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An annual touch rugby fundraiser held in memory of two young rugby players is returning to Blackwood this June.

Rhydian Poole of Blackwood RFC and Ieuan Strutt of Penallta RFC were both described as “larger than life characters” by their mums.

Despite that appearance on the outside, Rhydian took his life aged just 18 and Ieuan just 17. 

It prompted their mothers, Paula Poole and Clare Jackson, to begin raising money through charity events in honour of their sons.

The annual event, which returns to Blackwood Rugby Club on Saturday June 8, has raised a total of £16,000 for Papyrus, a national suicide prevention charity for young people.

It involves a dozen or so teams from around the borough coming together for a day of touch rugby. It’s one of several charity events Blackwood RFC hold every year.

Gates open at 12pm, with the first game kicking-off at 1pm. Organisers are currently looking for donations for the charity auction.

Paula Poole said: “It’s a lovely family day to try and raise awareness and money for Papyrus.

“We want to keep the memories of Ieuan and Rhydian alive. We don’t want any other family feeling how we feel – if we can help just one person or if one person speaks out then we have done a really good job.”