Image: The £3.5m will benefit Welsh grassroots rugby

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has revealed an "immediate cash injection" worth £3.5m into a number of schemes across Wales to improve rugby union on and off the pitch.

All of the funding comes in addition to the budgeted activity already planned throughout the country in its five-year rolling business plan and is targeted at grassroots community clubs.

School and college rugby will also benefit from the capital investment, while facilities at the national stadium - Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - and at other clubs will be enhanced.

WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis said: "Our focus with this new funding is firmly targeted at the foundations and the future of rugby in Wales.

"This major investment into the game is intent upon creating and maintaining a modern and attractive sport capable of encouraging more people to get involved in rugby at all levels."

Details: www.wru.co.uk

Image: Brett Jordan/flickr