Mori descent. Matt had a big passion for rugby and was deeply committed to coaching young players. To honour his legacy and dedication to rugby and community service, The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was set up.
The Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at creating opportunities, guiding, and inspiring positive change for young people through rugby. It designs and delivers school and community rugby initiatives locally and across borders. These efforts benefit disadvantaged young people of all backgrounds, in line with the values Matt held dear.
Support from individuals and organisations is crucial for the Foundation to fulfil its mission. Every donation, no matter how small, significantly impacts the young people they strive to help. The raised funds support coaching sessions, projects, and events, giving young people the opportunities they deserve.
One of the Foundation’s standout initiatives is the Ratana 7s, a Rugby 7s tournament offering development tracks for young players. It features both men's and women's teams, providing a platform for showcasing skills on the rugby field.
Besides their projects, the Foundation supports other charities and initiatives aligning with their goals. They’ve built strong collaborations, offering monetary support, partnerships, and friendly charity fixtures.
Working year-round, both nationally and internationally, the Foundation aims to assist young people facing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). They strive to extend their reach and accessibility, offering more opportunities to those who need it most.
To stay updated on activities, anyone can subscribe to the mailing list for news, updates, and information about events and rugby programmes. The Foundation also maintains a blog on their website.
Operating under The Atlas Foundation, a registered UK charity, The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation is based at the Gearon Pavilion, Saint Hill, East Grinstead. They can be contacted at donations@MattRatanaRugby.Foundation.
Supporting The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation allows individuals and organisations to make a significant difference in young lives. The Foundation’s commitment to creating opportunities, guiding, and inspiring change through rugby reflects the values Matt cherished during his life.