Rugby Development Strategy - Cardiff University: A Strategic Plan for the direction of all stakeholders involved in the Continued development of Rugby at Cardiff University:
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University Foreword: Gareth Davies: Wales & British Lion. When I was first encouraged to put my candidacy forward for consideration by the Cardiff University Head of Rugby Martyn Fowler for the office of Club and FPA president in late spring 2009 I stated that I did so in full agreement that all efforts would be made to ensure the further development of rugby at Cardiff University Rugby Club.
Development areas were to be concentrated on winning new recruits to our game and to put in place a structure where new and former players are encouraged to become involved in the game of Rugby Union and Cardiff University Rugby Club for “life”. Much Work remains to be done but I am heartened by the enthusiasm and united approach from the Rugby Club and its head of rugby. If this desire to work in partnership can be replicated with the Students Union, the University, NGB and identified Club partners then Cardiff University Rugby Club can look forward to a very vibrant and prosperous future. The Rugby Club has developed at an incredible pace in recent years to a level unrecognisable as recent as a decade ago. In the capable hands of the Head of Rugby we can work together to establish Cardiff University Rugby Club as one of the strongest Rugby playing Institutions in the UK. “OUR” Club is open to all Old & New, with additional support from our partners we can look forward to building a Stronger Club for subsequent generations that will be envied by all. Joe Lydon: WRU High Elite Performance Manger. It gives me great pleasure to endorse the Cardiff University Rugby Development Strategy and support the work of all partners to develop the game of rugby at Cardiff University. One of the Welsh Rugby Unions key priorities is to grow the game within the HE&FE environment and to encourage more students to play the game and where appropriate further develop their skills in the semi and professional ranks in Wales and beyond. The growth targets outlined in this document are ambitious but with co-operation between the Athletic Union, the University, its partners, local Authorities and funding agencies the targets are realistic and achievable. At the heart of the strategy is the support structure and resource provided by the Rugby Clubs partners and the ability for all involved to work together for the common goal in order that they can offer sustainable ever developing structures to keep the students, particularly new students, involved in rugby and its rugby club for life.
The WRU is committed to improving the lifestyle and health of Students and developing their potential within the game – whether as enthusiastic club player or within the elite professional ranks. Good luck to all involved in achieving the targets outlined in Rugby Development Strategy for Cardiff University Rugby Club.
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University Introduction: The purpose of this strategic plan is to provide the “direction” for all stakeholders at Cardiff University that have a responsibility for ‘Growing the Game’ of rugby at Cardiff University. This document recognises the effort by many at Cardiff University to develop rugby and it’s Rugby Club and this strategy is designed to build upon this hard work. Moving forward we have to ensure that we make best use of the valuable limited resources available, avoiding overlap, and ensure that good practice is built upon and shared for the benefit of the whole rugby community at Cardiff University; Men’s Medic, Ladies and College Cup teams (a potential of 15 squads). Rugby at Cardiff University varies from other clubs under the AU umbrella; •Cardiff University RFC has a (in line with ALL of its peers at other BUCS Premier rugby playing Universities) a recognised Head of Rugby. •Cardiff University RFC are one of the three stakeholders in the annual Welsh Varsity Match, now played at the home of Welsh Rugby, the Millennium stadium, broadcast live on national television to an audience of 2.5 million (135 minutes of PR opportunity). The largest stand alone student sporting event in Wales. •CURFC has its own Former Players Association (FPA). •CURFC has several partnerships in place; Welsh Premiership clubs Bedwas, Pontypool and several exciting partnership in the developmental process; London Welsh, Gwent Dragons and Harvard University Rugby Club. It is proposed that Cardiff University Rugby Club establish itself as the first Club in a series of Elite Performance clubs at Cardiff University leading the development of Premiership teams competing in the BUCS framework as part of a “AU &CU Elite Performance Seal of Approval” programme. There are still challenges ahead but positive signs from CURFC teams performing to increased high performance levels in the last 6 successive seasons with pride and passion winning 6 promotions and 4 Varsity Matches. CURFC is now leading the way with club and player development, forging partnerships with Regional, Premiership and (Cardiff in London) Clubs, Schools, Local Authorities (LA’s) and accessing external funding streams.
It is proposed that the Club become self sufficient with reference to funding within a five year time frame, again a first of a series of many AU & CU Premier level teams to do so whilst working in complete partnership with the Athletic Union and Cardiff University. This document could not have been created without the input from all the stakeholders in the Club both past and present. Thanks to the many FPA members.
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University Teams & Numbers:
Teams:
League:
Members:
CURFC 1st XV
Premier A.
30
CURFC 2nd XV
West 2A.
30
CURFC 3rd XV
West 2A.
30
CURFC 4th XV
West 3A
50
CU(L)RFC 1st XV
Premier (S).
75
CU(M)RFC 1st XV
Premier B.
25
CU(M)RFC 2nd XV
West 2A.
25
ENGIN
College Cup.
40
MASTS
College Cup.
25
SAWSA
College Cup.
25
CARBS
College Cup.
40
PHARMACY
College Cup.
25
BIO SCI
College Cup.
40
STOMA
College Cup.
25
LAW
College Cup.
25
Total Students potentially playing Rugby at Cardiff University:
540.
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University The strategic plan has four main strategic goals: 1. Winning and retaining the Welsh Varsity and sustainable “Professional Team Performances” in the BUCS Leagues (from Premier A to Western 3A). 2. Integrated and Thriving Rugby Community at Cardiff University. 3. Long term financial security. 4. New Performance Culture. With the integrated and multi dependant nature of sports development at the University a strong rugby community at Cardiff University will contribute to all of the above goals; but the strategic goal with the most relevancy to ‘Growing the Game’ is an Integrated and Thriving Rugby Environment. The internal targets for this goal and how rugby development will be measured are as follows: •100% Increase in FPA Membership.
•To be financially self sufficient; • 3 external sports marketing agencies have all provided feedback that CURFC has a worth of in excess of £50,000 in marketing revenue based on all domestic and international competition on an annual basis. •Investigate opportunities to plan, organise and deliver a 160 UCAS tariff points rugby coaching foundation degree in in partnership with the Student Union and Cardiff University through Lifelong learning. In addition to increased revenue potential the opportunity to utilise the course to recruit potential players in line with our peers in the Student rugby environment would prove invaluable. Additionally this model would allow Cardiff University to diversify into the local community utilizing the course to deliver coaching through the Dragons and Blues regions and local community networks. •25% increase in the number of Students playing competitive BUCS League rugby, including 50% increase in the number of adult females from 50 – 75. •Develop FPA Partnership/Vice President opportunities. •Plan, organise and oversee the delivery of a College Cup programme (participating Post BUCS League closure) AU president to be responsible for College Cup programme sign off. •50% increase in the quality & quantity of student coaches at Cardiff University and provide opportunities for the students to work in community game.
•30% Further engagement with the NGB to increase in referee training opportunities at Cardiff University active within the NGB club and referee societies.
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University •Further engagement with the NGB to increase external referee training opportunities at Cardiff University to be in the first instance active within the NGB club and referee societies framework. Once trained the referees to be made available to officiate through the College Cup programme. •Establish Partnerships (Playing & Support based); •Establish Regional Partners •Establish (Cardiff in London) = London Welsh Partners. •Establish Welsh Premiership Partners. •Establish Schools & Colleges (Daily mail & agreed CU target institutions)
Implementation: Following this Strategy which will be implemented and monitored by the the” Strategic Development Team” (SDT) made up of Head of Rugby, AU President, SU General Manager and Head of Sport, there will be specific monthly “Area Action Plan” meetings with the Clubs major stakeholders; The Students Union (membership & democracy) and Cardiff University (facility resource and specific areas of sports development expertise).
These will be driven by 2 Rugby Development Groups; BUCS Performance (BUCSPG) and College Cup Participation (CCPG). BUCS Performance and College Cup Participation groups being a group of “STUDENTS” responsible for the implementation and monitoring of their respective development areas in conjunction with the SDT and ultimately responsible for the development and growth of all aspects of the game of rugby at Cardiff University. These groups will be driven by the Head of Rugby (HOR) and made up of influential, respected, knowledgeable, solution focused students.
These students and staff members will be identified by the HOR and represent the following stakeholders: Cardiff University - Cardiff University Students Union - Cardiff University Rugby Club - Cardiff University Medics Rugby Club - Cardiff University Ladies Rugby Club - College Cup Captains. In order to achieve the targets Cardiff University Rugby Club recognises that a network of external professional staff (sports & non sport specific) with clear roles and responsibilities will contribute to the success of all proposed development goals. The following persons have been identified as being pivotal to this process; WRU Community game Manager: Mr. Jason Lewis - UKCC Development Manager - Local Authority Sports Development Manager - National Referee Development Manager - Welsh Women’s Rugby Union Community Manager – President FPA Millennium stadium CEO – BUCS Rugby representative – Friends of CURFC group.
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University Implementation: Ref No:
1.1
Area of Development:
Increase number of High Performance capable players capable of playing in the Welsh Varsity Match and in BUCS Premier A League.
Task:
Who:
Time
SDT
Year Long
RC running Cost
SDT
Year Long
Man Hours
HOR
July/ Aug
£5k Annually
RC
Year Long
Man Hours
Year Long
Man Hours
July /Aug
Man Hours
HOR
July/ Aug
NGB grant
SDT
Oct
£10k Annually
HOR
July/ Aug
Man Hours
Re establish FPA & annual Calendar of events.
SDT
Year Long
Man Hours
Further Develop/support CURFC FPA committee position.
HOR
Year Long
Man Hours
Continue to raise profile of RC through Performance opportunities at Cardiff University; The Welsh Varsity & BUCS Leagues (reference High Performance strategy doc). Establish & further develop CURFC/AU Scholarship scheme.
Develop the new training structure (reference High Performance strategy doc). Update Website – further develop Ladies pages.
1.2
Increase Rugby playing opportunities for students at Cardiff University:
Promote and further develop existing Partnerships.
HOR
Introduce Schools liaison policy.
HOR
Establish an U19 team too compete in the NGB U19 League programme Introduce College Cup Programme.
Establish in house coach development prorgamme.
1.3
Increase engagement with Former Players with a goal of rejoining the club as FPA Members
COMMITTEE
Cost:
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University Implementation: Ref No:
Area of Development:
Task:
Establish Strategic Development Group; Head of Rugby – Head of Sport – AU President – SU General Manger.
1.4
Develop a Integrated, Thriving and Productive Rugby Community at Cardiff University.
Establish the 2 Rugby Development Groups: • BUCS Performance Group; - Men/Ladies/Medics Club Captain – Chair – SDT. •College Cup Participation Group; -Team Captains – SDT. Develop a Clear and Transparent player pathway from College Cup to Premier A. Plan Organise & Deliver 2 end of season dinners at the SU great hall; BUCSPG (Men, Ladies & FPA) & CCPG dinners.
Who:
Time:
Cost:
NOW
Man Hours
HOR
July / Sept
Man Hours
HOR
Year Long
Man Hours
SDT/ RDG
Oct
£5K each
HOR/H OS/AU Pres & SU GM
Develop the AU & CU Premiership Club “Seal of Approval” model and handbook:
Man Hours
To i ncl ude;
FOC
Additional training facilities:
Pre 9a m
(3 s essions mi nimum requirement per week for Premier l eague status teams).
Man Hours
Dedicated Coach Management:
1.5
Develop a “PERFORMANCE” Culture at Cardiff University
Goa l s etting & KPI a greements
Medical provision at Training and Match days: (Trea tment/Trauma & Rehabilitation)
Games videoed & Coded by recognised experts.
Strength & Conditioning provision: (Premiership teams only)
SDT
July/ Sept
£5K Annually
£3K Annually
FOC Pre 9a m
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University Implementation: Ref No:
Area of Development:
Task:
Who:
Time:
SDT
Off season
Cost:
Utilize Sports specific External Sports Marketing Agencies (Percentage based a greement only)
3 external sports marketing agencies have all provided feedback that CURFC has a worth of in excess of £50,000 in marketing revenue based on all domestic and international competition on an annual basis.
1.6
Long term financial security.
Adopt a Commercial approach to the Welsh Varsity Match in line with best practice commercial model used by the Oxbridge institutions for the Oxford Cambridge Varsity.
Re-establish and further develop the FPA; developing an FPA gift giving and Vice Presidency scheme. Introduce the Rugby Club 200 Club (gua ranteed £14Kprofit). Seek Long Term Partners/Sponsors: (3 to 5 yea r a greements).
Explore opportunities to Plan, organise and deliver in conjunction with lifelong learning and the SU a 160 tariff points Rugby Coaching Foundation course. (Ideal opportunity to gain revenue and a gua ranteed player recruitment tool)
Welsh Varsity Board
SDT/ Alumni
HOR & RC
Sept/Oct
(Potential 20%)
Man Hours
July/Oct
Man Hours
Sept/Oct
Man hours
Launch at Fresher's Fayre
Committee
HOR & RC
Man Hours
Year Long
Finance dept
Man hours
Committee
SDT Li felong Lea rning
July 2011 – Sept 2012
TBC
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University Conclusion: Creation of an agreed management structure: Cardiff University: Strategic Development Team
BUCS
College Cup
Performance Group
Participation Group
1) Head of Rugby. 2) AU President. 3) SU General Manager. 4) Head of Sport.
Individual Club: 1) Chairman/President. Individual Club:
2) Secretary.
1) Captains.
3) First XV Captain
2) Student coaches
Ultimate Responsibility for the creation and delivery of Rugby development at Cardiff University.
Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of their respective Development Areas in conjunction with the SDT – Answerable to SDT
Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of their respective Development Areas in conjunction with the SDTAnswerable to SDT
Meeting on a monthly Basis
Meeting on a monthly Basis
Meeting on a monthly Basis
Welsh Varsity Board:
1) AU President: To act as overall sports representative.
2) Operations Manger: Vital in the running of the Varsity event.
3) Rugby Club Representative: Rugby Match/event representative.
4) University Representative. University engagement representative
Cardiff University FPA
Strategic Development team – Agreed FPA members and CURFC committee FPA representative.
Rugby Development Strategy – Cardiff University Conclusion: In line with best practice models at the Universities that compete in the BUCS Premier leagues (including similar Russell group institutions such as Bristol University). The adoption and implementation of the proposed rugby development strategy will see for the the first time in the Athletic Union and University's history an opportunity for its Premiership teams to compete on a level playing field with the opposition institutions High Performance Teams. There is now a real opportunity to drive rugby forward at Cardiff University. With a new proposed structure and governance the future looks more optimistic than ever.
The opportunity for all stakeholders to work together in a “coordinated manner with joint responsibility” is one that is very exciting and much needed. Cardiff University Rugby Club Development Strategy and the 3 development groups will evolve over time and with everyone’s input will ensure that Cardiff University rugby achieves its goals and is seen by all involved as part of an integrated and thriving high performance and maximum participation environment.
Acronyms & Abbreviations: Strategic Development team
SDT
Cardiff University Rugby Club
CURFC
BUCS Performance Group
BUCSPG
Athletic Union
AU
College Cup Participation Group
CCPG
Head of Rugby
HOR
Students Union
SU
Head of Sport
HOS
British Universities, Colleges Sport
BUCS
Local Authorities
LA’s
Sources of information: • WRU • RFU • Bristol University Rugby Club. • Durham University Rugby Club. • Loughborough University Rugby Club. • UWIC Rugby Club.
Additional CURFC Literature: CURFC Club development plan. CURFC High performance strategy. CURFC Welsh Varsity match strategy. CURFC Club partnership strategy.