DropZone Brewery is supporting the Whanau Cup – a double header of charity rugby matches featuring former Premiership and International stars on behalf of the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation.

Held at London Irish Hazelwood on Saturday 28 August, the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation Whanau Cup will feature two matches, with invitational men’s and women’s teams forming the MRRF Marauders to take on England Police and MRRF Vixens who will face a Women’s Police XV.

The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation was set up in honour of Sgt Ratana after he was killed while on duty in his role as Custody Sergeant.

He was also Head Coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club and had relationships with many other clubs around the world.

Gavin Bolton, Chief Inspector for Response for the London Boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth and England Police Rugby Team Manager, said: ‘We’re thrilled to be involved with such a great cause and recognise the great life and work of Matt Ratana.

“It’s great to see the strength of support for the event, including through sponsors in the shape of DropZone who do so much to support emergency services as well as the armed forces.”

DropZone Brewery was launched by a group of veterans in early 2021 with the aim of supporting current and former service people, with 20 per cent of all profits going back to the military community.

Sean Crawford, DropZone's founder, said: ‘It brings us great pleasure to support such an inspiring event and all the great work the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation do.

“It’s a great fit for our brand which is built on supporting those who have done such a fantastic job of serving our country, and we hope all the players enjoy a well-deserved bottle of Thin Blue Line at full time!”

They also produced a limited edition beer - Thin Blue Line - to support the Police Firearms Officers Association.