Rugby clubhouse more inclusive after expansion

A rugby club has become more "inclusive and can reach even more people" following a major expansion project, the council has said.

Kingsbridge Rugby Club in Devon has extended its clubhouse and created new changing room facilities to enable men's, women's and youth games to all run at once for the first time.

The project was supported by South Hams District Council, which pledged £75,000, with further funding coming from a private fundraiser and £200,000 from the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Ian Brooking, chairman of Kingsbridge RFC said it was a "landmark project" and "the new changing rooms and increased social space will help facilitate the continued growth of the club".

Councillor Vic Abbott, South Hams executive member for community services, operations and leisure, said the works "will benefit so many people".

"Sport is so important for wellbeing, mentally as well as physically and socially."

He added: "The increased inclusivity that the new changing rooms provide will allow games for all demographics to run at the same time and helping transform the club and bring more people together than ever before."

The expansion work also saw an increased function room space.

The council said the the RFU funding came through the union's Impact '25, programme which was a legacy from the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.

Alex Teasdale, RFU women's game director, said the World Cup provided women's rugby with the platform to grow across all areas of the game.

"The facility grants are designed to break down barriers to participation and make the sport more accessible for women and girls across the country."

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