About us
Rugby can change
what comes next
Everything we do is built around one simple belief: that consistent, caring relationships change lives. Our mentoring method puts that belief into practice every week, in schools and on rugby pitches across London and beyond.
Consistency is at the heart of what we do. We don't drop in and disappear. The same dedicated mentor and coach shows up, week after week, building the kind of trust that makes real progress possible.
Legacy
Where It All Began
Matt Ratana was more than a police sergeant. He was a rugby player, a coach, and an intrinsic part of the communities he both served and called home. A familiar and beloved figure at Croydon and East Grinstead Rugby Clubs, Matt gave his time, his energy, and his belief to the young people and players around him. He understood instinctively what rugby could do for a person.
In September 2020, Matt was tragically killed in the line of duty. His loss was felt deeply by his family, his colleagues and by the communities he had poured so much of himself into.
The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was created in his honour, born from a determination that his legacy would live on in the most fitting way possible: by giving young people the same opportunities, guidance and sense of belonging that Matt championed throughout his life.
Starting in the heart of the Croydon community Matt knew and loved, the foundation has grown steadily and purposefully. Today we work across London boroughs, Sussex, Surrey, and with a growing presence in Yorkshire - reaching further every year. In the last twelve months alone, that growth has been significant. We have engaged with over 5,000 young people across 16 schools, with 420 attending after-school clubs and 100 new members joining our academy at Croydon Rugby Club entirely of their own volition - a testament to the genuine pull of what we offer.
Our Pillars
Five pillars
One game
At the heart of everything we do are five pillars that reflect Matt's own values: Wellbeing and Inclusivity, Respect for People and Culture, the Benefits of Team Sport, Discipline and Fairness, and Sporting Values. These are the qualities we nurture, recognise, and celebrate in every young person we work with. On the pitch and in the classroom, we actively reward the behaviours that bring these pillars to life: the player who lifts a teammate, the young person who shows up with honesty and humility, the one who takes responsibility for those around them. Matt believed that sport had the power to build character, and these pillars are his legacy; a framework for becoming not just a better rugby player, but a better person.
Pillar I of V
Wellbeing & Inclusivity
There's a positive place for everyone in rugby.
Pillar II of V
Respect for People & Culture
Rugby celebrates diversity and multiculturalism.
Pillar III of V
Enjoyment of Team Sport
Selfless commitment is rewarding on and off the field.
Pillar IV of V
Discipline & Fairness
Respect for referee, opponents and teammates is central.
Pillar V of V
Sporting Values
Fair play and integrity underpin the game of rugby.
Our Method
More Than a Game
We Enter the Schools
We embed ourselves directly into schools through our in-school and after-school sessions delivery. From day one, the same dedicated mentor and coach shows up every week: building familiarity, trust, and a reliable presence that young people can count on.
We Get to Know Each Young Person
We take the time to understand each individual fully: their personality, their home life, their school environment. This insight shapes everything. By understanding the whole picture, we can offer support that is genuinely tailored, responsive and meaningful.
We Extend the Time
The more time young people spend in safe, positive environments, the greater the impact. Through after-school clubs, our MRRF Academy, and inter-school tournaments, we maximise the hours young people spend with trusted mentors: developing resilience, communication skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging in a safe space.
We Open the Door to the Community
We create clear pathways from school into local community rugby clubs, ensuring young people have somewhere to belong beyond our formal programmes. Rugby becomes a bridge connecting them to new people, new opportunities, and a wider support network.
We Stay
We don't move on when a term or school year ends. We offer long-term guidance and stability, walking alongside young people as they grow and holding ourselves accountable through regular dialogue with schools, families, and partners to make sure our support never stops being meaningful.
“When I come to rugby, I know that Jonathan's gonna be safe. Jonathan knows if he's had a particularly difficult day, the coaches will pick up on that, and they will speak to him. As a parent, it's like a lifeline. Just that support is just everything. It's everything for me.”
Elaine
Parent