Rugby World Cup winner and England legend Will Greenwood has been announced as an honorary board member of Royston RFC through the NatWest RugbyForce initiative.

The grassroots partnership between NatWest and England Rugby aims to help clubs attract new members and become more sustainable. New for 2016, clubs had the chance to see Greenwood join their club as an advisor, in addition to receiving grants of up to £2,000.

An exceptional number of clubs registered for NatWest RugbyForce this year with applications being received from across the country. Selected due to the club’s forward-thinking plans, Royston RFC will receive a grant of £500 along with the opportunity to work with Greenwood, who will offer his support to the Hertfordshire based club.

Greenwood, the former Harlequins and Leicester Tigers centre, will look to combine his experiences both on and off the pitch as he advises Royston RFC on growing the club and becoming more sustainable.

Greenwood said of his new role, “Joining Royston RFC is a great opportunity for me to give back to grassroots level rugby, where it all begins for any rugby player. Royston’s application and enthusiasm for NatWest RugbyForce really stood out and I am thrilled to be a part of their next chapter.”

Mick Clarke, sponsorship manager of Royston RFC, is looking forward to working with Greenwood and said, “At Royston RFC we are working tirelessly to increase the numbers participating in rugby and to make sure that the club is here long into the future. Having Will come in and provide us with advice and guidance will really give the club and local area a boost and hopefully move us closer to that goal.”

Royston RFC are encouraging club members and volunteers from the local community to come together at a follow up to their NatWest RugbyForce Weekend event on July 3, which is when Greenwood will join his new club for the first time. The club plans to host a pitch up and play rugby fun event with Greenwood on that Sunday, in addition to encouraging volunteers to help prepare the club grounds for the new season.

Beyond the weekend event, Greenwood will be offering his support as Royston look to improve facilities for both players and supporters and develop a long-term plan to ensure the club continues to progress.