Rugby fans will swap their jerseys for rubber gloves to help spruce up a clubhouse in time for the World Cup.

Old Grammarians Rugby Club, based in Green Dragon Lane, Winchmore Hill, is appealing for volunteers to take part in the Natwest RugbyForce scheme this weekend.

The programme aims to unite clubs across the country in time for the rugby World Cup in September.

Graham Kantorowicz, of Hollyfield Avenue, Friern Barnet, is organising the project.

The 60-year-old, a coach and referee at the club, said: “We are a smaller part of a national thing. It is a good time of the year for any club to do this.

“It is our chance to have a major spring clean and get in shape for the World Cup. The main focus is the club house and bar. We hope to have it completely redecorated, along with weeding the garden.

“They are not very sexy jobs, but they need to be done, so it really looks good. We will have fun though.”

Mr Kantorowicz, a credit manager who has played for the club since 1972, said he hoped to get a lot of junior members and their parents involved.

He said: “Hopefully people will see a positive improvement. If a guest walks into the clubhouse, the main hall is the first thing they see and this is a great opportunity.”

The club was formed by former pupils of Tottenham Grammar School, which closed in 1988.

Speaking about the world cup, Mr Kantorowicz said: “The World Cup is a big opportunity because it puts the sport on the map. It is going to be a very big tournament.

“Back in 2003, when England won the World Cup, clubs up and down the country were flooded with kids. It’s a great event. I think we have got a very good chance, but the truth is there are probably four or five sides who could win it. But certainly we are looking forward to it.”