WELCOME
AT THE HEART OF THE RUGBY COMMUNITY
Volunteers – how to find them and keep them. See page 32
Fixtures – Aviva Premiership Rugby kicks off Ben Kay on the season ahead Could you be our Rugby Club of the Year?
clubmirror SOCIAL
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ENTERTAINMENT
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SPORTS
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BRANDS REPORT Top selling cask and keg beers revealed
AVIVA PREMIERSHIP
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LEGAL EAGLE
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CLUB KITCHEN
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ASK THE EXPERTS
CLUB REPORT Sound business advice for club professionals
Club Mirror’s annual guide with expert advice for the year ahead
CLUBHOUSE EUROPE
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Consumer reports – Consumer reports also featured highly in the survey as a useful business tool, and we will continue to share analytical studies of market segments designed to help clubs ‘get under the skin’ of members and potential members.
Our commitment As owners and publishers of Club Rugby as well as Club Mirror, Club Report and Clubhouse Europe, we are committed to helping all types of clubs build their business still further, through the provision of timely business information, help and advice. With the Rugby World Cup 2015 less than a year away, we felt it was the right time to launch a free magazine specifically for rugby clubs. Building on this springboard, we will soon be launching rugby club-specific events and an interactive programme of meetings and networking opportunities which aim to pull the rugby club industry still closer together. So watch out for our latest updates in forthcoming issues; there’ll be lots going on!
Drinks reports – Drinks reports are popular, providing valuable insights into market trends (and thanks go to our analytical friends at CGA Strategy for their ongoing support here).
2014
Positive perspectives for 2014
Membership management – dealing with complaints and complainers! p22
his time last year we talked about how clubs generally - along with all other parts of the leisure sector - were coming up with ever more inventive ways to keep costs down, revenues up and member visits on the increase. And as always, rugby clubs are rising to the challenge.
FITNESS
AT T H E HE A R T O F T H E C O M M U N I T Y
September 2014
Welcome to Club Rugby magazine, our fourth magazine designed specifically for clubs.
ISSUE 4
A word with – Staffan Tuomolin CCM Communication is key – Julian Small explains Location report – spotlight on Prague
Club Rugby – the magazine The response to our recent reader survey was impressive. Thanks to all of you who took the time to complete it. (If you missed it don’t worry. This will be an annual activity and we’ll be running the 2015 questionnaire early next year.) We’ve acted on your ideas and suggestions and the magazine reflects what you told us you wanted to read – business building ideas, up-to-the minute advice and input from the experts on all aspects of running a rugby club.
Special supplements – Supplements around special events will grow in importance, as you’ve indicated that such insights help to reinforce just what clubs can – and should – be doing to maximise the opportunities presented. Legislation – As you’d expect this is high on everyone’s agenda, and lobbying is even higher. We regularly attend meetings at The House of Commons for The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Non-Profit Making Members’ Clubs. The Group aims to support clubs and make their collective voice heard in the corridors of power. This work is ongoing and all-important. (There’s no doubt that when we all get together we’re a force to be reckoned with. Club Rugby and Club Mirror will continue to work closely with industry bodies pan sector.) Club Awards Now in their 22nd year, the Club Awards continue to highlight the breadth and depth of clubland; Rugby Club of the Year is a crucial and important category. We encourage you all to