STROUD RFC received a surprise visit from England rugby legend Lee Mears.

The former Bath star spent the day helping out with giving the club a face-lift as part of NatWest RugbyForce weekend - a nationwide programme developed in partnership with the RFU to help make rugby clubs stronger businesses by improving and renovating their facilities with the support of volunteers and the community.

Stroud were one of six clubs selected to receive a visit from an England Rugby Legend over NatWest RugbyForce weekend.

From all the clubs that registered before the January deadline, 350 were given the opportunity to take part in a new and improved programme of free workshops across the country, as well as receive financial support of £500.

The workshops covered topics such as project planning, developing commercial revenues, recruiting volunteers and improving customer service. Following the workshops, clubs were asked to submit a more detailed project plan for their weekend, from which the lucky six clubs were selected by a panel of judges consisting of representatives from the RFU and NatWest.

In addition to having a former England player at their club over NatWest RugbyForce weekend, each of the six clubs will receive the Ultimate Club Experience this autumn.

To ensure their rugby club is the place to get behind and watch England take on the best in the world, each club will be receive a bumper pack of goodies including a brand new plasma TV screen, fun activities, events and materials to create a ‘little bit of Twickenham’.

On completing his day at the club, Mears said: “We’ve all had a fantastic day here at Stroud RFC. They have shown exactly what can be done when the local community all work together. Although we’ve only had the weekend to make improvements, we’ve achieved so much and the club looks fantastic.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting my hands dirty - I want to wish everyone at the club all the best for the coming season and beyond.”