Dance stopped off on his way to Twickenham for England’s victory over Samoa to cut the ribbon at the official opening.

The makeover includes a gymnasium plus two new changing rooms with en-suite facilities. The existing changing rooms have also been upgraded, enabling the club to launch a ladies team.

The upstairs social area has been almost doubled in size and includes an extended bar plus a large balcony from where spectators can watch the action on the first team pitch.

Dance, well known throughout Berkshire for his unstinting work with Bracknell RFC and the county, beamed: “I’ve been around a very long time and Redingensians have always been one of the best clubs in the area. Now, at last, they have the facilities they properly deserve thanks to the hard-work of everybody.

“In the build-up to the Rugby World Cup 2015 the RFU is improving the facilities of as many clubs as possible. With the expected upturn in rugby after the World Cup, we will have the facilities to satisfy those needs.

“This magnificent facility epitomises everything that is good for the game, especially in Berkshire.”

As well as the generous support from the RFU, there to witness last Saturday’s official opening were representatives from Gensians’ various backers and sponsors.

Gensians chairman Andy Lynch added: “We are very proud of out fantastic new facilities and hope this will provide us with the launchpad to progress up through the leagues.”

Wokingham Borough Councils Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Angus Ross said: “Wokingham Borough Council was delighted to support the clubhouse extension programme. We appreciated the attention to providing rugby for all age groups, boys and girls, and the council adding a little towards the gym area will, we hope, prove a useful contribution.”

And amongst the supporting companies represented were Grundon Waste Management, who contributed £26,000 through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Managing director, Clayton Sullivan-Webb, said: “Having great facilities and a superb club like Redingensians is a big plus for any community, and we’re delighted to have played our small part.”

Sport England also helped with finding through their Inspired Facilities Grant.

Anyone wishing to join the club should go along to either the Tuesday evening or Thursday evening club training sessions, 7pm start, or contact club secretary Gareth Rees by e-mail on: garethrees921@aol.com.