Rosslyn Park will soon have an artificial 4G playing surface after Wandsworth Council granted them permission to replace their pitch last night.
The proposals, which include the construction of new stands and landscaping along Upper Richmond Road, will allow the 135-year-old club to significantly increase playing and training time, as well as access for the Roehampton public.
The managing director of the National League One club, which boasts around 3000 members, Shaun Justice, said he was delighted following a long consultation period.
“I am so pleased that Wandsworth Council supported our plans which will secure our club’s future for years to come,” he said.
“After 18 months of hard work, the support we have received from members and the local community has been fantastic and we look forward to sharing the benefits of this enabling project.”
These improvements will be funded by revenue generated from three digital outdoor advertising screens that will be installed on Upper Richmond Road.
Rosslyn Park runs six male adult sides, including the 1st XV who are semi-professional and play in English rugby’s third tier, and one women’s team.
On top of this the club has more than 900 mini and youth members from local schools, all of whom are between the ages of five and 18.
Their home ground, on Priory Lane, annually plays host to the finals of the 75-year-old National Schools Sevens tournament, the largest tournament of this type in the world, with more than 7,000 boys and girls aged 13-19 competing each year.
Feature image courtesy of Redruth Rugby, with thanks
