Rugby Expo 2012 takes place at Twickenham on Wednesday the 14 and Thursday the 15 of November 2012. Once again all grass roots clubs are invited to send two of their administrators to day two for free.

But what is the event, and how can it help you and your club?

Following a successful debut at Twickenham last November which saw more than 1,000 attendees through the door and a sold out exhibition floor, the 2012 event will again take place at the stadium, this year in the build-up to the much anticipated England vs. Australia autumn international.

The conference and workshop programme is split over two days. Day 1 will focus on the professional game and day 2 will focus on the grass roots game.

This content of day 2 will be aimed at you, the representatives from grass roots clubs, and will focus on how your club can better itself, attract more members, attract investment (both privately and through the RFU) and generally learn from best practices across the grass roots clubs network.

A stellar line up of speakers from leading sports organisations and clubs as well as key figures from union and league will be on hand, including Bill Beaumont the RFU Chairman, talking about the sport’s future growth.

Other speakers include:

• Alistair Marks – Head of Rugby Growth, RFU


• Colin Thomson – Development Director, SRU


• Lawrence Dallaglio


• Simon Winman – Head of Facilities and Funding, RFU


• Steve Griffiths – Head of Technical Services, IRB


• Steve Grainger – Development Director, RFU


• Phil Smith – Director of Sport, Sport England


• David Ingmire – Tax consultant to RFU


• Dru Morton – Sustainability Manager, RFU


• Ross Baxter – Investment Manager, RFU

Guest speakers will cover topics on the main stage and in various break out workshop sessions.

Confirmed workshops include:

• Synthetic turf and the benefits for grass roots clubs.


• RFU National Facility Strategy and Investment Policies / Support for capital projects.


• Creative ways to communicate with players, parents and keep members active.


• Community Rugby Clubs and the Inland Revenue - Knowing your tax and legal status.


• Sustainable Sports Clubs – Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Technologies.

So with plenty being talked about, what are the main things you want to take away from Rugby Expo? Where are the main challenges for your club?

Let us know and we’ll hopefully get them answered when we see you at Rugby Expo – remember you can claim your free tickets by going to www.rugbyexpo.com or emailing Lauren@rugbyexpo.com.

Scroll down to see photos from last years event.