RFU Announces Facilities Funding Programme

The Rugby Football Union is to commit £10 million over the next four years to help clubs improve their clubhouses and pitches.

The funding forms part of the RFU’s new National Facilities Strategy for 2013-17 and aims to  help around 500 clubs to become ‘Fit for 15’ in the lead up to, and legacy from, the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Smaller scale developments are also being catered for by the RFU in its ‘Better Facilities’ initiative. There will be £600,000 available as part of the Better Facilities small grants programme which will be used for three specific areas – RFU Goalpost Safety, Pitch Maintenance and Social Spaces. Rugby clubs across England are being encouraged to apply -applications from clubs have to be received by March 31.

RFU chairman Bill Beaumont commented: ‘The RFU is determined to help rugby clubs across England to maximise the opportunity that the Rugby World Cup 2015 presents to grow the game. We want rugby clubs to remain an integral part of their local communities and improving their facilities and pitches is one way of achieving that aim. We have committed significant funds over the next four years but we appreciate that for some clubs it is the smaller projects, such as new goalposts, pitch maintenance equipment and facilities that can be used by the local community, which can make a significant difference.’

RFU’s National Facilities Manager, Ross Baxter, said: ‘This new grant reflects the RFU’s commitment to supporting club groundsmen throughout the country in their quest to provide the perfect pitch. The ability to access funding to enable clubs to upgrade their pitch maintenance equipment will help them to carry out their work smarter, faster and in a more cost effective way. This will be invaluable as we move forward towards 2015 and beyond.’