RUGBY UNION: Stars back energy drive

Posted: Monday 1st October 2012 | 17:38

ENGLAND international Tom Croft is helping spread the message of an energy company who are bidding to help community rugby clubs save money on their bills.

Croft was joined by former England star Danny Grewcock and British Lions try-scorer John Bentley at National League outfit Syston RUFC to launch 'SSE Rugby Energy'.

Alongside the RFU, SSE are determined that clubs up and down the country benefit from saving money on their energy bills.

Croft explained: "SSE is supporting grass roots rugby clubs, and they have gone to the clubs, asked them what they needed, and saving money on their energy bills was the main thing.

"If clubs can save money there, they can invest the money in other areas and redevelop the game.

"I started off at Newbury Rugby Club Juniors and without the support and having that funding there to be able to get people to sign up, and having the coaches and medical staff to be there to run it, potentially I wouldn't be where I am today."

SSE will also provide end-to-end energy solutions to help maintain club facilities; from initial monitoring and reporting services, to improvements in power, heating and lighting through using energy efficient equipment.

Grewcock added: "I think most players will start in a junior club, it's the breeding ground for all the young players.

"It is where all the fantastic work is done by the voluntary coaches who are here making sure young lads are playing rugby.

"That is where England players all start their careers and so these clubs are crucial, and the support of SSE is a massive part of that."

SSE Rugby Energy is dedicated in helping clubs across England save money on their energy bills. To find how your club can start benefiting from these savings log-on to www.SSErugby.com