Rugby Union in Barnet has received a major boost after Barnet Elizabethans RFC were chosen by the RFU to receive a Better Facilities Grants for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Elizabethans have been selected for a Lead Up and Legacy Goalpost Safety Award grant which will enhance the club’s facilities and provide a resource for use by the local community.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup will be staged in England and Wales and provides an opportunity to create a participation legacy for rugby union.

Barnet Elizabethans chairman Nigel Oram said: “We will now have some of the best facilities in the area that local people from Barnet and all the surrounding area can use during the week.

“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 a £10m investment which will create a network of over 500 Lead Up and Legacy Centres.

“This investment by the RFU is excellent news.” said Elizabethans president Maurice Martin.

“Our club has an enthusiastic group of hard-working volunteers and this funding will enable them to do even more for young people in the community in the future.”

RFU area facilities manager Jason Bowers added: “The new facilities will improve the quality of the rugby experience for everyone using the site and provide more playing opportunities, especially for local people in the 14 to 24 age group.

“The pitch, posts and lighting project will help the club raise its profile and encourage more players, volunteers and spectators to share the special values that distinguish the sport.”

Barnet Elizabethans are one of many clubs across England benefiting from investment through the RFU Lead Up and Legacy fund.

To find out more, go to www.rfu.com/betterfacilities.