East Grinstead Rugby Club’s Matt Ratana posthumously wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year award

Matt, who died after being shot while on duty in Croydon on September 25, was well known for his work as head coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club.

The 54-year-old was nominated by the rugby club after spending three years coaching the colts and later becoming head coach.

Matt’s partner, Su Bushby, accepted the award on his behalf.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took time to vote for Matt,” she said. “He would have felt humbled by this. Matt was a very special man, definitely one of a kind who touched so many people’s lives.

“He lit up every room and every pitch with his presence, enthusiasm and smile.

“I am honoured to be here accepting this award tonight. Matt is and always will be my hero.”

In a moving video tribute to Matt, players and coaching staff described how he arrived at East Grinstead Rugby Club at a time when numbers were down after mass departures of management and players.

But through Matt’s efforts working with the youth, women’s and men’s teams, the club’s numbers quadrupled under his stewardship.

Judges heard Matt would always arrive early before training and deliver a session before heading to work for a night shift with the police.

His players said Matt created a culture of ‘believing in yourself’ and had a ‘positive impact on so many lives’.