Sergeant Matt Ratana to be remembered at Twickenham

England will honour Sergeant Matt Ratana before their opening Autumn Nations Cup match against Georgia at Twickenham this Saturday.

Ratana was shot dead while on duty in south London in September and in recognition of his position as head coach of East Grinstead Rugby Club, the New Zealand-born policeman will be remembered before kick-off.

The behind closed doors curtain raiser to the autumn will be the first time a match has been played at Twickenham since the coronavirus pandemic struck and the Rugby Football Union is marking the occasion with a series of ‘moments’.

“After the team run out, there will be a moment’s applause to celebrate the lives of some of those in the rugby community who were lost to their families and the game during recent times,” an RFU statement read.

“Their names and photographs will be shown on the big screen, while also celebrating key workers who have worked tirelessly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tragically killed

“As part of this tribute, there will be a special mention for the life of Sergeant Matt Ratana, head coach of East Grinstead Rugby Club, who was tragically killed in the line of duty.

“We pay further tribute to Matt Ratana with two police officers – Sergeant Paul James and Sergeant Dan Humphreys – flanking England and New Zealand shirts with a Metropolitan Police uniform in the centre.”

To mark this year’s Remembrance Day, a moment’s silence will be observed before kick-off.

A wreath will be laid at the Rose and Poppy War Memorial by RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney at 11am. There will also be a giant poppy banner in the stands.

England’s players will show support for the positive messages of Black Lives Matter and Rugby Against Racism after the anthems during a moment of silence. Players will be given the individual choice of whether to take the knee.

Additional moments will see five mascots support England virtually, while music played during the game will be made up of songs chosen by the players.