Ambleside Centurions is encouraging more people to get involved with the club during its 150th-anniversary year.
As one of England's oldest rugby union clubs, the organisation has a rich history and is keen on expanding its family.
The club offers many benefits to players and families, from weekly physio and wellness sessions to childcare support and player income protection.
As well as rejoining the competitive Cumbria League fixtures, the club is holding six Ambleside Barbarians social fixtures, open to people of all abilities and ages.
Female rugby enthusiasts will have the chance to be part of a sevens/touch rugby team, launching in September, under the guidance of the club's lady rugby consultant, Megan Ellery, a former England Rose player.
The director of rugby at the Ambleside Centurions, ex-player Andy Brown, said: "After Covid, people changed their habits and didn't come back to rugby and there was a real danger that after so many years, we could have lost the sport in the town.
“With people’s family and work commitments, we needed to make sure we created a welcoming, friendly, social, family environment at the club with a range of benefits that would build, improve, and support players and make playing here an attractive proposition.”
The historic club, dating back to 1874, forgoes annual or match subs from the players.
Mr Brown said: "Rugby is a tough sport and requires a commitment from players that, post-Covid and during a cost of living crisis, means having to prioritise family needs above an individual desire to play rugby.
"We’ve taken out RFU income protection insurance for all our players, so if someone should get injured and be unable to work, it gives them and their families peace of mind that they’ll still be provided for.”
Embracing the town's Roman ties and the nearby Roman fort, 'Ambleside Rugby Union Club' rebranded to 'Ambleside Centurions'.
Their base at Galava Park, known locally as the 'Fortress,' displays a Roman flag, a centurion helmet, and cross swords.
Mr Brown said: "The rebrand really caught people’s imagination and we’re hoping the buzz we’re creating around the 150th anniversary will further help return this brilliant club to its best.
"Whether it’s new players, ex-players, locals, or university students, everyone is welcome to join and watch Sky Sports and TNT Sports, play pool, or just socialise with friends and family in the clubhouse.
“The rugby club should be the heartbeat of the village and for the club to disappear after 150 years would have been a massive loss to everyone involved.
"We knew it came down to ‘adapt or die’, so we adapted very quickly and are now going from strength to strength.”
If you're interested in becoming a part of the club, you can call 077866 31456 or visit Galava Park.
Training takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30pm.
Fixtures and the 150th-anniversary events programme will be announced in due course.
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