Rugby tag tournament in dad's memory

Exeter Saracens RFC will again play host to a charity tag rugby festival this weekend.

The 2015 event raised more than £12,000 for FORCE Cancer Charity and has been renamed in memory of one of its founders.

The Darren Harries Rugby Legends Tag Feztival will take place on Saturday (July 23) at Sarries’ ground in Whipton.

Former Exeter utility back Darren passed away in September at the age of 40 after a brave battle with kidney cancer.

Before he died, his wife, Katie, pledged that she would carry on his campaign to raise awareness and funds for FORCE by staging a second tag rugby tournament - Tagfez 2 Tagmania.

The 40-year-old solicitor and their two sons, Reuben (7) and Aidan (2) will be at next month’s festival.

“Darren was absolutely gobsmacked by the level of support the event received last year, the number of people who turned up on the day and the amount of money raised,” said Katie.

“He was so blown away by how the rugby community came together that he was determined to do it again. It’s sad that he hasn’t been given the opportunity but his legacy will continue. I made him that promise.

“He was so grateful for the support we got from FORCE as a family that he wanted to do as much as he could to show his appreciation. He wanted to give something back,” she added.

Dave Turner will captain the Exeter Saracens team. He told The Exeter Daily: “The reason I got involved with TagFez is because I liked the idea of being able to support a local charity that has helped members of my own family.

"My mum had cancer and my wife skin cancer and following their treatment at the RD&E, FORCE continued to offer help and support to ensure they both had everything they needed to complete their recovery.

"I also knew Darren from many years ago playing at Exeter Saracens RFC so it was nice to be able to help him by getting a team together. It was also great to be able to take part in a sport that I have been involved with practically all my life and am reasonably good at.

"Many charity fundraisers involve throwing yourself out of an aeroplane, over a cliff or running walking, cycling some vast distance all of which I wouldn’t be any good at!

"I had no hesitation in getting involved again this year as last year was a huge success with lots of fun on and off the field. It gave the rugby community a chance to do something worthwhile and for old friends to roll back the years and reminisce over matches that took place in the dim and distant past.

"The event also raised a huge amount of money for the cause with so much interest in last year’s event we hope even more money can be raised this time around.”

The tournament was co-founded by former Devon winger Andy Matchett, who wanted to encourage more men to deal with cancer openly and highlight the work of FORCE after he was given the all clear from melanoma.

“Darren’s passing was too quick and has had a profound effect on many of his closest friends. However, what it has also done is thrust a very strong and motivated woman into our group. Katie Harries is now driving our event,” said Andy.

“As Darren’s wife she had much to contend with in life and now that energy is being channelled full throttle into Darren’s legacy. With Katie on board, Tagfez 2016 will be totally awesome.”

Darren was a key player in the local fundraising phenomenon based on a fez. The Fez Army is led by Martin Lynn, who has just undergone a stem cell transplant for a rare blood cancer.

He and his team have raised more than £80,000 for FORCE in two years with a series of events from the sale of wristbands and badges, an alternative Christmas celebration in August, head shaves, tattoos, a charity talent show, a golf day and lots of individual challenges.

It’s hoped the second tag rugby festival will help the fez team towards their target of £100,000 by the end of this year.

The tournament will feature teams of over 35s from Exeter Chiefs, Exeter Saracens, Wessex, Crediton, Sidmouth, Topsham, Plymouth Albion and the Bali Legends.
Each team of eight must also include two ladies aged 16 or over.

The event at Exhibition Fields, behind the Exeter Arena, kicks off at 1pm and as well as the rugby, there will be entertainment for all the family, live music, a bouncy castle, cake and sweets stalls, a hog roast and barbecue, refreshments and a bar.

There’s also a draw and an auction of sporting memorabilia and experiences including a VIP match day hospitality package with the Exeter Chiefs, two tickets for a Championship match at Somerset County Cricket Club and signed Chiefs and Ireland shirts.

Entry to the event is £1 and everyone is welcome.