Millbrook RFC have a bright future ahead of them after the official ‘Big Switch On’ of their new floodlights.

The first team pitch at Five Acres was lit up with fireworks before the switch was thrown and the area outside the clubhouse illuminated.

The scheme was financed by club fundraising and grants from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Southampton City Council. And, within minutes of the official launch, the lights were put to good use as a bumper crowd of spectators and wellwishers were treated to junior and senior games which featured players from several local clubs.

RFU representative Jason Bower said: “A lot of work has been put in by the club, Southampton City Council and the RFU. Hopefully these facilities will help the club grow here in Millbrook.

“The RFU have been delighted to be involved in this project.”

And Millbrook chairman Gordon Race added: “With the World Cup coming up in England and Wales the RFU saw an opportunity to push grass-roots rugby forward and we have been able to access funding we would not have before.”

Race believes Brook will be among the leading clubs for facilities in the local area and they will be major boost for all sections, ultimately filtering through to the senior side.

He added: “We have pushed for promotion for the last two seasons and not quite nailed it.

“This season we hope this will give us the momentum to get into the London leagues.”