WORLD Cup winner Ceri Large helped Marlborough RFC celebrate the opening of their new bar extension and club rooms facilities at their base at The Common on Saturday.

Large, a member of the England women’s squad who lifted the global prize in France earlier this summer, cut the ribbon on the project, which has been funded by a grant from the Rugby Football Union, as part of a legacy project linked to next year’s men’s Rugby World Cup being hosted in England.

Club chairman Gary Sharp said: “I am delighted to see that the continued growth of Marlborough RFC is being supported by the RFU, Community First and the Marlborough Area Board.

“Marlborough RFC is playing its part in supporting growth of the sport at a local level.

“Improving the quality of the club’s facilities is key to supporting these activities in the future.”

On the pitch, Marlborough were beaten 13-10 by Bath side Combe Down in their Dorset & Wilts One North clash on Saturday, centre Russ Westcott scoring a try and Bruce Vuetanatotoka kicking a conversion and adding a penalty.