Tag: RFL

TACKLE IT: SALFORD RED DEVILS JOIN CLUB BOARD DIVERSITY PROJECT WITH RFL AND INCLUSIVE BOARDS

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Rugby League boardrooms are set to become more diverse, thanks to a ground-breaking partnership between the Rugby Football League (RFL) and executive search firm Inclusive Boards.  

Inclusive Boards specialises in supporting organisations to become more inclusive, through greater board diversity and stronger governance structures.

Through the Rugby League Club Board Diversity Project, an initial 10 professional clubs will work with the RFL and Inclusive Boards to broaden and strengthen the skills, knowledge and expertise within their boardrooms.  

The 10 clubs are: Barrow Raiders; Halifax Panthers; Huddersfield Giants; Hunslet; Midland Hurricanes; Salford Red Devils; Sheffield Eagles; Swinton Lions; Wakefield Trinity; Widnes Vikings.

Each club will develop inclusive leadership and recruitment processes to ensure that the sport is able to attract and choose from the best possible candidates. 

Joanne Hawkins, Board Chair & NED of Salford Red Devils said: “Salford Red Devils are proud to be working alongside both the RFL and Inclusive Boards to widen the skills and knowledge of our Board, while reflecting the true inclusivity and diversity of the City of Salford.”

RFL Inclusion Lead, Ben Abberstein, explains: “Rugby League is a sport that takes great pride in its history of diversity and representation at the highest level. The Club Board Diversity Project aims to ensure that this is present at leadership levels.

“This project is another important part of our TACKLE IT inclusion strategy and a massive step forward for the game – a step that is only made possible by the clubs’ commitment to being representative of their communities.” 

Samuel Kasumu, Co-Founder of Inclusive Boards adds: “We’re proud to work with Rugby Football League and to be at the forefront of positive change in the sports sector.

“We firmly believe that this programme will encourage more people to get involved with sport, both recreationally and professionally.” 

Inclusive Boards will work alongside all participating clubs, ensuring they each receive a baseline audit during the initial stages of the programme. This practice ensures a sound understanding is gained of each club’s needs and what work has already taken place to improve participation.

Two training sessions will then be designed and delivered followed by one-to-one guidance and support from the Inclusive Boards team. Inclusive Boards will also recruit a pool of diverse candidates for each club, taking a skills-first approach. 

You can find out more by visiting: https://www.inclusiveboards.co.uk/rfl-leadership 

SALFORD’S WORLD CUP SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVE – MATT CARR

Posted on by David Clegg

SALFORD’S WORLD CUP SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVE – MATT CARR

Everyone at Saford Red Devils is delighted to learn that our own Matt Carr has been selected as one of a team of six safeguarding officials to operate at Rugby League World Cup games, over the coming five weeks, and his first outing in this role will be this evening, at the Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, for the Tonga v Papua New Guinea match, to be followed up on Saturday, with the England v France encounter.

Matt joined Salford twelve months ago, having gained his first safeguarding qualifications – later updated to those pertaining to rugby league – and experience at the grassroots level of football with a well-known local club, and he, together with Director, Paul Trainor, established the safeguarding setup which has been in operation since the start of last season.

“I joined Salford last November and feel we have made good progress over the season, as has been confirmed by the RFL on their visits here,” he justifiably claims.

His responsibilities are quite wide-ranging, including the care and guidance of our younger players, vulnerable adult spectators, unaccompanied minors, and dealing with safeguarding incidents.

“The match day role was quite new to me back in February but includes liaising with match-day security, looking after any groups, or children with specific needs, who might be attending, and managing any safeguarding incidents which might occur, such as a missing or lost child.  There were very few such occurrences, last season, and those which did manifest themselves were speedily and satisfactorily resolved,”

His twelve months experience here now has to be transferred to what could, potentially, be a much more challenging environment, especially at Saturday’s England fixture.

“I will have a lot more responsibility with mascots, flag-bearers, community groups, and the role will be quite a big one, as can be seen by the number of us who have been appointed.  We will operate within our own regions.

“The World Cup is the pinnacle of any sport, and I was extremely proud to have been selected, despite a few nerves at the responsibility it brings.  Hopefully those will dissipate once I get through the first game tonight, because it won’t come much bigger than Saturday’s.  The risk will increase rapidly with what should be a sell-out attendance, but fortunately the RFL Head of Safeguarding will also be there.

Matt will certainly be well prepared for the occasions coming his way as he spent a full day last week being fully trained up.

“The day focused specifically on reporting and recording procedures should any incident occur, but the greatest learning will come through my involvement at the games, starting with tonight’s, though it will mainly consist of applying my knowledge and skills acquired over the years, and then building upon that.

“I believe that the work I have done at Salford has stood me in good stead throughout the application process and am hoping that I will learn a whole lot more from my forthcoming involvement, which I can then introduce here at Salford.”

Joint statement: RFL, Super League and clubs discuss future direction

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Discussions on the future direction of the game have today been held between the RFL and Super League Europe, and clubs from the Betfred Super League, Championship and League 1. 

Subjects covered included progress towards the realignment of Super League Europe and the RFL, central funding distribution to clubs, and potential competition structures and new competitions to help grow the game commercially.

RFL Chief Executive, Ralph Rimmer, says: “We are all – Super League Europe, clubs and the RFL – focused on the future. All of us involved in these discussions today want the very best for their clubs, players, fans and the whole game.

“The collective approach has been positive and constructive, and there will be further consultation with clubs in the coming days.”

SLE Interim Chairman, Ken Davy, adds: “The emphasis of today’s meeting was to provide a platform for discussion on several key areas of the sport, which can be the catalyst to drive the game forward in the coming years.

“The whole game approach to these discussions is testament to the importance placed on ensuring we deliver a compelling, long-lasting structure for the whole sport.

“The next two years are absolutely vital for the sport. We need to continue to make Rugby League an attractive sport to supporters, broadcasters, viewers and commercial partners.

“Ultimately, this sport is about the players on the pitch, and the excitement and drama they create.“

Super League and the RFL will make a further announcement as consultations with clubs progress.

Rugby league fans urged to follow the Wembley template

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Today’s fourth step in the UK Government’s Covid roadmap allows for venues returning to full capacity, with no social distancing. 

That means another significant step back to normality for rugby league clubs and fans in this week’s fixtures, starting with the Betfred Women’s Super League match between York City Knights and Wigan Warriors at Odsal tonight – and continuing through the Betfred Super League, Championship, League 1 and the Community Game. 

Throughout the pandemic, the RFL has been working closely with Government and with clubs and other stakeholders – and that has continued in the preparations for Stage 4. 

Karen Moorhouse, the RFL’s Chief Regulatory Officer, said: “This week is another big step back to normality for our clubs and fans, and it comes at a positive time for the sport as we reflect on the success of the weekend at Wembley. 

“We have been grateful since the limited return of fans to grounds in recent weeks for the way our clubs and fans have worked together in a responsible manner, and the weekend was a great example of that. 

“To be included in the Government’s Events Research Programme allowed us to welcome a much higher crowd to Wembley than would otherwise have been the case, and the supporters of the four clubs involved – Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers, St Helens and York City Knights – as well as the thousands of neutrals who attend our Challenge Cup Final weekend were a credit to the game. 

“This year that involved providing evidence of either a negative Covid-19 test or of having had a double vaccination to gain entry to the stadium – and while that won’t be required to attend regular league matches this week now we have reached Stage 4, we would still encourage supporters to bear in mind Government guidance where possible. 

“The Government refers to Stage 4 as ‘a new phase of continued caution whilst managing the risks of COVID-19’. We all owe it to each other to be as safe and responsible as possible to restrict the spread of the virus. 

“The same applies to all involved in the Community Game, whether as players or spectators. Again, Stage 4 of the Roadmap involves the removal of a number of restrictions – and again, we are urging clubs and players to implement these changes cautiously and responsibly.” 

Rugby League is joining other sports in requesting supporters to bear the following in mind before attending games: 

·       Do not attend if you have symptoms or are in any doubt about your health. 

·       Please vaccinate where possible to maximise protection to fellow supporters and members of staff.  Vaccination remains a key priority in the response to the pandemic. 

·       Use the Government’s offer of free lateral flow tests; consider taking one before you travel. 

·       If travelling via public transport, please adhere to the relevant guidance. 

·       Respect the rules of the venue you are attending and check in advance to see what is required. 

·       Wear face coverings in busy indoor areas  

·       Ensure you are familiar with social distancing restrictions where these apply  

·       Treat stewards with respect and respond to their requests. 

The RFL is continuing to work with clubs to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. 

Salford Red Devils’ next home game comes on Thursday 29 July, when we welcome Hull Kingston Rovers to the The Salford Stadium.

CLUB STATEMENT REGARDING KRISNAN INU

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

After the recent social media activity of Krisnan Inu which brought the club into disrepute, an internal investigation was carried out involving a disciplinary panel and the board of Salford Red Devils have decided the following:

Inu has been fined four weeks salary and will be suspended from play for two months commencing from the original suspension day.

Furthermore, Inu will be attending a mandatory education program which is currently being developed in conjunction with the University of Salford. The program will cover comms, social media protocol and wider community and social issues to better prepare players with social engagement.

The club currently has wide-ranging regulations regarding appropriate behaviour and are looking to expand on these with mandatory workshops relating to consent, respect and inclusivity for all Salford Red Devils players and staff. We believe that the best way to affect cultural change is through education and development and we will publish more details about this program as they become available.

Inu has apologised for any offence he may have caused and appreciates the language he used may have been misinterpreted: “I deeply apologise for the comments made in my social media postings on May 6.

“By the inappropriate use of language, my remarks were open to misinterpretation and have caused offence and disrepute to my club Salford Red Devils and the RFL. Along with the Club, I will not condone any violence against another person and truly believe that any such victim should receive appropriate support.”

Separately, the RFL found Inu to be guilty of misconduct in respect of the following rules:

 

  • RFL Social Media Policy
  • Operational Rules C2:6 (failure to adhere to policy)
  • C2:11 (Unacceptable Language)
  • D1:1(b) (Conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game)

 

In view of the club’s decision, no additional sanction will be imposed by the RFL. However, the RFL reserves the right to impose further and more severe sanctions in the event of repeated, similar offences. Inu has the right to appeal against the RFL’s decision.

Salford Red Devils would finally like to reiterate our clear and unambiguous stance that any form of violence against anybody, together with victim shaming, inadvertently or otherwise, is wholly unacceptable.  The club will make no further comment.

RED DEVILS TO STAND UNITED IN SUPPORT OF TACKLE IT CAMPAIGN

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford Red Devils will stand as one before every game this season in support of the Rugby Football League’s TACKLE IT campaign. 

When the 2020 Betfred Super League season restarted in August last year, the RFL, Super League, RL Cares, RLWC2021 and a number of clubs showed their support of the Black Lives Matter anti-racism message, including Salford.

Rugby league has since developed TACKLE IT – an anti-racism, anti-discrimination action plan that that will focus on improving the sport’s reach, appeal, diversity, culture and tackle ALL kinds of discrimination – specifically racial discrimination and equality as these are areas that require the most attention currently.

Increasing inclusion and diversity whilst tackling all forms of discrimination, including racism, is key to the growth and success of rugby league. The TACKLE IT action plan is sport-wide and sets out specific measures which the sport is taking together to deliver real change.

Salford Red Devils are playing our part in delivering the TACKLE IT commitments to make a positive, lasting difference. We are doing so because Black Lives Matter and Rugby League stands in solidarity with players, coaches, match officials, fans, volunteers, staff, and supporters in the struggle against racism and discrimination in sport and in society.

There will be a 13-second window at the start of each league and cup game where clubs will line up on the 20m line, facing their own dugouts, and will be asked to demonstrate their support of TACKLE IT. A play-led decision, Salford have chosen to express their support of the TACKLE IT campaign by standing in solidarity, hand on badge.

You can find out more on the TACKLE IT campaign here.

The RFL restructure the England Performance Unit

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

The Rugby Football League today announced a restructure of the England Performance Unit which involves an expanded role for Paul Sculthorpe MBE, and contract extensions for Kevin Sinfield MBE and Jamie Peacock MBE.
Sculthorpe, the only man to win Super League’s Man of Steel award in consecutive years, has been appointed England Pathways Coach, meaning he will be working with all teams in the EPU and focusing on the country’s outstanding young players, from Junior Academy to Knights level – following his involvement in last autumn’s successful England Knights tour of Papua New Guinea.
Sinfield, who joined the RFL as Rugby Director in 2016 and has continued in that role since being appointed as Director of Rugby at Leeds Rhinos last summer, has committed to the RFL role until 2022 – after the Rugby League World Cup on home soil in 2021.
Peacock, another former England and Great Britain captain who has been working as the England team manager since July 2016, has also extended his agreement with the RFL until 2021.
Paul Anderson will be continuing as Knights head coach in a consultancy role after joining Warrington’s backroom staff since the end of last season, and the former Warrington forward David Elliott remains National Programme Manager and head coach of the England Academy team after the 2-0 series victory over the Australian Schoolboys last month.
Ben Jones, previously the Research and Innovation Manager, takes a new role as England Performance Director; Jane Phillips takes over as Head of England Operations; and Barry Frost continues as Head of Performance Analysis.
Further announcements about the England Women and Wheelchair coaching staff will be made later this year.
Ralph Rimmer, the RFL chief executive, said: “We created the England Performance Unit last January after proposals from Kevin Sinfield, and the results for 2018 speak for themselves.
“Our senior England men’s team won four games out of five Tests played, three of them against New Zealand.
“England Women had a big win in France – although we recognise that securing more international competition for them is a major priority for 2019 and beyond – and on one memorable Saturday in October, the Knights made it three wins out of three for our England teams when they won their first international in Papua New Guinea.
“That was followed by the superb performances of Dave Elliott’s England Academy team against the Australian Schoolboys.
“So it’s great to be able to announce the news that Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Paul Sculthorpe – three truly outstanding players of the Super League era – will retain key roles in the EPU, as we continue to build towards hosting the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.
“We recognise there is a need for clarity about international fixtures for all our national teams – men’s, women’s and wheelchair – and rest assured we are working hard behind the scenes to allow us to make further positive announcements as soon as possible.
“The EPU is delivering exactly as we had hoped, which is thanks to those involved and also the support of the clubs.
“We remain focused on success in the RLWC2021 and beyond, as we all understand the impact this can have for the sport in the UK – and are therefore delighted to have secured these key personnel on that journey.”
England Performance Unit 2019
England Rugby Director; Kevin Sinfield (Consultant)
England Performance Director; Ben Jones (Consultant)
Knights Head Coach; Paul Anderson (Consultant)
National Programme Manager; Dave Elliott (Employee)
England Pathways Coach; Paul Sculthorpe (Consultant)
Head of England Operations; Jane Phillips (Employee)
RFL Head of Coaching and Player Development; Dave Rotheram (Employee)
Performance Analysis; Barry Frost (Consultant)

Coral will sponsor the Men’s and Women’s Challenge Cup

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

The Rugby Football League have agreed an historic commercial partnership with Coral to include both the men’s and women’s Challenge Cups in a two-year, seven-figure deal.
The two competitions will come together when the Coral Women’s Challenge Cup Final shares the stage with the men’s semi finals in a triple header at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday July 27.
The men’s Coral Challenge Cup Final will be held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 24.
“This is a really significant day both for the Challenge Cup, and for women’s Rugby League,” said Ralph Rimmer, the RFL chief executive.
“The men’s Challenge Cup is one of the iconic competitions and trophies of British sport, with more than 120 years of history, and the famous Wembley final televised live to the nation and the world by the BBC.
“The Women’s Challenge Cup may not have that history, but Coral’s enthusiasm for it to be part of a joint sponsorship deal confirms our determination that it is set for a really exciting future.
“With Coral’s name now linked to both the men’s and women’s Challenge Cups, it’s equally exciting to be able to extend the double header for the men’s semi finals that proved such a big hit last year, and now incorporate the Coral Women’s Challenge Cup Final.
“The University of Bolton Stadium proved a popular venue for the sold-out double header last summer, so we’re delighted to be going back for a triple header in 2019.
“We are confident that thousands of the supporters of the teams who reach the semi finals of the men’s Coral Challenge Cup will also take the opportunity to watch the outstanding spectacle provided by our best women’s teams – and that will ensure their skills and athleticism are seen by the record audience they deserve.”
Adrian Osman, the Head of Sponsorship and Events at Coral, said: “The Rugby League Challenge Cup and the final at Wembley are flagship events in British sport, and we are delighted that Coral’s name will now be associated with them in this significant deal. In addition, the opportunity to get involved with women’s sport and the development of women’s Rugby League as the first title sponsors of the Women’s Challenge Cup is hugely exciting for us – and combining the final with the semi finals of the Coral Challenge Cup should produce another great event. We’re really looking forward to seeing the two competitions unfold through the spring and summer.”
Leeds Rhinos are the Women’s Challenge Cup holders, having beaten Castleford Tigers in a classic final at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium last summer.
The RFL also confirmed today that the 2018 Wembley winners Catalans Dragons will defend the Coral Challenge Cup, after reaching an agreement with the French club to end recent uncertainty about their participation.
They will enter the competition at the Sixth Round stage in May, having finished in the top eight of the Super League in 2018.
The teams who finished in the bottom four will enter in the Fifth Round in April.
The Road to Wembley begins this weekend, with 52 community clubs competing in First-Round ties from Portsmouth to Wallsend, and featuring Sunday’s meeting on the Cumbrian coast between the oldest amateur club in the country, Millom, and the Challenge Cup newcomers Red Star Belgrade – which will be streamed live on the BBC Sport online platforms.
The Trans-Pennine battle between Orrell St James and Holmfirth’s Underbank Rangers will be shown live on the RFL’s Our League membership App and Website the previous day.
Tickets for the triple header at the University of Bolton on Saturday July 27 go on sale today, and are available here –https://rugbyleague.tickethour.co.uk/seatingPlan.html?idProduct=560.
Tickets for the Coral Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 24 are available here – https://www.rugby-league.com/tickets/challenge_cup_final

Adam Walker joins Salford Red Devils

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

In today’s edition of the Manchester Evening News, it was exclusively revealed that prop-forward Adam Walker has joined Salford Red Devils.
Walker hasn’t played since testing positive for cocaine whist at Wakefield Trinity in 2017, but the now reformed character has the chance to make an impact once again; an opportunity that isn’t lost on him.
The 27-year-old said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have a club for the 2019 season and I’m extremely grateful to Salford Red Devils for giving me this opportunity.
“From day one speaking to Director of Rugby and Operations Ian Blease and Head Coach Ian Watson I could see that Salford – as a Club – have some real strong beliefs and values that centre around the community and doing good in the local area. I knew straight away that this was the kind of club I wanted to be at.
“I’ve not been perfect in the past. I don’t think anyone is. But you need to learn from your mistakes and develop as a person and player afterwards.
“It’s been a tough few years for myself not being able to play the sport I love on a regular basis. I was suffering from some mental health issues at the time which in turn led to me making a big mistake. I don’t want to use that as an excuse, I accepted and learnt from my punishment.
“In my time away from the game I feel like I’ve matured a lot. I honestly feel I’ve turned the corner, I’ve regained my love for the sport back and I’m ready for the next chapter.
“At a club like Salford, I’ve got the best opportunity to continue to grow as a person by going into the community, talking about the lessons I’ve learnt and promoting Rugby League in a positive manner.
“The sport of Rugby League has been very good to me. The support I received from the RFL, in particular Emma Rosewarne, was brilliant and really helped me on my road to recovery. I’ve now been offered a second chance and it’s up to me to make sure I grab it with both hands.”
Bradford-born Walker began his career with Huddersfield Giants but spent the majority on loan with Barrow Raiders and Swinton Lions. However, it was at Hull Kingston Rovers where the forward made his name while also being a regular for the Scottish National side.
Walker said: “I was playing at the highest and most consistent level I’ve ever competed at four or five years ago and I was loving every minute of it.
“During my time at Hull Kingston Rovers I managed to draw attention from Australia and even spoke to Melbourne Storm, but I decided to see out my contract at Hull. Chris Chester was very supportive of me and that helped massively. Of course, I got the move to St Helens and then eventually Wakefield, both of whom are great Super League clubs.
“I was also in the Scotland National side on a regular basis and for that to slip away because of a silly decision whilst at Wakefield was massively disappointing but it has only made me hungrier now to turn things around and strive to get back to where I want to be.”
Due to his suspension, Walker is yet to train with the Red Devils but has no concerns about catching up on pre-season and returning to the field in top condition.
Walker said: “I know I’ve a lot of work to do. I’ve not been able to train but once I’m allowed to get back on the field regularly.
“I know the Head Strength and Conditioning – Greg Brown – from my time with Swinton and I know he will get the best out of me physically. I’ll be pushing myself further than I have before to ensure I’m ready for my first game back whenever that may be.”
Adam Walker will be available to play for the Red Devils in March.
Salford Red Devils return to action for the first time in almost four months on Saturday as they clash with local rivals Swinton Lions at the The Salford Stadium, 1pm kick-off. Tickets are available at the The Salford Stadium, over the phone and online HERE.

Disciplinary | Lee Mossop receives zero game penalty notice

Posted on by Luke Wallworth

Salford forward Lee Mossop has been given a 0-match penalty notice for a headbutt in the Red Devils recent victory over Leeds Rhinos.
This means Mossop will be available for the opening fixture of The Qualifiers which will be released on Wednesday 1st August at midday.
You can re-live the full game against Leeds and Jackson Hastings’ impressive debut by clicking here.
Or, the highlights are available below:

 

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