To mark the start of the Rugby World Cup today (Friday), Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club is offering a special World Cup membership for £10.

It is part of the club’s plans to attract new social members as well as players.

It will entitle people to join in all the fun at the clubhouse in Canada Road, as well as access to membership drinks prices for the duration of the tournament.

At the end of the World Cup, there will be an opportunity for those who have enjoyed their time at the club to upgrade it to a full social membership, usually £33.

The club will be showing games every Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as all the home nation games and big name games such as New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

The first match to be shown will be England vs Fiji tonight (Friday) at 8pm and all families are welcome.

The club is encouraging people to dress up and tomorrow will host a ‘Wear the shirt, wear the skirt’ theme.

Different themes will continue throughout the sports tournament depending on who is playing.

The family friendly club is also keen to involve children in the event.

Director of youth rugby Russell English said: “We’re trying to do everything we can to get young children involved with the game.”

Juniors train or play on a Sunday from 10am until noon at the Drill Field in Canada Road, Deal, and any youngsters interested in having a go, especially those under the age of 10, are invited along.

Mr English said: “We offer the first session as a free taster session and if they enjoy it they could join up.”

Junior membership is £50 for the first child and £20 for any additional children.

The club is keen to work with Castle Community College and has also formed links with some primary schools in a bid to get children interested as young as possible.

To become a member, drop into the club.

Pick up this week's Mercury for your Rugby World Cup pullout, listing all the games.