East Grinstead RFC would like to personally invite you and your friends and family to a very special memorial rugby day to pay tribute to our late Head Coach and Police Sergeant, Matt Ratana.

It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since we lost Matt, but on Saturday, 25 September 2021, one year to the day he tragically died in the line of duty, East Grinstead RFC will be celebrating his life with a day of rugby matches, music and Māori culture.

Doors open at 10.30am and the day will start with everyone joining in with a special Māori welcome, supported by Ngāti Rānana from the London Māori Club.

It seems so fitting that East Grinstead RFC will play their first very important Sussex League senior men’s game, EG 1st XV v Eastbourne XV RFC.

With three other great games of rugby on the day, EG 2nd XV v Burgess Hill XV, EG Vets XV v London Irish Vets XV and EG Touch Rugby v Ngāti Rānana Touch Rugby, we are sure that the players and spectators will be honoured to be part of the day.

East Grinstead RFC also welcomes back the most supportive and generous No1 Classical Soprano Singer, Joanna Forest, who will be performing for us and singing her great rugby anthem, ‘World In Union, 2020’, a song Joanna and Joel Goodman adapted and released to commemorate Matt’s life and which supported our BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, ‘Unsung Hero’ award nomination last year.

Following the last rugby match of the day, the Ngāti Rānana will be giving a Māori concert showcasing the sights and sounds of Police Sergeant Matt Ratana’s Māori heritage.

With free admission and parking (please park at Saint Hill Manor, RH19 4JY, opposite East Grinstead Rugby Club), enjoy our pop-up beer garden, two bars, bbq and food stalls. We are guaranteed a very happy and memorable day, a day Matt would treasure.

As always, the club is open to non-members, so please feel free to come and join us to celebrate our Unsung Hero’s incredibly legacy with fantastic rugby and special performances.

Whānau

Andy Poole
President of East Grinstead RFC

Programme of the Day *

10.30am - Doors open

11.15am - Bruce Simpson, Ngāti Rānana, a Māori welcome

12.30pm - EG 2nd XV v Burgess Hill XV, kick off (pitch 1) / EG Vets v London Irish Vets XV, kick off (pitch 2)

2.15pm - A performance by Joanna Forest, No1 Classical Soprano Singer

3.00pm - EG Touch Rugby v Ngāti Rānana Touch Rugby, kick off (pitch 2)

3.28pm - One minute applause to remember Matt Ratana

3.30pm - EG 1st XV v Eastbourne XV RFC, kick off (pitch 1) LEAGUE MATCH

Followed by a special Māori concert by Ngāti Rānana, London Māori Club (EGRFC Clubhouse)

* Programme may be subject to slight change.

Links

East Grinstead RFC

Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation

Official website of Classical Crossover Soprano Joanna Forest

Photo @Harlequine Photography