Matt Ratana Memorial Day
It is a year since the death of East Grinstead RFC Head Coach and Police Sergeant, Matt Ratana.
On Saturday 25 September 2021, one year to the day that he died in the line of duty, the club will celebrate his life with a day of rugby matches, music and Māori culture.
Doors open at 10:30am and the day will start with everyone joining in with a special Māori welcome, supported by Ngāti Rānana from the London Māori Club.
East Grinstead first XV will play their first Sussex League senior men’s game against Eastbourne. The club’s second team take on Burgess Hill, and the Vets XV play London Irish Vets XV. The club will also host Ngāti Rānana Touch Rugby for a touch rugby contest.
East Grinstead RFC will also welcome back the No1 classical soprano, Joanna Forest, who will sing rugby anthem ‘World In Union, 2020’, a song Joanna and Joel Goodman adapted and released to commemorate Matt’s life and which supported the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, ‘Unsung Hero’ award nomination last year.
Following the last rugby match of the day, Ngāti Rānana will be giving a Māori concert showcasing the sights and sounds of Police Sergeant Matt Ratana’s Māori heritage.
With free admission and parking at Saint Hill Manor, RH19 4JY, opposite East Grinstead Rugby Club, everyone can enjoy the pop-up beer garden, two bars, bbq and food stalls. It will be a day when all can remember Matt and the joy he brought to the club.
“As always, the club is open to non-members, and we would love as many people as possible to join us in celebrating our Unsung Hero’s incredible legacy,” said President Andy Poole.
Next month (October) Simon Harvey, an age grade coach at Sutton & Epsom and a current serving Metropolitan Police officer will be running with other officers who served with Matt 48 miles in 48 hours for the Matt Ratana Foundation. They will be starting at New Zealand House and finish at Twickenham Stadium.
Visit East Grinstead's website here, and the Matt Ratana Foundation site here.
