Yesterday (31st October 2013) four of Cinderford RFC youth attended Kingsholm to be welcomed into the RFU’s Young Rugby Ambassadors programme. The four were made up from Charlie Gayther, Beth Weller, Toby Farrier and Jess Farrier. They were chosen by Cinderford as they cover a wide section of the roles required to run a rugby club. The RFU’s idea is that these young ambassadors will work within the club to pass on the latest news on RWC 2015, raise awareness of rugby in their local area and will also help to get 16-24 year olds from the local community back into rugby – playing rugby, coaching, refereeing, volunteering.

RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger emphasised the benefits of the RFU programme: “We are committed to support the development of young people as volunteers and future leaders in our clubs at all levels. This programme provides an opportunity for them to take their first leadership roles in clubs, using the inspiration of Rugby World Cup 2015 to engage current club members and recruit new ones.  “These young people represent the best of their generation and they will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the development and long term success of our sport in clubs across the country.”

Today marks two years to go to the final of Rugby World Cup 2015, and the YRA programme kicked off with regional briefing days held in the ten English Host Cities chosen to stage matches during RWC 2015.  The briefing days involved hundreds of young volunteers and mentors from rugby clubs nationwide. They took part in workshops discussing ideas for community projects to inspire people about rugby, explored different leadership and ambassadorial styles and shared information about RWC2015.  “I want Rugby World Cup 2015 to act as a catalyst to get more people finding out what their local rugby clubs can offer in terms of a community and a support base. A rugby club is a great place to be around all through the week. It can be a real anchor; not just in terms of health and fitness but also a social life and developing friendships. There is no better way to do this than to work with the young players in the clubs who are hugely passionate about the game.

“Two years out from the tournament, the Young Rugby Ambassador programme sets the foundations to get clubs fully involved in Rugby World Cup 2015 and it is so exciting to see such enthusiasm across the country.”