Matt Ratana benefit games set for kick off at Hazelwood
The Matt Ratana Foundation have organised two games against police representative sides to celebrate his legacy and to raise money for the Foundation.
The men’s and women’s games will take place at the London Irish Hazelwood ground on Saturday, August 28 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 Nicky Little, Thinus Delport, Delon Armitage, Nathan Hines, Richie Rees, Dave Lewis, Greig Tonks along with Andy Jarrett from the egg chasers charity rugby team. Christophe Ridley will referee the match.
The women’s game will feature players from clubs Ratana was associated with. The Matt Ratana Vixens will take on a police invitational team from the the south of England.
Outstanding human being
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.”
Ratana, who was head coach of East Grinstead RFC, was tragically killed whilst on duty in his role as Custody Sergeant on Friday, September 25 in 2020.
New Zealand-born and of Māori descent, he moved to England in 1989, working for the Metropolitan Police for nearly 30 years. He 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, Ratana worked tirelessly as a 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.
Ratana 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.
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.