Welcome to East Grinstead Rugby Round Up. If you are reading this on the website, or via Facebook, please sign up to receive this Newsletter via email, which contains loads of pictures and other content, please email m.marriott@btconnect.com and we will add you to the list.

WHÀNAU CUP
Ratana Marauders and Vixens v Met Police - 30th May 2026

The annual Ratana Marauders game came home to East Grinstead Rugby Club last weekend and what a great occasion. On one of the hottest days of the year both games were great to watch, and played in the spirit we have come to expect. It was also brilliant to have the continued support of the Ratana coaching team - Dean Richard’s - Harry Robert’s - Dean Guidera - Hallam Smith and Tom Hicks. Special thanks to Pete Mitchell whose meticulous organisation makes all this happen. (Match reports below)

A pre-match lunch was attended by great cross section of the club and police, and was great to host Sue Bushby and her sisters for this special day.

Representing the Foundation Garry Gordon updated on the Foundation and the continued progress being made. Matt’s passion was his belief in the power of team sport to positively make change - in young peoples lives. The Foundation was set up to carry on Matt’s work - and we believe that we are leaving a fitting Legacy for Matt.

The Foundation has to gain funding from many sources - The Mayor of London through our Tackle London programme - Police Bodies - The Winchester - and countless smaller donations - has enabled us - to bring experienced coaching mentors to our schools - and build a Pathway for students to develop.

The Pathway starts in Schools - both Primary and secondary - mainly in London - but we are also in schools in Sussex, Surrey and even in Yorkshire. The foundation is in over 20 schools, and in the last two years we have engaged with over 5000 students in the school timetable, which is an amazing number!

The next stage is our After- School clubs where have had 420 students. In after school activity we have been now embedded our end off term Tournaments for different age groups. With 8-10 schools competing against each other. Great rugby and team spirit on display the whole way through.Our next step on the Pathway has been developed this year and has been a really success - The Matt Ratana Rugby Academy. These weekly sessions allow students to benefit from more focussed coaching with their friends in a Rugby club environment. The Academy has had over 110 attendees - in a short period of time - and is growing. Thank you Croydon Rugby Club for hosting this which will hopefully build the clubs future.

The Pathway then takes students to RUGBY CLUBS and to the Rugby Family where we have seen well over 100 students go to local rugby clubs and we see this growing.Once students reach playing Senior Rugby we also have a further Pathway - The Ratana Toa Sevens team - which gives developing players an opportunity to play on the rugby’s seven aside circuit in the summer. Pete Mitchell who has organised today is also the manager of our Sevens teams - and the team won a cup last year for winning the Sussex Sevens series.

We have also built the Foundation to focus on key on Key Values and Pillars.
• The Benefits of Team sport
• To play with Discipline and FairPlay
• Respect - for People and Culture
• Wellbeing and Inclusiveness
• Uphold the Sporting Values

These were key to Matt, to the game of rugby, and the development of our Students.
Two weeks ago we held our Ratana Foundation awards evening at Croydon Town Hall hosted by Mayor and Councillor Chatergee. An amazing evening where we gave out 35 cups for the best students from each of the schools who demonstrate the Pillars of the Foundation. The overall best student award - Floyd Steadman award went to Geraldine Musa
The Foundations is scaling and growing, leaving a real Legacy for Matt and all our Students.

Sue Bushby also spoke and thanked the Foundation and East Grinstead Rugby club for their continued support creating this long term support for the work that Matt was so passionate about.

Freddie Mitchell presented Sue and EGRFC with a rugby jersey from Manawatu Turbos where Freddie’s father and uncle played along with Matt and is given as a bridge between Matts two worlds.

Matt Ratana Vixens 46–12 Metropolitan Police
Saturday 30 May 2026 | Kick-off 12:00pm

The Vixens delivered an impressive performance on Saturday, securing a convincing 46–12 victory over the Metropolitan Police.

In hot, dry conditions, the Vixens made a strong start and quickly took control through effective forward play and sharp attacking rugby. Their dominance in possession and territory led to a series of well-worked tries from a dominant back line. 

Metropolitan Police showed resilience and scored twice, but the Vixens remained in control throughout. Strong set-piece work, disciplined defence, and quick ball movement allowed them to maintain pressure and create further scoring opportunities.

The Vixens continued to play with intensity in the second half, adding more tries while limiting their opponents’ chances. Their organised defence and clinical finishing ensured a deserved win. Helped by the ability to bring on fresh legs. 

The Vixens played in the memory of Matt and definitely would of made him proud. 

Final Score: Matt Ratana Vixens 46 – 12 Metropolitan Police

Marauders 56 Met Police 22
Saturday 30 May 2026 | Kick-off 3.00pm

A very physical start from both teams but after 20 mins the Merf team settled down and started playing proper rugby. A few old faces from our other fixtures we've played and some young faces as well.

Men of the Match were Ben Marelli and Noah Roberts ,
Well deserved.

SHIRTS ON TOUR
This weeks ‘Shirts on Tour’ pic is of Elliot & Oliver Rees, having fun in the dunes in Spain at the Parque Natural de Corralejo. Well done lads!!

Remember, the best pic of a club member wearing their stash in an exotic or unusual location this summer, will win a drink at the bar. Just send your pics to m.marriott@btconnect.com and we will get them in the next Rugby Round Up

SPONSORSHIP
We are looking for sponsors for our Womens and 2XV 2026/27 playing shirts for the coming season. If you or your company would consider partnering with us and enjoy having your logo and all the other sponsorship benefits we can tailor to suit you, please email us at: sponsors@egrfc.com

COMING UP DURING THE SUMMER

FUN RUGBY
Friday’s 6pm
BBQ & drinks, Touch rugby for all, Community vibe!

Fun Rugby is simple - Touch rugby for everyone, aimed at families.
A great way to keep fit, learn the game, or just have a run about.
No tackling. Just rugby and fun.
Play alongside your kids. Whole families welcome. Plus a dedicated girls session.

For more info, email us at: egrfctouch@gmail.com

CAR BOOT AT THE CLUB
Anyone who has visited Ardingly Car Boot Sale at the showground, knows what a big event this is. We are excited to announce that it will be held at the club on Sunday’s during this summer. The bar will be open, so come down, grab a few bargains, a drink and enjoy the sunshine.

To book a pitch, contact Michael Cummings on 07563 822862.

AGM
Get Friday 17th July in your diary.
We will meet at 7pm to vote in our officials and celebrate another season at our fantastic club.

OTHER NEWS
If you have any news about any aspect of our rugby family here at East Grinstead, get involved and email m.marriott@btconnect.com. See you next week!!