The England Rugby Supporters Club, launched on February 15th 2003, means fans can follow and become members of the England Rugby camp and provides an official route to purchase tickets for home internationals via the ERSC ticket ballot, without belonging to a rugby club or buying a corporate hospitality package. This has no impact on the current allocation of tickets to clubs and members. ERSC membership brings a range of offers and deals, including discounts in the RFU shop, special events, products and incentives, and inside information.

The RFU has launched the club to satisfy supporters whose passion and fervour clearly merits forming a club they can all join. Growing membership will generate extra funds for the community game and so, while gaining benefits themselves by joining the ERSC, members will be helping England Rugby.

Clive Woodward, England’s Head Coach says, “The support we get is always fantastic whenever we play home or away. The England Rugby Supporters Club is a tremendous way for fans to get more involved with the team and England Rugby. I am sure it will be a great success and it has my full support.”

Anyone can join or give membership as a gift. There will be regular information, insights and a wide range of benefits. Tom Hill, the newly appointed General Manager of ERSC says, “We are determined to give members real value for money, and to keep adding value as we develop the club. Our Smart TeamCard, for example, will deliver more and more benefits as time goes on.”

This card is a piece of leading edge technology, containing a chip which stores information used to members’ advantage. It’s the first time that such technology has been adapted for a sports body’s membership scheme. A membership card can be used to immediately earn reward points, redeemable against RFU rugby products, including tickets and even ERSC renewal!  All members have to do is have their card swiped when buying goods and services in a wide range of retail outlets. These include lots of household names, like Boots, Safeway and the AA - a booklet with the full list will follow shortly.

To join, just e-mail or call for an application form or apply online at www.rfu.com/ersc.

THE ENGLAND RUGBY SUPPORTERS CLUB

Through annual membership of £39 you receive:

• Official England Rugby card - with a ticket application form
• Membership pack with certificate, official England supporter baseball cap, car sticker, lapel badge & information on special offers and benefits
• Free subscription to England Rugby Magazine
• Incentives and discounts from England Rugby sponsors
• Preferential discounts & access to tickets for other Twickenham games
• Exclusive opportunities to meet the England team at official events
• 2 for 1 entry to the Museum of Rugby and Twickenham Stadium Tour
• 10% discount from The Rugby Store
• Preferential rates on unique travel packages to away matches (inc. RWC 2003)
• Access to a members’ only chatroom
• Regular prize draws and updates on the team & new ERSC benefits
• Membership of the ERSC TeamCard Reward Scheme.
• The ERSC ticket ballot - membership offers the exclusive opportunity to watch England play at home with the ERSC Twickenham Experience. This unique offer greatly improves your chances of seeing a live game at the home of England Rugby.