Introducing New County Vice President

Shaun Godfrey Vice President Staffordshire Rugby Union

Born in Lichfield to Yorkshire stock, Eric & Dorothy. I finished my schooling at The Friary School, playing a range of sports, including Football, Badminton, Cricket, Lacrosse and Rugby.

I joined Lichfield RUFC Colts, at the tender age of 15, no junior rugby sections back then. Toward the end of Colts, I became Captain and got introduced to the tasks that occupy Captains, such as leadership, selection, organising transport, arranging for the kits to be washed, collecting subs, oh! and playing.

Having moved into senior rugby, I continued to enjoy playing for Lichfield until 2006, before moving to become a referee.

Whilst at Lichfield, I became Club Secretary between 1988 – 1995, when in 1991 helped form one of the first Women’s sides in England, initially as its Chair and assisting the coaching. A really exciting period starting a new rugby club, and without knowing challenging the societal & establishment norms, and helping change the narrative about who should play rugby.

When my sons Alexander and William started to play, I became an Age Group manager, which gave me insight into the Mini & Junior game, watching the journeys of players, parents and coaches over what can be up to 14 years, until seniors. It gave me an insight into probably the most difficult job at any rugby Club – the Mini & Junior Fixture Secretary.

Having become a referee, I have been given the opportunity to extend my membership of the rugby family. I have been a guest of 100’s of clubs across England and made most welcome.

In 2006, to help support others become Referees, I started England’s first ever Referee Academy at Lichfield RUFC. Initially starting with 6 Referees, it has since supported 46 new referees officiate 3,500 games at Lichfield and other clubs across Staffordshire, still going today.

Between 2016-2018, I was Chair of Staffordshire Referee Society, and since 2022 have worked as the Society lead on Mini & Junior liaison, development and education.

I feel lucky & blessed to have been involved in rugby for most of my life; I call it my Second family. Outside of rugby, I live in Denstone with wife, Julie and our nutty GSP Rolo – my First family.

As a long term member of the rugby family I am passionate about its values, the opportunities it can present to participants and the friendships it creates along the way.