FORMER England Rugby player Maggie Alphonsi proved she is a true rugby legend by helping revamp the bar at Fareham Heathens in conjunction with NatWest RugbyForce.
The retired flanker, 37, tasted Rugby World Cup glory in 2014 with England but turned her hand to woodwork and making new ledges and shelves for punters to rest their pints on at the Hampshire club.
NatWest RugbyForce is a national programme in its 13th year, developed in partnership with England Rugby, which provides an opportunity for clubs to open their doors to volunteers to help make improvements to facilities.
RFU Council member Alphonsi said: “It’s a long-term project aimed at utilising all the space they have and making sure people don’t drop their beers on the wooden balcony!
“When players are here post-game, it will make it better to socialise in the relatively small outside area.
“I haven’t used a saw since secondary school but it has been good to learn how to do it properly so I can get my hands dirty with everyone else.
“It’s nice doing it with members of the club and I have been really impressed with the volunteers; I think what we have created is pretty impressive.”
Fareham facilities manager and colts coach Darren Long said he could not believe they had Alphonsi’s help with work ahead of next season.
The 51-year-old said: “To have an England legend down is absolutely fantastic and unbelievable. For someone like that to give up their time to help local rugby clubs is great news.”
Alphonsi visited Croydon RFC with fellow former internationals James Haskell and Dylan Hartley last year and this time around the trio visited three clubs to help them get set for the future.
Ladies touch coach and youth chair Tara Hall revealed she thought Alphonsi, and the young volunteers’ super work, may be enough to trump the other projects.
The 38-year-old said: “I don’t know what the other guys have been doing but Maggie and the volunteers have been superstars.
“We want people to enjoy themselves and put plenty of money behind the bar to support the club.
“We’ve also managed to get the toilets tiled and looking nice after 40 years of concrete walls which were previously painted flamingo pink.
“You need to have your facilities looking good to make the club feel welcoming for people to actually come down and enjoy it.”
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
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