HARPENDEN Rugby Club has been chosen by the RFU to receive a Better Facilities Grant as part of its Lead Up and Legacy programme ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

The Redbourn Lane outfit will receive a pitch maintenance grant to enhance the facilities and provide a resource for use by the community for years to come.

Harpenden RFC club chairman, Jonathan Edwards, said: “We are delighted that our project has been chosen as a recipient for a Better Facilities Grant. We will be able to carry out additional work to further improve our pitches.

“With our grandstand, the largest in the county, we now have some of the best facilities. Local schools in the Harpenden area will continue to enjoy the use of our pitches.

“The 2015 Rugby World Cup will inspire a new wave of people of all ages to become involved in rugby and this RFU investment will help our club to be even better equipped to welcome newcomers.”

Hosting the World Cup provides an opportunity to deliver a huge participation legacy, and the RFU has committed a £10m investment to create a network of over 500 Lead Up and Legacy Centres aimed at providing a platform on which club rugby participation throughout England can be built.

RFU area facilities manager Jason Bowers explained: “The new facilities will improve the quality of the rugby experience for everyone using the site and provide more playing opportunities, especially for local people between 14-24-years-old.

“This investment will also support the club’s financial sustainability leading into the Rugby World Cup and will create a focus for England 2015 and a lasting rugby union legacy for rugby in the community.

“The pitch maintenance project will help the club raise its profile and encourage more players, volunteers and spectators to share the special values that distinguish the sport.”

Former town mayor, councillor Mike Weaver, a long-standing member of Harpenden RFC, added: “This investment by the RFU is excellent news,” added councillor Mike Weaver, a long standing member of the club.

“Harpenden Rugby Football Club has had an enthusiastic group of hard-working volunteers and this funding will enable them to do even more for young people in the community in the future.”

Harpenden is one of many clubs across England benefitting from investment through the RFU Lead Up and Legacy fund. To find out more go to www.rfu.combetterfacilities