Doncaster has seen the light - after Castle Park was confirmed as a ‘Lead Up and Legacy Centre’ for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Doncaster Knights have won official RFU backing ahead of next year’s tournament which is being held in England and Wales.
And the results of a £50,000 grant are already becoming crystal clear at the Armthorpe Road venue - new floodlights.
Work has already started on the installation of new floodlights on pitches two and three, currently home to Doncaster Phoenix and the Castle Park’s vibrant junior section.
And it is hoped the new enhanced facilities will create a lasting legacy for rugby union in the area.
Alex Bowden, RFU area facilities manager, said: “The new facilities will improve the quality of the rugby experience for everyone using the site and provide more playing opportunities, especially for local people in the 14-24 age-group.
“This investment will also support the club’s financial sustainability leading into the Rugby World Cup and will create a focus for England 2015 and a lasting rugby union legacy in the community.
“The new floodlights will enable current mini/juniors and amateur players to train in the evening under better conditions and thus hopefully increase participation at the club.”
Tony De Mulder, Doncaster Knights’ president and chairman, said: “We are delighted that our project has won approval following its original identification by the RFU.
“We are able to improve our training facilities so that local people from Doncaster and the surrounding areas can use them during the week.
“The 2015 Rugby World Cup will inspire a new wave of people of all ages to become involved in rugby and this RFU investment will help our club be even better equipped to welcome newcomers.”
The new floodlights are expected to be operational before the end of the season. Doncaster is among a network of 500 Legacy Centres aimed at increasing rugby participation.
For more information visit www.rfu.com/betterfacilities.