Wales and Lions legend Quinnell to visit Machen RFC

Wales and Lions legend Scott Quinnell will be a special guest at Machen Rugby Club later this month.

The club has been named the overall winner of the NatWest RugbyForce Win a Pitch Makeover competition, after receiving more than 35 per cent of the public vote.

As a reward, they will receive a brand new pitch kit, a set of Under Armour training tops – as well as a visit from Quinnell, on Sunday, August 31.

The NatWest RugbyForce weekend is designed to encourage club players, coaches, supporters and volunteers to get together to help make valuable improvements to their club.

Of the 91 Welsh rugby clubs that registered for the programme, 30 were successful in earning £500 to help them complete projects and give their clubhouse and grounds a facelift on the last weekend of August.

Five of the 30 clubs – Cardigan RFC, Machynlleth RFC, Baglan RFC, Pontyclun RFC and Machen RFC were then shortlisted to go into a public vote to receive the overall NatWest Win a Pitch Makeover prize.

Each club filmed a video explaining why they believed they were the most worthy winners, with the public voting for their favourite.

After two weeks of intense competition, Machen RFC came out as worthy winners with a total of 2,929 votes, over 800 more than their nearest rivals.

Machen chairman Paul Crowley said: “We are grateful to all those who voted for Machen RFC.

“We are very much looking forward to the NatWest RugbyForce weekend and all getting together to help turn our dream into a reality. 

“The generous grant from NatWest means we will be able to create a safe area behind the club for our large junior section to play and be part of the club.

“It will also mean we can improve our disabled access as we want to be truly inclusive and welcome all members of the community to our rugby club, for a variety of uses.

“We are asking everyone involved with the club to come down and be part of the NatWest RugbyForce weekend on Sunday, August 31 from 11am.

“It will be a case of all hands on deck with the improvements but there will also be a barbecue taking place during the day and with Scott Quinnell coming down there is sure to be a lot of fun and a party atmosphere too.”