This week it is the A&C festival and as a group it is important that we continue to demonstrate Rugby’s values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship (TREDS). For those of you that haven’t come across TREDS before then it’s simply the culture that the RFU is creating/has created around the sport and it’s something that as a group; players, coaches and parents we have to adhere to.

I would really appreciate it if all of you (parents) explain the importance of these values to your children. For me it boils down to how the game is played and differentiates rugby from many other sports. Over the last two weeks we have been privileged to see the teams selected for Beaconsfield and Windsor festivals live up to these ideals. There is little doubt that we have witnessed some splendid teamwork (NOTE: could do with a little more passing into space) and total respect for the referees and for the opposition.

They have all enjoyed themselves, demonstrated great discipline in a contact sport and shown real sportsmanship. If anyone has any questions then please don’t hesitate to ask me or read the list below or go here - http://www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/players/core-values/.

Teamwork is essential to our sport. We welcome all new team members and include all because working as a team enriches our lives. We play selflessly: working for the team, not for ourselves alone, both on and off the field. We take pride in our team, rely on one another and understand that each player has a part to play. We speak out if our team or sport is threatened by inappropriate words or actions.

Respect forms the basis of our sport. We hold in high esteem our sport, its values and traditions and earn the respect of others in the way we behave. We respect our match officials and accept their decisions. We respect opposition players and supporters. We value our team mates, coaches and those who run our clubs and treat clubhouses with consideration.

Enjoyment is the reason we play and support rugby union. We encourage players to enjoy training and playing. We use our sport to adopt a healthy lifestyle and build life skills. We safeguard our young players and help them have fun. We enjoy being part of a team and part of the rugby family.

Discipline underpins our sport. We ensure that our sport is one of controlled physical endeavour and that we are honest and fair. We obey the laws of the game which ensure an inclusive and exciting global sport. We support our disciplinary system, which protects our sport and upholds its values. We observe the sport's laws and regulations and report serious breaches.

Sportsmanship is the foundation upon which rugby union is built. We uphold the rugby tradition of camaraderie with teammates and opposition. We observe fair play both on and off the pitch and are generous in victory and dignified in defeat. We play to win but not at all costs and recognise both endeavour and achievement. We ensure that the wellbeing and development of individual players is central to all rugby activity.