Natwest Rugbyforce Launches Legends Lair

England Rugby World Cup winners Will Greenwood and Lewis Moody have joined Wales’ Tom Shanklin and Scotland’s Alastair Kellock in offering support and advice to grassroots clubs across Britain as they become honorary board members through the NatWest RugbyForce initiative.

Now in its fourth year, the grassroots partnership between NatWest and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) aims to help clubs attract new members and become more sustainable. In 2016, clubs across England, Wales and Scotland will have the chance to see Greenwood, Moody, Shanklin or Kellock join their club as an advisor for a year.

This commitment from the England rugby players will go beyond the usual level of involvement in the grassroots game and will see Greenwood and Moody become ingrained in the chosen clubs. From offering advice both on and off the pitch, to attending AGMs, club events including NatWest RugbyForce Weekend and advising on how to maximise their facilities, the honorary board members will immerse themselves in their new clubs.

To launch the new incentive each player has taken his seat in the ‘Legends’ Lair’ in a video to reveal what they are looking for in a club and how they intend to use their playing and business experience to add their support, with referee Nigel Owens also making a cameo appearance.

Greenwood said of his new role: “To succeed in rugby you need to identify the best opportunities and take your chances. I know there’s a club out there that can take off, if only they’re given the opportunity – and I want to help them make that happen.”

Moody said: “Rugby inspired me as a child, and continues to do so. World Cup winners or weekend warriors, we’re all in this together. That’s why I’m involved in RugbyForce and why I urge every club across the country to get involved.”

Earlier this season clubs that registered for NatWest RugbyForce had the opportunity to receive financial support, take part in workshops and receive additional support such as pitch maintenance guidance from Twickenham head groundsman, Keith Kent.

Clubs that have already registered will automatically have the opportunity to have an English rugby legend join their club, those yet to register for NatWest RugbyForce only have until 13^th May to secure Greenwood or Moody for their club via englandrugby.com/natwestrugbyforce.