FORMER England international James Haskell surprised members and volunteers alike as he made a visit to Coventry-based rugby club Coventrians RFC to celebrate their work as part of the NatWest RugbyForce programme. 

Now in its 13th year, NatWest RugbyForce is a national programme developed in partnership with England Rugby to provide an opportunity for rugby clubs to open their doors to volunteers to help make improvements to their clubs. 

Coventrians, celebrating its centenary year, is one of eight clubs across the country to receive the support of NatWest and England Rugby to improve their facilities - with young volunteers helping to undertake the work. 

For the Midlands club, the project has focused on the creation of a new outdoor social area with pagoda, as well as internal redecoration of the changing rooms. 

And Haskell, who lent a hand with the ongoing work during his visit and has fond memories of his young playing days with Maidenhead Rugby Club, could not underplay the significance of the NatWest RugbyForce programme. 

Ealing Times: Former England back-rower Haskell hailed the significance of the trailblazing programmeFormer England back-rower Haskell hailed the significance of the trailblazing programme

“It’s transformed so many clubs and it encourages people to come together, there’s nothing better than working hard together and bonding,” he said. 

“That is what rugby’s all about, the grassroots game.” 

Coventrians are a fully inclusive club who have an LGBTQ+ side and play host to Touch Rugby, American Touch Football and Gaelic Football. 

They have welcomed the support with open arms, using it to expand their offering even more and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the club. 

“Our involvement with NatWest RugbyForce has been essential, we get exposure and it helps with the finances,” explained club chairman Stephen Springate. 

“We’re very much a family-orientated club so the idea behind this project was that it’s a safe environment for the whole family. 

“It’s wonderful for the volunteers too. It is nice for them to get confidence, get out and learn a skill. 

“It’s also a catalyst for more, we’re already thinking about what we can do next.” 

Ealing Times: Coventrians are celebrating their centenary year but Michael Douglas, club secretary, reckons the support of the programme is rolling back the yearsCoventrians are celebrating their centenary year but Michael Douglas, club secretary, reckons the support of the programme is rolling back the years

According to club secretary Michael Douglas, the support is making them feel younger than a 100-year-old institution – and their plans for the next decade are already underway.

“We’re really thankful to NatWest, England Rugby and the volunteers for all their help to try and develop the club,” he said. 

“It’s going to change the club and it puts us on the map for a long time. It is not just a three-month thing, it is a five, ten-year investment which will hopefully allow us to be sustainable for a much longer period. 

“We’re not just a rugby club, we’re a community space. By getting likeminded people to come to the club and spend time in the outdoor space, we can do so much.” 

NatWest is an Official Partner of England Rugby. NatWest RugbyForce is a nationwide programme developed in partnership with England Rugby to help rugby clubs get set for tomorrow. @NatWest_Rugby @EnglandRugby