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Rugby clubs ready for World Cup surge

The nation is gearing up for the Rugby World Cup, and clubs across the country are getting ready for an expected surge in interest

3rd September 2015

England will kick off the tournament against Fiji on 18 September as their bid for a second world title gets underway.

And with the country ready to get behind the team as they compete on home soil, clubs are readying themselves for an increase in awareness of all things rugby.

Rugby boy being tackled

While some clubs say they were not prepared for the surge in interest in the game after England's World Cup win in 2003, the story now is very different.

"We could not cope with the demand," said Chesterfield Panthers mini and junior co-ordinator Fred Pell reflecting on the autumn of 2003.

Since then the club has moved to a new site – which was 16 years in the making – paid for in large part by the sale of their former home, and received £50,000 of Inspired Facilities funding from Sport England for floodlights around the club’s training pitch.

Flourishing

Now teams can train night and day, and the club is flourishing in its new surroundings.

The junior teams are growing in numbers at a rapid rate, and the hope is a home World Cup will do even more for the game.

"We are a rugby club at grassroots level that brings people together from all walks of life," said Mr Pell.

He added the club can "easily cope" with as many as 60 new players wanting to join by the time the Webb Ellis Cup has been lifted.

Another club readying itself for new players is Grasshoppers Rugby in Osterley, London.

Now with a girls changing room after a £50,000 Inspired Facilities award – the club is able to maximise its facilities more than ever. 

England's historic Rugby World Cup win in 2003 led to the club establishing its mini and junior section, which is still going strong today. 

"Some opportunities were missed in 2003," said Louise Latter, director of marketing and communications. 

But she's confident clubs are now well prepared for what they hope will be an influx post England 2015.

She added: "We’ve been making sure we’re ready for the Rugby World Cup – checking on coaches’ qualifications and that we’ve got enough coaches.

"And as chair of Middlesex Rugby - Community Rugby Committee, we’ve been working with clubs to help them get ready, because rugby will be everywhere for that six weeks."

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