Tony Pill Cup Boxing Day

In recent years we have delighted to award the Tony Pill Memorial Cup as a man-of-the-match award at the Boxing Day derby between Camborne and Redruth.

We had hoped to be able to do the same this year, however the pandemic has made us re-think our plans for 2020.

Despite the fixture going ahead as planned within the rules governing rugby at this time, we have taken the decision not to award the cup this year.

We have written to both Camborne and Redruth clubs advising them of our decision, with the hope and wish that we can resume again in 2021.

Posted in Bill's Blog


London Cornish RFC latest Newsletter

Click on the link to read the newsletter – PDF

Posted in Bill's Blog


London Cornish RFC Newsletter, October 2020

Welcome news from London Cornish RFC with the publication of their Autumn Newsletter. Please click on the link

Posted in Bill's Blog


Tom Spiers named Trelawny’s Army Under 20 Player of the Year

Flanker Tom Spiers (pictured above) has been named Trelawny’s Army Under 20 Player of the Year.

Tom enjoyed a stellar campaign with Cornwall Under 20s last season catching the eye in all three of Cornwall’s group games.

His hard work was rewarded being picked for the South West squad, sadly due to the lockdown he was unable to progress any further along the trial process for England Counties Under 20.

Tom who played last season for Truro RFC has recently taken up an opportunity with Championship side Ealing Trailfinders joining their Academy in conjunction with Brunel University in London.

Speaking of Tom Trailfinders Rugby Academy Head Coach Glen Townson said. “He is a very powerful back-rower who is an exciting addition to the programme. His ball carrying and also defensive work will stand him in good stead, and give him the platform to improve dramatically.”

The presentation of the Tony Mead Memorial Shield to Tom will take place when he is able to return to Cornwall.

Due to the lockdown and the cancellation of both the Bill Beaumont and Gill Burns Cup, there will be no presentations for 2020 for the Bill Osborne Shield (Senior Player) nor Jess Humber Shield (Women’s Player).

Posted in Bill's Blog


Cornwall to play Crawshay’s in 2022

Crawshay’s Welsh will be renewing their Cornish links when they return to the Duchy in 2022 as part of their centenary celebrations.

See CRFU link for more details

Posted in Bill's Blog


County Championships axed for 2020/21

As part of the cost cutting being implemented by the RFU in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, the Bill Beaumont, Gill Burns and Jason Leonard Cups have been axed for the forthcoming season.

The RFU have stated that this is for one season only.

This news will naturally come as a great disappointment for all members of Trelawny’s Army, however it should be remembered that 139 staff at the RFU are set to lose their jobs as part of the cut-backs! A sobering thought.

The following announcement was made today by the Chairman of the CRFU, Dave Saunter.

Following the announcement from RFU CEO Bill Sweeney concerning cut backs envisaged by the RFU to get through the financial effects of the covid pandemic, CRFU Chairman Dave Saunter made the following comments;

“You will no doubt have heard the sad news that the aspirational pathway from the RFU has been cancelled for the 20/21 season. This means no Bill Beaumont Cup, Gill Burns Cup, Jason Leonard Cup or U18s divisional programme. It will also mean no England Counties rugby for any of the age groups.

“This was part of an announcement by Bill Sweeney RFU CEO which also included the loss of 139 jobs across the RFU, locally our own team of Jonny Stephenson, Phil Morris and Neil Smith are all under threat of redundancies. I’m sure like me you will be crossing fingers and toes, so that their jobs are saved, they are an integral part of our team and we hope the future is good for them.

“The County via the management board who are currently meeting via Microsoft teams every fortnight are already talking to our neighbours and other Counties about some sort of County rugby next year. You can be certain we will do all in our power to make sure we have the opportunity of watching the Black and Gold shirt at one of the County grounds.

“As an example of Management Board work, we are part way through a programme of having clubs tested for legionella within their water supply. Twenty-two clubs have taken us up on this at a cost of £3520, paid for by the RFU via the County.

“Whilst this is a hard time for all of us I would also like to thank all the clubs who were able to Support our NHS with their immunisation programme. All clubs who took part gave their venues for free, a great example of Cornish Rugby spirit.

“We now wait for when we can get back to pulling our boots on and hopefully the 2020/21 season can start. In the meantime stay safe and remember the County via the RFU does have finances to help.”

John Sumnall, CRFU President added, “The sad news that we are to lose the County Championship for a second year is only tempered by the latest news that there will be a loss of 139 jobs at the RFU together with a considerable remodelling of the organisation.

“Thankfully, Cornwall is determined to play some County Rugby at all levels in the coming season and planning has already begun.

The RFU have stated their continuing 3 aims are:

• Supporting the community game and our member clubs – which are the life blood of our game.  

• Maintaining our ability to compete and win in the performance arena.  

• Delivering on our purpose of enriching lives, introducing more people and more diversity to rugby union while developing the sport for future generations.
 

“We very much hope the County Championship, at all levels, will be part of this in seasons to come.”

County Treasurer, Andy Richards added. “Whilst it is obviously sad to be losing the revenue from two home fixtures, our thoughts should be with Jonny and his team, hopefully they will get through this second threat of redundancy in two years. I’m sure we will have some format of County rugby at the different levels during the season to come.”

Dave Saunter added. “If any club needs help please contact me on my mobile 07554010480.”

Dave Saunter

Chairman, CRFU Management Board.

Posted in Bill's Blog


Interview with Graham Dawe by the Rugby Journal

Good interview with Graham on the farm looking back over his remarkable rugby career.

Access article in the link

Posted in Bill's Blog


Terry Pryor – RIP

Trelawny’s Army were saddened to learn of the passing of former county captain Terry Pryor.

Pryor, who was a former school teacher at Redruth School, was one of the finest props Cornwall has produced.

Terry Pryor holding the ball.

He played for Cornwall 55 times, captaing the county during the 1977-78 season.

Redruth was his club and he captained them during their centenary season in 1975.

An England trialist and bench replacement, he did captain England B on their tour to Romania in 1978.

He played for the South West Counties at Exeter in 1975 against the Wallabies, and was a Barbarian.

Following his playing days Pryor went on to become a much respected coach, nuturing the talents of players such as Phil Vickery and Trevor Woodman.

Trelawny’s Army wishes to record it’s sincerest and deepest sympathies to family and friends.

Posted in Bill's Blog


RFU end season

The news we have all being dreading broke this morning. The RFU have ended the season below the Premiership.

This means, apart from the leagues, national and local cups, that the Bill Beaumont, Gill Burns and Jason Leonard Cup competitions are cancelled for 2020.

There will be no presentation this season at our AGM of the Bill Osborne or Jess Humber Shields, however as the Under 20s played their pool games we will be presenting the Tony Mead Shield to our Under 20 player of the year at our AGM in September.

Full statement from Bill Sweeney RFU CEO in the link

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RFU suspends all rugby activity

Please read the statement from the RFU via the CRFU website

Posted in Bill's Blog


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