England’s most internationally capped rugby player Jason Leonard OBE was among the guests to view refurbishment plans at a local club.

A celebration lunch was held on Saturday at Mitcham Rugby Club for up to 100 former and current players and guests to debut the re-development programme ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Mitcham Minis Under 12’s played an exhibition match against Carshalton Boys School and president and Surrey Rugby Management board member Gary Ashburn and chairman Pete Hegarty outlined the club’s plans for the total redevelopment of the site in Poulter Park in Mitcham.

The club will refurbish its clubhouse, add five new changing rooms and have physiotherapy facilities.

It is expecting to submit a planning application to Sutton Council early in the New Year after a £25,000 funding boost from the Greater London Authority.

Louise Miller from the club said: "It was a wonderful day, it is a shame we lost the game.

"Being part of the community is key for us.

"To have such high profile people coming to see us was a privilege and an honour."

Old Mitchamians Association, who were the old boys of the now defunct Mitcham Grammar School and the original pioneers of Mitcham Rugby Club, were also presented with an award by the club, to honour its 80th anniversary.