ENGLAND World Cup winner Jason Leonard helped Colchester Rugby Club celebrate the opening of their new ground at a sparkling sold-out dinner at Raven Park.
The most-capped forward in England men’s rugby was the guest of honour alongside the Bishop of Colchester Roger Morris and the town’s MP Will Quince.
Former prop Leonard - now a respected rugby administrator and businessman - took part in a question and answer session with the 200-plus audience.
The dinner had originally been planned for July last year but was delayed due to the Covid pandemic.
Several thousand pounds was raised for the people of Ukraine during a charity auction conducted by the Bishop, a long-standing supporter of the club.
In his speech, Mr Quince praised the club’s crucial role in the community, particularly with the youth of the area.
In her introduction, club president Maggie Whiteman paid tribute to everyone who had been involved in the move from Mill Road to the new ground at the start of this season.
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