Cheltenham RFC is the latest club to benefit from a new, RFU-funded artificial grass pitch, with work starting today (26th March).

The pitch is part of the RFU's Rugby World Cup 2015 legacy of delivering more than £50m investment over four years, developing 100 artificial grass pitches across England.

The all-weather, floodlit surface will enable additional training sessions and more flexibility in playing times for the club. It will also be available to local clubs, who will have the chance to benefit from year-round rugby. The pitch is expected to increase rugby participation across clubs and community groups in the area.

Stephen Ratcliffe, chairman of Cheltenham Rugby Club, said: "We are absolutely delighted that works are finally starting. The club obtained planning permission for an artificial pitch in May 2010, it has been a hard slog to get to this stage. This facility will be a massive boost to rugby development in the Cheltenham and surrounding areas."

Gloucestershire law firm Willans LLP negotiated the documents on behalf of Cheltenham Rugby Club.

Paul Gordon, partner of the firm, said: "The new pitch is the first of its kind in North Gloucestershire and we are particularly pleased to be involved in the introduction of world-class sporting facilities to this part of the county."

Steve Grainger, RFU rugby development director, said: "We hope the local community will embrace the new pitch and take advantage of the additional opportunities it provides people to play year-round rugby. Since launching our first sites in January, we have seen local clubs, schools and teams embracing the opportunity to play without weather, darkness or lack of pitch access limiting their ability to enjoy the game."

The artificial grass pitch is scheduled to open in July this year.