handbook 2018

Stuart Murrow – President Dorset & Wilts Rugby Football Union
PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD
Firstly, may I thank you for electing me as your President for the twin Counties of Dorset & Wiltshire,
and look forward with you all to the forth coming season.
I thank all those volunteers who for whatever reason both at County and Club level are stepping
down for all that they have done and hope that they will still remain in the game, supporting both their
local clubs and County sides.
The need for volunteers is crucial to both club and County if we are to continue to grow so a big thank
you to all of those who are continuing as without those dedicated volunteers we would not be able to
bring the enjoyment of our game to so many.
As rugby continues to grow with in addition to the 15 aside game played at all of our clubs many are
now bedsides the continued development of their Mini and Junior sides also adding women and girl’s
sections, touch and even walking rugby as well.
It is the role of the County to help promote and develop all aspects of the game within the clubs and
also encourage and support all of those participating as either players, coaches, referees,
administrators or spectators.
Last season saw the Counties U20’s reach the National Shied Final against Cheshire and this season
see them move up into Division 1 taking on the likes of Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Hampshire. I
am sure that they will rise to the new challenge.
The Senior side take on both Sussex and Berkshire in the Senior Men’s County Championship.
Not to be left out the D&W Ladies side play in the Gill Burns County Championship taking on
Hertfordshire, Somerset and Cornwall.
I wish them all well in their endeavours and encourage you all to come along to the games and give
them your support.
As a County, we will still be encouraging our member clubs to encompass the RFU Core Values of
Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.
I look forward to visiting our member clubs during the course of the season along with colleagues
from the Council and Management Board and meeting up with all of those involved in the running of
their clubs.
For the D&W RFU Management Board, this will be a busy year as we have set ourselves the
challenge of revising our strategic plan to provide a stronger lead in addressing the key challenges
in our game. This will mean doing some things differently and pushing ourselves hard to make
significant improvements at grass roots level. I am heartened by the fact that we have highly capable
volunteers at all levels of the game and I have no doubt that together we can achieve our goals.
Finally, may a wish you all the very best for the 2017-20178 season and may your clubs and the
game continue to grow and prosper.
Stuart Murrow, President
3 For further information visit http://dwrugby.co.uk/