groundcare &
emergency funding
At the core of the RFU’s approach is
Rugby Groundsmen Connected (@
rugbygroundsmen) which is an easy
access,
two-way
communication
network between the RFU and
rugby union groundsmen. It will be
the main communication channel
for the RFU to provide the relevant
information and advice directly to
groundsmen - especially pertinent
when the information is very urgent
such as advice in response to flooding
or drought. Registration is free and
easy; anyone interested should just
email [email protected]
confirming their name and the name of
the club or school that they are involved
with.
What are the main benefits of signing
up?
• Members will have a direct communication
channel with RFU Head Groundsman Keith
Kent and other RFU staff on pitch maintenance
issues
• Site visits from Keith Kent
• Access to the Keith Kent Equipment
Package discount which includes tractors and
associated maintenance kit
• Free access to the forthcoming brand new RFU
pitch maintenance online training modules
• Free access to local and regional RFU pitch
maintenance events and workshops
• Access to new and improved RFU Pitch
Improvement
Partnership
maintenance
contractors
Pitch Improvement Partnerships - What are they?
A network of local partners that
provide a deep aeration solution, which
decompacts the surface of the pitch, to a
number of rugby clubs over an agreed
geographical area. These partners are
either rugby clubs or private contractors
with
the
appropriate
specialist
equipment. Aerating a pitch regularly
has been identified as the number
one issue facing rugby club pitch
performance by Keith Kent and other
industry experts. Further information on
the Pitch Improvement Partnerships can
be found at rfu.com/pitchimprovement
Locally the RFU’s six Area Facility
Managers work with the country’s 28
Constituent Bodies to identify facility
need across the country’s 2000 clubs.
Where those facility needs are pitch
based the AFMs can provide support
in identifying capital funding solutions
to improve drainage and capacity
where maintenance alone cannot make
the necessary impact. Those solutions
often incorporate a number of funders,
including the clubs own fundraising,
along with the RFU’s own Lead Up &
Legacy grants funding of up to £50k or
through the Rugby Football Foundation
which provided £1.5m of grants and
loans to 150 clubs last season.
The AFMs also provide support to
clubs who are adversely affected by
an unforeseen act, such as flooding or
vand