Dean Richards will be in charge of Ratana Marauders for their game against an England Police XV.
“It’s a great honour to be the head coach of the Matt Ratana Marauders XV for our match against England Police XV.” said the Ratana Foundation in a statement.
“I was saddened by what happened to Matt and, as a former police officer, have been deeply moved by the creation of the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation in his name and with his values. I am proud to support the foundation.
“Matt’s evident enthusiasm for rugby and his love of life is apparent from the testimony of his family and friends. Through the foundation and in Matt’s memory we can help others through the sport Matt loved so much and ensure Matt has a lasting legacy.
“I’m very much looking forward to the matches and entertainment on Saturday, August 20, at Hazelwood the home of London Irish training centre and London Irish Amateur RFC in Sunbury-on-Thames.
“It will be another wonderful occasion and I hope to see many of our rugby community, families and other supporters down there to enjoy the action.”
The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation improves life’s experiences through rugby, creating transformational change and opportunity for young people both here and abroad, in honour of the values by which Sergeant Matt Ratana – Head Coach of East Grinstead RFC – lived his life and coached his players.
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5 international rugby players who worked as policemen
Below, we look at six other players from down the years who worked for the ‘Old Bill’.
1. Dean Richards
Richards was schooled at John Cleveland College, in Hinckley, and was a police constable for Leicestershire Constabulary between the 1980s and 1990s before English rugby union became professional. He had a long playing career with Leicester Tigers, and played 48 times for England and six times for the British & Irish Lions. The 55-year-old is now the boss of Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.
