Volunteer Requirements for Woodbridge Rugby Club

25th September 2024 Joanna Williams — No Comments

Volunteer Requirements for Woodbridge Rugby Club

Volunteering at Woodbridge Rugby Club offers a great opportunity to support the club and its community. However, for roles involving direct interaction with players, especially youth and vulnerable groups, certain qualifications and checks are mandatory to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Below are the key requirements for volunteers.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check

Requirement: All volunteers interacting with players must have a valid DBS Check. DBS Form WRUFC 2024_2025
Purpose: Ensures that volunteers have undergone a criminal background check to assess their suitability for working with children and vulnerable adults.
How to Complete: The DBS Check can be initiated via the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Game Management System (GMS) or relevant authorities. More details and links are available on the Woodbridge Rugby Club website.

Headcase Course (Concussion Awareness)

Requirement: Completion of the Headcase Concussion Awareness Course.
Purpose: This course provides crucial information on concussion symptoms, risks, and management. Understanding how to safely manage head injuries is essential in rugby.
How to Complete: The course is available online through the GMS or by following links provided on the Woodbridge Rugby Club website.

Play It Safe Training

Requirement: Volunteers must complete the Play It Safe training course.
Purpose: This course covers safeguarding best practices, focusing on protecting young people and vulnerable adults involved in rugby.
How to Complete: Training can be completed online through GMS, with relevant links and guidance available on the club’s website.

Additional Guidelines for Volunteers

Commitment to Club Values: Volunteers are expected to uphold the values of respect, discipline, and teamwork.
Availability: Volunteers should be able to commit to regular sessions, events, and/or match days, depending on the role.
Training and Development: Ongoing training opportunities may be available, and volunteers are encouraged to engage with these to enhance their skills and knowledge.

By meeting these requirements, volunteers will help create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants. New Volunteers FAQ (2)

YOU have a vital role to play in protecting player welfare

25th September 2024 Joanna Williams — No Comments

YOU have a vital role to play in protecting player welfare

An hour spent on the RFU’s HEADCASE online concussion awareness training is an hour well spent. Not just for first aiders, match officials and coaches but also good for players (adult and age grade 13-18) and parents/guardians to know what concussion looks and feels like.

Players and parents/guardians can access the course here

https://cardiffmet.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bCW97z8eCyn0dz8

First aiders and coaches who require a record of completion of the HEADCASE eLearning module for their personal RFU GMS profile and/or as a prerequisite for participating in England Rugby training courses, should book onto one of the modules via the Course Booking System using the ‘HEADCASE eLearning via Course Booking System’ link below.

https://gms.rfu.com/GMS/coursefinder

Home International Ticket Ballot Spring 2025

31st August 2024 Joanna Williams — No Comments

The RFU changed the way tickets are issued last year. Please note tickets will be sent electronically and each person attending will have to use the Twickenham app on their own device.

Once tickets have been allocated by the Club, members will have to log on to the RFU ticketing site and purchase their allocated tickets from the RFU direct.

Members may now apply for the 2025 Spring Home Series International games. A member is a paid-up player age 17 or over, a coach, or a Vice President and we require you to confirm this on the application form.

The games are:

Saturday 8th February 2025 – England v France – 4.45pm KO
Saturday 22nd February 2025 – England v Scotland – 4.45pm KO
Saturday 9th March 2025 – England v Italy – 3pm KO

NB there are separate applications for each of these games.

Please note members must attend the match with their guest/s and tickets should not be purchased as gifts to non-members.

Junior tickets are available for all the games. A junior is aged 15 and under and must be accompanied by an adult

The Club will have its usual limited number of tickets, so if you order more than two tickets per games please indicate if you would be willing to accept two or three. Please also indicate if you would be willing to accept tickets at a higher or lower prices. As in the past there is no guarantee you will get the tickets you apply for.

If there are a group of you wishing to travel together you will need to make separate applications noting who you would like to sit with if possible. Also note that RFU guidance states that only in exceptional circumstances should more than 2 tickets be allocated to a member. Please advise me of the names of those attending if you apply for more than 2 tickets. Tickets can only be supplied for the use of members and should not be purchased as gifts etc.

Applications must be returned by 5pm on Thursday 12th September 2025. Applications made after this deadline will not be accepted.

Please send a signed scan of the application to tickets@woodbridgerugby.net. For the full application form International Ticket Ballot 2024_2025

Please note that due to stringent RFU rules regarding ticket allocation only applications made using these forms can be accepted. I cannot accept applications over the phone or by email.

GDPR

By applying for tickets, you accept that details held in the form will be held offsite from the club by Woodbridge Rugby Club volunteers and will only be used for the purposes of international ticket applications.

AWAY TICKET APPLICATIONS

The Club receives a very small allocation of tickets for England’s away matches which next year take place against Ireland on 1st February 2025, and Wales on 15th march 2025. If you are interested in applying for tickets for either of these games, then please email Andy Rankin at tickets@woodbridgerugby.net . As with home games, there is no guarantee of tickets if we need to ballot them

Adam Lubbock – Appointed President 2024-2025

30th August 2024 Joanna Williams — No Comments

Well, what an incredible honour.

Over recent years I have tried to get more involved in the club and give back a little of what I have taken out. To have the opportunity now to be the President of such a great rugby club is amazing.

There is no avoiding my family name at the club with dad Mike, founding member, first captain and also President for 23 years. To be honest the club has come a very long way from the 80’s/90’s days and this has been down to the development that Rob Simpson, Simon Bennett and more recently TJ Johnson have steered with the help of committee members and volunteers. All clubs rely upon volunteers and Woodbridge is no different.

The club has featured throughout my life. As a child both parents were active with running of the club, then as a teenager enjoying numerous parties at Hatchley Barn and then into my 20’s as a player. When I was a young player at the club in the late 80’s, there was no Junior section. It all started at U19 Colts level and then occasional games for one of the three senior teams. We had a really successful Colts team littered with county and regional players and also dominated the 7’s scene. Many of the players from that era still rock up at the club and some attend the ex players lunches. Last year this was a massive event and hopefully will be again this season.

I look forward to supporting Woodbridge Rugby Club in my new role as President and look forward to seeing many of you at the club over the season ahead.

Adam Lubbock
President

AGM Summary – 29th August 2024

30th August 2024 Joanna Williams — No Comments

On Thursday, 29th August 2024, we held our AGM at Hatchely Barn. This is the time when the Directors of the club present the year-end financials, recap the previous season, and highlight what lies ahead. It’s also when the Board is elected.

As the re-elected Chairman, I proceeded with the following report:

I want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our entire team in supporting the growth of the club, and thank all our volunteers for their time they all put in our club.

We also recognise and deeply appreciate those committee members who have chosen to step down after years of unwavering support. More information on their contributions will be shared in upcoming events and lunches. I am, however, delighted to announce that Adam Lubbock has been appointed as the club President, who not only holds the integrity of the Lubbock name but will bring an injection of new ideas to the club that will be very much appreciated.

Our club’s facilities continue to serve the community well, with our clubhouse hosting various local businesses and groups. Our senior men’s rugby team had a successful season, finishing 4th in their league and scoring an impressive 113 tries. Our senior women’s team and the Colts also enjoyed strong seasons, with increasing participation and exciting performances. The junior and mini sections were particularly successful, with most age groups remaining unbeaten.

We continue to invest in our playing facilities, with ongoing improvements and the invaluable support of our volunteers. Financially, it has been a positive year, with two RFU loans paid off and a new contract secured with Greene King. However, we do face challenges ahead, particularly with rising energy costs and bar stock prices.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our committee members, volunteers, and parents who contribute to making our club a thriving community.

I would also like to recognise a few individuals for their exceptional contributions:

Steve Collins (Stato) was honored with the Gordon Parr Award and a Lifetime VP Membership in recognition of his years of dedication and service.
Jason Turner, Jim Fullerton, and Geoff Hill were awarded a 1-year VP Membership for their commitment to Age Grade rugby and their efforts in guiding the Colts to success.
Jake Johnson was recognised for his outstanding coaching and volunteer work, particularly for stepping up to coach after finishing his playing career with the Colts last season.

Their support has been invaluable to our club’s success.

We are looking forward to hosting, what we expect to be another year of first class rugby on the pitch, community spirit within the club and reputation that we can all be proud of.

I look forward to seeing you in the club house, by the bar or pitch side.

Tim Johnson
Chairman

GMS Registrations and Subscriptions 2024 -2025

31st July 2024 Joanna Williams — No Comments

As we gear up for the upcoming season, it’s time to register or renew your registration on GMS (Game Management System). Ideally, it would preferable to have registered by Sunday, 1st September when the season does officially start.

All adult players, from the Premiership to the community game, must complete this quick and easy online process before the season starts.

To help you with this process, the RFU has provided a video tutorial and explanatory text: RFU Registration Video.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

Returning Players:
- Go to GMS and click on the ‘Renew Player Registration (Adult)’ button to renew your registration.
- No action is required from Club Registrars for renewals.
Transferring Players:
- If you were registered at a different club last season and are joining our club for the 2024/25 season, renew your registration with your previous club first.
- Club Registrars will then transfer your registration to our club on GMS.
New Players:
- If you have never registered before and do not have a GMS account, you need to create an account first.
- Club Registrars will review and approve or reject your registration requests.

To view the subs for 2024/25: Subscriptions 2024-2025

For additional support, including step-by-step guides and ‘how-to’ videos, visit Community Rugby Help.

We look forward to a fantastic season ahead!

Rugby Season Just Around the Corner!

31st July 2024 Joanna Williams — No Comments

The rugby season is fast approaching! Here are some important updates to keep you in the loop:

Pre-Season Training:
Our pre-season training sessions are now underway every Tuesday and Thursday. This is a great time for players to get back into shape and prepare for the upcoming season. Additionally, touch rugby will continue on Wednesday evenings throughout August, offering a fun and active way to stay involved.

Amazons Pre-Season Training:
Our Amazons team has also kicked off their pre-season training. Their hard work and commitment are sure to lead to an exciting and competitive season.

Fixtures Announcement:
The fixtures for Warriors 1st and 2nd XV have been listed on our website. Be sure to check them out and mark your calendars for the upcoming matches.

Match Day Lunches:
Details about match day lunches will be released soon. These lunches are open to all members and are a wonderful opportunity to invite guests to enjoy a delicious meal while experiencing the thrill of the match. If you are interested in sponsoring a match day lunch, please let us know. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

We look forward to seeing everyone on the field and in the stands as we gear up for an exciting rugby season!

Woodbridge Beer Festival 2025…

31st July 2024 Joanna Williams — No Comments

What a weekend it was at Hatchely Barn for our annual Beer Festival!

From Friday to Sunday, the atmosphere was electric, the drinks were flowing, and the entertainment was top-notch.

The festival kicked off on Friday with a bang as The Remoras took to the stage, setting the tone for a night of great music and merriment. With over 40 beers and ciders to sample, attendees had their work cut out for them, and they rose to the challenge admirably. For those craving a bite to eat, Roger’s Raclette offered a unique and delicious option, while Prestige Catering served up mouth-watering burgers and gyros to help soak up all that beer. The gin and rum bar was a hit, proving so popular that we had to restock for the next day! It was also the longest day of the year, and what better way to spend it than out on the terrace, soaking up the long-awaited sunshine?

As the festival rolled into Saturday, a brief scare with the weather quickly cleared up, leaving us with a glorious sunny day perfect for enjoying everything Hatchley Barn has to offer. The live music lineup was fantastic, with Charlie Law and several talented Open Mic performers taking the stage. The boys from the barracks added their own “Unique flair”, making the day even more memorable. The Festival Touch Rugby Tournament provided thrilling entertainment, and we extend our thanks to all the teams that participated and congratulations to the winning team:

Food continued to impress with Prestige Catering’s offerings, and Roger’s paella was a standout. As evening fell, Bare Foot Soul took over the entertainment, getting everyone up and dancing with their vibrant performance. Ciders and beers were enjoyed throughout the day, with the 8-pint challenge proving popular (and resulting in a few delicate heads the next morning).

Sunday offered a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for winding down after a weekend of festivities. It was a perfect summer day spent chilling on the terrace, with Parkers Hog Roast providing a delicious meal. The lively tunes of Hot Cold Ground kept spirits high.

Over the course of the weekend, we were thrilled to serve over 2,500 pints enjoyed by festival-goers, served by our brilliant team of club staff and volunteers who all worked so hard!

Our final special thanks goes out to our amazing sponsors for supporting event. Your generosity and involvement are always very much appreciated. Thank you again to Fox’s Yacht Sales, Just Tiles, Meaves Tea Room, Suffolk Self Storage, Rokker, Old Jet, Stag & Hare Butchers, Pauls Fish Box, Global EMS, Sutton Hoo Holidays, P Coulson, J Brooks, P LeMarchand, Mr & Mrs Standford, The Bull Inn Hotel, M & G Fisher, T & L Johnson, G& C Kill, A Rooke, K McCormack, JF Wakeling, M Pratley, P Lacey (Back2Activity).

Thank you to everyone who came out and made the festival such a success. We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we can’t wait to see you again in June 2025!

Cheers to a fantastic weekend at Hatchely Barn!

Thank you Sam Few Photography for taking pics over the weekend.

End of Season Gala Weekend…..So what happened…

14th May 2024 Joanna Williams — No Comments

The Woodbridge Rugby Club End of Season Players Gala Dinner and Club Gala Dinner was an absolute hit, highlighted by the presence of none other than the legendary Zinzan Brooke, ex ALL Blacks player.

Both were glorious evenings with the sun setting over Hatchley Barn, where guests arrived to a reception on the terrace overlooking the clubs pitches, which has been complimented on throughout the season I might add, by players and visitors alike.

The atmosphere was fantastic as the evening unfolded with a series of awards recognising the outstanding performances of both the Warriors and Amazons.

The list of accolades was impressive, showcasing the talent and dedication within the club. Jake Hateley earned the coveted Players Player award, while Freddie Wiseman was recognised as the Coaches Player. Luca D’Angelo’s improvement didn’t go unnoticed, earning him the title of Most Improved, and Tom Lomas’s resilience and endurance earned him the Ironman award.

On the women’s side, Kyle Smith was honored as Players Player, with Ava Cobbold receiving the Coaches Player award. Rosie Dewberry’s remarkable progress throughout the season earned her the Most Improved title.

During the Q&A session Zinzan regaled the audience with tales from his illustrious career on the pitch. From his iconic drop goal in the 1995 Rugby World Cup to his countless battles on the field, Brooke’s anecdotes painted a vivid picture of his journey through the sport. Among the memories he shared and following a direct question from Jason, he fondly stated that Cardiff Arms Park, as one of his favorite stadiums, second only to the legendary Eden Park. His reminiscences offered a glimpse into the passion and reverence he holds for the game and the iconic venues that have shaped his rugby legacy.

The festivities didn’t stop there. The morning after the first gala, Zinzan and Jason led a training session for the younger members of the club, providing invaluable insights and inspiration. A number of drills across a number of small groups concluded with a 10mins each way game of touch.

Saturday night’s gala dinner was the culmination of the weekend’s celebrations, featuring a lively Q&A session with Zinzan himself, a generously funded raffle with prizes from Adnams Woodbridge, Reubens, the Woodbridge Deli to name a few and an impromptu auction of signed shirts and rugby balls which raised over £1000! With that all done, we were entertained by the infectious beats of Flaming Cheek, ensuring everyone was up and dancing.

And let’s not forget about the culinary delights that graced the event. The food was exceptional, satisfying even the most discerning palates, while the beer flowed generously throughout the night. However, it seems the bar was once again almost drunk dry as we nearly ran out of wine on Saturday night. Despite the near drought, spirits remained high, adding to the jovial atmosphere of the evening.

Throughout both evenings, the Chairman took the opportunity to reflect on the season, celebrating the numerous successes across all age groups, from the Juniors/Minis to the Seniors. It was a fitting conclusion to a season filled with memorable moments and achievements for the Woodbridge Rugby Club.

As with all the events that take place at Hatchley Barn, this weekend wouldn’t have happened without a small army of volunteers who help bring it all together…So a BIG shout to Jaz, Sam, Claire, Hannah, Jo, Fran and Tim for helping with ticket sales and setting it all up followed by the big clear up. Thank you to Tracy and team behind the bar as well for keeping the drinks flowing.

A further thanks goes to Jason Turner, the weekend’s MC!!…it certainly about who you know! Not only did you convince Zinzan to join us but on behalf of Nexergy Holdings has sponsored his visit to sunny Suffolk.

We would also like to thank The Bull Hotel Inn for hosting Zinzan as well.

Thank you to ALL that attended both events, a great time had by all. Whilst the season may have finished, we are still open for the Summer!!

Summer Touch Rugby Pitch Up and Play – Every Wednesday Nights at 7.15pm starting Wednesday 29th May
2nd Beer Festival – 21st – 23rd June – Early Bird Tickets on sale now too!!
Other events are being planned too so watch this space!

Link to the Friday Night Photo Booth (Code is 9845) please note these expire on the 17th June ’24 – CLICK HERE,