England internationals James Haskell and Tom Varndell dropped in on Weybridge Vandals last weekend to help spend a cash windfall of £4,000.

The Vandals were taking part in Natwest RugbyForce – a nationwide programme which aims to promote community clubs with financial grants – when the England duo joined 80 volunteers to improve the club’s Brownacres facilities by picking up a paint brush, as well as gardening, repairing and cleaning to get the facilities ready for the new season.

As well the cosmetic changes, part of the £4,000 grant has been invested in the changing facilities to create a segregated area so that female players and match officials are able to shower and change on site.

Haskell, who has 47 England caps, and Varndell, who has 100 appearances for London Wasps under belt, also held a training session for the Vandals youngsters.

Fabrizio Maffi, Weybridge Vandals mini and junior chairman said: “It was fantastic to see James and Tom turn-up, roll-up their sleeves and get stuck in with us.

“To see them stay on to reward some of the clubs’ younger boys and girls with the impromptu training session was a lovely gesture, and showed their connection with grassroots rugby clubs like ours.”