ireland and that was maybe the difference between finishing first and fourth. It shows how tight things are at the top level.

“We need to improve our goal kicking percentage. Last year it was 68 percent and if it had been 85 we would have won three games more. The confidence is back, we had some good games in November.”

Scotland, meanwhile, have all too often found themselves as Wooden Spoon rather than title contenders but confidence is high at the moment North of the Border as new manager Vern Cotter in the job since May – applies his massive rugby brain to the problem of turning Scottish fortunes around.

There are already signs of encouragement for Scottish fans – witness the competitive match against New Zealand in the Autumn – but Cotter is keeping his cards close to his chest as he pre-

pares for his first experience of managing a team through a Six Nations.

“We haven’t set winning the Six Nations as an objective,” he said. “We have set doing the best we can with what we have in this moment. We will then assess and develop. I think there are four teams who are favourites. We would like to think we can upset some people.

“I’m pretty excited – pretty nervous too. We’re playing against some very good teams in a competition situation, so it will be a step up from November. It’s going to be tough so I’m going to find out more about my players. By the end I think we’ll be able to judge ourselves and that will help us move forward.”

What of title holders Ireland then? After winning three out of three in their Autumn series on home turf – including a storming victory over South Africa – they open their account against Italy in Rome and will not take the threat posed by the Azzurri lightly.

The 2015 RBS 6 Nations begins with Wales v England on February 6.

> CLUB RUGBY 13

SIX NATIONS Six Nations TV schedule (All BBC) Round 1 Friday 6th February Wales v England 8.05pm Saturday 7th February Italy v Ireland 2.30pm France v Scotland 5pm Round 2 Saturday 14th February England v Italy 2.30pm Ireland v France 5pm Sunday 15th February Scotland v Wales 3pm “We really enjoyed last year’s RBS 6 Nations and we’re looking forward to hopefully experiencing the same thing this year,” said Ireland skipper Paul O’Connell, a fearsome warrior who shows no sign of losing his competitive edge at the age of 35.

“All across the board it looks like every team is going to be better than they were last year so if we don’t improve all across the board – defensively, attack and certainly in terms of our set piece – we’ll get left behind. There’s going to be a lot of really tight games and you need to be able to either come from behind and nick them or be able to close out games.

“Our backs are looking exciting. In last year’s tournament we scored the most tries, so we can play good attacking rugby. They’re great at the kick-chases too, but we need to make good decisions about when to run and when to kick.

“It’s a really enjoyable set-up to be part of at the moment. I enjoy the preparation, the discipline and the training more than ever, and with it being a World Cup year this year it’s particularly exciting.”

As for Italy, traditionally the weakest of the Six Nations teams, there are several new faces in the

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Round 3 Saturday 28th February Scotland v Italy 2.30pm France v Wales 5pm Sunday March 1st Ireland v England 3pm Round 4 Saturday March 14th Wales v Ireland 2.30pm England v Scotland 5pm Sunday March 15th Italy v France

squad who will need to hit the ground running if the Azzurri are going to cause some upsets during the Championship.

This is manager Jacques Brunel’s last Six Nations in charge of the team, with the Frenchman set to step down at the end of the World Cup. He would dearly love to improve on the best showing of his tenure which came in 2013 when victories over France and Ireland saw them finish fourth, one place higher than Brunel managed in his maiden Six Nations campaign in 2012.

Azzurri fans will be hoping they can make an impression this time around too after an autumn that saw them beat Samoa and run both Argentina and South Africa close. And Brunel believes his side can do exactly that as long as they start to grasp opportunities with both hands.

“We want to show in the RBS 6 Nations what we started during the last autumn internationals,” said Brunel. “In November we played with some confidence, we achieved a good level of consistency and we got our defence back to where it used to be. So during the next two months we aim to keep that level of quality.

“We are still in search of the right balance and we definitely must improve our offensive efficiency. 2014 was a weird year and I am still convinced we missed some opportunities in terms of

Round 5 Saturday March 21st Italy v Wales 12.30pm Scotland v Ireland 2.30pm England v France 5pm

wins. That’s the key – we need to start winning games that are within our grasp.”

Such is the keen edge of competition between each of the sides, you can be sure no team will be taking anything for granted as the drama unfolds over those successive weekends in February and March.

One of the chief joys of the Six Nations as far as supporters are concerned is that all the games matter, ensuring the tournament will not fizzle out in the latter stages. For example, in 2014, going into the final day, three teams could have still won the championship – Ireland, England and France. In the final game, Ireland hung on to win against France by just two points and secure the championship, on points difference over England, a thrilling end to what was a classic Six Nations.

There’s every chance that it will go down the wire this time around too, particularly with two of the traditional heavyweights of the tournament – England and France – going head-tohead in the final match of the tournament on Saturday, March 21st.

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SIX NATIONS

Players to watch Club Rugby takes an in-depth look at a player from each of the competing nations who could set the Six Nations alight during the course of the 2015 Championship...

SAM BURGESS – ENGLAND The former Rugby League superstar will surely feature at some point for England in the 2015 Six Nations despite having only joined the 15-man code back in October. While he is no way the finished product as a Union player, Burgess has come on in leaps and bounds in the Bath jersey and while he has initially been selected for the second-string England Saxons side, it would be a major surprise if the former Bradford Bulls and South Sydney Rabbitohs star did not make the step up to full international status.

There was much early debate about which Union Burgess was best suited to play but his run-outs at centre show he has all the necessary attributes to be a top-class presence in the midfield while his tactical and technical play is improving with each game. While his out-andout pace compares unfavourably to many other leading international centres, Burgess has proven in both codes that he has the priceless ability to open up the tightest of defences with sheer power and a cunningly timed off-load from the tackle.

WESLEY FOFANA – FRANCE Centre Wesley Fofana is one of the key dangermen in an exciting French backline and on his day can lay claim to world-class status as an attacking force.

The Clermont Auvergne man has had some wretched luck injury-wise but if France can keep him on the field for the duration of the tournament they have every chance of vying for the title.

At club and international level, Fofana has the ability to conjure up tries and try-scoring opportunities from very unpromising positions.

English supporters will remember his remarkable effort against the men in white during the 2013 Championship when Fofana ghosted through five or six tackles to score a long-range solo try. It is pace which is Fofana’s key attribute, the ability to go through several gear changes in order to create doubt in the minds of the defenders.

He has been one of the key players in the outstanding Clermont Auvergne side who topped the table in the group stages of the European Rugby Champions Cup and is full of confidence after a string of victories in club colours. Even if he is closely shackled by defenders, Fofana has all the skills to break free.

16 CLUB RUGBY

ROBBIE HENSHAW – IRELAND Centre Robbie Henshaw had the unenviable task of replacing retired superstar Brian O’Driscoll in the Irish midfield but has positively flourished under the spotlight, putting in some brilliant performances in the No13 jersey. The Connacht man could have been forgiven for feeling overawed when he first came into the Ireland squad alongside the legendary O’Driscoll but instead he studied closely how the great man handled himself on and off the field with the result that many pundits believe Henshaw will be a long-term future

Irish captain. Henshaw certainly made an impact in 2014, most notably in the November internationals where his midfield tackling was nothing short of sensational, particularly in the victory over South Africa in Dublin. But he is also a very gifted attacking player blessed both with vision and the handling ability to make the most of it. Like O’Driscoll, Henshaw has little notion of self-preservation when on the field of play with the result that he has picked up more than his fair share of knocks and injuries but he has always managed to bounce back stronger and just as confident.

TOMMASO ALLAN – ITALY Tipped as a future Azzurri star the Perpignan flyhalf was known as plain old Tommy Allan during his time as a Scotland U20 player but Scottish rugby’s loss has been Italy’s gain with Allan a fine international prospect. With a Scottish father and Italian mother, Allan is a well travelled player, having also enjoyed a stint with Western Province in South Africa and is continuing his rugby education in Perpignan who currently play in France’s second division.

Before the club’s relegation though, Allan nailed down the No10 shirt despite the presence of James Hook in the squad, the Welsh star moving to fullback. A versatile customer who has played in virtually all the backline positions, Allan started the first three of Italy’s 2014 Six Nations matches against Wales, France and Scotland and looks set to add to his tally of ten caps. Italy have a youngish looking squad coming into the Six Nations and with Allan likely leading the charge from the pivotal fly-half position will be out to prove that they are better than the sixth-place finish they suffered last time out.

CLUB RUGBY 17

>

SIX NATIONS RICHIE GRAY – SCOTLAND Scotland scraped into fifth place in the 2014 Championship courtesy of a last-ditch win against Italy but will have grown in confidence after a competitive set of Autumn internationals under new coach Vern Cotter. One of their finest performances of recent vintage came against the World Champions All Blacks in November at Murrayfield, a game that saw New Zealand rocked time and time again by some forthright Scottish play.

And leading from the front was second row Richie Gray, his shock of blond hair seen haring all over the pitch as he took the battle to the opposition. Scotland eventually went down by 24-16 to New Zealand but won plenty of plaudits for their efforts. If they can recapture that sort of form in the upcoming Championship, they could well cause some shocks and Gray will be crucial to Scottish hopes. A vital ball-winner in the lineout and a renowned scrummager, Gray can also make yardage with ball in hand, making him a very valuable asset. He is also an excellent cover defender and has pulled off some spectacular try-saving tackles during his time as a Scotland forward.

GEORGE NORTH – WALES George North looks equally at home on the wing or in the centre and has been one of Wales’ key attacking forces since his international debut as a teenager back in 2010. Now plying his trade in the Aviva Premiership with Northampton Saints, North has become a cult figure at Franklin’s Gardens and has been central to the team’s fine form on the domestic and European stage. Known as ‘Giant George North’ in his homeland, North is indeed one of the bigger specimens inhabiting the outside channels of the rugby pitch

18 CLUB RUGBY

but his close-quarter power does not come at the expense of speed or skill - witness his astonishing try for the Lions in the 1st Test against Australia in 2013 which has passed into the annals of British rugby. Indeed, he has some of the softest hands in a Welsh backline of exceptional quality. North has been scoring a bucketload of tries for the Saints this season and few would bet against him adding to an already impressive tally of international scores during the upcoming Six Nations.

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RUGBY TONIGHT Rugby Tonight goes out live every Monday night on BT Sport.

Behind the scenes with

BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight Club Rugby headed to East London to join members of Darlington Mowden Park RFC and Northern FC as they took part in live broadcasts of BT Sport’s popular Rugby Tonight programme.

T Sport’s Rugby Tonight, broadcast on Monday nights, has become essential viewing for many fans of the game with its mix of match highlights, technical analysis and irreverent rugby chat.

Much of the entertainment value of the programme stems from banter on set between the various presenters, including the likes of Martin Bayfield, Austin Healey, Ben Kay, Matt Dawson, Brian O’Driscoll, Craig Doyle and Sarra Elgan Easterby.

But part of the unique atmosphere of Rugby Tonight is supplied by the live audience of real rugby club people who supply the background applause and laughter; some of them also getting very hands-on by taking part in the live technical demonstrations that are staged in the spectacular studio which features a marked-out pitch and full size rugby posts.

Among the clubs who have got involved are Northern Football Club and Darlington Mowden

B

20 CLUB RUGBY

Park RFC – joint winners of the ‘Rugby Club of the Year’ Award at the 2014 Club Awards back in November. Having sponsored the award category, BT Sport extended the invitation to both clubs to take part in Rugby Tonight at their state-of-the-art studios in the Olympic Park in Stratford.

“It was a brilliant experience,” says David Giles, general manager of Northern FC. “You watch the programme at home or in the club and don’t really have a clue about how they actually put it together or how many people it takes to run the production.

“But from the minute you walk in you realise how much work it takes to run a live show like this – from the greeters who check you when you first enter the studio to the stage managers to the cameramen to the sound and technical guys – there are a vast number of people all working really intensely to make it all run smooth.

“Then, of course, you have the presenters and they were very impressive in the way that they didn’t appear to have any nerves whatsoever.

“It’s pretty incredible being inches away from the likes of Ben Kay and Brian O’Driscoll and all of the presenters just seemed like nice guys who were happy to chat to fellow rugby people and have their photos taken with us.

“At one point BOD and Austin were passing a ball between them in the middle of the studio as they waited to take part in a technical demonstration and it was amazing to see the speed and accuracy of their passes at close quarters.

“I got to have a brief chat on air as the honorary barman for the night we were on and it was pretty nerve-wracking for me, especially knowing that the lads back at the club would be watching. I couldn’t believe it when Craig Doyle looked me up and down and said on live TV: ‘I see the Prime Minister is in tonight’. I get the mickey taken out of me all the time for looking a bit like David Cameron so I knew that when I got back to Newcastle I’d get another ribbing.

“We actually put some still images from the pro-

David Giles, general manager of Northern FC, chats on-air to Sarra Elgan Easterby.

gramme behind the bar and it’s a really good talking point and a reminder of a great night out for some of our club members.”

Steve Effingham, house chairman of Darlington Mowden Park RFC, also enjoyed taking part in Rugby Tonight alongside several of his club colleagues.

“It’s a real eye-opener to look behind the scenes and see what goes on,” he says. “I was delighted to be the barman for the evening and have a few words with Matt Dawson about the club and its achieve-

Several big-name players take part in a live rugby demonstration in the studio.

Steve Errington of Darlington Mowden Park RFC shows Matt Dawson the ‘Rugby Club of the Year’ trophy.

> CLUB RUGBY 21

RUGBY TONIGHT Rugby Tonight presenters Sarra Elgan Easterby and Craig Doyle enjoy some banter.

Former England and Leicester Tigers team-mates Ben Kay and Austin Healey discuss a technical point.

ments. I even took our Club Awards trophy along and put it on pride of place on the bar which was great as it’s a superb advert for Mowden Park and what we’ve achieved over the last few years.

“Rugby Tonight is a great show mainly because of the knowledge that the presenters have – when you look at the likes of Brian O’Driscoll, Austin Healey, Martin Bayfield. Matt Dawson and Ben Kay – you’re looking at guys who played at the very highest level of the game and their technical analysis is second-to-none.

“I’d definitely recommend the experience to other rugby clubs who might be thinking of trying to get on the programme. It will certainly make you watch Rugby Tonight in a different light when you’re back home.”

Join the audience for Rugby Tonight!

Items donated to the BT Sport Supporters Club charity.

22 CLUB RUGBY

If members of your club would be interested in forming part of the live studio audience for Rugby Tonight, then email us at info@clubrugby.org.uk and we’ll put you in touch with BT Sport.

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LIVE SPORTING FIXTURES FROM

TCH NE TO WA

O

Wednesday February 11, 7.45pm – BT Sport 1 HD

Football: Barclays Premier League Chelsea v Everton Things are getting serious in the Barclays Premier League title chase and any slip-ups could cost the leading teams dearly. Chelsea will be determined to ensure they do not crash to a shock defeat against the Toffees and lose ground to their nearest rivals. Everton have had a disappointing season and gaining a major scalp would give their supporters some real hope for the future.

NDS

RECOMME

Tuesday February 24, 7.45pm – ITV1

Football: UEFA Champions League Manchester City v Barcelona One of the biggest club games of the season so far sees the English champions take on a star-studded Barcelona side. Will City be able to contain the peerless striker Lionel Messi in this Round of 16, 1st leg tie or will it be the La Liga team who will be stretched by the talented Manchester City attack? With home advantage on their side, City will be eager to seize the initiative ahead of the second leg contest at Nou Camp.

THE REST OF As the Six Nations takes centre stage, Sports4Bars.com looks ahead to some of the other big live sporting fixtures coming to your screens over the next two months.

Wednesday February 11, 7.45pm BT Sport 1 HD

Football: Barclays Premier League - Chelsea v Everton The earlier tie between these two sides, back in August at Goodison Park, saw a total of nine goals scored as the Blues won 6-3. With Chelsea fully concentrated on maintaining their march to the title, it is unlikely that Everton will find goals as easy to come by this time around.

Football: Barclays Premier League - Tottenham v West Ham

Sunday February 15, 1pm BT Sport 1 HD Aviva Premiership Rugby: Saracens v Bath A massive game for both sides and a chance for those players not involved in the Six Nations to step up and maintain the momentum that has propelled Saracens and Bath to the higher echelons of the table.

Sarries will be out to avenge the 2111 defeat they suffered at The Rec back in October.

Tuesday February 24, 7.45pm ITV1

Saturday February 21, 5.30pm Sky Sports 1 HD

Football: Barclays Premier League - Manchester City v Newcastle Utd Another ‘must-see’ clash from the Premier League as reigning champions City aim to keep their defence on the rails during this crucial portion of the season.

Newcastle United have had a

ATCH ONE TO W Friday March 27, 7.45pm - ITV1

International Football: England v Lithuania England have been cruising through their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign so far and that should not change against lowly Lithuania, rated 91st in the FIFA World Rankings, over 70 places below England. That said, manager Roy Hodgson will be guarding against any shred of complacency among his players who have shown a tendency to coast when faced by lower-ranked teams in competitive fixtures.

24 CLUB RUGBY

turbulent season but have the ability to play some dazzling football at times and will not be taken lightly by their hosts.

Saracens v Bath: BT Sport 1, Sunday, February 15

Sunday February 22, 12noon BT Sport 1 HD

A London derby that both sides will see as eminently winnable given the relative closeness between the teams in the League table for much of the season. Spurs will be favourites afer a revival in their fortunes in recent months has seen them pushing towards a top-four spot.

Football: UEFA Champions League - Manchester City v Barcelona A game of truly epic proportions as Manchester City take on European powerhouse Barcelona in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. This is the second year running that these two sides have met at this stage with Barcelona knocking out City last time out, winning 4-1 on aggregate.

With some of the planet’s biggest stars on display – including Argentina striker Lionel Messi - this will be an unmissable game of the highest calibre.

THE BEST LIVE SPORT England v Lithuania: ITV1, Friday, March 27

ALSO COMING UP...

Sunday February 15, 3.30pm Sky Sports 1 HD

Football: Hamilton Academicals v Aberdeen Tuesday February 17, 7.45pm Sky Sports 1 HD

Football: UEFA Champions League: Round of 16 – Shakhtar Donetsk v Bayern Munich Wednesday February 18, 7.45pm Sky Sports 1 HD

Football: UEFA Champions League: Round of 16 – Schalke v Real Madrid Saturday February 21, 12 noon Sky Sports 1 HD Sunday February 15, 1pm BT Sport 1 HD

Aviva Premiership Rugby: Saracens v Bath A massive game for both sides and a chance for those players not involved in the Six Nations to step up and maintain the momentum that has propelled Saracens and Bath to the higher echelons of the table.

Sarries will be out to avenge the 2111 defeat they suffered at The Rec back in October.

Friday February 27, 7.45pm BT Sport 1 HD

Aviva Premiership Rugby: Northampton Saints v Harlequins Northampton Saints have been one of the most impressive sides throughout the season but must now prove that they have the strength in depth in their squad to cope without their international contingent. They will be looking to their senior players like USA No.8 Samu Manoa to lead from the front.

Sunday March 1, 12 noon Sky Sports 1 HD

Football: Barclays Premier League - Liverpool v Manchester City This is set to be an intriguing clash between two famous North West sides as the countdown continues to the end of the season. With just a few games left at Anfield for

departing skipper Steven Gerrard, the Reds legend will be determined to lead his men to victory against one of the standout teams of the season.

Friday March 27, 7.45pm ITV

International Football: Euro 2016 Qualifier – England v Lithuania Roy Hodgson’s men resume their Euro 2016 campaign as they take on Lithuania at Wembley. Given that their opponents are rated 91st in the FIFA World Rankings, England – ranked at 13 – will be looking for a comfortable win in front of their home crowd as they move ever closer towards next year’s tournament.

Friday March 27, 7.45pm BT Sport 1 HD

Aviva Premiership Rugby: Northampton Saints v Wasps Wasps – now based in Coventry – have improved massively over the course of the season with the result that Saints will be very wary of the challenge posed here by manager Dai Young’s team. At the same time, Northampton will be out to prove a point against a team which has relocated to the Saints’ backyard and show the former Londoners which team is the real powerhouse of East Midlands rugby.

Sunday March 29, 2pm BT Sport 1 HD

Football: Middlesbrough v Leeds United

Aviva Premiership Rugby: Sale Sharks v Gloucester

Saturday February 21, 7.45pm Sky Sports 1 HD

Both teams have suffered from inconsistency this season but are well capable of beating virtually any team in the Aviva Premiership when on song. The earlier tie between the teams was a pulsating encounter which saw Gloucester – inspired by former Welsh international fly-half James Hook – producing a sensational second-half comeback to win by 34-27, having entered the break at 17-6 down. Indeed, it was a day for excellent No10 play with Sharks fly-half Danny Cipriani having a blinder.

Rugby League: World Club Challenge – Wigan Warriors v Brisbane Broncos

Friday March 27, 7.45pm ITV

International Football: Italy v England A friendly fixture that will give England a good measure of their own progress since they last met Italy. That, of course, was in the group stages of the World Cup in June 2014 when England crashed to a 2-1 defeat in Manaus. It was a fairly disastrous start to the tournament for England and, as we now know, things did not improve. A win here at the Juventus Stadium, even in a friendly, would be a major scalp for the Three Lions.

Sunday February 22, 4.15pm Sky Sports 1 HD

Football: Barclays Premier League - Southampton v Liverpool Sunday March 1, 2.05pm BT Sport 1 HD

Football: Barclays Premier League - Arsenal v Everton Sunday March 1, 4pm Sky Sports 1 HD

Football: Capital One Cup Final Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur Tuesday March 3, 7.45pm BT Sport 1 HD

Football: Barclays Premier League - Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion

www.Sports4Bars.com < CLUB RUGBY 25

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CLUB AWARDS

And the winners are...

Club Rugby is delighted to present the 2014 Rugby Club of the Year winners. The night of celebration began with a drinks reception sponsored by Carlsberg UK (complete with The FA Cup courtesy of BT Sport) followed by the 2014 Gala Dinner and the Awards themselves, presented by host John Inverdale, with a little help from Ugo Moyne and the Aviva Premiership Cup! Congratulations to all of our winners, to every finalist and to every club who entered.

> CLUB RUGBY 27

CLUB AWARDS

For those of you who couldn’t join us in Manchester last November, this is for you.

Welcome to the 2014 Club Awards.

“

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and a very warm welcome to the Palace Hotel and the 2014 Club Awards.

These Awards are now in their 22nd year and are designed to recognise and reward the very best in the club sector. Every finalist here tonight truly represents the very best in the UK and congratulations to each and every one of you for making it this far.

Through Club Mirror, our four other club magazines, five websites, social media and external nominations, we had over 20,000 potential winners, which we whittled down to just under 1,000 actual contenders. And now, after interviews, mystery visits, recommendations and reviews, this has been refined to the 100 finalists who have come together in this room. Thank you so much for being here and congratulations to each and every one of you!

Every part of clubland is represented here tonight – including many associations and industry bodies and thanks to them for joining us on a night of celebration. Thanks also to John Inverdale – back by popular demand! - and many thanks go to all of tonight’s sponsors who are proud to be part of this sector.

Working together to help drive the club industry brings us neatly back to the reason we’re here. You. To be here in this room on this night is testament to your success in developing your club and evolving with the ever changing needs of your members.

And that evolution has been quite a journey!

Ladies and gentlemen – congratulations! Have a great night!

Sean Ferris, Managing Director

28 CLUB RUGBY

”

Sean Ferris

CLUB AWARDS GALA DINNER MENU Pressed Ham Hock with Cured Plum Tomato, Piccalilli, Crisp Pea Shoots and Onion Bread *** Fillet Steak served with Red Cabbage, Chantenay Carrots, Roasted Parsnips and Horseradish Mash *** Carnival Cream served with Donuts, Fudge, Shortbread and Berries *** Freshly Brewed Coffee and Petit Fours John Inverdale

Wines – from Crown Cellars’ O&E range The O&E range is exclusive to Crown Cellars and the on-trade

Ugo Monye

Fillet Steak – from Booker Booker is proud provider of tonight’s Fillet Steak

> CLUB RUGBY 29

CLUB AWARDS

Rugby Club

JOINT WINNER

DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK RFC

Judges’ comments: “Mowden RFC in Darlington was founded in 1950 and has steadily grown in stature. It’s an amazing success story, making them a true match for any club – and not just in terms of their transformation after taking the plunge by selling their old ground for housing and buying a 25,000-seater stadium and everything that comes with it. This, of course, has been coupled with extraordinary success on the field. The club offers no less than six bars which extends to 10 on match days as well as two large function rooms, games room and separate restaurant. Next year, the All-Blacks will be based here during the World Cup and are hoping to get 2,500 along to perform the world’s biggest haka and break into the Guinness Book of Records.”

The joint winners of Rugby Club of the Year proudly gather round the Aviva Premiership trophy (courtesy of sponsor BT Sport).

JOINT WINNER

NORTHERN FOOTBALL CLUB

Judges’ comments: “On the rugby side of the things, Northern Football Club’s men’s teams are doing very well and the junior section is flourishing throughout the various age groups (and makes up the biggest membership percentage of the entire club). They’ve installed new floodlights as well, which means they now have some of the best training facilities in the area. The gym and squash sections are also attracting new members and there is plenty going on socially throughout the club, including a newly formed golf society plus a number of bookings for weddings and parties stretching into 2015, not to mention their popular annual beer festival.”

30 CLUB RUGBY

SPONSORED BY

And there’s more...

BT Sport was proud to invite English international rugby union player Ugo Monye on stage to discuss his thoughts on the year ahead – notably the 2015 World Cup – with sports presenter John Inverdale.

Ugo, who plays for Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership, celebrated rugby at every level, and discussed how life-changing his own first venture into the sport had been.

He scored his first England try in the 2009 Six Nations (against Scotland at Twickenham), was selected for the 2009 Lions tour, helped Harlequins win the Amlin Challenge Cup and was named in the England training squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Shortly after this picture was taken, Ugo was whisked back to London for an early training session the following day.

From BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight studio in London, Ben Kay wished everyone a great evening. The rugby legend then read out the list of Rugby Club of the Year finalists before handing back to John Inverdale in Manchester for the live announcement of the winners.Ben and BT Sport also invited category finalists to take part in a live recording of Rugby Tonight (see pages 20 - 22 for how they got on!)

CLUB RUGBY 31

CLUB AWARDS 2015

Your industry

needs you

The Club Awards are back.

And we want you to enter.

The Club Awards recognise the commitment of clubs, committees and individuals who work to ensure a healthy future for their clubs.

If you agreed with three or more of these statements then you could be a finalist and the Awards team wants to hear from you.

IT COULD BE YOU Do you think you could be a finalist? Do you have what it takes to beat the best and stand out from the rest?

WHY ENTER? Clubs who make it through to the finals use their success to:

Does your club have/do THREE OR MORE of the following?

• A turnover of £100,000 or more?

• Provide regular entertainment?

• Provide a good range of beers and spirits?

• Have a popular food menu?

• Have a thriving junior section?

• Encourage new members?

• Keep up-to-date with the latest drinks on the market?

• Have a sports team(s)?

• Play an important role at the heart of the community?

• • • • •

Raise the club’s profile Gain coverage in the local press and media Encourage new members Thank members for their support Demonstrate that the club is spending members’ money wisely

Finalists will enjoy: • A FREE ticket to the Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony (26 November, Manchester) • Three-course Gala Dinner • Entertainment from a celebrity host • Dancing • Certificate for all finalists • Award for category winners • Inclusion in the Club Rugby Hall of Fame • Coverage in Club Rugby magazine

So what are you waiting for?

Fill in the form opposite, email us or fax us We look forward to your entry!

DEADLINE: JUNE 12, 2015 – Tel: 01753 272022 Fax: 01753 272021 32 CLUB RUGBY

ENTRY FORM:

CLUB AWARDS 2015

IS THIS YOU? Are you proud of your teamwork?

Please enter my rugby club for the 2015 Club Awards.

Name: _______________________________

Are you encouraging new players?

Job title: ______________________________ Club Name: ____________________________

Are you proud of your members?

Address: ______________________________ __________________________________

Are you proud of your clubhouse?

__________________ Post code: __________ Contact tel nos: __________________________

Are you proud of your catering?

Email address: __________________________

Please send this entry form and any supporting documentation (e.g: details of the club, any photos, local press coverage, testimonials, flyers, menus) to Club Rugby magazine.

BY EMAIL: info@clubmirror.com

BY FAX: 01753 272021

BY POST: Club Awards 2015, Club Rugby Magazine, ACP, Gainsborough House, 59/60 Thames Street, Windsor, Berks SL4 1TX t. 01753 272022

Are you proud of your management?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then we want to hear from you.

DEADLINE: JUNE 12, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tel: 01753 272022 Fax: 01753 272021

< CLUB RUGBY 33

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CLUB AWARDS 2015

Remember, remember the 26th November Busy clubs and officials are hard pressed to take time out unless thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very good reason to do so.

This is why we are cramming three events into one action-packed day on 26 November in Manchester.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sourcing new suppliers, seeking expert advice on legislation, comparing notes with other clubs or trying out a new beer for the bar, the Club Rugby team invites you to join them for an action-packed day (and evening).

2 - 5pm HAIL THE ALE BEER FESTIVAL The sixth Hail the Ale Beer Festival, in association with CAMRA, will present ales from brewers of all sizes. Free to clubs and free to sample, clubs can test out ales and seek advice from the experts on how to keep and serve the perfect pint. Also: top tips on how and why well-kept real ales can create a point of difference.

> CLUB RUGBY 37

CLUB AWARDS 2015

2 - 5pm ASK THE EXPERTS – LIVE! This free-to-clubs event brings clubs and club-supporting suppliers together in an informal and informative atmosphere, aiming to forge new partnerships and cement old ones.

“Business-building is what it’s all about,” says publisher Sean Ferris.

“We’re encouraging readers to come along and network with companies they already work with as well as meeting those not yet on their radar.”

Ask the Experts - Live! will host experts in a number of key club areas including cellar management, energy saving, gaming machines, web design and hi-tech screens, as well as advice on latest legislation and better buying.

38 CLUB RUGBY

6.30 - 7.30pm

7.30 - 10pm

DRINKS RECEPTION Join us at the pre-Awards drinks reception, courtesy of Carlsberg UK.

CLUB AWARDS The 23rd Club Awards and Gala Dinner will be hosted by a sporting celebrity. (Pictured: commentator, rugby fanatic and sports presenter John Inverdale proved a popular host.)

10pm - 1am ENTERTAINMENT ZONE The evening continues after the Awards with entertainment, upbeat disco and real ales at £1 a pint. (Images shown are from last year’s event.)

> CLUB RUGBY 39

CLUB AWARDS 2015

Booking and registration form • GALA DINNER • HAIL THE ALE • ASK THE EXPERTS – LIVE! Join us and clubs from around the country at the club event of the year.

REGISTRATION AND BOOKING FORM Name: ________________________________________

CLUB AWARDS AND GALA DINNER

Club Name and Address: _________________________

Early Bird Rate available for bookings taken

by July 31.

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Contact Telephone Number: ______________________ Email: _________________________________________

Please reserve me (STATE NUMBER) ______ tickets for the Gala Dinner at the Early Bird Rate of £58.80 per person (including VAT of £9.80).

Please reserve me (STATE NUMBER) ______ table/s for 10 at the Gala Dinner at the Early Bird Rate of £451.20 (including VAT of £75.20).

ASK THE EXPERTS – LIVE! (FREE TO CLUBS) • I would like to attend the Ask The Experts - Live!

■

• I will attend on my own ■ • I would like to bring colleagues

■

Up to 3 _____ 3 - 5 _____ Other (please state) ______

HAIL THE ALE BEER FESTIVAL (FREE TO CLUBS) • I would like to attend the Hail the Ale Beer festival

■

• I will attend on my own ■ • I would like to bring colleagues

■

Up to 3 _____ 3 - 5 _____ Other (please state) ______

40 CLUB RUGBY

SEND COMPLETED FORM TO CLUB RUGBY:

BY FAX: 01753 272021

BY POST: Club Awards, Club Rugby, Gainsborough House, 59-60 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1TX

BY EMAIL: info@clubmirror.com CALL: 01753 272022

DIARY DATE 26 November, 2015

RUGBY CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD Manchester Palace Hotel 26 November

SUPPORTED BY ISSUE 3

Sporting fixtures – who’s showing what and when www.info@clubrugby.org.uk

REGISTRATION HOTLINE 01753 272022

AT THE HEART OF THE RUGBY COMMUNITY

The Six Nations – we look ahead to the greatest show on earth Entries now open for ‘Rugby Club of the Year’ How you can join the audience for Rugby Tonight

BUILDING THE BUSINESS – BEER FESTIVAL

Hail the Ale Beer Festival

FREE T O CLUBS !

Club Rugby invites you and your club colleagues to meet friends, old and new, network with peers and sample traditional ales, all stored and served to perfection with the help of CAMRA.

D

oing anything on November 26? Then keep it free and join us at Club Rugby’s Hail the Ale Beer Festival at the Palace Hotel in Manchester.

“This is our 7th Beer Festival in Manchester,” says Club Rugby’s Sean Ferris. “We’re inviting readers to come along and sample this year’s real ales, and to discuss storage and service with brewers and with the experts from CAMRA.” Last year saw clubs sampling over 20 ales, from old favourites to new brews.

So to find out what’s at this year’s festival, come and join us. Fill in the form on the opposite page or email us on: info@clubrugby.org.uk.

42 CLUB RUGBY

WHEN: Thursday, November 26, 2015 2-5pm WHERE: Copper Face Jacks (within the Palace Hotel, Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 7HA)

Welcome to the CLUB RUGBY BEER FESTIVAL

REGISTRATION AND BOOKING FORM BEER FESTIVAL 2015 (FREE TO CLUBS) NAME: _________________________________________

CLUB NAME AND ADDRESS: ______________________________

• I would like to attend the Hail the Ale Beer festival • I will attend on my own

■

• I would like to bring colleagues _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER: _____________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________

■

■

Up to 3 ____ 3 - 5 ____ Other (please state) ____

SEND COMPLETED FORM TO CLUB RUGBY:

BY FAX: 01753 272021

BY POST: Beer Festival 2015, Club Rugby, Gainsborough House, 59-60 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1TX

BY EMAIL: info@clubrugby.org.uk CALL: 01753 272022

< CLUB RUGBY 43

CASK ALE

Cask ale – the benefit to clubs

Selling cask ale provides a genuine point of difference and yet another reason for members to keep coming back to the club, says Marston's Beer Company's Ian Ward.

A

quality cask ale offer reflects well on the club; it is often seen as a benchmark for the club’s overall quality.

Cask ale popularity is growing and outperforms all other beer categories and now holds a 58.6% market share of the draught ale market*.

Cask ale drinkers visit outlets more frequently and have a higher spend per head according to research. It makes sense, therefore, to create events and activities to encourage non-cask drinkers to try cask ale for the first time.

Beer festivals are a great way to boost footfall and build a reputation for quality cask ale. How about trying beer platters, a great way of encouraging experimentation and delivering a real tasting experience. Or maybe inspire the kitchen team to create a beer and food matching menu?

Range and beer styles Aim to have a balanced range of familiar ‘tried and trusted’ brands to re-assure new or occasional drinkers, alongside less familiar ‘guest’ brands that provide something a little different to encourage choice and experimentation for more experienced drinkers.

Communication and staff recommendation Sell the benefits of cask ale using clear and simple language such as ‘real’, ‘fresh’, ‘natural’ and ‘regional’ on chalkboards and promotional materials. Educate your bar staff on different beer styles and use simple tasting descriptions to provide recommendations to members.

Publicising your events • POINT OF SALE – Promote your event with personalised banners, posters and flyers.

• LOCAL PRESS – Create a press release or photocall about your event and send to local journalists.

• CAMRA – Make your local group aware of your event. (Find contact details at www.camra.org.uk)

TOP TIPS FOR THE PERFECT PINT 1. Ordering – order the correct size of cask and aim to sell it within three days.

2. Storage – check your cellar temperature. Casks must be stored in a temperature controlled cellar between 11-13°C. 3. Stillaging – all casks should be stillaged securely for at least three days before sale. If some have to be stillaged later, roll them first to allow the finings to work. Cask beers will usually drop bright within 48 hours, some brands may take a little longer.

4. Pegging & venting – all casks should be vented with soft porous pegs 2-6 hours after delivery. Check casks frequently and change peg if it becomes blocked. When strong fermentation has finished insert a hard, non porous peg. Remove that when serving and replace at the end of the session.

5. Tapping – tap all casks 1-2 days before they go on sale. Always use a clean tap.

6. Sampling – sample beers for clarity, aroma and taste after tapping, and before serving each day.

Always sample from the cask.

7. Serving – once on sale the beer is exposed to air, which begins to deteriorate the quality of the beer.

Ideally, therefore, empty a cask within three days.

8. Tilting – gently tilt the cask when it’s between 1⁄2 and 2⁄3 full, either by raising the back or lowering the front by about three inches, whichever is easier.

9. Cleaning – clean the beer lines and equipment every week, using methods recommended by your cask supplier.

10. Don’t Compromise – follow these tips and you will serve the perfect pint of cask ale.

<

44 CLUB RUGBY

CATERING

Getting your food offer right Whatever the scale of your food operation, there are plenty of reasons why it should be put firmly on the front burner this year.

Booker offers the following advice.

T

here are a number of factors and questions which will help you decide the type of food that best suits your club. These include the following: • How big is your kitchen?

• What equipment do you have?

• What storage do you have?

• Is take-away an option?

• Do you have any kitchen staff?

• What would your members like? This is the most important factor – find out what choices would they like to see, what do they consider acceptable prices, what serving times would best suit them?

• Keep the menu simple to start, 4-6 starters, 810 main courses and 4-6 desserts (which can, of course, be bought as finished products).

• Ensure the menu contains healthy and vegetarian options.

• You will also need a mixture of red meat, white meat and fish.

• Keep your menu descriptions simple, but make the dishes sound as mouth watering as

46 CLUB RUGBY

SO WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU BE DOING IN 2015?

Offer ‘meal deals’.

Most of the successful brands are offering food and a drink, or buy a main course, get a discounted side order or dessert. Also two meals for a set price works well. Use offers to bring customers in on quiet nights; offer your meal deals on a Monday to Thursday.

Theme Nights Use national events such as Burns Night and Halloween to drive interest and create a fantastic atmosphere. You can also hold your own events around local events or those that are important to your members and guests. Fundraising events always prove popular.

•

possible, with words such as prime, succulent, tender and fresh.

Think of your ‘margin mix’. There are some dishes that will make you a high percentage gross margin (such as soup), and others (such as a baked camembert) where that gross margin will be lower, but the cash margins higher.

Maximise your offer Members are increasingly time precious, so offer a meal deal to take away. And for clubs who do lunches, have a look at local businesses close by.

Either get them to join and come in for lunch, or offer a delivery service if possible.

Get your coffee right Customers are becoming more and more discerning over their coffee. It’s relatively simple these days to offer a good coffee solution. There are a number of relatively inexpensive bean to cup machines on the market that can pay for themselves quite quickly if you can start to serve 20 or so cups of coffee a day.

Booker also offer a printed cup service, which means you can offer a take away coffee to your customers, and it’s in a cup with your business name on it!

“Use offers to bring customers in on quiet nights; offer your meal deals on a Monday to Thursday.”

Market your business Tell people you serve food with a blackboard or other signage outside. Create a Facebook page and Twitter account. Where you can offer incentives or vouchers.

Serve some free chips or other simple food on busy nights such as football or darts nights.

Customers will appreciate it, will realise that you serve food, find that the food is good and come back to eat another time.

< CLUB RUGBY 47

CALL TO ACTION

Women in clubs – opportunities, benefits and best ways forward When you look around your club, do you see an even split of men and women? Not just in the bar or out in the sports facilities, but on the management committee or the staff too? Chances are that you don’t – and you are not alone, says James Stibbs, Head of Communications for the Sport & Recreation Alliance.

I

n sport and sports organisations, the disparity between women and men – from being physically active to running the shop – is becoming a hotter and hotter issue. And for good reason.

For example, at every stage in life men are more physically active than women, doing more sport or recreation. Between the ages of 14 and 40, two million fewer women and girls play sport than men and boys.

And at the very top, the picture is the same too.

At the top of sports bodies – on the boards of governing bodies, for example – only around one in four is a woman. That’s a bit odd, given that more than half of the population is female.

But perhaps, I hear you say, so what?

Well, because your club can make a difference to stats like these. And because, if you want to stay at the heart of your community, you should want to make that difference too.

Because the blunt fact is that half of your potential customer base is female. So if half of your members – sports, social or otherwise – aren’t

48 CLUB RUGBY

female too, then you are missing a trick. You are missing out on revenue, sustainability, and not least success on the field if you are a sports club.

But it’s not just about your bottom line or your league success. There are wider reasons why you should think about getting more women involved in your club and making a difference.

The first and arguably most important is the duty you and your club have as leader within your community.

As a club you are part of the fabric of your local community – a place where people come together, form friendships, seek support, develop a culture.

You have standing. The rules and culture which you promote have an influence on your communi-

ty. That makes you and your management team leaders and role models.

So ask yourself, if the cap fits, why isn’t your management committee representative of the community which you serve? Why isn’t there a 50/50 split between men and women? There’s plenty of evidence which says that companies with more women on their board hugely outperform those without. And it makes sense that the same applies in other types of organisation. If you can set an example at your club, that will have an influence in your community.

We do a lot of work in the governance of sport and find that diversity (not just women, but members of ethnic minorities and disabled people, too)

“Your club can be at the heart of getting more women involved in sport as part of a movement like this.”

at the top of an organisation helps clubs and governing bodies become much more responsive and effective.

Also ask yourself – again if the cap fits – why your sports teams aren’t equally split or supported by men and women. There’s nothing about sport which intrinsically discriminates against women – we all share the same number of legs, fingers and eyes. But this disparity in participation has built up over a long time and is difficult to dislodge. Ask yourself if your club is doing enough to welcome female participants? Has a culture grown around the sports teams being men only? Are your facilities inviting to women as well as men? Do women and girls in your local community know that you exist? Are you actively recruiting them?

This links to the second reason to get more women into your clubs sports teams. Physical activity has a massive bearing on our health – in fact, more than weight does. Thin people who do no exercise can be more unhealthy than overweight people who do. In fact, according to a major bit of research published last month, lack of exercise kills twice as many people as obesity.

Few of us are great at being active as much as we should (five times 30 minutes a week is what the doctor prescribes, by the way) but women are worse than men.

You may have seen the #thisgirlcan campaign which was launched by the Government in January.

It is part of a massive, multi-million pound marketing effort to get more women more active. Its mes-

And your club can be at the heart of getting more women involved in sport as part of a movement like this. No one owns the campaign and no one is seeking to take the credit for #thisgirlcan. It’s up to organisations like yours and communities like the one you operate in to seize the initiative.

Perhaps in a year’s time, you will be able to tell a great story about the way you transformed the lives of women and girls in your community, maybe earning one of those coveted Club Mirror awards along the away. You could start a new programme or project to re-energise your women’s or girls’ teams, or reach out to schools or a particular employer in your area to try to get women and girls more active in your town or village. You could simply start with a sign on the door with ‘#thisgirlcan at our club’ on it.

Whatever you do, it’s clear that there is lots of potential which sports clubs aren’t tapping into yet.

And for your club, it’s potential league wins, potential new members and potential profit. What have you got to lose? sage is that it doesn’t matter how you look when you exercise, or how good you are. All that matters is that you are doing something which you enjoy and that is good for you.

The campaign is being advertised on prime time TV slots, in magazines, in cinemas. It’s generated hours and metres of media coverage on shows and in papers and magazines. And it’s set to make a big impact on the number of women getting involved in everything from Zumba classes to hockey clubs.

CONTACT DETAILS Sport and Recreation Alliance Burwood House, 14 Caxton Street London SW1H 0QT t. 020 7976 3900 f. 020 7976 3901 twitter. @sportrectweets www.sportandrecreation.org.uk

< CLUB RUGBY 49

GAMING

Gaming– review of 2014 and advice on the year ahead From the cancellation of Machine Games Duty penalties by HMRC to the ongoing Linneweber saga, life is certainly never dull in the gaming sector, as Dransfields MD Chris Haley explains.

T

he main event during 2014 with Machine Games Duty was the welcome cancellation of penalties issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This followed a realisation that the penalty regime was not working as it should be and that many penalties had been issued in error due to HMRC computer errors. All penalties should have been refunded by now in accordance with the Notice which appeared on HMRC’s website [See panel for full details]. As it currently stands, the automatic penalty regime has yet to be reinstated and HMRC are dealing with MGD errors, under declarations etc on a case by case basis.

Increase in Stakes and Prizes Last year saw the first increase in club machine jackpots in over 20 years and an increase in maximum price of play. This followed a Government consultation with major club organisations, manufacturers and machine suppliers. [See Table 1.]

Here at Dransfields we’ve seen these changes in stakes and prizes result in many more digital gaming machines replacing traditional reel-based machines in clubs. This is because digital machines allow more flexibility and innovation in games design – in particular, the number of win lines can be increased from the standard one or three to over thirty providing a more engaging experience. Digital machines also allow a menu of games, providing greater variety to a wider range of players.

A regular complaint we hear about most traditional reel-based machines is that they are too complex and they can be off-putting to casual players who feel that they will lose money whilst trying to learn how to play them. Digital machines, however, can provide simpler games for these players as well as more complex games to appeal to core players.

And, with the new higher jackpots, they can attract ‘absentee’ core players back from the Bookies thanks to the similar high quality games and graphics witnessed in Bookies’ gaming machines.

Linneweber and gaming machine income VAT case update Rank Group, which is the leading case for the

50 CLUB RUGBY

Machine Category

Previous Maximum Stake/Prize

New Maximum Stake/Prize

B4

£1/£250

£2/£400

B3A

£1/£500

£2/£500

Table 1

Should Rank be successful in their Final Appeal and the decision reversed, then these repayments will be returned to the club.

Important Note: This case does not have any bearing on Category B3A machines. Any refund of VAT or licence duty received in relation to these machines is safe and they remain free from all forms of taxation including Machine Games Duty

reclaim of VAT on gaming machine income prior to December 2005 (commonly known as ‘Linneweber’), lost the challenge made by HMRC at the Court of Appeal. However, it has now been granted permission to appeal this latest decision to the UK’s Supreme Court and this will take place during 2015 with a result expected before the end of the year. This is the last Appeal possible by either party.

Due to the decision of the Court of Appeal, HMRC issued demands for repayment of refunds that had already been made to clubs, pending the outcome of the case at the Supreme Court.

This has undoubtedly caused hardship for clubs having to find the money to meet these repayments.

Fraudulent activity There has been a worrying increase in the number of thefts from machines and clubs need to be vigilant to this criminal activity. The amount of money that machines hold can represent a significant loss to a club especially if they attack all the machines on the premises.

There are organised gangs of machine thieves specifically targeting clubs so be particularly alert to strangers in your club.

Machine thieves usually operate in groups of three to five people who block view of the machine whilst the theft is performed. They will often have a person distracting the bar staff / door staff whilst the

Machine Games Duty penalties – question and answer Which penalties are being cancelled?

HMRC is cancelling all of the penalties issued to people for late filing of MGD returns and late payment of MGD. HMRC is not cancelling any other MGD penalties – for example, MGD penalties issued for failing to register or making errors on a return, still stand. HMRC is also not cancelling late filing and late payment penalties issued for taxes other than MGD.

How do I know whether I have had one of the MGD penalties that is being cancelled?

HMRC would have written to you. When HMRC issued a penalty to someone they sent them, as appropriate, a letter with the reference MGD11 (penalty for late payment) or with the reference MGD12 (penalty for late filing of a return).

I use the MGD Online Service and I can still see a penalty for late filing of an MGD return or late payment of MGD on my account – does this mean that the penalty isn’t cancelled?

HMRC confirm that the penalty is cancelled and you do not have to pay it. However, it may take a while for HMRC to update the MGD Online Service with the information about the cancellation.

Is it right that HMRC are not going to issue any more penalties for late filing of MGD returns and late payment of MGD? No. Although, for a short period HMRC will not issue any new penalties for late filing of MGD returns and late payment of MGD through their automated system, they may still issue penalties on a case by case basis in particular circumstances.

HMRC will turn the automated system for issuing these penalties back on once they can be sure it is working properly. HMRC will update MGD website when they have information on when the automated system will be turned back on.

How do I get a refund of the penalty I paid?

You don’t need to do anything. If you owe any MGD debts HMRC will use your refund towards paying what you owe. If the refund clears what you owe and there is some of it left HMRC will send you a payable order for the balance. If you don’t owe any MGD debts HMRC will send you a payable order for the full amount of the refund. HMRC will include interest in what they pay back to you. HMRC will do this by the end of December. Do not worry if you do not receive your refund for a few weeks – HMRC has a lot of cases to work through and unfortunately this will take some time.

I have an MGD debt – can I have the full amount of my refund without some being used to cover the debt?

No. HMRC will only send you what is left (if anything) after they have used your refund money against your MGD debt.

left HMRC will send you a payable order for the balance. If you don’t owe any MGD debts HMRC will send you a payable order for the full amount of the refund.

Can my refund be sent to me by electronic transfer rather than payable order?

No. Unfortunately HMRC can only make these refunds by payable order.

I’ve asked for a review against the penalty I received for late filing of MGD returns or late payment of MGD and I haven’t had the result of this review yet – what happens?

HMRC has cancelled the penalty you asked to have reviewed. The review is closed.

I’m appealing against the penalty I received for late filing of MGD returns or late payment of MGD and the appeal hasn’t finished yet – what happens?

HMRC has cancelled the penalty you are appealing against. The appeal is closed.

I had a penalty for late filing of MGD returns or late payment of MGD but I’m not registered for MGD anymore – will I get a refund?

HMRC will treat you in the same way as people who are still registered for MGD. So they’ll put your refund towards any MGD debts you still have. If the refund clears what you owe and there is some of it

theft is occurring and you may not even be aware that you have been robbed until they have left the club as they conceal the visible signs of forced entry.

If you do have CCTV systems in your club then try and ensure the machines are actively monitored but this alone will not deter thieves as they will often block any camera recording their activities. The best way to deter thieves from attacking your machines is by ensuring they cannot crowd around your machines thereby blocking the view of staff.

Note – Proximity of the machine to the bar does not deter them, active engagement from staff does! If in doubt simply ask that they play existing games off and then switch the machine off until they have moved on.

Note – you should always check suppliers’ ID badges before allowing anyone to collect, repair or remove a machine. There have been a number of cases this year whereby thieves have walked into a club and said that the committee have organized a machine change. They have then ‘removed’ the old machine and simply driven off with it! If in doubt telephone your supplier to check!

CONTACT DETAILS Dransfields Ltd Dransfield House, Mill Street, Leeds LS9 8BP t. 0345 644 9414 f. 01132 343948 www.dransfields.com

CLUB RUGBY 51

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CI/15D From £64.90

WT/1W From £79.90

From £23.30

From £13.50

From £12.40

150C

151C

From £23.30

152C

153C

Now available in 15 fabrics

58 CLUB RUGBY

154C

Creating Hospitality

AFFINITY

[ Your guests will love it too ]

Villeroy & Boch Hotel & Restaurant Tel.: 020 8875 6011 E-mail: hotel@villeroy-boch.co.uk

www.1748club.co.uk/tabletalk

Attention! New Series Affinity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 70 attractive porcelain pieces that will win you over with their design and functionality.

DIARY DATE 26 November, 2015

RUGBY CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD Manchester Palace Hotel 26 November

SUPPORTED BY ISSUE 3

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REGISTRATION HOTLINE 01753 272022

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