Sports fans were given a boost this week when it was announced that Horsham Rugby Club in Hammerpond Road, Horsham had completed its bar and internal renovation of facilities following the award of a £10,000 grant to spruce up the club to make it more welcoming in time for the Rugby World Cup being held in England and Wales throughout September and October.

The cash has come from the Rugby Football Union’s “Transforming Social Spaces Grants” which aims to get local rugby clubs “Fit for 15”.

The grant will enhance the club’s social facilities and provide a resource to be used by the local community and hopefully encourage non-rugby playing people to visit the club to watch games during the Rugby World Cup.

To launch the newly improved clubhouse facility a networking event was held for sponsors and leading club officials.
Horsham’s Commercial Manager Richard Ordidge said: “We are delighted that our project has been chosen as a recipient for a Transforming Social Spaces Grant.

This has helped us improve our facilities, making our social spaces more comfortable and appealing for our members and the local people from Horsham as a venue for hire.

The 2015 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.”

Jeremy Quin the new MP for Horsham attended the sponsors' event last week at the club and was delighted to hear about the new funds. "This investment by the RFU is excellent news.” said Jeremy Quin. “Horsham Rugby Club has an enthusiastic group of hard-working volunteers and this funding will enable them to do even more for young people in the community in future.”

The rugby club is still fundraising hard to build new changing rooms and are looking for businesses or private sponsors that would be keen to support their project.

Those interested can contact Commercial Manager Richard Ordidge on 01403 262231.