SUNDAY marked the day when the rugby family paid a farewell tribute and celebration of Rich Brember’s sadly short life.

Rich had just been elected second XV captain for the 2018/19 season and in the summer went for a training bike ride. But he suffered a fatal heart attack, leaving his young wife and his family with a huge vacuum to fill. At 32, it was a horrible outcome to face.

Rich’s former clubs – Havant, Warwick University, Bracknell and Farnham - turned up in force to pay testament to this brilliant, dedicated young man and to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) – the Brember family’s chosen charity. With more than 350 supporters and players from the four clubs, Rich’s family were ably supported by the wider rugby family to which they belong.

England and British Lions legend Jason Leonard led proceedings and kicked off the match – selfies, baby snaps and mountains of memories and nostalgia made the afternoon. The match between two specifically selected sides from the clubs ended at 60-60 as Farnham club stalwart Jimmy O’Sullivan at the electronic scoreboard controls ensured parity.

Before the game, an address by former club captain Dave Hurley highlighted Rich’s life and a poignant poem entitled ‘Be like Rich’, written by Benjy Weeks and read by teammate Andrew Freshwater, encapsulated Rich’s wonderful attitude toward amateur sport, and rugby in particular. After the game, tributes were paid by teammates from each club and the day ended with a raffle of prizes, an auction of Harlequins and match memorabilia and other items. More than £5,500 was raised on the day and, with online donations still being received, CRY look to benefit to the tune of £10,000 in Rich Brember’s memory.

After the game, Graeme Attbridge, from Cardiac Risk in the Young, talked about the need for screening and assessment to rid future generations of this inexplicable and devastating phenomenon. The website [email protected] provides information on the support and advice that this wonderful organisation offers. Call 01737 363222 or e-mail [email protected].

A great rugby afternoon tinged with sadness and emotion. Farewell, Rich, and thank you.