MRRF U12 Academy plays its first ever competitive fixture
On the evening of Tuesday 11 March, The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation U12 Academy – just ten sessions old – stepped out for its first ever competitive fixture. They faced APB Rugby in what would be a landmark moment for every player, coach and supporter present.
The final score read Matt Ratana Foundation 25 – 55 APB. But the scoreboard was never the point.
Before the Whistle
Before kick-off, players and coaches from both sides gathered to observe a minute’s silence and applause in honour of two people who meant a great deal to everyone involved: Matt Ratana and Matt Salter.
The moment was observed impeccably. Young players – many of whom have only recently discovered the sport – understanding instinctively what it meant to pause, to acknowledge, and to play in someone’s name.
TackleLondon Ambassador, and friend of Matt Salter, Paul Murphy, commented on the commemoration:
"Just look at those faces. It's given me a real lift this morning. I was privileged to have both Matts as teammates, and those photos capture exactly what those two men stood for & stand for. Well done everyone involved, for all the time and energy that went into this."
The Game
What followed was everything a first academy fixture should be: competitive, energetic, and full of the kind of moments that stay with young players long after the final whistle. APB were strong opponents, and the foundation’s young side gave everything they had across the full game. As Academy Lead Aidan Brennan noted afterwards, the team had a good time, and that, at this stage of the journey, is everything.
The Foundation That Carries Matt Ratana’s Name
The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was established to create rugby opportunities for young people in South London who might not otherwise have found the sport. Sergeant Matt Ratana was killed in 2020, his warmth, his love of rugby, and his dedication to people lives on in every session, every first-timer, every player who steps onto the pitch because of this programme.