The Rugby Football Union (RFU) will invest £26m in developing the sport's grassroots as part of a strategy to create a lasting legacy from the 2015 World Cup in England.

RFU predicts an increase in interest in rugby both during the run up and after the World Cup and is keen to capitalise on it.

Announcing the plans, RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie outlined seven areas of focus for the RFU in the lead up to 2015 and beyond.

The seven areas include a £10m facility fund to improve club equipment and facilities at more than 500 clubs across the country and a new £1m training fund which will deliver more than 6,500 newly qualified referees and coaches.

Elsewhere, RFU's All Schools programme will ensure that more schools offer rugby while a target has been set to encourage 15,000 new players to take up touch rugby.

There will also be increased efforts to work with colleges, universities and employers to encourage 'returning players' - people aged between 16-24 who might have played the sport at school but aren't currently active - back into the game.

RFU will also build links with 15 of Europe's key developing rugby nations to share knowledge on how to grow and develop the game and launch a series of cultural programmes using art and photography to bring alive what rugby means to local communities.

Ritchie said: "With three years to go until the culmination of one of the greatest sporting events taking place on home ground, we are putting in place the infrastructure and investment now to ensure that we deliver the greatest participation legacy for the game.

"This truly is a once in a generation opportunity to showcase and grow our game and one that we plan to make the most of."

Minister for sport, Hugh Robertson, added: "I'm delighted to see the RFU is using the RWC 2015 to inspire new players, grow the game and build on the success of London 2012.

"It is the one of the largest sporting events in the world, so it is extremely encouraging to see plans already in place with three years to go.

"As part of these plans, the All Schools programme is an excellent initiative, ensuring that more young people across the country have the opportunity to play rugby in secondary schools.