RFU president Jason Leonard was in town last Friday to take a first-hand look at Chippenham rugby club’s revamped facilities.

The England World Cup winner, who took over the presidency at the country’s governing body in June, visited Chippenham’s Allington Field home last week to celebrate the work done to face-lift the clubhouse as part of an RFU initiative.

Chippenham received a £10,000 grant as part of the ‘Transforming Social Spaces’ scheme, which aimed to enhance social facilities and provide community resources ahead of the current World Cup.

The £25,000 project, which was also funded in conjunction with money bequeathed by a Chippenham life member, saw the clubhouse redecorated with new lighting and furniture.

“Thanks to the RFU grant, we now have some of the best facilities in the area, that local people can use,” said club chairman Ian Beswick.

Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott said: “Chippenham RFC has an enthusiastic group of hard-working volunteers and this funding will enable them to do even more.”