The British & Irish Lion and former IRB Player of the Year will be joining former Lion and Welsh rugby great Ieuan Evans as the club put to good use their RBS RugbyForce grant, awarded to them as the winning Welsh club from this year’s programme.

Pontycymmer RFC was one of 401 rugby clubs across England, Scotland and Wales who registered for RBS RugbyForce 2010, each of whom submitted a proposal for club project work planned for the official RBS RugbyForce Weekend on 5th & 6th June this summer.

As part of a big weekend of renovations and celebrations, the club will be showing the Wales v South Africa game to all volunteers on a big screen on Saturday afternoon.

The aim of the RBS RugbyForce programme, created and supported by RBS 6 Nations sponsor The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) encourages communities to give something back to their local rugby club by volunteering to undertake improvements to clubhouses and grounds.

Shane Williams said of his role: “RBS RugbyForce puts club rugby at the heart of the local community, and really helps encourage local volunteers to put some time back into the club to make it the best it can be. From my days at Amman RFC, I know how important club rugby is to both the international game and the local community, so it’s great seeing the much needed support from a sponsor like RBS. I’m looking forward to seeing what Pontycymmer have planned for their Weekend, and what we can achieve on the day.”

Pontycymmer RFC was registered for RBS RugbyForce by club President Ivor John Evans: “We have been in existence since 1887 and are the oldest rugby club in the Garw Valley. The club does a fantastic job providing a focal point for adults and youngsters and we want to upgrade our facilities in order to attract more ladies, families and young members to the club.”

The official panel of judges that assessed the 2010 registrations was formed of RBS RugbyForce supporters and international rugby legends Ieuan Evans, Jason Leonard and Andy Nicol as well as Rugby World editor Paul Morgan, BBC Sport producer Ron Chakraborty and Head of Brand & Marketing for RBS, David Webb. The WRU provided the jury with invaluable support in making an initial assessment of all the clubs that fell into their respective regions, providing crucial insight at local level.

To volunteer to help at the official RBS RugbyForce weekend at Pontycymmer RFC on Saturday 5th or Sunday 6th June, contact stevethomaselectrical@btinternet.com or Keith@phoenixaudit.com.