A RUGBY match is to be played in memory of a much-loved player and an inspirational coach who took an amateur rugby club to a higher level.

The memorial match has been organised to help raise money for St Richard's Hospice after Upton-upon-Severn Rugby Football Club's openside flanker Justin Morts' Morton, aged 35, and coach Robin Foley both died of cancer within months of each other last year.

Organiser Tim Badger said he hoped for a big turnout.

"This is going to be a good get-together of people who used to play rugby with and against Justin and who knew Robin," he said.

"Justin was at his peak playing for Upton and one of the best rugby players Upton has produced.

"He was a very, very good player. He led all of the singing and rallied the team together. He is a big loss to the club."

Mr Badger, aged 37, a scrum half who captained the club about 10 years ago, said coach Mr Foley moved the club forward during his three years at the helm.

"He was a very good backs coach," said Mr Badger.

"He was more of a technical coach. Before he arrived we were just 15 lads who would get together and run around the pitch. He introduced moves and got us to try different things. He got us thinking more technically and drove the club forward. He gave us a bit more of a game plan and took the Upton game onto another level."

Mr Badger said the Morton Foley Memorial Cup rugby match will start at 2.30pm on the sports field off Old Street, Upton, this Sunday.

People will be able to make donations and there will also be a pig roast and auction after the game.

All the money raised from the day will be donated to Mr Morton's girlfriend Elayne Brown who set up a fund-raising website following her partner's death in October after a five-year-long battle with cancer. It has already raised more than £3,000.