Training tonight will start at 730pm

Dave is stuck at work so training will be starting at 730pm tonight.

Shaf

Millwall RC steps up at Twickenham

Millwall Rugby Club's name was unveiled by club members Michael Paling, Sophie Morris and David Paling, on a step at Twickenham Stadium ahead of the RBS 6 Nations England vs France clash on Saturday.  

The club name was placed on the step as a reward for Millwall RC signing up for NatWest RugbyForce in 2013.  In total 176 clubs were awarded and saw their name appear on the steps at the home of England Rugby.

Phil Vickery, former England prop and World Cup winner is a supporter of the NatWest RugbyForce programme and said: “Coming from a very small club, Bude RFC in Cornwall, I know how important the rugby club is within the local community, and how much support they need. NatWest RugbyForce is all about improving club facilities to help safeguard their future. The NatWest RugbyForce club steps at Twickenham on Saturday were a reminder of where rugby began for many of our international players – at grassroots clubs.”

Millwall Auction

In a slight change to my original post the auctions are now being run on eBay and there will not be an auction on Sat afternoon. Please let me know if you are unable to use eBay

1. Will Greenwoods training shorts from the 1997 Lions tour (yes that was the tour where be beat SA)

http://newsletter.millwallrugby.com/lt.php?id=YUkBAAdVAlxdGVEBBkkBBQMC

2. England 2007 rugby shirt signed by a large number of the squad that made the world cup final

http://newsletter.millwallrugby.com/lt.php?id=YUkBAAdVAlxcGVEBBkkBBQMC

3. Leicester Tigers 2013 shirt signed by the current squad

http://newsletter.millwallrugby.com/lt.php?id=YUkBAAdVAl1VGVEBBkkBBQMC

4. Wasps 2004 Premiership Final rugby shirt signed by squad

http://newsletter.millwallrugby.com/lt.php?id=YUkBAAdVAl1UGVEBBkkBBQMC

4. Blue hitz rugby shirt signed by Josh Lewsey

http://newsletter.millwallrugby.com/lt.php?id=YUkBAAdVAl1XGVEBBkkBBQMC

Would you be a first aider for Millwall Rugby Club?

We are going to organise a First Aid Course in the club.

The course costs £65 per person and is organised through the RFU. The club is going to pay 50% of the costs but, as we require a first aider at every game, we will require people who will take this course to be able to attend as many games as possible.

I think it is also important that every team has at least one person who will take this training; therefore I would like to ask the team managers to take this course or appoint someone from each team to do it.

If you are interested please send me an email at milica.bielska@gmail.com before the 27th of February.

Yours truly, sincerely and always,

Andrea the Polski

Clubhouse CLOSED Today

Unfortunately the clubhouse will be closed today, meaning we will not be open for the 6 Nations game.

As you all know we are ran entirely by volunteers and nobody is available today. If you have some spare time please email me! Ryan@millwallrugby.com

Thanks,

Ryan
MRFC Clubhouse Officer

Signed memorabilia available

Afternoon ,

I hope you're looking forward to the big weekend ahead and hopefully we'll see lots of you down at the club tomorrow.

Through some very kind donations, the club has managed to acquire some great memorabilia and a number of these are displayed (or due to be) around the clubhouse. We have some more items that we have decided to auction to raise money for the rugby club so this is your chance to get hold of some amazing one offs!

The auction will close on Sat 2nd March and if you are unable to be at the club on the 2nd you can still e-mail (shafikvisram@gmail.com) me your bid beforehand. The items that we are auctioning are below:

1. Will Greenwoods training shorts from the 1997 Lions tour (yes that was the tour where be beat SA)
2. England 2007 rugby shirt signed by a large number of the squad that made the world cup final
3. Leicester Tigers 2013 shirt signed by the current squad
4. Blue hitz rugby shirt signed by Josh Lewsey

If you have any questions please let me know. If you want to see take a closer look at the items I will be happy to show them to you when I'm at the club tomorrow/can also send you pictures.

The aim of this auction is to raise as much money as possible for the club so please tell everyone you can about this auction.

Shaf

New start time for mens training

From tonight onwards training on Tue and Thur nights will now start at 7pm.

Regards

Shaf

Hargreaves 'Hump' Day - Wednesday 20th February - Clubhouse open from 7.30pm

Hello fellow Hargreaves ‘Hump’ Day followers.

This week Chef Shezza will be cooking up a hearty meal for din dins (actual dish to be confirmed – but rest assured it won’t be Horse)!! Get your orders in early to avoid disappointment as it’s sure to be a galloping success!!

This Wednesday you will have the pleasure of Mr Kuleszka as duty manager behind the bar.

This week we are also celebrating the following events that happened on this date in history.

Holidays:

• World Day of Social Justice (International) – whatever that means.

Days in History:

• 1472 – Orkney and Shetland are pawned by Norway to Scotland in lieu of a dowry for Margaret of Denmark – I see your Orkney and Shetland and we raise you Scotland!

• 1933 – The Congress of the United States proposes the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution that will end Prohibition in the United States – a good enough reason to have a few drinks on this day.

Births:

• 1951 – Gordon Brown, British Member of Parliament, Prime Minister (2007–2010)

• 1966 – Cindy Crawford, American model

• 1980 – Imanol Harinordoquy, French rugby union footballer

• 1984 – Gilles Pagnon, French-German rugby player

 
Last Call for RFU Grand Draw Tickets:

Also, this week is the last week to buy/return any sold/unsold raffle tickets to the clubhouse with the monies - it all helps with the floodlight fund and we are currently up to £989. The more we raise, the less we have to take out of our coffers and rely on the generosity of donors.

You can still buy tickets at the bar as well!!

If you do return any tickets/stubs please leave a note who they are from so I can tally them up for the RFU submission I have to make as all tickets have to be accounted for to comply.

Enjoy (and maybe see you down there for a bit)

Gareth

Chairman's Update February 2013

Hi All

The days are finally lengthening and there is an air of spring around. In my email today, I'll mention how we're doing on the pitch and mention some events off the pitch.

On the Pitch

We had a very successful weekend last week from a team appearances point of view with the full three Men's teams out and the Women's' team also out. The results weren't ideal but these will improve as I feel we're in a  transition that all clubs go through where a new base of players has arrived and  are linking together.

Following a tough January, the 1s have a bit of a battle in Essex 1 but I'm heartened by the depth of players that we now have and with a bit of an effort, we'll finish strongly. Flex tells me we're up to 800 player appearances this year and have already exceeded last season. Venus are doing a fantastic job of attracting and developing players and are well worth their nomination of Senior Team of the Year at the Canary Wharf Sports Awards. Don't forget to tell friends and colleagues about us. Victoria Park remains unplayable after the Olympics but we're doing our best with Tower Hamlets Sports to secure it for home games.

A Message to New Players and Members

Welcome first of all. Secondly, please feel free to make this your club. We're not steeped in unchangeable traditions at Millwall and are open to improving things. Once you've paid your membership you have the same rights to change the club as someone who has been here for years and coming from me, who has been here 8 years, I know your ideas will be very welcome by the longer term members. 

Rocky testimonial, St Patricks Weekend and James Eason Leaving

As new members join, we'll be sad to see a number of players go and wish them well. Rocky (Jamie Rockman) has moved even further away this year and will find it hard to attend regularly so bids us farewell from regular playing. We're having his testimonial on Saturday March 16th which most of you will know is St Patrick's Weekend. Maybe we should we make the Chairman play as a leprechaun? It's bound to be an impressive day out.

The game and general day is open to everyone, regardless of whether you know Rocky or not, and there are no planned club games that day. Sign up via the team sheet below, don't worry which side, we'll rotate them on the day and we'll have specially made jerseys which you can put your name down for. Contact Larry McCabe larry@millwallrugby.com for further details or see Facebook.

Team Sheet

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApDljHU3h4pldFZDSllSdjZhQU1RYVo5TmNsMlRFS3c#gid=0

James Eason is moving to Asia to take up a new role and would like to see you for a drink before he goes at Mary Janes, 124 - 127 Minories, London, England on Friday February 22. Your last chance to see if he really can box (though you might want to do it outside!). Facebook Event.

Floodlights

Following a very welcome donation by a member (thanks indeed), we gathered enough funds to make the application for matching funds from the RFU for a total of £10,000 and are now waiting for news from the RFU Trustees.

6 Nations & Millwall Involvement

I  know at least  Barry, Anton and I were in Dublin for a rather damp game last weekend which was no doubt brilliant if you were an England supporter, deservedly winning there after 10 years of losses there (Chairman ducks). Last weekend also saw an international cap for our own club member Leigh Dargan who turned out for the Ireland team against England, having a very successful 25-0 start, well done Leigh, further details here. Before that  we sent a merry  bunch to Wales and all returned safer and wiser.

Women's Team

Venus were deservedly nominated for Senior Team of the Year at the recent Canary Wharf Sports award and subsequently made it into the RFU's Touchline magazine which goes out nationally. Men - pay attention, they are doing something really well. 

http://venusrugby.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/canary-wharf-sports-personality-of-year.html

RugbyFirst

We were also mentioned in Touchline for the RugbyFirst event and, for anyone who didn't see the Sky Sports coverage live from our own clubhouse, you can catch up here via  Facebook (and see some very still Millwall Bar staff namley Shaf, Garetha and Scott).

Youths

Scott has been working very hard with the RFU to bring new young players into the sport of rugby and to us in Millwall. We've hosted two event at the clubhouse this week and both have been a great success, firstly the Tower Hamlets U15 competition was attended by 5 schools (70 children) and went very well- this lead to discussions about a possible Saturday school league and possible u15 district team.

Secondly the next RFU schools event took place on Wednesday and had another 50 kids at the clubhouse. Again, this went very well and things are looking very positive for the future of our youth section. 

On top of this Scott has confirmed coaches for the youth section relaunch on Sunday March 3rd and the following 3 Sundays- any help on these Sundays would be much appreciated!! Contact youthchair@millwallrugby.com

Coaching

The healthy numbers attending training show Dave and Anton's quality coaching is working and will improve your playing. We're investing in the development of coaches and 6 of us were on the Recent Rugby Ready training course. Scott is arranging another event which will this time be organised through the club so payment and paperwork will be easier. Sign up via Facebook or contact Scott, youthchair@millwallrugby.com

We're also looking to recruit more coaches given our plans for next year. See the club blog

Annual Dinner and Awards in the Houses of Parliament - May 11

The social highlight of the Year will be back once again in the Houses of Parliament courtesy of our President, Mr Jim Fitzpatrick MP. Save the date and watch out for more announcements or contact Brigitte socialsecretary@millwallrugby.com

Touch

We're in the process of becoming an official RFU O2 Touch Partner. This brings a significant investment in terms of funds and help from the RFU to develop touch rugby. Its particularly useful given the number of people who work in Canary Wharf who would enjoy touch rugby. Watch out for further details and get involved.

Support Our Sponsors

Don't forget to support our sponsors who help allow you to play and support rugby, Byblos Harbour Lebanese Restaurant in Millharbour and The Gaylord Indian Restaurant, both of which offer excellent food on our doorstep, and your club membership earns you a discount.

Survey

Most years, we ask you the members directly for feedback and we'll be arranging a survey soon. 

First Aid

Andrea will be arranging the course soon, email firstaid@millwallrugby.com to sign up and get further details.

AGM

The AGM is pencilled in for April 27th this year. Being on the committee takes a little work but gives a great sense of making a difference to the club and giving something back to a great sport. Next year will be a exciting year for us as both the club and the RFU build towards the World Cup in 2015, speak to current officers for more details. This is also an opportunity to understand the club, make changes to its running including the constitution (which can be changed in other ways outside the  AGM). Contact Paul for further details secretary@millwallrugby.com 

Facebook

As you'll have noticed from the above, the club does have a very active Facebook page. While Flex writes a program and we do use email, Twitter, the website and blogs, we'll use what ever you find useful and Facebook does make updates very easy so hopefully any non Facebook users will understand.

Good luck until next time, 

Tim

First team game cancelled

Unfortunately the first's game has been called off due to a water logged pitch. The 2s are still kicking off on Millwall park at 215pm if you'd like to come and support

Clubhouse Openings This Weekend!

All,

Make sure you get down to the clubhouse this weekend to support the Men's and Women's Sides!!

Sat - Flexible will be opening at 2PM followed by your DM for the Evening Gareth!.

Sun - Venus game from 2pm, With the clubhouse opening for a couple of friendly beers post match!

See you there!

Clubhouse Team :-)

Hargreaves 'Hump Day' - Wed 13th Feb - Clubhouse open @ 7.30pm

Hello Hargreaves ‘Hump’ Day followers.

In order to get you in the Latin mood prior to St.Valentines day Chef Shezza is looking at cooking up burritos with guacamole and salsa for din dins. Get your orders in early to avoid disappointment as this is sure to sell out!!

  

We are celebrating the following events that happened on this date in history.

• 1542 – Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII of England, is executed for adultery (a nice pre-valentine’s day present)
• 1668 – Spain recognizes Portugal as an independent nation.
• 2000 – The last original "Peanuts" comic strip appears in newspapers one day after Charles M. Schulz dies.

 

We are also celebrating some births

• 1938 – Oliver Reed, English actor (d. 1999)
• 1981 – Matías Agüero, Argentine-born Italian rugby player
• 1985 – Matthieu Franke, French-born German rugby player

Last Call for RFU Grand Draw Tickets (Floodlight Fund) -

If you have not yet had chance to buy any tickets, please do so by Saturday as we need to send any unsold tickets and all stubs back in the next week or so. 

Likewise, if you have taken any tickets off myself, please can you return them (sold or unsold) to me asap as they all have to be accounted for.

 See you there

Gareth

We're looking for new coaches.

Millwall Rugby Club is a friendly community rugby club based on the Isle of Dogs, near Canary Wharf in London. We currently field 3 men’s teams, a women’s team and a growing youth side and our 1st XV is currently in Essex 1 (division 9). We’re looking for additional coaches to support our existing head coach: 

• Forwards Coach – Minimum RFU level 1 and appropriate CPD courses

• Backs Coach - Minimum RFU level 1 and appropriate CPD courses

• Assistant Coaches – to support one of our Men’s, Women’s or Youth Squads – on a rota basis.

In all of the roles, you will be part of our club coaching team and support volunteers who produce successful teams on and off the field. We anticipate the roles to be voluntary positions but we will reimburse you for reasonable expenses.  We are also very keen to develop skills within our coaching team so we will fund your on-going coaching development, which benefits both you and the club. 

We’ll expect you to:

• Be reliable and flexible

• Inspire and develop players, coaches and team managers in the game and skills of Rugby (beginners and experienced players).

• Plan training sessions (or support other coaches training sessions) 

• Advise team managers on how to select the strongest teams possible, whilst keeping within the ethos of Millwall Rugby Club.

• Represent the club professionally at all time.

You will be accountable to the elected Club Management Committee (CMC) and will report on a day to day basis to the Men’s/Ladies’/Youth Chair as appropriate and to the Club Captain who has overall responsible for all playing matters.

Please apply by email to info@millwallrugby.com, submitting a completed RFU application form together with a covering letter, outlining why you’re suitable for the role and why it interests you.

Sophie Morris

Development Officer & Press Officer

Millwall Rugby Club

sophiemorris@millwallrugby.com

Hargreaves 'Hump Day' - Wed 6th Feb - from 7.30pm

Hi all HHD Followers

Just a quick note to let you know what's going on this Wednesday in the clubhouse.....

This week Chef Shezza will be cooking up something suitably hearty for din dins. Get your orders in early to avoid disappointment.

There may also be a surprise "entertainment experience" happening this Wednesday…….. If you want to know what it is, you’ll have to come down to see it!!

This week we are also celebrating the following events that happened on this date in history.

Holidays:

Waitangi Day, celebrates the founding of New Zealand in 1840. - Mr Parkhill will expect to see you all celebrating!!!

Royal days in History:

1649 – The claimant King Charles II of England and Scotland is declared King of Great Britain, by the Parliament of Scotland. This move was not followed by the Parliament of England nor the Parliament of Ireland.

1952 – Elizabeth II becomes the first queen regnant of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Realms since Queen Victoria upon the death of her father, George VI. At the exact moment of succession, she was in a treehouse at the Treetops Hotel in Kenya.

Singing related Births:

1966 – Rick Astley, British singer

1982 – Tank’s birthday…… The  Taiwanese singer,  Not ‘Tank’ from the  Rugby Club

See you all down there

Gareth