Matt was our head coach here at East Grinstead and very much at the centre of our rugby family. He was devoted to the club, the coaching staff and to every single player that ran onto the pitch. A Kiwi with an infectious laugh, who loved to chat, making time for anyone who crossed his path.

After he was taken from us, the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was formed to continue his legacy of giving back to the community through rugby. The Foundation writes;

“Matt had a profoundly positive influence on all the clubs that he, at one time or another, called home. When we lost him, every one of these clubs came together as one, not just to mourn his passing but also to commit energy and belief to the Foundation set up in his name. Our mission: to forge good from tragedy, by seeing through Matt’s own ambitions: to inspire, guide and give opportunity to young people, through rugby.

Following our establishment and launch, we got down to work. Obviously pandemic restrictions slowed our progress as our projects, both at home and in NZ, were developed. Despite this, solid gains were made as we built and learnt. We now find ourselves, as 2023 begins, with our initial schemes underway, and, most encouragingly, growing fast.

In NZ, we work in partnership with Rugby For Life, recruiting and training dedicated Pathway Managers whose role is to consolidate links between neglected communities and their local clubs. This project is already making a massive difference in the Northlands region, and expanding further afield with real purpose.

Closer to home, we’re busy bringing our resources directly to young people in the borough of Croydon, the very neighbourhoods close to Matt’s heart. We work side by side with the STAR Scheme, creating solid bonds between school, rugby club, family and the wider community. Bonds that will provide the consistent support which will actually change lives. The potential reach and influence of our work here is exciting, and growing by the day.

Aside from these principle activities which are our central focus, we maintain profile and fundraising with a range of initiatives. Our flagship event, the Whānau Cup, an annual meeting of men’s and women’s representative sides, is set this year to expand into a grand invitation 10s tournament. We also enter a 7s team in various high profile competitions. There’s an ongoing partnership with Spartan, which enables our supporters to get muddy in their sponsored challenges. Alongside lunches, golf days and socials, there’s a growing list of events offering teams and individuals the opportunity to get behind us.

Needless to say, both funds and awareness are our lifeblood, so please do invite everyone in your club family to sign up at https://mattratanarugby.foundation/home%2C-kia-ora and follow us on social media. To have the direct involvement of the club communities that Matt held dear is vitally important to us.”

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