Haringey Rhinos RFC get their name on steps at Twickenham

Emdad Rahman: Haringey Rhinos RFC had their name prominently displayed on a step at a packed Twickenham during England’s RBS 6 Nations fixtures against Wales and the club will again be on show at the Ireland fixture after registering for RBS RugbyForce. Created by RBS Group, RBS RugbyForce is a community volunteer programme that helps local rugby clubs to improve their facilities. 

In partnership with the RFU and Rugby Football Foundation, RBS RugbyForce provides guidance and tools to make their club a more sustainable business and safeguard their future. The programme culminates in the RBS RugbyForce weekend on 2nd-3rd June, when friends, family, club members and the local community are encouraged to come together to give the club a makeover in advance of the new season.

Jason Leonard, former England prop and World Cup winner, is a supporter of the RBS RugbyForce programme and said: “It was fantastic to see the name of hundreds clubs on the steps during England’s clash against Wales. I know from my career how important the rugby club is within the local community and how much support clubs need to keep themselves afloat. RBS RugbyForce is so important because it helps clubs help themselves and maximise their potential as a hub of the local community. Watching a community come together on the RBS RugbyForce weekend and demonstrate such pride for their club by mucking in and helping with a host of improvements in so encouraging.”

David Ouda, Head of Youth, said: “We have recognised that RBS RugbyForce can be very important for the future of our club and help us make improvements to safeguard our future for years to come. Having our club name displayed at the Home of England Rugby will be the talk of the town for months!”

Bruce Cook, RBS Sponsorship Manager said: “It is clear what an important role rugby clubs play in their communities and we know they need support to sustain their futures; not only for the next couple of seasons but also for the years to come. That’s the key to the RBS RugbyForce programme and why we are so proud of its successes to date – it really does make a difference.”

Rugby clubs across the country can still register to be part of the RBS RugbyForce programme and if they register before Friday, 9th March will have their name added to a step for England’s final RBS 6 Nations match against Ireland on Saturday 17th March. To register clubs must visit www.rbs.com/rugbyforce, any entries received after Friday 23rd March will not be elegible for the support package.  The RBS RugbyForce Weekend takes place over 2nd-3rd June 2012.

Full information on the programme can be found at www.rbs.com/rugbyforce and share your clubs stories and experiences at www.facebook.com/rbsrugbyforce.