East Grinstead RFC are honoured to see the release of “World In Union (2020)” today, Friday, 20 November, sung by the wonderful No1 Classical Crossover artist Joanna Forest to commemorate the life of Matt Ratana, Head Coach and Police Officer killed on duty in September.

Joanna Forest said: “Like so many others, I was so shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Matt. When a mutual friend approached me to sing this song as part of the nomination video for the upcoming BBC Sports Personality of the Year ‘Unsung Hero’ Award nomination, I didn’t hesitate. Taking it a step further and releasing the song in his memory is an honour. I hope it brings comfort to his family and in friends across the police and rugby community. He was clearly a deeply respected man who was loved and admired by many.”

The beautiful version of the rugby anthem, musically arranged by the talented pianist Joel Goodman, will be released as a single with profits from streams and downloads going to the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation which poignantly launches on the same day to support projects that Matt cared passionately about with a focus on young people and rugby.

Please support the song and click the link 'World In Union (2020)'. All funds raised go the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation and Joanna, Joel and their amazing team gave their time to us without fees.

Supporting the upcoming BBC Sports Personality of the Year, ‘Unsung Hero’ Award nominations for Matt, the song, ‘World In Union (2020)’ is released under the record label ‘Matt Ratana Music’. Watch the moving film that accompanies the song HERE created by the exceptional film maker and friend of the club, Mike Rumsey, Rumsey Films.

In the words of the World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont “Matt Ratana represented the very best of our sport and will be hugely missed by those closest to him, including his club East Grinstead and the wider rugby family, as well as his police colleagues. Public support has been immense and to see soprano Joanna Forest recording a version of ‘World In Union’ in Matt’s honour adds a new and welcome element to all the tributes made to a very special man.”

We would love you to take a moment to read about the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation and the immense work and amazing celebrity support joining in to keep Matt’s legacy alive forever. Visit the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation and follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook to help promote the Foundation. For more information contact Press@MattRatanaRugbyFoundation. #Try4Matt.

Thank you Joanna and Joel, we will treasure this song forever.

Andy Poole, President
East Grinstead RFC