St Albans-based rugby club Verulamians RFC celebrated the grand reopening of their refurbished clubhouse on Saturday at an event attended by St Albans mayor Geoff Harrison and RFU president-elect Peter Baines.

A £10,000 “Social Spaces” legacy grant from the RFU and donations from sponsors and club members have enabled the club to extensively renovate the lounge bar, clubroom and bar. This complemented work earlier this year on playing facilities as part of the Nat West rugby force weekend.

Verulamians marked the occasion with a league lunch, a first-team league match against Kilburn Cosmos, afternoon family BBQ and an evening disco.

Verulamians chairman Ian Graham said; “Thanks to the RFU grant and donations we now have a modern, attractive clubhouse which will enable the club to provide a great welcome for members and visitors alike.”

The club’s mini and juniors chairwoman, Angela Clifford, added: “The refurbished clubhouse will not only help us to enhance match days but also offer a smart new venue for hiring out to businesses, schools, for parties and community events.”