Royal Wootton Bassett RFC

Following 7 years of planning and construction, the new Strength & Performance Centre at RWBRFC has been officially opened during the weekend.

The club worked closely with gym design specialists Absolute Performance during the creation of the customised training facility. Much of the world-class equipment had been previously used by Team GB during the Tokyo Olympic Games and has now found a new home in Royal Wootton Bassett. The versatile space, with its custom, branded indoor turf run, bold decor and wall graphics promises to become one of the best rugby training facilities in the country. 

The project was made possible by generous support from Richard Crapper and the Landfill Communities Fund. The LCF allows funds to be directed to support local community projects instead of being paid as Landfill Tax.

"We really appreciate Richard Crapper for all he's done in supporting this facility," said Club Chairman Chris Elias. "Richard certainly buys into our vision for the community, and without him, we could not have done this in any way, shape or form."

The Strength & Performance Centre was officially opened by Broadcaster John Inverdale at a ceremony shortly before the club's 50th Anniversary Dinner on Friday 22nd April.

Mr Inverdale remarked how impressed he was with the new facilities, and with the club in general. "Just coming in here, I thought, wow! What a set-up! You are so lucky to have this, and with the new Gym as the cherry on the cake, it's just brilliant. What a fantastic 'trampoline' to push on from, and really become better and stronger in the years to come."

"It sounds a bit patronising to say 'you don't know how lucky you are' - but really - you don't know how lucky you are!" he continued. "If you went to 99.9% of rugby clubs in this country, they have got nothing like this. So make the most of it! It's fantastic."

Construction of the building was delayed during Covid, but there are now plans to further extend the facility, converting the old gym into a new secure club office and two modern Physio Rooms. This impressive and versatile space will be a huge milestone in the club's history.

Photographs courtesy of Chris Brice and James Booth Photography