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Charity gives heart to Moseley with latest defibrillator

Moseley Rugby Club is delighted to have been presented with a latest technology defibrillator from The Hearts of England Association.

Moseley has always prided itself in ensuring the highest standards of medical support for both players and spectators and indeed was one of the first clubs to have a defibrillator on-site when at its  ‘spiritual home’ The Reddings. However technology moves on and the generous donation by The Hearts of England Association ensures the very latest vital equipment is now available at Billesley Common.

 Defibrillation is a common treatment for life-threatening Cardiac dysrhythmia and similar heart afflictions. External defibrillator units automate the diagnosis of treatable rhythms, meaning that lay responders or bystanders are able to use them successfully with little, or in some cases no training at all.

The Association is a West Midland's Charity run by a small team of volunteers and supporters who raise money to support specific projects identified by the cardiology departments of our local hospitals. Over the past 12 years £220,000 has been donated for the benefit of cardiac patients, nursing and medical staff.

Peter Grimes, Moseley’s Chief Medical Officer and Consultant in Maxillofacial Surgery at Staffordshire Hospital Centre,  said:

“It is vital from a medical perspective that we are prepared for all circumstances irrespective of how unlikely or unusual. The generous donation of the latest defibrillator assures me as the club’s chief medical officer that we will be prepared in the event of serious injury on or off the pitch. On behalf of Moseley Rugby Club, I would like to thank The Hearts of England Association whose generosity will also re-assure visitors to Billesley Common that we are able to administer vital first aid in the first ‘golden hour’’ after incidents.”

From left to right:-

Mike Powell, Captain, Moseley Rugby Club 

Stephen Ward, Chairman, The Hearts of England Association

Doctor Peter Grime, Moseley Rugby Club Medical Officer

David Willetts, Committee Member, The Hearts of England Association

John Freestone, Committee Member, The Hearts of England Association

Bryan Skeeles, Vice-President, Moseley Rugby Club

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“Moseley appoints a Scotland legend as forwards coach”

Dave said "I am pleased to be embarking on the next phase of my rugby career at Moseley, particularly as I played my first league game of rugby at the Reddings. During my professional career I have played Championship, Premiership and International rugby and I hope to bring some of the experiences of the ways coaches at those levels addressed the game to Billesley Common. I believe that it does not matter what level you coach at, National 2, Championship or International, you must always approach it with 100% commitment. I look forward to working with the pack at Moseley as I think Kevin has recruited a talented group of players. The ambitions of Moseley to regain its position at the top of British rugby have impressed me and I will do all I can to be part of that revival"

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Moseley Rugby Club is pleased to announce the addition of successful businessman Adam Warren to its senior management team and as a Director of Moseley Rugby Ltd.  

Adam is the major shareholder and CEO of Greenworks Solutions, one of the club’s major sponsors over the last four years. Previously he ran Greencare Environmental, which was in the 100 fastest growing UK Companies, and in The Sunday Times’s  “Best 100 Companies to work” for in 2011. He also set up and is active in running the Greencare Foundation – supporting water and sanitation projects in rural communities in Ghana.

Adam will specifically be assisting with operational matters by taking over the “day to day” duties as Chief Executive from his cousin David Warren who will now concentrate on other specific areas of the club’s activities.

Adam Warren said “The progress made by the club’s Directors over the last decade has been exceptional and the developments now underway on ground development, the Community Foundation and on the playing front by Head Coach Kevin Maggs this season are very exciting. I hope to be able to offer operational support to enable further progress to be made towards the long term aspiration of getting Moseley back to the top flight of English rugby”. 

David Warren said “We’re delighted to have Adam on board. His successful business experience will complement the other Directors of the club and greatly strengthen our senior management team. By taking over certain day to day aspects of running the club he will be releasing us to focus more fully on other key areas to take the club forward”.

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Championship Clubs question RFU commitment

28 June 2012

After three years of Championship Rugby, the teams who make up the second tier of the English game have today confirmed that they are in dispute with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) over the level of funding that individual clubs receive.

In 2008 the RFU decided that the then First Division Rugby (FDR) would be reduced from 16 clubs down to 12. Despite the majority of FDR clubs rejecting the proposals, they were imposed with immediate effect for the 2009/10 season.

Ever since the new structure was introduced, Championship clubs have expressed their concern at the lack of additional funding despite a guarantee from the RFU that additional monies would be put in place up until the 2015/16 campaign should the clubs comply with the required EQP players scheme which they have.

However, these reassurances have not been fulfilled and each Championship club is running at an estimated deficiency of £77,000 over the first three seasons as a result. Championship clubs have continued to try and negotiate a deal but the latest 'offer' from the RFU would see Championship clubs missing out on a further £120,000 over the next four seasons.

Speaking about the dispute, Chairman of the Championship clubs Geoff Irvine said: "All of the clubs in the Championship are busily preparing for the new season but we are being constantly hampered by the RFUs refusal to deliver what they promised. Every club in the league has embraced the format in spite of the concerns that were allayed prior to its inception and everybody can see the impact that the Championship has on Premiership and International rugby.

"No one would argue the fact that playing standards have risen and that the dual registration scheme has proven a success with many Premiership teams clambering at the opportunity of their youngsters playing in such a demanding environment.

"What is of particular concern to the clubs though is that the RFU refuses to fulfil its responsibilities to the Championship when it 'owns' the competition. You would have thought that the RFU would want to further improve both the playing standards and the facilities and use the Championship to continue the development of officials and coaches.

"Unfortunately, the RFU has not kept the promises that it made and if we want to see standards improve then we need to have a commitment that is honoured."

The contribution made by Championship clubs is unquestionable with a recent survey revealing that 29 per cent of England Squad players and 35 per cent of all Aviva Premiership Players had once played in the Championship.

This revelation was strengthened by the fact that more than half (55 per cent) of the Harlequins squad that was crowned Aviva Premiership Champions last season had also featured in the Championship. A similar percentage of the Under 20 squad that represented England in the recent Junior World Cup in South Africa were currently playing in the Championship.

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Moseley Bring in a Back Row

26th June 2012

The revamp of Moseley’s pack took another step towards completion with the signing of a compete back row 

Buster Lawrence

No 8

Buster made 26 appearances for Dings in National 2 South during 2011/12 including 25 starts. He also  appeared for Moseley Development XV last season and is a highly promising Number 8 who can also play flanker & 2^nd Row.  Buster’s father, Syd, played cricket for Gloucestershire & England although there is no suggestion that he will prevailed upon  to boost the rugby club’s line up in its annual cricket match against Moseley Ashfield CC on Friday 13^th July!

Nigel Burrows

Blindside Wing Forward

The club is always particularly delighted to sign Moseley produced players and former Moseley Colt Nigel Burrows comes into the 1^st XV squad. The 6’2” flanker made 24 appearances for Bromsgrove in National Division 2 North last season, including an impressive try tally of 15 

Olly Robinson

Openside Wing Forward

Olly Robinson joins from Loughborough Students having made 26 Appearances in National Division 2 North having previously played for England at Under 18s and represented Gloucester in the JP Morgan 7s series.  The highly regarded open-side flanker will undoubtedly have good technique with the benefit of specialised coaching from a young age by his father Andy – the current Scotland Head Coach and former England International.

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Adam signs on for his 12th Season

25th June 2012

The club are pleased to confirm that Hooker Adam Caves has committed himself to Moseley for the upcoming season. With Richard Stott having finished his playing career with Moseley Adam now takes the position of the squad member with most appearances for Moseley and has set his sights on overhauling Richard's record.

As an essential part of the Moseley pack over the last 12 seasons Adam will be rightly seen as one of the cornerstones around which Kevin Maggs will build a new set of forwards for 2012/13 aiming to significantly improve on last seasons placings in the Championship.

Moseley supporters will be particularly pleased to see Adam back in the Red and Black as he was voted Supporters Player of the Season for 2011/12, winning the coverted Lionel Moriaty Memorial Boot Award.

The essence of a complete Hooker with impressive lineout, scrummaging and defensive skills plus a real presence with ball in hand Adam will be sure to rise to the challange by leading the charge on the Championship next season. 

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Moseley adds a Tiger to the back row

21st June 2012

Moseley has pleasure in confirming the signing of No 8 Ben Pienaar for the 2012-13 campaign.

The 26 year old former judo national champion brings a combination of power and experience to Moseley’s back row.

He made his Premiership debut for Leicester Tigers against Worcester in 2007/08 and was never on the losing side in each of his five starts the following year, including the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Bath.

Ben captained Leicester’s ‘A’ team when that side won its league in 2009/10, but an Achilles injury ended his 2010/11 campaign after just four senior appearances. He made a total of 29 appearances for Tigers including five outings last season and has gained experience of The Championship whilst playing as a dual registered player for both Nottingham and Bedford in recent years.

Ben Pienaar

Position                No 8

DOB                     10th Sep 1986, Virginia, S Africa

Height                  1.93 m (6' 4")

Weight                 100 kg (15 st 10 lb)

Previous Clubs        Leicester, Bedford, Nottingham,

Honours                England U16, England U19

Moseley also added another prop to the squad with the signing of Stefan Thorpe from Dudley Kingswinford. The tight head prop featured in the Black Country side’s highly successful 2011/12 campaign which resulted in promotion to National League 2 North for next term.

Moseley Head Coach Kevin Maggs said “We are delighted with these two additions to our squad. Both players will contribute greatly to the positive overhaul of last season’s pack. Ben will provide a distinctive and experienced edge to the back row and complement the other players in that area of the team while Stefan will introduce some hard nosed competition for the front row places”

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Moseley Overhaul the Engine Room

13th June 2012

The club is pleased to announce three further signings as part of the revamp of the pack from last season

 Mike Powell

 Position :  Lock

 Height: 6’ 6” (1.98M)

 Weight: 18st 1lb (115kg)

 Born: 23^rd November 1978 in Newport, Gwent

 Previous Clubs:  Walsall, Caldicot, Pontypool, Exeter, Bridgend, Celtic Warriors, Ospreys,  London Welsh, Wasps

 Honours: Wales Students (Captain)

 Mike brings a wealth of experience to the Moseley second row having played Heineken Cup and Mangers League rugby before moving to London Welsh where he immediately took the role of 1^st XV Captain. A highlight of Mike’s career to date will have been being part of the Ospreys team that defeated Australia 23 – 16. During the second half of last season Mike played for London Wasps on a loan arrangement, showing an impressive turn of pace scoring a spectacular solo try from deep inside Wasps own half against Exeter.

Addison Lockley

Position: Lock

Height: 1.98 M (6 ‘ 6”)

Weight: 108.5 Kg (17st 1lb)

Born: 25/10/1991 Taunton

Previous Clubs: Exeter, Plymouth Albion (Dual Registered), Launceston, Ivybridge

Honours: Devon, England U16, England U19, England U20

A former Captain of Ivybridge College Addison is a very promising young second row who, while on dual registration from Exeter, made 17 appearances for Plymouth last season including 2 against Moseley. In 2009 he played for the Regional Academies XV which beat Australia Schools 36-10. Further representative success came as a key member of the England U20 team that secured a Grand Slam in 2011.

Sam Wilkes

Position: Hooker

Height: 1.85 M (6 ‘ 1”)

Weight: 109 Kg (17st 3lb)

Born: 03/07/85

Previous Clubs: Cinderford, Clifton, Bristol, Lydney, Cheltenham, Hartpury, Gloucester, Marist Rugby Club (Tonga)

Honours: England Counties, Gloucestershire, England Colleges

Sam brings considerable experience to the Moseley front row having been coached for four seasons by England Hooker Mark Regan, developing a high degree of accuracy in his lineout work combined with impressive open field play.

Sam is currently enjoying a trip with England Counties to Africa having started the game against Elgon Warriors  alongside future front row colleague Craig Voisey (and in the same pack as Ben Pons)

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Moseley Rugby Club expands its youth and development section

11th June 2012

• New Moseley Under 20s team for 2012-13 season
• Enhanced Monday night Development XV
• Under 18 and Under 17s Colts ‘refocused’

Moseley’s Youth and Development section is pleased to announce an expansion of its youth structure next season to enhance player development from its successful Colts teams. Under this reorganisation the club will operate squads at Under 17 and Under 18 Colts level and at Under 20s in a revised Development XV.

The Development XV will now operate principally as an under 20 squad on Saturdays, with  the focus on high-quality fixtures against RFU, other Academies, top University sides and teams from other clubs with a similar structure. However this team will also continue to play occasional mid-week matches at open-age drawing players from the First XV, Moseley Oak, the Youth and Development Structure, guests and trialists.

The perennially successful Senior Colts will provide valuable support to the Development XV. Subject to age restrictions, these players will be exposed to the higher grade of rugby as soon as possible against top "Academy" teams, in addition to mounting the usual challenges in the National Colts Cup, North Midlands League and Cup.  The Under 17 age group is also being revamped to complement the process.

Club Head Coach Kevin Maggs said “This improved structure will enhance the player development pathway towards the 1st XV squad and senior levels. It complements the summer trials for aspiring 1st XV squad players which we recently announced.

There have been some major successes in this respect over a number of years reflected in the significant number of past and present Moseley 1st XV players who have come through our junior sides. Dave Brazier, last season’s Under 19’s Colts captain along with former Colt Caolan Ryan will join other former M&J’s such as Adam Caves, Ollie Thomas and Ben Pons in the 1st XV squad this season. 

We want to create even more opportunities so that all our players realise their full potential and this reorganisation will be an important step in achieving this. ”  

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Prolific Try Scorer Signs for Next Season.

21st May 2012

Scorer of London Scottish’s try of the season 2011/12 Charlie Hayter joins from Worcester Warriors.

During his time in the Championship Charlie has scored an impressive 25 tries in 44 starts.

Position : centre/wing

Born 10/12/1988 – (Bath)

Height 6’ 1”

Weight 100kg

Previous Clubs :  London Scottish (loan from Worcester), Worcester, Stourbridge, Nottingham, Warwick School

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Promising Young Lock Joins the Squad

18th May 2012 

In the first move to strengthen the Pack for 2012/13 Moseley today signed Liam Mather from Coventry.

Liam, a hard working lock who is equally at home securing line out ball as making yards with it in hand will be looking to develop his skills within the engine room of the Moseley pack.

Liam made his Championship debut at the age of 19 for Nottingham and has since gone on to be a key aspect of the Coventry team last season.

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Hunt for New Winger is Over

18th May 2012

Moseley today confirmed the signing of England 7s wing Simon Hunt.

Moseley supporters will most remember Simon from his time at Birmingham & Solihull and his annoying knack of scoring tries. We look forward to not being on the receiving end of his scoring exploits next season, and are sure he will be posing similar problems to other teams in the Championship

During the 2010/11 Championship season Simon scored a phenomenal 17 tries in 20 games.

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Glyn Hughes Returns, but its permanent this time!

18th May 2012 

Moseley Supporters will be very happy to see the return of Glyn Hughes for the coming Championship season.

The added bonus is that Glyn will not be on a duel registered arrangement but will become a full time member of the Moseley 1^st XV.

During 2011/12 Glyn scored 55 Points for Moseley in 8 appearances while on dual registration from Northampton.

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Wagg will Lead the Charge Again

18th May 2012 

The club is pleased to confirm today that Neil Mason will start his 8^th season with the Moseley 1^st XV in September.

Many believe Neil played some of his best rugby for the club last season, seeming to be able to turn matches around by his determination and drive alone.

An uncompromising tackler, you can bet when the ball gets into Neil’s hands the gain line will be crossed and yards will be made.

As a key member of the pack Neil will be looking to bring his experience to developing the Moseley eight for next season

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15th May 2012

Moseley are pleased to confirm four more players signing for next season.

Both Ben Pons and Billy Robinson return after their sucessful contributions last season

In addition the club is very pleased to introduce two ex Colts to the 1st Team

Fly Half / Full Back Caolan Ryan joins from Bromsgrove.

Most recently Caolan, a useful goalkicker, has been intergral in North Midlands impressive win over Gloucestershire

Scrum Half David Brazier is promoted from Moseley U19 Colts

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Brad Davies, Ollie Thomas & Sam Brown sign

9th May 2012

As part of the Management teams ongoing process of building next seasons squad Brad, Ollie and Sam have now signed contracts for next season

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Moseley retain Greg King and Craig Voisey

by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail

23rd April 2012

Just days after completing their Championship campaign Moseley have already made a major step forward for next season by retaining two of their most important players.

Head coach Kevin Maggs, whose side finished top of the relegation play-off pool with four wins from six games, has secured the services of industrious prop Craig Voisey and powerhouse centre Greg King for another year.

Both players have been crucial to Mose’s progress this term as Maggs has sought to bring a cutting edge in the backs and build a more mobile and skilful pack.

Until he broke his arm in the first of Mose’s play-off matches, Voisey’s versatility and work-rate were a massive part of that, as for most of the season he filled the tighthead role and formed an excellent partnership with youngster Tom Warren.

And King’s first season at Billesley Common was also an excellent one with his 23 starts being characterised by his punishing defence and direct ball-carrying, qualities that have made the Moseley midfield something of a no-go area at times.

Maggs is clearly relieved to have kept two of his top performers in Birmingham. “I am delighted because Craig and Greg are key to us going forward,” he said.

“They join Anthony Carter in the second year of the two-year deal he signed under Ian Smith.”

King was initially attracted to Moseley by the prospect of teaming up with ex-Ireland centre Maggs, who gained 70 international caps alongside some of the most famous names in the game.

And Maggs has been pleased with the way the former Worcester academy player has developed.

“He is a good ball player and brought that enthusiasm that he wanted to play and take people on. He and Andy Reay have built up a very good partnership, they complement each other well,’’ he said.

“There is no doubt the 13 channel was a concern in my first year here. Greg has done that job extremely well.

“I’d like to see him come out of himself a bit more and be a bit more of a leader because the lads all respect him. He has made a good statement of intent in the Championship this year, hopefully he can build on that next season.”

King’s retention is very positive given the fact London Welsh had expressed an interest and the 24-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today, was arguably Moseley’s best new recruit of last summer.

But Voisey’s is no less significant. Having had something of a scramble to build a front row last year, Maggs has made an excellent start this by signing up a player who can play either side of the scrum.

“Craig had a tough start to the season when we were getting moved around scrummaging-wise but he has worked hard and he became a very consistent performer,’’ said Maggs.

“When he got injured I was very concerned and that shows how valuable he is to the team – especially when we lost Tom Warren. He’s one of those you want to keep because he has a fantastic attitude and wants to go as far as he can in the game.”

 26th Jan 2012

Moseley Rugby Club has pleasure in announcing the contract extension of Head Coach Kevin Maggs through the 2012-13 season. This will allow the former Irish International centre to continue the development of the Birmingham side which he started at the beginning of the current campaign.

A spokesman for Moseley said:
“The Moseley Board has always made clear that this vital position is not a ‘short term fix’ and that Kevin’s first season has been the start of process to mould a new team and performance to an agreed plan.

Moseley has always taken the view that the role of 1st XV Head Coach is important right across the club and that continuity is an asset in developing not only Kevin’s main focus (the 1st XV) but also spreading a playing philosophy across the seventeen other teams in the Moseley family which in their turn will become vital feeders to the 1st XV.”

Moseley is particularly proud of the progress which its youth teams contribute to the 1st team squad which this season features more than six players who have come through ‘the ranks’ of either the Colts or our sister club Moseley Oak.

Kevin’s active interest in all these teams, along with progress in accordance with the plan he submitted when appointed, has meant that the club had no hesitation in offering him a contract extension. The timing is designed to give Kevin time to ensure that next season’s squad takes shape well before the end of the current season.

Kevin Maggs said
“I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Moseley and am delighted to be given this vote of confidence by the management and Directors of the club with whom I have enjoyed an excellent relationship over the last two seasons. While we have a major challenge over the next three months - where the focus rightly is at present - there is a distinct advantage in making an early decision which allows for the development of the squad for next season.

I firmly believe that we are heading in the right direction and have a squad not only capable of being competitive with any side in the Championship, but one which also has the ability to become more consistent in performance and thereby improve our league position. Our current squad will be the nucleus for next season’s campaign”

The 70 capped former Irish International joined Moseley as backs coach for the 2010-11 RFU Championship season assisting former Head Coach Ian Smith. After a highly competitive selection process that attracted serious interest from over fifty suitably qualified candidates, he was appointed Head Coach at Moseley in May 2011 and subsequently appointed Craig West as his forwards coach. Prior to joining Moseley and after his impressive International career, the 70 cap international Kevin started his coaching while a player/coach at Rotherham in the 2009/10 season.

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Greville Edwards - RIP

The funeral of Greville Edwards, former Moseley Commercial Manager and North Midlands RFU patron, will take place at St Andrew's Church in the centre of Droitwich Spa on Wednesday April 4 at 12.30pm.

It will be followed by a private family burial at St Augustine's in Dodderhill with the wake at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich immediately after the main service.

Greville’s many friends and club colleagues are welcome to both the church service at St Andrew's and afterwards at Chateau Impney

Greville passed away on Sunday March 25 aged 76 after a brave battle against cancer.

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JAMES RODEN - RIP

The club was shocked to hear of the death in a car accident last week of a club stalwart - James Roden. 

Players and parents involved in the Mini & Junior section during the 1990s and 2000s will recall his significant contribution over many years which included the annual Minis Festival and many overseas tours. He also provided some invaluable assistance particularly during the club’s revival over the last ten years.

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On Saturday against Bedford Richard Stott set a new cup record for appearances in Competitive fixtures for Moseley.

Richard overhauled the record previously held by Andy Binns with another impressive performance, in a career marked by a consistently high performance level. If you want a player who will always give 100%, do all the hard graft and guarantee you lineout ball then Richard is your man.

In addition to so many appearances Richard was also 1^st XV Player of the Season for 2009/10.

Congratulations Richard and let’s hope you extend the record even further.

For information on Richards playing record please see the 1st XV Player Profiles section of the website