There was wind, rain and a spectacular rainbow framing the second half of the game. Leicestershire scored 3 tries and 2 conversions with North Midlands scoring 1 try and conversion. Well done to all the players and coaching staff. We are looking forward to the next match v East Midlands at Long Buckby RFC Sunday 27th Feb.  Details here

The current term of office for the Leicestershire and Rutland RFU Council member will cease at the end of July 2022. It is the intention of Peter Howard to stand again.

In accordance with RFU Regulation 18 an election will take place for a 3-year term of office in March 2022.

There are no qualification criteria for a candidate – for example, candidates do not need to be members of a CB committee, or even a club member. Nevertheless, it is important that the Council has a diverse range of talent available to it, which is representative of the game as a whole, and the communities involved. To this end, we are seeking nominations of individuals to stand for election; we welcome applications from across our rugby landscape. A copy of the Job Description is on the following link.

RFU Council Representative Role Description

The role of RFU Council Member also holds a seat on Leicestershire Rugby Union Executive Committee.

Candidates must be nominated by a full voting member club and seconded by another full voting member club. CB nominations/seconded also accepted.

Manifesto’s must be provided in a written format as a bare minimum and no longer than two pages. Video’s may also be submitted in addition to a written document. Please also provide a head and shoulder shot.

Key Timeline

1st March — Under rule 18.7 to be eligible for election the CB must have received the nomination in writing (email is acceptable) from both the proposer and the seconder to hon-sec@leicestershirerugbyunion.co.uk

14th March — Under Rule 18.8 the CB will circulate candidate details and manifesto’s to the Hon-Secs of all member clubs detailing the ballot vote process and how to direct any questions. 

28th March — Closing date for email votes to be received from an officer, or duly authorised person, of full voting member clubs to the hon-sec@leicestershirerugbyunion.co.uk

29th March — Vote to be counted. In the event of a tie the CB will decide the outcome via a vote in line with rule 18.12

1st April — Result to be published on the LRU website. RFU informed and post will commence 1st August 2022.

Please contact Dean Toon, Chairman LRU or Gail Bates, Hon Sec LRU should you have any questions arising.

NOMINATIONS FOR THE HONDA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN – RECOGNISE AN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS TODAY

In collaboration with England Rugby and Honda, Leicestershire Rugby Union is delighted to announce that nominations for the Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards 2022 are now open!
The Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards will help to recognise and celebrate volunteers for their achievements and efforts, both on and off the field, over the last 12 months.
This opportunity to recognise volunteers has been made possible thanks to the partnership with Honda and their support for volunteering in the grassroots game through the Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme.
This year you can nominate either an individual, or a group of volunteers, across one or more of the following categories:
• Unsung Heroes
• Beyond Rugby: Connecting the Community
• Game for All
Speaking about the awards, RFU President HH Jeff Blackett said: “I am delighted that through the Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme, we are able to recognise the exceptional work that has gone into keeping rugby clubs very much alive, and local communities afloat over the past year. There are so many outstanding volunteers who have really made a difference and the Honda Volunteer of the Year awards provides a great opportunity to say thank you”
Jean-Marc Streng, President Honda UK added: “Honda was built upon the Power of Dreams, that same challenging spirit can be found in abundance at local Rugby clubs up and down the country. Honda UK is proud to help recognise the volunteers who work tirelessly to support their local Rugby communities.”
Nominations close on Monday 28th February. With local winners announced between April and June 2022 and national finalists invited to an awards ceremony at Twickenham in September 2022.
If you want to recognise a volunteer, or a group of volunteers, who have gone above and beyond over the past 12 months you can nominate here. 
If you have any queries please contact either volunteerrecognition@rfu.com or Helen Wrighten, LRU Volunteer Co-ordinator, helen.wrighten@leicestershirerugbyunion.co.uk

Obituary by Richard Green, former President and Hon Secretary for Leicestershire Rugby Union

It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of Ken Palfreyman. Ken passed away early on the morning of Monday, 27^th December 2021.

Ken Palfreyman was a lifelong supporter of local rugby and a great servant of the Leicestershire Rugby Union, serving on the Executive/Management Committees and many sub-Committees.

His early years involvement was aimed mainly at the Colts section of the Union where, in his capacity of chair of that sub-committee he became a person to look up to for the many young players setting out on their adult rugby career. He served as Assistant Hon. Treasurer and member of the Finance Sub-Committee for many years and also served on the Playing, Governance and several other Sub-Committees.

In 1994 Ken became the Chairman of the Union, guiding it successfully into the professional era and serving until 2002 with just a one-year break. It was during this time, in 1997, that, along with the late Jerry Day, he organised the first, and very successful, Rugby Festival to be held in Leicestershire, This event took place at Victoria Park with matches being played at all age grades with many “side shows” alongside. Ken also led the steering committee for the 125 Year anniversary celebrations of the LRU in 2012, although his work with the Union had been replaced by his assistance with the management of the Loughborough Students RFC, where, amongst other matters he was responsible for the referee’s appointments and administration. This was a role he had taken on when relinquishing the chairmanship of the Union

Ken was made a Life Member/Privileged Person of the LRU in 2005 and became a much respected President for the season 2007/08. It was at that time that he started to organise the Past Presidents/Vice Presidents/Privileged Persons annual lunches, hugely successful reunions of former members of the Union.

It goes without saying that Ken will be missed by all those members of the Leicestershire Rugby fraternity who knew him and those at South Leicester RFC and Loughborough Students RFC with whom he was associated.

Ken and his wife Elizabeth agreed they would have a Pure Cremation and there will be no formal funeral or memorial service.