Special match in memory of rugby-loving Kieran

Members of Hutton Rugby Union Football Club and UCLan’s Rugby Union Club will play in a one-off game on April 6, in memory of Kieran Bowes who played for both sides.

Kieran, who was originally from Ballymena in Northern Ireland, had been studying Sports Science at UCLan before he became ill with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014.

Hutton captain Craig Dootson said: “Kieran played with Hutton for two seasons whilst he was a student at UCLan.

“From the moment he came down to his first training session we knew we had a great player on our hands.

“Kieran was an out and out open side flanker and he went into every game giving 100 per cent.

“During his short time playing for Hutton he made a big impression and was such a popular character among everyone at the club, he was always up for a laugh.

“The whole club and the wider rugby community has been affected by the loss of Kieran and we want to remember him in the way that he would have wanted; the memorial game against UCLan on April 6 seems like the most fitting tribute.

“We would like to encourage anyone with an interest in rugby or anyone who wants to remember Kieran to come down to Preston Sports Arena and play or spectate.”

Kieran died on February 14 in Northern Ireland, and his funeral was attended by players from the Hutton team. Players and supporters have also auctioned off rugby clothing for charity in his memory.

The memorial match is set to kick off at 6.30pm on April 6 at Preston Sports Arena off Tom Benson Way, Cottam.