RUGBY club will be able to take pride in their 'den' after securing a 'game-changing' cash injection.

Westhoughton Lions Rugby League Football Club, based in playing fields off Cunningham Road, has been given the green light to build a clubhouse ­— which means players can have a shower after a game and will also become a hub of the community.

Club chairman Jamie Brown said when the world cup investment was revealed: “Building this clubhouse is going to be a game-changer for the residents of Westhoughton.

“It is going to give the community a brand-new facility where they can become more physically active, whilst giving the whole Lions family a place to call their own.

“Many of our members have been dreaming of the day they can use a real toilet, have a shower after a game and welcome back their opponents without having to drive to a different venue.

“The Lions really will be able to take pride in their den.”

The club was one of five rugby league clubs to receive part of £835,000 handed out by the organisers of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup as part of their £2million investment in grassroots projects.

The plans were given the green light by Bolton Council earlier this week to build what they club has said is “paramount to the future sustainability of Westhoughton Lions”.

The Lions’ new facility will include new team and officials’ changing rooms, male and female toilets and shower rooms, a function room, offices and meeting room as well as a new bar, cellar and kitchen.

An officers report accompanying the decision to approve the planning application said: “The proposal would provide the benefits of establishing a permanent solution to meet the requirements of the rugby club with modern facilities whilst providing improved access/car parking facilities.”

Architects, Green Sky Architecture, outlined the benefits that a new clubhouse would bring to the rugby league club.

Their statement said: “The provision of a new club house is paramount to the future sustainability of Westhoughton Lions.

“The new club house will provide a level of facilities required for the club to offer a safe training programme for children and young people.”