Since the programme was launched in 2003, 415 clubs have received the award and the target is for all English clubs with mini and junior sections to be accredited by 2013

The awards are supported by PGL, a market leader in adventure courses and holidays for young people who have been offering teambuilding, coaching and activity weekends for rugby clubs and their young players this season.

"All the clubs receiving the Seal of Approval award demonstrate the excellence of their provision of youth rugby, but the national winners are exceptional examples of good practice," said Andy Lees, the RFU's Club Development Manager.

"Paviors are clearly a superbly-run club and an inspiring place for young people to learn and enjoy the game, and they enthusiastically reach out into the community to provide access for all.

"The runners-up, North Dorset and Peterborough, are also beacons of excellence in their regions and deserve the highest praise."

Paviors will receive their award from RFU Junior Vice President John Owen at the Ron Rossin Ground, Burntstump Hill, Arnold, on April 12.

The other regional winners were:

Ilkley (North East & Yorkshire)

Lichfield (Midlands West)

Aldershot & Fleet (South)

Tabard (London North)

Lewes (London South)

The citation for Paviors from Peter Shaw, the RFU Rugby Development Officer for the area, was an outstanding one.

He said: "The club has the most motivated workforce in the county, with particular emphasis on a friendly, family environment open to all and a key focus on supporting the whole club for the good of the community."

The RFU's Community Rugby department introduced the Seal of Approval accreditation programme as a method of examining, maintaining and improving the provision of rugby in the youth section of a rugby club.

Building upon current good practice, the accreditation aims to recognise the effort and achievement of those clubs that reach, maintain and improve on the required standard of a club committed to the provision of quality rugby union experiences for young players.

Community Rugby has worked with Sport England to integrate the Seal of Approval accreditation with the Sport England Clubmark scheme to ensure that the safe, effective, child-friendly club standards are met. Any club awarded the Community Rugby Seal of Approval will also have achieved Clubmark accreditation.

For more information about PGL’s sporting and adventure holidays visit www.pgl.co.uk