Lancashire Rugby

HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO

Duties and Responsibilities

Our core purpose is to support the strengthening of our member clubs, and the growth of the game in communities around them, by effective governance, administration and communication. 

To fulfil this purpose Lancashire RFU undertakes work in five key areas:

• Retainment, development and recruitment of players.
• Retainment, development and recruitment of high quality coaches, volunteers and referees.
• Provision of effective and efficient management and governance.
• Promotion and integration of rugby with local communities. 
• Retainment and development of effective facilities.

To this end the Lancashire RFU :

• Provides positive and enthusiastic leadership to support a strong club structure, so that more people, play rugby more often, and the region continues to produce and represent the highest possible standards, on and off the pitch.
• Promotes the core values of the game – teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and enjoyment – to its member clubs, schools, colleges and universities in the playing and development of the game.
• Recognises and rewards the contribution of volunteers, coaches and referees in order to promote involvement in rugby as a worthwhile and enjoyable activity.
• Administers the game locally and undertakes effective communication, to support the work of RFU staff nationally and locally and ensure strong governance.
• Undertakes responsibility for discipline, safeguarding, competition administration, match approvals for tours and tournaments and age grade dispensations.
• Arranges and delivers County and Club development meetings, and works closely with the Manchester and Liverpool Referee Societies.
• With the support of RFU staff, develops rugby in schools, colleges and universities; delivers information on player safety, development of volunteers for leadership roles, investment in facilities; refereeing courses, coaching courses and the developing player programme (DPP). 
• Provides accounts to the RFU and puts into effect the Planning, Funding and Reporting (PFR) process under which an annual plan is drawn up and costed to enable the provision of RFU funding for activity.
• Organises, selects and manages County representative teams.

Age Grade Rugby Committee. 

Objective:

To provide a safe, inclusive and competitive environment for all club Age Grade members, to ensure rugby in Lancashire thrives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• To organise county leagues, cup competitions and festivals for players 7-16 years of age and encourage participation from eligible Lancashire clubs.
• To assist where necessary in the delivery of structured fixtures, leading to a meaningful conclusion to the season, using a variety of club venues for county finals where possible.
• To build a community of club volunteers that have the values and growth of the game in their sights, ensuring rugby is well-administered and delivered safely and effectively, adhering to the principles set out by the RFU.
• To provide guidance on regulations 15 & 21.
• To provide avenues of direct communication with clubs to ensure the exchange of information and good practice on coaching, refereeing and player registration using the Game Management System (GMS).
• To provide safeguarding advice and approval where appropriate for tours and festivals.
• To foster connections where possible between schools and clubs for the advancement of rugby.
• To plan and implement a strategy for Age Grade rugby development through player development programmes for girls and boys, providing representative rugby opportunities through county teams.

Chair: 

Ian Spivey - miniandjuniorrugby@lancashirerfu.com - 07973 690032.

Deputy CBSM: 

Christine Spivey - miniandjuniorrugby@lancashirerfu.com

Members:

Phil Lord, Lisa Lord, Jon Maslen, Alan Whalley

Club & Community Rugby Committee. 

Objective: 

To bring people together to enjoy rugby and grow a passionate, flourishing Lancashire club community. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• To cultivate an active, collaborative network of community clubs in Lancashire.
• To seek solutions to the challenges Lancashire clubs face in delivering enjoyable rugby activties.
• To build an understanding of the player and volunteer experience to plan for the future of the community game in Lancashire.
• To communicate news that informs, inspires and supports the proud promotion of the community game in Lancashire.

Chair:

Chris Gaffey - comms@lancashirerfu.com  - 07971 817375

Members:

Phil Anderson, Carol Baker, Kate Bennetta, Gill Burns, Arthur Crabtree, Ade Jebb, Josh Jones.

Disciplinary Committee. 

Objective:

Duties & Responsibilities:

Chair:

John Greenwood

Secretary:

Brian Stott - lancashirediscipline@rfu.com - 07974 141122

Members:

Steve Blackburn, Tommy Hughes & John Rawson.

Finance & Funding Committee. 

Objective: 

To ensure the financial sustainability and transparency of the County finances to the members.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage the County's income and expenditure with due diligence and governance.
• Report to the Board of Directors on all financial matters.
• Produce an annual end of year report.
• Ensure the appropriate allocation of funding.

Chair: 

Chris Smail - chris.smail@btconnect.com - 07843 942029

Members:

Stephen Briers

Paul Deakin - hontreasurer@lancashirerfu.com - ‭07793 422478‬

Lancashire Colts Cup Committee. 

Objective: 

To serve club based U17 and U18 players, providing a conduit from Junior Rugby to Senior Rugby in Lancashire.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provision and administration of competitive colts competions to help clubs engage, retain, recruit and develop young men, in preparation for Mens rugby.

Chair: 

Chris Barrett

Honorary Cup Secretary: 

Jon Kitchen - jonkitch@colts-rugby.org.uk - 07973 282939

Members:

Mark Downs

Lancashire Rugby Schools Committee. 

Objective: 

To support and promote Rugby Union in all schools in Lancashire.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Guiding Schools to resources and appropriate information:
• Age Grade playing regulations
• Player Welfare (eg RFU Headcase)
• Coaching Courses and CPD
• Sanction Permission to Tour/host competitions

• Providing playing opportunities at all levels (T1 Rugby to contact)

Chair: 

Adam Jackson (Scarisbrick Hall School)

Secretary: 

Robbie Jones schoolssecretary@lancashirerfu.com

Senior Cup & Competitions Committee. 

Objective:

Duties & Responsibilities:

Chair: 

Dave Clarke - chair@lancashirerfu.com - 07712 582423

Members:

Howard Hughes, Tommy Hughes & Brian Hurst.

Womens & Girls Committee. 

Objective:

To develop and deliver a strategic plan to grow participation in Women’s and Girls’ rugby in Lancashire

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Increase player numbers across all age groups through recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Create clear and sustainable pathways from grassroots to senior rugby.
• Support schools, colleges and community clubs to introduce and expand female rugby programmes.
• Promote continuous professional development and inclusive coaching environments.
• Encourage female role models and leadership within the game.
• Support player welfare, physical development and holistic growth.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, equality and player welfare standards.
• Ensure facilities, policies and practices meet the needs of female players.
• Build strong relationships with schools, universities, clubs and local authorities to help sustain Girls rugby
• Engage community stakeholders to grow visibility and support for women’s rugby.
• Work with RFU and sponsors to access funding and resources.

Chair: 

Kate Bennetta - womensrugby@lancashirerfu.com - 07715 494888.

Members:

Justine Thatcher, Sarah Rowland, Sean Philips.