THE RUGBY club where a police officer killed on duty served as head coach is calling for people to nominate him for a prestigious award.

Matt Ratana, 54, was shot by a handcuffed suspect at Croydon Custody Centre and died in the early hours of September 25.

Matt has been hailed a “hero” for many from the force and members of East Grinstead rugby club saw him as a “father figure”.

Now his rugby club are asking people to nominate him for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s Unsung Hero 2020 award.

A spokesman for East Grinstead Rugby Club said: “Please nominate Matt Ratana for this year’s Unsung Hero Award. A fitting tribute to the man we called coach.Let’s make this happen in the memory of a great man.”

The awards search for volunteers whose efforts have meant sports clubs have made a positive impact in local communities during this “unprecedented year”.

Andy Poole, President of East Grinstead RFC, paid tribute to Matt, a man hailed as a “remarkable rugby hero for so many”.

He said: “Matt was devoted to the club, the coaching staff and to every single player that ran on to the pitch. It was an absolute privilege to watch him coach, his level of detail was outstanding and his enthusiasm for rugby just inspiring. As a head coach for the last three seasons and a personal friend to me and so many others at the club, Matt was always bringing in new and exciting ideas and was a true role model, mentor and often father figure. A Kiwi with an infectious laugh, who loved to chat, making time for anyone who crossed his path. Matt has earned the admiration of the world and his legacy will live on at East Grinstead RFC. The club door is always open.”

The 54-year-old died from a gunshot wound to the chest after being injured at Croydon Custody Centre, an inquest has heard.

The rugby coach from Goring was shot dead by a handcuffed suspect, widely named as 23-year-old Louis De Zoysa, as he was booked in at a custody suite in the early hours of Friday. Detective Superintendent Nick Blackburn said the weapon was discharged “several times”. A revolver was later recovered from the scene.

To nominate Matt, head to bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/27037119.

When filling in the form use the following details:

Post code: RH19 4JU, Telephone: 01342 322338, Email: operations@egrfc.com.

The closing date for nominations is October 25.