Local Rugby Plan

Our objectives are to:

  • Fulfil the roles and responsibilities as outlined by the RFU for Constituent Bodies (CB).
  • Support and grow the community rugby game across all levels in Devon.
  • Provide pathways for representative rugby at all age levels.
  • Lead initiatives that develop rugby and its core values, ensuring infrastructure is in place.
  • Ensure the sustainability and well-being of CB clubs, providing a safe environment.

Engagement with Clubs:

  • From this year we will organise our quarterly CB Council meetings at local rugby clubs and make our Officers available for monthly visits to local clubs.

Funding Streams:

  • Core funding £22,486
  • Specific allocations for age-grade rugby, adult rugby, girls U16, and innovation funds for player retention and referee recruitment.

In The Game (Development Initiatives):


Coaching Development: Offer coach development evenings, conferences, and online forums to support youth and girls’ rugby coaching.

Club-School Partnerships: Build relationships between clubs and schools to attract new players.

Player Retention: Host U20s festivals and offer flexible social rugby options (e.g., 10s festivals, Friday Night Lights).

Inclusion and Diversity (I&D): Promote I&D through toolkits, training, and key event participation.•

Set up hardship funds: To support player access to kit from proceeds of disciplinary panels.

On the Pitch (Playing Opportunities):

    • Coach Development: Host sessions for coaches of 14-18-year-olds, and promote RFU courses.
    • Player Recruitment & Retention: Social rugby and flexible match formats.
    • Referee Recruitment: Focus on bringing young and female referees into the game.
    • Representative Rugby: Compete in county championships and provide pathways for
      youth players.

    In the Clubhouse (Club Support):

    • Facility Audits: Conduct assessments of on- and off-pitch facilities.
    • Pitch Maintenance: Provide guidance for new clubs and encourage participation in RFU’s Pitch Power project.
    • Volunteer Recruitment: Encourage clubs to recruit new committee members and volunteers.

    Governance:

    • Safeguarding: Increase safeguarding training, support Club Safeguarding Officers.
    • Competitions: Organise Devon Cup competitions across all levels. During 2024/24 season we will develop new formats for women’s and U20s rugby.
    • Discipline and Management: Manage player and club discipline and ensure clear communication for CB activities.

    Volunteer Development:

    • Use the Honda Value the Volunteer project to increase volunteer recruitment and recognition.
    • Host a volunteer recognition event at a county cup game.

    Women and Girls’ Rugby:

    • Promote rugby in primary schools and encourage female participation through targeted campaigns.
    • Improve coaching for female players and increase visibility for women’s rugby with tournaments and marketing campaigns.
    • Focus on recruiting female referees and supporting national focus clubs.

    This plan aims to strengthen Devon’s rugby landscape by enhancing community engagement, developing coaching, supporting inclusion, and promoting growth at all levels of the game.