Festivities kicked off at 2pm with a youth rugby demonstration before attendees were invited to ‘give rugby a try’ with a series of activities run by the club’s 1st XV. Participants took part in various passing exercises and tackle pad drills before finishing with a game of Touch Rugby.

There was also face painting, a visit from NatWest Bank’s Pigby, the Bombardier bus and a BBQ to help build up Rugby World Cup excitement before the clubhouse opened for its evening ‘ultimate club experience’ event at 6pm.

England and British and Irish Lions legend Lee Mears joined Slough Rugby Club to get behind England for the evening event. The former England hooker answered questions and signed autographs before settling down in the transformed clubhouse to watch England play Australia.

Slough Rugby Club was one of only 6 clubs nationwide to be awarded the ultimate club experience following a successful NatWest RugbyForce bid earlier in the year. The Ultimate Club Experience saw NatWest, via its agency M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, work with the club to deliver a bespoke experience on Saturday including bringing a bit of Twickenham to the club with impactful décor and goodies, a plasma screen, momentos and support for the day.

A spokesperson for the club said it had been a very successful day. ‘We’re all about offering opportunities to play rugby, from young children through to seasoned vets, so it was great to see so many new faces, inspired by the Rugby World Cup, turn up to give rugby a try. The evening event exceeded expectations with tickets selling out in advance. It was a great night even though England were knocked out of the World Cup!’

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Don’t forget the club is showing ALL 2015 Rugby World Cup games. Bar open, food available, sweepstakes, raffles and VIP experiences to be won. All welcome :)