The colours of Slough RFC shone brightly at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, taking pride of place in the stands during England’s Quilter International against Ireland, part of the Autumn Nations Cup, and the Red Roses Test Match against France.

While rugby fans aren’t able to watch England at Twickenham or in their local clubhouse during the national lockdown, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has come up with a way for clubs to be there in spirit if not in person. Throughout the Autumn Nations Cup, as part of a new #ShowYourShirt campaign, the RFU will be displaying club and county shirts to create a visual representation of the community game. 

Each shirt will remind the players where they started their rugby careers, that supporters are still cheering them on from a distance and, perhaps most importantly, will underline to everybody watching on TV of the importance of grassroots rugby and the impact the pandemic is having on our community game. 

“Grassroots rugby is, without doubt, the lifeblood of our game and it must be protected,” said RFU President Jeff Blackett. “That is fundamental in our strategy and we continue to remind Government of that fact.

“It is the rugby family which will ensure long-term growth, once we can see a real return to the game, and we want to make sure that we keep the rugby family together during this crisis. That is why we want to recognise the continuing efforts of our rugby community during the Autumn Nations Cup and Women’s Autumn Internationals."

Over 450 shirts have been sent to the home of England Rugby so far. The RFU hopes to show as many club shirts as possible during the matches, particularly for the final fixtures with the deadline being extended to the end of November.

RFU Rugby Development Director, Steve Grainger, added; “In normal times, clubhouses around the country would be filled with family and friends gathering together to watch England Rugby on TV. As we know, we are sadly not in normal times and it will not be possible this autumn.

“We wanted to do something to recognise the clubs and volunteers, who are working tirelessly during the toughest of times to keep their clubs going. We are doing all we can behind the scenes to support clubs in more practical terms, but this is a small gesture to show our clubs and counties across the country how important they are to the game as a whole.

“So many of the England internationals were introduced to rugby and developed their love for the game through minis and junior sections at clubs. They understand how important a role clubs play within their communities. It will be good to take a moment to appreciate that at Twickenham Stadium this month and for the wider world to see it.”