The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and energy comparison website uSwitch.com have launched a new partnership designed to raise funds for community clubs across England.

Rugby supporters using the dedicated Conversion Zone website to switch their energy provider using uSwitch.com will be able to raise an average of £12.89 for the club of their choice. According to the RFU, if 100 club members switch to another energy company using the service and each encourage two more people to do the same while nominating the same club, it could generate around £3,800.

Funds raised through the partnership, which will not impose an upper limit on the amount of money that an individual club can raise, will be collected and distributed by the RFU, allowing clubs to choose what to spend the money on. RFU national clubs development manager, Andy Lees, said: "The more they encourage their members and friends and family to use the Conversion Zone the more they will gain. This can only help to ensure that clubs remain sustainable and growing during these difficult financial times."

Steve Weller, marketing director at uSwitch.com, added: "This is a win-win for consumers and grassroots rugby. Usually consumers have to spend money, but with our initiative they actually save money on their household bills while still raising vital funds for the rugby club of their choice." Image: Action Plus