Moody Backs Return to Rugby

The 50 clubs involved will receive training, kit, equipment and marketing support from England Rugby to help to attract players at a local level.

Moody, who is the face of the initiative, said: "I was absolutely delighted when England Rugby asked me to get behind the Return to Rugby programme. I am involved in coaching at my local club, so I understand first-hand the challenges faced in recruiting new players.

"This programme alongside the enjoyment and excitement that a home World Cup brings will help clubs get as many people as possible into this beautiful game.”

The below video featuring Lewis can be personalised and shared when players have registered on the Return to Rugby website, enabling returning players to challenge their own friends and family to return to the game.

England Rugby have been working on developing this programme as part of its broader Returning Players legacy pledge for some time as Steve Grainger, the RFU’s Development Director explains: "Return to Rugby has been designed based on research we conducted with players who had stopped playing rugby, which suggested that they would be more inclined to return to the game if there was an opportunity to come back into clubs and relearn the skills of rugby in a relevant way.

"We fully expect players to be inspired by the world’s best players during the upcoming Rugby World Cup and so it was important to ensure that there was an opportunity for them to play again in a way that was more aligned to what they need, but which ultimately leads to more players playing the game we love, more often.”

Return to Rugby was introduced to the 50 clubs who attended a briefing day on August 15, where the programme received a warm welcome. An expectant Gary Spinks, Chairman of Milton Keynes RFC commented: "We are excited about England Rugby’s Return to Rugby programme. 

"Milton Keynes is a new town with many people moving here with work and family changes; we know that many people drop off the rugby radar when they move and we are looking forward to capturing them back into the game through Return to Rugby.”

For more information, head to the Return to Rugby website: www.returntorugby.com.

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The Rugby Football Union is the National Governing Body for rugby union in England and supports participants and fans from the grassroots to the national team. For more information visitwww.englandrugby.com

Notes to editors:

About the Rugby Football Union (RFU) 

Get involved. Visit www.findrugby.com to find your local club.