A charity single recorded to honour police Sgt Matt Ratana

Award-winning soprano, Joanna Forest and pianist, Joel Goodman have recorded a version of the rugby anthem, World In Union.

The proceeds will be donated to the Matt Ratana foundation, set up by East Grinstead Rugby Club, to raise money for the Atlas Foundation, which helps deprived young people through rugby initiatives and communities.

East Grinstead Rugby Club hope the single will commemorate the life of their former head coach.

Sgt Matt Ratana and his partner, Su

Andy Poole, President of East Grinstead RFC said: “Words fail me, we really cannot thank Joanna and Joel for arranging the composition enough.

“Both have shown such kindness and compassion at this extraordinary hard time. We reached out and they were there.

“This beautiful song has been recorded in the hope it brings a little harmony and unity to Su, Matt’s partner, his friends and loved ones and to the police and rugby communities around the world.”

The song has also accompanied Sgt Ratana’s nomination video for the upcoming BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award.

Joanna and Joel wore wearing East Grinstead senior rugby playing shirts during the recording of the single.

Joanna said she hopes the song will “bring comfort” across the police and rugby community.

Classical singer Joanna Forest

“Like so many others, I was so shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Matt,” she said.

“Taking it a step further and releasing the song in his memory is an honour.

“He was clearly a deeply respected man who was loved and admired by many.”

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has backed the release of the single and called Sgt Ratana “the very best of our sport”.

He said: “Matt Ratana represented the very best of our sport and will be hugely missed by those closest to him, including his club East Grinstead and the wider rugby family, as well as his police colleagues.

“Public support has been immense and to see soprano Joanna Forest recording a version of ‘World In Union’ in Matt’s honour adds a new and welcome element to all the tributes made to a very special man.”

Sgt Ratana’s partner, Su Bushby requested that the song was played before its release during Sgt Ratana's funeral service, which took place last week.