PLAYERS from Crediton will again take part in a tag rugby festival later this month.

The 2015 event raised more than £12,000 for FORCE Cancer Charity and has been renamed in memory of one of its founders.

The Darren Harries Rugby Legends Tag “Feztival” will take place on Saturday, July 23, at Exeter Saracens Rugby Club in Whipton.

Former Exeter utility back Darren passed away in September at the age of 40 after a brave battle with kidney cancer.

Before he died, his wife, Katie, pledged that she would carry on his campaign to raise awareness and funds for FORCE by staging a second tag rugby tournament - Tagfez 2 Tagmania.

The 40-year-old solicitor and their two sons, Reuben (7) and Aidan (2) will be at this month’s festival.

“Darren was absolutely gobsmacked by the level of support the event received last year, the number of people who turned up on the day and the amount of money raised,” said Katie.

“He was so blown away by how the rugby community came together that he was determined to do it again. It’s sad that he hasn’t been given the opportunity but his legacy will continue. I made him that promise.

“He was so grateful for the support we got from FORCE as a family that he wanted to do as much as he could to show his appreciation. He wanted to give something back,” she added.

Shane Bayley, who will again captain the Crediton team, said: “I started raising money for FORCE through sponsored cycle rides and The Three Peaks Challenge after losing my Dad to cancer seven years ago.

"When given the opportunity to combine my love of playing rugby and to also raise some money for FORCE it made perfect sense. Last year was a great success, made all the more enjoyable by playing rugby together with friends and opponents from the last 30 years.

"This year will be a difficult year playing in memory of one of the founder members Darren Harries, who will be missed for his energy and enthusiasm.”

The tournament was co-founded by former Devon winger Andy Matchett, who wanted to encourage more men to deal with cancer openly and highlight the work of FORCE after he was given the all clear from melanoma.

“Darren’s passing was too quick and has had a profound effect on many of his closest friends. However, what it has also done is thrust a very strong and motivated woman into our group. Katie Harries is now driving our event,” said Andy.

“As Darren’s wife she had much to contend with in life and now that energy is being channelled full throttle into Darren’s legacy. With Katie on board, Tagfez 2016 will be totally awesome.”

The tournament will feature teams of over 35s from Exeter Chiefs, Exeter Saracens, Wessex, Crediton, Sidmouth, Topsham, Plymouth Albion and the Bali Legends.

Each team of eight must also include two ladies aged 16 or over.

The event at Exhibition Fields, behind the Exeter Arena, kicks off at 1pm and as well as the rugby, there will be entertainment for all the family, live music, a bouncy castle, cake and sweets stalls, a hog roast and barbecue, refreshments and a bar.

There will also be a draw and an auction of sporting memorabilia and experiences including a VIP match day hospitality package with the Exeter Chiefs, two tickets for a Championship match at Somerset County Cricket Club and signed Chiefs and Ireland shirts.

Entry to the event is £1 and everyone is welcome.

Alan Quick