The Matt Ratana Foundation have organised two games (women’s and men’s) against police representative sides to celebrate Matt‘s legacy and to raise funds for the Foundation.
These games will take place at the London Irish Hazelwood ground on Saturday 28th August with associated presentations, dignitaries from the world of rugby and the Police (both the Met and countrywide forces in attendance) and an auction.
Players in the Matt Ratana Marauders game include Nick Little, Thinus Delport, Delon Armitage, Nathan Hines, Ritchie Rees, Dave Lewis, Greg Tonks along with Andy Jarrett from the egg chasers charity rugby team. Christophe Ridley will ref.
The women’s game will feature players from clubs Matt was associated with. The Matt Ratana Vixens will take on a police invitational team from the the south of England.
Pete Mitchell from the Foundation said:
“The reaction from the rugby community, professional and amateur, to get behind what we are trying to achieve with the Foundation has been staggering. So many players have offered to help and will attend on the day to play or watch and pay their respects to an outstanding human being”
Context:
On Friday 25 September, Matt Ratana, Head Coach of East Grinstead RFC was tragically killed whilst on duty in his role as Custody Sergeant.
Matt Ratana was born in the Hawke's Bay Region of New Zealand and was of Māori descent. He moved to England in 1989, working for the Metropolitan Police for nearly 30 years. Matt also served with New Zealand Police, joining the British High Commission Wing in 2003 and serving in the Auckland City and Counties Manukau police districts before returning to the UK in 2008.
Aside from his work in the police, Matt worked tirelessly as rugby coach for all ages and mentor to young people. He spoke often to his various teams of the importance of ‘ Whānau’, which in Maori means, your community, your family. He was an inspirational leader, friend and teacher.
He was wholly inclusive and ran teams from the very young through the men’s and women’s senior teams, as well as encouraging all ages to engage with the sport.
He inspired so many, and The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation will work to build a legacy that he would have been proud of.
About the Foundation:
The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was set up in response to the tragic death of police Sergeant and rugby coach, Matt Ratana.
Funds raised by The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation will support the design and delivery of initiatives that support community and school’s rugby both nationally and internationally.
The charity aims to support local training, exchange experiences and invest in improving equipment and facilities at clubs across the UK, New Zealand and South Africa.
These projects will directly support Clubs, Schools and Individuals from all backgrounds and are aligned with initiatives Matt had ambitions of growing.
Tickets Available Here: https://mattratanarugby.foundation/
