July 28th
At Barking RFC and in front of a mixed audience of referees, players and coaches Steve Leyshon gave a presentation on the implementation of the ELV's.  This was a very informative evening with quite a lot of time spent on the referees interpretation of pulling down the maul, the offside line at Scrums and the new laws in relation to line outs.  Further sessions have been planned in the COunty by Essex Referees Society at Dagenham and Westcliff, whilst the London Referees Society will hold an explanation evening at Woodford RFC.  See opposite and above for full details.

July 28th
Essex Referees Society organise an additional ELV information session at Westcliff RFC

July 24th - 25th
New School of Rugby takes shape at Felsted School.  Over 90 players from Clubs and Schools around the County met up for two days of intensive coaching at Felsted School for the first of the revised format for the Essex School of Rugby.  The School seeks to provide skills based training to elite players in the U13 - U16 age group selected from nominations made by Clubs and Schools.  The sessions are grouped in July and August with additional sessions taking place during the Autumn and Spring half terms  under the watchful eye of County Coaches and Saracens RFC Academy Managers.  Pictures from Felsted appear in the SoR photo Gallery ..click here

July 21st

Rugby Landscape Survey - All players, supporters, administrators - in fact everyone is invited to have their say on the future of League and Cup competitions in England by completing the on-lone survey at www.rfu.com/rugbylandscapesurvey.  It is vital that everyone gets an opportunity to have their say through this survey to ensure that the structures and competitions of English Rugby are what the players and spectators want.

At the RFU AGM an issue was raised regarding the allocation of tickets to clubs.  some clubs ahve had a greatly reduced allocation for the Autumn Internationals and the International Tickets Sub-committee will be reviewing the allocations that have been made.  Clubs who believe they have been unfairly dealt with may appeal to the sub-committee through Patriciamurphy@rfu.com or its chairman John Vale

July 7th

At the AGM Gerry Mansfield is elected our President for 2008-9

July 7th
Details of the EDF First round draws are now available on the RFU web site - go to the fixtures section of the web site and select the appropriate competition.

July 5th
25 teams took part in the Annual Clacton Beach rugby Tag Festival.  In brilliant sunshine despite a stiff sea breeze it was a great day out for Families and friends.  Pictures from the festival can be viewed at: Kodak Gallery