Saje Impact was present this week at a special reception at the Shard to launch a new partnership between the RFU and Sport Relief.

Saje Impact works to use the power of sport to change lives through a variety of programmes and believes this new partnership will increase the impact of rugby beyond the rugby clubs across the country.

Andy Reed said:

I believe our work with a variety of partners like School of Hard Knocks, Wooden Spoon, Atlas Foundation, HITZ RF foundation and BARA have shown how we can change lives through sport. We are excited by the emphasis of this new initiative to use rugby for social good.

England Rugby has announced a charity partnership with Sport Relief with an ambition to raise £4 million over four years to support projects and programmes that use rugby to help change people's lives and as a tool for social good.

Money raised through this partnership will be awarded as grants by Comic Relief to charitable projects and programmes through the Try for Change Fund which is a fully managed fund by Comic Relief.

Ian Ritchie, RFU Chief Executive said:

Partnering with Sport Relief sets out our clear commitment to grow rugby as a tool for social good and widen the impact of rugby, and its values, to improve the lives of those who need it most. We are very proud to make our commitment to raising £4million over the next four years.

The grants offered through the Try for Change Fund will focus on projects that increase community cohesion, positively impact on a young person's educational attainment, employability and mental health and which help reduce a young person's risk of involvement in gangs or offending.

Michele Settle, Director, UK Campaigns & Brands at Comic Relief said:

We're delighted to have been chosen as a partner of England Rugby. We believe that sport is a powerful tool for helping bring about social change and their commitment over four years will make a huge difference to the lives of people right here in the UK and across the world's poorest communities.

Sport plays an important role in improving the lives of millions of people across the world – bringing people together to play, learn, improve their health and benefit from shared experiences. The Try for Change Fund aims to help people reach their goals and fulfil their potential, as well as deliver long-term benefits to the wider community.

As part of England Rugby's partnership with Sport Relief, a number of high-profile charitable events will take place across the four-year period from now until Rugby World Cup 2019 in order to help achieve the £4million fundraising target.

For more information about the Try for Change Fund and our fundraising programme please visit: www.englandrugby.com/tryforchange