“I want to talk about the man I knew and loved and what his beloved game meant to him. Since his death I have been overwhelmed by the respect and kindness from his colleagues and players at all levels. The guy you loved to work with, a coach on the pitch but a best mate in the club house. A role model, a mentor and a friend. My partner.”

“Matt’s true desire was to inspire people and develop rugby talent within the player. I didn’t just see a coach but someone who was knowledgeable, supportive, positive and respectful.”

Matt represented best of rugby

Speakers at the emotional ceremony included Andy Poole, President, East Grinstead RFC; Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave QPM, the Metropolitan Police Service; HH Jeff Blackett, President, RFU; Founder of the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation, Sean Morgan; Connor Leggat, Matt’s friend & sculptor of the Matt Ratana Memorial Silhouette, Bruce Simpson. Ngati Ranana performed a Maori Blessing.

Jeff Blackett said: “As RFU President, it is an honour to be here today with our Chief Executive, Bill Sweeney. We are privileged to be included in this gathering because Matt Ratana represented all that is best in rugby union and epitomised our core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.

“He was a true team player, generous with his time and an inspiration to others. Men, boys, women, girls, all players mattered to Matt who broke down barriers and led in a way that motivated everyone he coached and encouraged.”

“When he was given the BBC Sports Personality 2020 Unsung Hero award, it was a tremendously appropriate recognition. That recognition of all he stood for and his importance to this club and our game continues with the unveiling of this statue today.”

“Matt made a real difference and left a huge legacy and I am delighted that his legacy will continue here at East Grinstead and in the wider rugby family.”

Andy Poole, President of East Grinstead RFC said: "Matt Ratana was an inspiration to us all. His approach and passion to community rugby both on and off the pitch will resonate forever as a positive legacy – not just for East Grinstead RFC, but to every person that crossed his path.”

“The silhouette not only celebrates Matt’s importance as Head Coach to Su and all his friends at the club but is a fitting tribute which will enrich his memory and remind us all that he is always with us on our journey."

Where Matt spent hours

The six-foot life-size steel artwork commissioned by East Grinstead Rugby Club stands on top of the grass bank by the first team pitch, where Matt would spend many hours coaching and observing the matches. A granite plaque engraved in silver reads: “Here stood our dear friend and Head Coach Matt Ratana who sadly passed away on 25th September 2020. Our Unsung Hero who will never be forgotten. Whánau. East Grinstead RFC.”

Created by close friend and East Grinstead rugby player who Matt coached, Connor Leggat, from Leggat Plant Ltd, said: “Inspired by an idea from my good friend and club member, Bertie Beanland, the initial thought was to have a memorial at the exit to the changing rooms, a reminder when we took to the field that we had a duty to fulfil and a memory to uphold. We had envisioned this to be a low-key affair, to protect the big man’s modesty.”

“This quickly changed with the realisation that Matt Ratana did not just belong to the East Grinstead rugby family and, as affected as we were, what had happened was bigger than our club. So, for me, this turnout shows the hero he really was and the many lives he impacted.”

Gary Andrews, illustrator and friend of the club, created a realistic outline of Matt for the silhouette to be designed from.

Following the unveiling, members of the junior and touch rugby teams showcased their rugby skills and three extremely emotive games were played in Matt’s honour between senior East Grinstead and the Metropolitan Police Service, senior women, vets and men’s teams. England Professional Referee, Matt Carley, took control of the men’s game.

Spectators cheered on the rugby players, younger club members were mascots and ball girls and boys. Two junior rugby skills sessions were run by club coaches and the Colts were on car parking duties while club volunteers acted as covid marshalls and event helpers. It was a day involving all age groups within the close-knit community club.

Classical No1 Soprano Singer and performer of ‘World In Union 2020’, Joanna Forest and Joel Goodman, who musically arranged the rugby anthem for Matt, were among those who attended the event, meeting Su for the first time.

East Grinstead Rugby Club has thanked everyone who has supported Su and the club and for their attendance on such a special day.

Photo credit: Harlequine Photography