RFU Play On - What is it?
Since the World Cup started in September 2007, Clubs, Constituent Bodies and RFU Regional Development Teams have been working hard to recruit players back into the Clubs, Colleges and Universities. Early signs from the Go Play Rugby Recruitment Campaign are that this is happening. Lapsed players are returning to the game - the target was 6,000 - the projection from the data collected so far, looks as if over 9,000 has been achieved. Play On is the next stage of the drive to recruit and retain players in the Game.
To ensure that all this effort is not wasted, we must make sure that these players stay in the game and that others do not lapse in the first place. Bringing players back is hard work so we need to make sure we keep the ones we have got. It is recognised that a huge amount of good work that is being done right now all over the country so Play On will follow the same model which combines a national promotional campaign with practical activities based around schools, colleges, universities and clubs.
In order to deliver and implement this campaign, we need enthusiastic volunteers who will be able to implement the Retention Campaign in the C.B.
Pathfinders
To retain existing players in the game as they move between school, colleges, university and club we need existing Recruitment Teams to reach into new areas and we are seeking Pathfinders in Schools, Colleges, Universities and Clubs to create a nationwide network which will help 23,000 players to find somewhere to play in the next stage of their rugby journey.
Pathfinders will be enthusiastic with good communication skills. It is essential that pathfinders are confident users of mobile phones and the web. Imagination and a sense of humour will also help to make the campaign a success.
The key time for pathfinders is to communicate with players before the end of the season and at the start of the following season.
Campaign Leaders
To ensure that support is in place to develop partnerships between organisations (College – Club links for example), campaign leaders will plan and deliver events and create playing opportunities for new recruits. They will have the energy and influence to get more people involved with the purpose of creating a new team for the new players. Liaison and planning with RFU development staff will be a key role.
Get Involved
This has never been done before. If you would like to be involved, you could be the person that helps dozens of players to continue to enjoy the most rewarding game of all by keeping rugby in their lives.
To get involved, contact your local Rugby Development Officer by 10th February and register your campaign team on Rugby First. Training and Further information will be available in March 2008.
