Rugby Development Partnerships

'RCDP's and Community Rugby Coaches (CRC's) In 2006, we realised a  significant development to the County's efforts in taking Rugby to the wider Communities in Sussex. With funding from the Rugby Union, Local Authorities, and significant contributions from the Clubs themselves, we have appointed in each of 4 areas across the County  a full-time, qualified 'Community Rugby Coach', (CRC).   These areas are called Rugby Club Development Partnerships. Each Partnership is formed by the local clubs, schools and local authority representatives to introduce and develop the playing of rugby at educational establishments and clubs within the Partnership area, by the Community Rugby Coaches working under the direction of the Rugby Development Officer, Mal Chumbley. The four partnerships will be co-ordinated by the Sussex RFU Community Rugby Committee, Chairman Gary Howorth

Mike Marsh

South West Rugby Development Partnership Clubs :                                 Bognor, Chichester, Littlehampton,  Midhurst, Pulborough, Worthing Community Rugby Coach       Mike Marsh  (m) 07711 453 867   e-mail  mikemarsh@therfu.com    Chairman                             Chris Keeley

Mike Orton

Central Weald Rugby Development Partnership Clubs:                                 Barns Green, Burgess Hill, Crawley, Ditchling, East Grinstead,  Holbrook, Horsham,                                                       St. Francis.  (Haywards Heath*) Community Rugby Coach     Mike Orton   (m) 07872 827 162  e-mail  mickorton@therfu.com Chairman                            Paul Harding

Tim Holgate

South Rugby Development Partnership Clubs:                                Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Newick, Plumpton, Shoreham, Uckfield.                                          (Norfolk Arms*, Old Brightonians*) Community Rugby Coach    Tim Holgate - Starting Aug 2010    Chairman                           Gary Howorth

Jeremy Nobbs

South East Rugby Development Partnership Clubs:                               Cinque Ports, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hastings & Bexhill, Heathfield & Waldron,                                            Hellingly, Rye, Seaford  Community Rugby Coach    Jeremy Nobbs  (m)07738 648916   e-mail  jeremynobbs@therfu.com              Chairman  David Jenkins

                                          * Denotes Clubs within the Partnership area, but not yet taking part or contributing financially.

Main Areas of Operation

·                     Manage the Work programme of the Community Coaches – Meeting the needs and requirements of the Funding Partners and delivering the RFU   strategic objectives.

·                     Whole Club Development – Seal of Approval for All Sections, Funding & Facilities, Whole Club Development Planning

·                     FE & HE Rugby – College and University participation and Festivals, Links to Community Clubs, and Player retention for 16-24 year olds

·                     Deliver the Regional and National strategic objectives on behalf of the Rugby Football Union, ensuring work programme objectives are conducive to the Sussex Strategic Action Plan.

·                     Report the Activities and Work Programme of the Development Team to the County Management through the Community Group Chairman. 

·                     Promote Women and Girls Rugby at all levels, working with RFUW regional staff to recruit, sustain and develop players, coaches and volunteers.

·                     Promote participation in all forms of Rugby within Special needs and disabled groups and schools, linking to National and Regional programmes where appropriate