STROUD RFC are holding the first in a series of open days this Saturday at Fromehall Park to mark the club's 140th anniversary.

There will be a variety of food and hot drinks available from 1pm and the chance to watch Stroud lock-horns with Whitehall in the SSE South West Division Gloucester Premier at 2.30pm.

Over the last 18 months the club has concentrated its focus on financial security and a new trustees and management team has been appointed.

Sponsorship director Steve Dechan said: "A lot of work and difficult decisions has ensured the club is financially sound but we have a long way to go to realise our potential.

"We want to continue to upgrade our facilities to become a brilliant rugby and community centre and more attractive to supporters.

"We want to see as many people from Stroud at the game on Saturday."

Stroud was established in 1873 and runs two senior teams, and nine mini/junior teams ages from six to 17 (around 180 children in total). The first team plays in SSE South West Division Gloucester Premier.

Pre the advent of leagues and professionalism sides such as Gloucester, Bristol, Bath, Leicester, Llanelli, Rosslyn Park, Wasps, Worcester and Exeter, all appeared on Stroud's list of opponents.

International caps have been won by a number of ex-Stroud players including John V. Smith, Charles Woodruffe, Tim Payne and Nick Abendenon.

In 2013 Stroud Rugby was one of only 10 tens clubs out of 160 to secure funding from the RFU and O2 to promote Touch Rugby.