The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), title sponsor of the RBS 6 Nations, created the RBS RugbyForce programme with the RFU four years ago to encourage communities to come together and give something back to their local rugby club by volunteering to undertake the necessary improvements. The programmehas seen a phenomenal increase in the number of club registrations year on year. 278 clubs from England have registered for this year’s programme, with each club submitting a 500 word proposal for club project work planned for the official RBS RugbyForce Weekend over 2^nd and 3^rd June this summer. The Mitcham RFC application proposed using the award for a host of renovations that will transform a tired and worn-out clubhouse: they plan to level the forecourt, refurbish the bar and kitchen areas and repaint the changing rooms, helping the club to attract more people and act as a social hub at the heart of their community.

The official panel of judges, who had the difficult job of assessing the registrations, was formed of RBS RugbyForce supporter Jason Leonard, as well as Rugby World editor Owain Jones, RFU Funding & Facilities Manager for London & South East Rick Bruin and Head of RBS Brand and Marketing David Webb. The RFU provided the jury with invaluable support in making an initial assessment of all the clubs that fell into their respective regions, providing crucial insight at a local level.

Jason Leonardcommented on this year’s judging experience with RBS RugbyForce: “I have previously been involved in the judging process and each year it just gets tougher and tougher to choose a winner from a very deserving group of clubs. What the winning clubs really demonstrated was the impact that the award would have not only within the club but within their communities and that’s what is absolutely central to RBS RugbyForce.Mitcham RFC are a fantastic example of a club who, with the impetus this award brings, can secure their future as a thriving rugby club at the heart of their community for many years to come”.

David Webb, RBS Head of Group Brand and Marketing, said: “Choosing the final recipients of this year’s RBS RugbyForce enhanced support packageswas exceptionally tough. There were a number of clubs who had clearly put a lot of effort into their applications and these really stood out. In Mitcham RFC we have a very deserving overall winner, and we are confident that the impact of the awards for Deepings, Old Bedians, Leigh and Isle of Wightwill also be significant. For all the clubs, the renovation work will not only benefit the clubs themselves, but the regions in which they are based.  For all clubs who have registered for RBS RugbyForce it is now time to rally their communities. We would urge everyone in these areas to get in touch with the clubs over the next two months to see how you can join in and help out with the RBS RugbyForce Weekend over 2^nd and 3^rd June.”

It is not only the winning clubs that will be assisted with their aspirations of regenerating their facilities.  RBS has supported the first 25 clubs to register for RBS RugbyForce with £250, RBS RugbyForce t-shirts, an event banner and commemorative plaque. All clubs registered receive online guidance and tools to help them coordinate their RBS RugbyForce Weekend. Also available new this year is a club education programme that provides practical tips to help clubs become more sustainable and build upon the work conducted during their RBS RugbyForce Weekend. Local branch staff members are also being enlisted to help strengthen the volunteer forces as part of RBS’s existing community volunteering programme.

To see if your local club is participating in the RBS RugbyForce Weekend, visit www.rbs.co.uk/rugbyforce.