READING Abbey’s newly-refurbished clubhouse will be officially opened by RFU president Jonathan Dance this Saturday.

The grand opening will be followed by Abbey’s summer festival which includes live music and rugby demonstrations for newcomers to try out the sport.

Abbey splashed out £40,000 to renovate their clubhouse at Rose Hill.

Abbey chairman Dave Husbands hailed the work as a great achievement and a clear demonstration of the club’s commitment to building for the future.

“We are an acknowledged leader in mini and youth rugby and we are determined to carry that into our adult teams whilst encouraging the local community to step up their use of our facilities,” he said. “It is there to be used.”

The opening ceremony takes place at 2pm and visitors are encouraged to stay and enjoy the rugby festival afterwards.

Refreshments are available and there will be plenty of entertainment and a bouncy castle for children to enjoy along with live music.

Meanwhile, training for juniors, boys and girls aged between six and 16 years starts on Sunday, September 6 at 10.30am.

Training for the seniors is already underway on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Rose Hill from 7.15pm.

New members are always welcome and for more details call head coach Russell Bolton on 07711 385919.