Churches are being encouraged to use the Rugby World Cup to reach out to their local community.

Engage 2015 has partnered with multiple organisations to produce "Game of Life", a set of resources to help churches use the upcoming international rugby tournament to interact with those in their area.

The pack, which contains a DVD, numerous PDF resources for download and an accompanying booklet, is available to use free. Recipients are just asked to pay the postage.

The aim is to help churches make the most of the world's third biggest sporting event that comes to the UK this autumn.

David Chawner, Engage 2015's CEO, described the resource as "a wonderful opportunity for churches, in the same way the London Olympics was".

Included in the pack is a step by step guide to organizing Rugby-themed events, such as a community festival, an event based around a live televised game and a World Cup breakfast.

The DVD has 10 three-minute video testimonies from different players including England powerhouse Billy Vunipola and South African legend Ruan Pienaar, which Chawner called "ideal in the context of rugby-themed events organized by churches", as well as short videos about the Christian roots of Rugby Union.

Also included is everything for a rugby-focused sports quiz, which was provided by Christians in Sport.

The free Game of Life resource pack can be ordered at gameofliferesource.co.uk.