Players and supporters of Chippenham RFC have had a boost ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with a £10,000 grant from the sport’s governing body, the RFU.

The Transforming Social Spaces grants aim to enhance social facilities and provide community resources ahead of September’s World Cup.

The grant, together with money bequeathed by a life member of the club, will help pay for a major clubhouse refurbishment.

The £25,000 project will provide decoration, improved lighting and new furniture, to appeal to young and older members as well as the local community.

Club chairman Ian Bes-wick said: “We are delighted that our project has been chosen. We will now have some of the best facilities in the area that local people from Chippenham and the surrounding villages can use.

“The 2015 Rugby 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.”

The RFU has committed to a £10m World Cup participation legacy investment, to provide a platform on which club rugby throughout the country can be built up after the tournament.

RFU area facilities manager Jon Bendle said: “The refurbishment will help the club raise its profile and encourage more players, volunteers and spectators to share the special values that distinguish the sport.”