A CREDITON man who has devoted much of his life to rugby has been made President of Devon RFU.

Paul Harris was elected President at Devon RFU AGM held at Torquay RFC earlier this month.

Paul told the “Courier”: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be elected President of the Devon RFU.

“Whilst the position is an honorary one, I still regard it as a working role as have my predecessors and will continue to assist the County in supporting the Clubs at grassroots level which effectively is the majority of Clubs in the County.

“In the 145 years of its existence, only one person from Crediton RFC has held the position of County President and that was Len Boddy from 1987-89 and it is an honour to follow in such illustrious footsteps.

“I joined the County Committee in 1989, and during that time have held various roles including 27 years as the County Handbook Editor and for the last 10 years I have been the administrator of the Devon Merit Tables.

“Currently I am Chairman of the Competitions Working Group.”

Mr Harris said that the game is currently going through a major transition period with the restructuring of the leagues.

He explained: “The post-Covid lockdown has had an effect on many Clubs with players either slow to return to the game or not returning at all.

“There are a number of RFU initiatives in place to try and encourage a return to rugby.

“The women’s and girls game is flourishing and growing rapidly within the County and is supported at all levels.

“The Youth and Junior sections at Clubs have never been healthier and the County has had some success with the Age Grade representative sides.

“Sadly, we were not in a position to field a full County XV last season but I certainly hope that will be put right in 2022-23.”

Mr Harris said he intends to use the opportunity to try and visit as many Clubs as possible during his term in an attempt to forge a stronger link between Clubs and County.

He said: “There are Clubs in the County that are struggling for playing members and that is an issue that has to be addressed.

“Crediton RFC is, of course, one of the few Clubs that seems to buck the trend in retention and recruitment of players although, like most Clubs there is always a shortage of volunteers.

“Nonetheless, the Club, along with others, could well be used as templates for good practice that would perhaps help others to enjoy a similar success.

“The more Clubs that fall by the wayside has the knock on effect for all of us by reducing the number of local fixtures. 

“The funding we now receive from the RFU has been reduced by 75 per cent over the last few years and whilst the County is there to support Clubs, there is not a bottomless pit of money and as a consequence, we have to keep a keen eye on finances.

“It is important that the County is seen as a support to our Clubs, that is after all why we are there and knowing as I do the calibre of members who serve on the County Committee, I have no doubt that we can achieve that.”

HONOUR

Crediton RFC stalwart Mr Harris was honoured at Twickenham on Saturday, November 24, 2018 for 50 years of service to his club.

Paul received an RFU President’s Value the Volunteer Outstanding Contribution Award from England head coach Eddie Jones following an England win over Australia, where he was a special guest, enjoying pre and post match hospitality.

At the end of that season, Paul retired from the committee at Crediton, having held virtually every position within the club, including fixtures secretary, chairman and president, since getting involved half-a-century ago.

In addition, Mr Harris is also a rugby historian and in 2003 wrote a book “Crediton Rugby – The first 125 years”.

He has also researched the history of other clubs and Devon RFU.

Previously Paul was made a life member of Devon RFC for his service to rugby within the county.

Paul was accompanied as his special guest by his wife, Hilary, when he went to Twickenham.

In October 2020 Bernie Blatchford and Paul Harris were both recognised for their service to Crediton RFC.

Then vice chair Liz Goodman presented Bernie and Paul with engraved glass mementos for Outstanding Service to Crediton RFC.

Liz described how Paul joined the club in 1968 before joining the committee in 1972.

He has served two stints as chairman and was also club president.

Paul also served as Fixture Secretary, Advertising and Sponsorship Officer, Press Officer and font of all knowledge on the RFU Game Management System.