BRAINTREE Rugby Club have become the first side in Essex to receive the Whole Club Seal of Approval from the RFU.

Club chairman Barrie Winwood and his wife, Corrine, who is chairman of the youth and mini section, received the award at Twickenham during half time of England’s defeat by South Africa.

Barrie said: “We were honoured to be able to accept the accreditation on behalf of our club. A lot of hard work went into achieving this and the fact that we are the first club in Essex to receive the award speaks volumes about the commitment of all our volunteers at the club.

“The accreditation shows all those with an interest in rugby and sports development that Braintree RFC is providing its members with a safe, well organised and enjoyable environment in which to learn and play rugby.”

The award is another coup for rugby in the region after Ipswich YMCA received the prestigious whole seal of approval just a few weeks previous.

And the pair could soon be joined by a number of other local clubs who are believed to be working towards the award which builds on the established procedures of mini and youth Seal of Approval.

Designed to ensure the long term sustainability of clubs, the award recognises the effort and achievement of volunteers in reaching the required standard of a club committed to the development of rugby union.