Since the introduction of professional rugby union the game appears perilously close to a sense of humour failure and it seems to be fast losing the charm, goodwill and sense of humour that marked it out from just about every other game on the planet.
Inadequate player recruitment and retention at all levels of the game, including schools, has resulted in steadily declining numbers over a sustained period of time. If we are to keep the best team game on the planet thriving we must nourish its roots to ensure we leave behind a positive legacy for future generations to enjoy.
In support of this objective the RFU are investing in a national recruitment campaign with a target of recruiting 6,000 players between the ages of sixteen and thirty. This will engage some 600 clubs, 100 universities and will involve a dedicated RFU support network. It has been planned to coincide with the Rugby World Cup 2007 and the RFU will leverage the event with an aggressive national and regional media campaign.
In support of this the majority of our constituent clubs have seized the opportunity to benefit from this welcome RFU initiative and by working closely with the County Campaign Team significant progress has already been made in Hertfordshire.
Our campaign was launched on April 18 at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village. Over twenty clubs attended and with Andy Farrell, Saracens RFC and England, fully backing our campaign the evening was a great success.
Follow up workshops covering such topics as, Players Recruit Players, Welcoming New Players and Volunteers and How to Organise Rugby World Cup Events, have taken place in May, early June and a final one at beginning of July just prior to the national launch on July 9.
Our target is to recruit 160 new players across Hertfordshire and I am sure with the enthusiasm shown by clubs attending the two most recent workshops that we will achieve our goal.
Ross Hopcroft
Hertfordshire GoPlayRugby Campaign Leader
