Kenilworth Rugby Football Club (KRFC) has launched an "urgent" crowdfunding campaign as it looks to raise £30,000 to pay for "large and unexpected" repairs around the ground.

The Glasshouse Lane outfit is asking for local residents to donate what they can to make sure the club can survive.

Having also had to pay for damage to the ground as a result of an illegal encampment earlier this year, KRFC said the money is needed across the club.

In particular money is needed for pitch and ground repairs, coaching courses, travel costs, heating bills and refurbishment.

"Like many other organisations, our club is being hugely hit by the price increases relating to the cost of living crisis including soaring energy cost," a statement from club chairman Paul Fountaine said.

"Compounding this we recently suffered from some large and unexpected costs for equipment and electrical repairs to make the club safe for our staff, our members and community partners. 

"The bill for urgent remedial works has come to approximately £30k (ex. VAT) and we are in need of financial support to ensure that we continue to survive and offer rugby and community sports."

An initial fundraising target of £20,000 has been set through the KRFC Club Recovery Community Campaign.

KRFC - which is preparing to celebrate its centenary - is also gearing up to move to a new ground on Warwick Road, so has ruled out installing any greener energy alternatives at Glasshouse Lane.

The club announced earlier this year that Bloor Homes - which will develop the current ground into houses - will forward fund much of the works needed to allow KRFC to relocate.

But Mr Fountaine said the urgent work on the current ground is needed to get the club back on a "sustainable footing".

"With both an exciting new facility on the horizon, and our centenary plans starting to emerge, your contribution, large or small, will provide real value to KRFC and be essential in ensuring a sustainable club, able to continue to develop and give back to the community in which we sit," the statement added. 

"On behalf of all the boys, girls, men and women of KRFC, and those that benefit from all that we do in the community, I thank you for your support.

"We also have Sport England agreed to support the campaign if we reach our target. So, please give generously!"

Visit the fundraising page here.