RugbyForce committee members Simon Read and Andrew Wisbey with Tom Wood

Saffron Walden Rugby Club will be stepping up at Twickenham during the 6 Nations as part of an RBS initiative.

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RBS Rugbyforce – a nationwide scheme to aid grassroots rugby – is a community volunteer programme that supports local rugby clubs in building for their future. Part of the project is to prominently display the team’s name at England’s international fixtures against Wales and Ireland.

Chairman of the rugby club Ian McKernan said: “As a community based sports club, Saffron Walden RFC reaped the rewards of the RBS RugbyForce programme in 2011. The clubhouse is the focus of the local community and therefore any support with its upkeep and maintenance is not only beneficial for today but helps the club’s livelihood for years to come.

“Also being able to see our name on the steps of Twickenham, the home of English rugby, is both a fitting tribute to the impact grassroots clubs like us have and will be an inspiration for all of our all junior players.”

England international Tom Wood was on hand at Twickenham on January 19 unveil the first names on the steps.

“I know from playing grassroots rugby at Barkers Butts RFC how important a club like Saffron Walden is within the local community and how much support clubs need to keep themselves afloat,” he said.

“RBS RugbyForce is so important because it helps clubs help themselves. Communities are encouraged to come together on the RBS RugbyForce Weekend to give that lick of paint and bit of elbow grease. A show of support from the locals can make all the difference. It will also be fantastic to see the names of hundreds of clubs on the steps during our RBS 6 Nations home games.”

Bruce Cook, RBS head of sponsorship said: “It is clear what an important role rugby clubs play in their communities and we know they need support to sustain their future; not only for the next couple of seasons but also for the years to come.

“That’s the key to the RBS RugbyForce programme and why we are so proud of its successes to date - it really does make a difference.”