Steve Pope becomes TRDTs first Honorary Patron

Steve Pope, Blackheath and Barbarian player and a pivotal figure to the development of Junior Rugby at Blackheath Rugby Club and throughout Kent schools, has been recognised for his invaluable contribution to helping the Trust achieve its goals by being appointed as our first "Patron of the Trust". Despite a busy playing, coaching and development schedule (not to mention his family), Steve has always found time to consider ideas, contacts and initiatives that will help our Trust be successful. Our link with the London Leisure College is in the main Steves work.

Steve will be joining the Tour to Zambia later this year to see first hand how we run our programmes.

Steve, We welcome you on board and are proud to have you as our first Patron of the Trust.

Gary Townsend appointed as Honorary Patron by Alistair Harrison

It was with great pleasure at the finale to the recent Zambia Tour that our Chairman, Martin Hansford, called upon Alistair Harrison (British High Commisioner to Zambia) to present Gary Townsend as the second Honorary Patron of the Tag Rugby Development Trust.

His involvement with TRDT stretches back to our very foundation. It was Gary, back in 2002, who provided the equipment we needed to run our first Tour. Despite the hectic schedule in his job with England RFU, Gary has always found time to promote TRDT and collect valuable spare equipment and contacts in the world of rugby. Gary was able to join us for the conclusion of last years Tour to Uganda, so it was fantastic to be able to have him join us for the whole of the Zambia Tour this year.

His appointment is well deserved. All involved with the Trust welcome you onboard and are proud to name you as a patron.