THE spotlight falls on Upton Rugby Club tonight when they turn on their new £27,000 floodlights.

Old Street-based Upton were selected as one of 500 Lead Up and Legacy Centres by the Rugby Football Union ahead of the 2015 World Cup in England and Wales.

They were handed a grant to install the floodlights and kick-off against county rivals Pershore in Midlands Three West (South) tonight (7.30).

RFU area facilities manager Tom Bartram said: “The new facilities will improve the quality of the rugby experience for everyone using the site and provide more playing opportunities, especially for those in the 14 to 24 age group.

“The floodlighting will help the club raise their profile and encourage more players, volunteers and spectators to share the special values that distinguish the sport.”

Upton chairman Nathan Kelsey said: “We will now have some of the best facilities in the area that local people and schools from Upton, Hanley Castle and Malvern can use during the week."

Upton won 31-7 at Evesham in their last league match with tries from Dan Keyte, Max Macfarlane, Alex Pimlow, Martin Muleko and player-coach Stu Brooks. Tom Bryant kicked three conversions.