I wish to extend a warm welcome to one and all attending today’s KatieFest, I hope you all have a fantastic day.
It’s hard to believe that almost 15 years ago the idea of Wolves rugby was discussed at the committee. Ian and Linda Paul put across a good case and it was approved, little did they or the committee know the path this would take. With no local teams to play travel was on the cards and over the years, Ireland, Italy and the UK have hosted the Wolves and have witnessed the continued growth of SEND rugby.
I am delighted to see it flourishing in the County too. Rugby has always been a game for all and no more so than with the Wolves. Also, a big thank you to Witney Wizards (Walking Rugby) who are managing the car parking and food today, hopefully ensuring everything goes smoothly . Play well, make friends and most of all enjoy it!
As the season comes to an end so does my stint as Chairman, 6 years in the seat and many changes as the Club continues to grow. It has been a pleasure, and whilst we await the election of the new Chairperson; it’s also a time for reflection as a rugby family. The loss of one of our core members hit us all hard. Thanks, Andy Tacon, for all you have done, you will be sorely missed.
RIP AT.
Thank you to everyone at Witney Rugby Club, it has been an honour and a pleasure to lead the Club, and whilst I’m stepping down from the role, I will still be a regular on game days and helping where I can.
Welcome to the 2nd annual Katiefest, where every young person is a star and every game is a celebration!
We are thrilled to have you join us for a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, sportsmanship and, most importantly, fun! Your presence here today is a testament to the power of the SEND community and the importance of inclusivity in sports and indeed all walks of life. We believe that every young person deserves the chance to shine, and today is all about celebrating their unique talents and contributions.
We would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to the sponsors organizers, and volunteers, especially Gareth and Darren, who have worked so hard to make this event possible. Their dedication and passion for creating an inclusive sports environment is truly inspiring. Our family feels very privileged to be associated with such an important and ground-breaking event and to have it named after our Katie is an inexpressible honour.
As we embark on this exciting day, we encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of the rugby values of teamwork, respect, and enjoyment. Katiefest will be a celebration of friendship, perseverance, and the incredible abilities of our young players. Have fun, play hard, and let's create lasting memories together!
Nicola, Ethan, and John Peel
Katie Peel
Katie Peel
More than just Rugby!
Having seen Katiefest start last year to such success, its wonderful to see Katiefest return this year being held at Witney RFC, the first club in Oxfordshire to offer SEND Rugby. I’d like to welcome everyone and wish them a wonderful day, whether attending SEND rugby for the first time, or a regular attendee at one of the 4 clubs that we are so lucky to have provide this provision in Oxfordshire. Katiefest provides a focal point of all the wonderful aspects Rugby brings, to the players, parents, coaches, volunteers and all the stakeholders who share our vision to make this possible. To the players and the parents, I wish you the best of days of enjoyment and fun!
To the coaches, volunteers and anyone who plays any role, thank you for the important part you play and the difference you continue to make.
One request from me- I’d love to see you all involved in the Katie Peel Haka later in the day!
Darren Rea Co-Chair, Diversity, Inclusion & Equality, Oxfordshire RFU
KatiePeel Fest
KatiePeel Fest
Remember, the main aim of the day is to have fun, bring your smiles and laughter, you will need them!
Want to do a bit more?
Have you heard about Farm Ability?
If you are over the age of 18 and have learning disabilities, with or without autism, you might like to try co-farming with us. Our daily sessions include a rich variety of outdoor, purposeful activities in animal husbandry, horticulture and seasonal tasks that offer people meaningful occupation, opportunities to improve physical health and well-being, and the chance to be an important part of a productive and welcoming community.
Farm Ability help lots of our SEND community, some from our own Witney wolves, you can help them. Take a look at their website and if you can, why not donate at:
Player Sponsors
Want
Get your name in the match programme, but more importantly you are helping develop WRFC players!
Charlie Bowyer
Dom Coe
Callum Godfrey
Ben Ling
WRFC Walking Rugby
Matthew Collins Furniture
Barry Bowles & Tony Maycock
Glenn Davies
James Merriman AK Timms
Jack Strong
Tom Gafney
Jason Strong Builders
Ian Loughborough
Marcus Reading Celestra
Cameron Ayris
Angus Brown
Keir MacDougall
Milfield Contractors Ltd
Fowler Hicks Landscaping
Gareth Lewis
Harvey Wattleworth TW Fitness
Jasper Nixey
Jack Daubney
Ollie Dawkins
Haydn Clarke
Rowles Roofing
Chris Delaney
GMD Consultants
Ready Set Solar
Connor Pummery Drive Engagement
Luke Manning Ashcroft
Player Sponsors
Want to do more for your Club? Why not sponsor a player? Packages start at £190+VAT
Get your name in the match programme, but more importantly you are helping develop WRFC players!
Gareth: WitneyWolveshavebeenhailedasanexemplarofSENDrugby. With thehelpofDarrenRea(Gosford)&JohnPeel(Wallingford)we’vesetupa countysupportnetworkasOxonWolves,withBanburythelatesttosetupa team. WewillbeencouragingChinnorandotherclubstofollowsuitinthe
Gareth: Parentsandcarersarethefirsttocommentabouthowbeing part oftheWolvesfamilyprofoundlyenhancestheirchildren’s/young people’s lives. Somewiththesquadtodaywerefoundermembers andnowtakeon leadershiprolesascoaches,mentorsandfriendsforothers.
Somehavechosentosharesupportedlivingaccommodation. It also enhancesWolveslifechancesofgainingemploymentor independenceand hence,becominglessreliantonparentsandcarers. Manyparents’ biggest worryishowtheirlovedoneswillcopewhenthey’reno longer ableto providetotalsupport,beingpartofthewolvescreates anetworkthat goessomewaytoalleviatethatfear. Beingpartofaprocessthatenables Wolvestobeindependentandhappyisveryrewardinganddeeply satisfying.
Q6. WhatdoyouthinkatournamentliketheKatiePeelFestivaldoes for SENDawareness?
Gareth: ThemainthingKatieFestbringsisfun! Therugbyissecondarybut enableseveryonetoenjoythegameweallloveandallthebenefits that comewithit. Thefriendship,camaraderieandjoyrugbyseems togenerate, smilingfacesinabundance! Thisisthebestpossibleway tospreadthe word andhighlighthowrugbycanbeaninclusiveandwelcomingexperiencefor everyone!
Witney Calling!
Georgie’s fundraiser for RFU Injured Players Foundation
Banbury player John (JB) Baker sustained an injury during a VETS match at Banbury RFC against Witney RFC in November 2024.
Unfortunately JB has been left paralysed from the chest down losing function in both arms and legs. His Daughter Georgie has taken on the challenge to complete 12 hikes around the UK in 12 months, something which JB would be both immensely proud of and, also somewhat jealous. If you want to know more about the family, the challenge and donate then visit Georgie’s
JustGiving page
Witney Calling!
I wanted to make you aware of a serious issue surrounding health, the subject is suicide. We rarely talk about it, which is one of the problems, there is a stigma attached to it. Before we look at how we can be better placed to help, here’s a few statistics:
Almost 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, nearly twice the number who die by homicide.
For every death by suicide, there are approx’ 20 suicide attempts made. Each death by suicide leaves behind a community of bereaved family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. For every death by suicide, at least 7 to 10 people are directly affected by the loss.
Research shows that mental illness is the most important risk factor for suicide. More than 90% of people who die by suicide struggle with their mental health and/or addiction. Researchers estimate that up to 60% of people who die by suicide have major depression.
In the UK suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 50.
So, what can we do? I believe the first step is for as many people as possible to be made aware of the signs and behaviour which could indicate somebody is contemplating suicide. Fortunately, there is a free online training aid available, which I would encourage as many people as possible to participate in. It takes about 30-40 minutes and can be found Here & Here
In the meantime if anyone has any concerns then please feel free to reach out to
SEND Tag-The Laws!
KatieFest Tag Rules:
In simple terms:
1. Get the ball: Carry the ball in two hands.
2. Run with the ball: Try to get further down the field.
3. Tagging: The other team can remove your tag (one of two ribbons).
4. Pass after being tagged: Stop and pass the ball to a teammate within three seconds.
Referees may use their discretion on how strictly these rules are applied as we wish the games to flow and primarily be “fun”!
Tag rugby is a non-contact version of rugby that focuses on running, passing, and "tagging" the ball carrier.
A tag is removed from the ball carrier by a defender, and the ball carrier must then pass the ball within three seconds/paces.
SEND Tag-The Laws!
During KatieFest we will be using the ‘6 Tackle Turnover’ rule.
Key Concepts:
Tackling/Contact: The only contact allowed is removing a tag from the ball carrier's belt.
Tag: When a defender removes a tag, they must shout "tag" and return the tag to the ball carrier.
Passing: The ball carrier must pass the ball within three seconds or steps after being tagged.
Offside: The defending team must stay behind the ball carrier by one meter after a tag to allow for the pass.
Scoring: A try is scored by grounding the ball over the try line.
SEND Tag-The Laws!
Restarting Play: A free pass is used to start the game and after a try or other infringements.
No Scrums, Kicks, or Lineouts: These features are not part of tag rugby.
No Surrendering: Voluntary tags are not allowed.
Ball on the Ground: The ball can touch the ground if it's not propelled forward.
No Blocking: Players cannot block their teammates or defenders. Playing Time: Games are typically 8-10 minutes with no halftime.
Substitutions: Teams can make substitutions throughout the game.
Witney Wolves
Players:
11. Gareth Mordicai
2. Archie Rawlings
3. Connor Harding
4. Dougie Stephens
5. James Clark
6. Jonathan Lee
7. Louis Brown (Banbury guest)
8. Lucy Harris
9. Ryan Davies
10. Thomas Wilkinson
11. Tommy Wright
12. Arthur Duggan
Coaches:
Gareth Lewis
Gareth Mordicai
rachel Harding
Mike Elworthy
Tim Harris
Nominated Official: Gareth Lewis
John
Nicola
Nell
Olivia
Ethan
Yuk
Norton RFC
Players:
1. Poppy Gaston
2. Henry Little
3. Lacey Lines
4. Henry Bean
5. George Doxsey
6. Christopher Davis
7. Ethan Agolli
8. George Gardner
9. Owen Williams
10. Jack Chase
11. Daniel Hooper
12. Ethan Walley
Coaches & Helpers:
Emma Jones
Dan Little
Murray Gardner
Michelle Gardner
Nominated Official
Neil Carpenter :
Walk-In Hairdressing & Barbering
Witney Calling!
Have you played rugby with one of these guys? Do you fondly remember your playing days, the physicality, the camaraderie, the antics on and off the pitch. Do you find yourself using the
Stop! Stop being an I used to be guy and rekindle your relationship with the game we love. Be the, ‘Yeh I still play’ guy and get yourself up to Hailey Road. You know you want to. #witneyrfc #welovewitney
We would love to know your opinions on the Club, 6 Nations, or anything else that concerns you about Witney, rugby or anything else of relevance. Why not message us at: feedback@witneyrugby.co.uk.
Veterans @ Hailey Road
lar belief, you to have: enches of WWI a pacemaker! g either of preclude you aying, a letter from rent.
The Reality is:
You have to be over 35 years old and have been a member of Witney RFC for at least 4 weeks before match day. Sound like this could be for you? Why not come along to Club training nights; Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If you need to ease back in gently, we have Walking and Touch Rugby on Thursday evenings. Contact Simon Copperwheat on: 07904 360561
Witney RFC Walking Rugby.
The Witney Wizards is a group of older players, some with no previous rugby playing experience, all with one aim, to enjoy some fitness in a happy, social environment. We train once a week on Thursday evenings. Skills sessions, tactics, and competitive games, followed by a Supper Club and a social drink in our Hailey Road Clubhouse. The Wizards welcome people of all ages and backgrounds; we do have female players but could always do with more. The Wizards have played competitive matches at home and away, always draws a big crowd and above all else, is always fun. Think this is for you, why not come along and give it a Try!
