ENGLAND legend Jason Leonard paid a visit to Oakmeadians to open the club's plush new facilities.

Former prop Leonard, one of the most capped internationals of all time and now president of the Rugby Football Union, opened the refurbished clubhouse and turned on the new low-energy floodlights at Meyrick Park.

Oaks were able to make improvements after being awarded a grant by the RFU and Rugby World Cup organisers England 2015.

Club president Andy Walton said: “It was a proud day for the club to be honoured by Jason Leonard, who joined our members and their families to witness the official lighting-up ceremony.

"The improvements to the clubhouse and the new floodlights will improve the quality of the rugby experience for everyone using the site and provide more playing opportunities for all the sections, including youth, senior men, senior women and touch.

Oaks chairman Lee Davis added: "We will now have some of the best facilities in the area that local people from Bournemouth and Poole can use.

"The World Cup inspired a new wave of people of all ages to become involved in rugby and this RFU investment will help our club to be even better-equipped to welcome newcomers.”

For further information about Oakmeadians, visit www.oakmeadians-rfc.com.