EXCITING times are being extended to a Vale of Clwyd sporting club.

Ruthin Rugby Club has secured £160,000 of funding to extend its existing changing room block.

This exciting project will increase the available changing rooms from four to six, each now equipped with self-contained shower / WC facilities for improved safeguarding and gender segregation.

Also included are improved player gym, medical and rehabilitation facilities.

The redevelopment is being driven forward by the club’s ambitions to increase participation across all age groups and teams, with a particular focus on the junior sections and thriving girls Ravens regional rugby cluster which now boasts over 100 female players between the ages of 11 and 18 years.

The grants have been gathered from a variety of funding bodies, including RWE’s Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Fund administered by CVSC, the WRU, Sports Wales and Denbighshire County Council.

This is in addition to a significant contribution from long supporting local business and main club sponsor, GJ Teeson Ltd.

READ MORE: Ruthin Rugby Club looks to develop its facilities

Gary Teeson had amassed over 328 first team appearances during his illustrious rugby career and the club is extremely grateful for his continued support.

Local fundraising from the community, local business and supporters has also been vital to achieving the funding target, contributing an incredible £32,000.

Esyllt Adair, CVSC’s Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Fund manager, said: “We love being able to support such a great community project in the area.

"The changing room extension will allow for more participation in the sport and will be fit for purpose to allow the Women and Junior rugby teams to also flourish.

"I wish the club the best of luck with the project and look forward to seeing the end product.”

This development is the first phase of the club’s wider redevelopment plans to refurbish the clubhouse and external areas as it looks to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the natural habitat within Cae Ddol park.

Ruthin Rugby Club’s head of redevelopment Chris Lewis is also excited for the coming developments.

He added: “These are really exciting times for Ruthin Rugby Club as we look to continue to push the club forward both on and off the field.

“This much needed modernisation of the facilities will provide a solid foundation for continued growth in player/volunteer numbers and provide a state-of-the-art regional hub for age-group rugby and girls/women’s game.

“The support we have received from the windfarm, WRU and other grant bodies has been amazing, but a particular thanks must go to the local businesses and wider community who have put their hands in their pockets in this challenging economic environment.

"Thank-you so much for your support, we cannot wait to get started.”

With planning permission now in place and funding secured, the development will look to commence this spring.