Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Eastern Counties Rugby Union held its annual Coaching and Referee Conference on Sunday the 9th July. The event was kindly hosted by Diss Rugby Club, who's impressive facilities on an off the field made it an ideal venue.

Despite an early 9am start on a Sunday morning, the event was extremely well attended with almost all of the 80 places being taken up.

The event kicked off with newly elected Eastern Counties RFU representative Roger Pierson welcoming those taking part to the event, his speech emphasising the need to retain as well as recruit player and volunteers and the importance in that to have suitably qualified coaches and match officials.

There were then presentations/practical sessions from :-

• Darren Gourley - RFU Area 4 Training Manager
• Jack Makepeace - RFU Professional Game Match Official
• Rachel Burford - England Women's XV
• Jon Curry - Northampton Saints DPP Manager
• Dusty Hare - England/Northampton Saints
• Jamie Taylor - Leicester Tigers DPP Manager
• Nick Greenhall - RFU Level 4 Coach Educator
• John Widdowson - RFU LEvel 4 MSc Coach
• Matt Rozier - RFU National League 3 Referee

Eastern Counties Coaching Chairman - Chris Capps-Jenner closed the event just before 4pm, saying "He was delighted to see 70+ Coaches and Referees from clubs across Eastern Counties, not just attend the event but get their hands dirty working shoulder to should with some of the best Coaches, Referees"

He went on to thank Diss Rugby Club for hosting the event and all those who had made the day possible, especially the Eastern Counties Girls and Boys squads, who were integral to the many and varied coaching demonstrations.

On behalf of Eastern Counties Ross Cowie thanks Chris for his efforts in pulling together such a valuable day of events.

Plans are already being drawn up for next year's event, so keep an eye out on the EC Website and social media feeds for more information!