A “LACK of support” from rival rugby clubs has been blamed for killing off the offer of an £850,000 artificial pitch at Drybrook RFC.

The English RFU revealed the scheme to provide a free all-weather pitch at the Mannings ground last October, where the 500-strong club is celebrating its 125th anniversary year.

But the governing body has now withdrawn its offer because other clubs didn’t want to come on board.

Club chairman Chris Rawlings described it as a “missed opportunity” for the Forest, and blamed regional “rivalry” for killing off the proposal.

“There was plenty of support for it from local football clubs who could have also used it... it’s a massive shame.”

He said the RFU viewed the ground as the only suitable local location, but “there was not enough support for it from other local rugby clubs.

“It seemed like too many couldn’t get over the scenario of it being at Drybrook,” he claimed.

Disappointed club member Craig Lancett said: “Those in the local rugby community that did not back this have massively let down current and future local Forest sportspeople.”

Junior coach Paul Tarry called it a “shocking waste of an opportunity for the whole of the Forest.”

And player Andy Warren posted online: “What a disapointment. Those that didn’t back the application should really take a step back and have a think about the impact that this will have on Forest rugby, not only for Drybrook RFC but all local Forest clubs.

“A chance to have a state of the art facility on the door step wasted... a poor show of community spirit.”

Ben Casey added: “I can’t begin to express my disappointment at the jealousy and shortsightedness of those who didn’t want to support this.” 

The village club, whose grassroots success was highlighted in the Daily Telegraph last week, currently runs 20 teams from mini rugby up, while the first XV is playing at the highest level in its history and is on course for promotion from the Tribute South West One West division.