A RUGBY tournament has been organised in memory of two passionate former players who died in tragic circumstances.

The sixteen team tournament is played in memory of Matthew New, who was killed after being hit by a car in 2002, aged 15, and Matt ‘Maff’ Wadforth, who died in 2014 of leukaemia.

Ruan Holt, 30, who now lives in Wales, started the event in 2010 as a tribute to Matthew New.

He said: “He was a very close friend of mine and his death had a massive effect on me. I was there and I saw it happen so I wanted to make sure I did something to remember him.

“I want people to see more of rugby, which is something Matthew would have wanted too.

The money raised will be split between Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and Bloodwise, both charities close to volunteers’ hearts.

Ruan said: “We raised about £2,000 for each charity last time and we want to make sure we hit that again and a bit more.”

Maff was a centre and captain of the first team at Braintree Rugby Club for several seasons and Ruan described him as a “friend to everyone”.

He became Braintree Rugby Club’s youngster ever first team player when he made his debut aged just 16, he continue to play right up until his diagnosis.

Children’s entertainment is included free of charge.

The Matthew New Memorial Sevens takes place next Saturday at Braintree Rugby Club, in Beckers Green Road, from 10am.

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