Rugby game to honour memory of Reading 'legend' Richard Jones

Reading Rugby Club's veterans will travel to Camberley's Watchetts Recreation Ground in a testimonial game to remember the former player and coach, who died in September last year after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

He played for Camberley until last season, having represented Reading at junior level.

His family, from Twyford, were supporters and patrons of both clubs and the two clubs struck up the friendly to raise funds for a trust in Richard's name.

The Surrey club's Under 15s will also play host to Cwmgor RFC, for whom Jones also played during an amateur playing career spanning three decades.

His two sons will both pull on their boots to play this weekend, with 14-year old Ben playing against Cwmgor and Dan, 18, playing for the Vets against Reading.

Both games kick off at 1.15pm and will be followed at 2.30pm by 1st XV and 2nd XV fixtures against Hove.

A minute's silence will be held across the park before kick-off.

"Richard was one of the pillars of the Thames Valley rugby community, playing for Reading in his younger years and latterly Camberley, in addition to some Barbarian-type appearances for some of the local vets teams," said Rob Davis, Camberley Under 15s coach and Vets player.

"He was a legend - always happy to help and assist the club and the wider club community as a coach, having coached both of his sons' age groups, a player for more than 17 years and even on some of the club building projects."

All funds raised from the game, including a lunch and post-match auction, will go towards the Richard Jones Memorial Trust fund.

Anyone wanting to pledge a donation, or items for the auction or raffles, can email Richard Hoare at Camberley Rugby Club - richard@camberleyrugbyclub.co.uk.