GRASSROOTS rugby in the Towy Valley has received a massive boost after Llandeilo RFC was awarded £5,250 as a result of their facilities improvement application to the NatWest Rugby Force.

The club is planning to put the award to good use by improving two changing rooms for their juniors during the NatWest Rugby Force Weekend on June 15 and 16.

Wales flanker and Lions captain Sam Warburton helped select the winner as part of the judging panel after the club submitted an application to upgrade the changing rooms.

NatWest RugbyForce, now in its fourth year, helps local rugby clubs to improve their facilities with a long-term goal of making clubs more financially viable businesses.

Llandeilo was one of 70 Welsh clubs who registered for the programme this year.

Llandeilo RFC was picked out of the final 25 to be awarded with the top prize.

A Wales squad member, NatWest members of staff, club members and local volunteers will all join forces to help make the improvements at the club on the designated weekend and anyone interested in getting involved there, or at their own local rugby club, will have a warm welcome.

Warburton said: “The NatWest RugbyForce programme acts as a kick-start to a more sustainable future for clubs.

“It’s important we don’t forget that our grassroots clubs provide the next generation of international players.

“The project presented by Llandeilo RFC seemed like a great way to attract more junior members to the club.”

Mark Douglas, Wales Regional Director for NatWest, said: “Huge congratulations to Llandelio RFC; selecting a winner wasn’t easy.

“However, it was the impact that the award would have for Llandeilo RFC to preserve their future as a club that really stood out.”