Memorial match to honour tragic star

Andrew Curwell

A cross-code rugby match will be held on Sunday to remember a talented teenage player who died just over a year ago.

Andrew Curwell, from Delph, played for Saddleworth Rangers before joining Leeds Rhinos Academy in 2007. The 18-year-old died after plunging 70ft down a cliff in Newquay.

The league and union match at the Old Rishworthians ground in Halifax will raise funds for the Saddleworth Rugby Trust, set up in Andrew’s memory, to widen access to rugby in the Saddleworth and Oldham area.

Andrew is believed to have been searching for his wallet after celebrating the end of A-levels with friends, and an inquest could open in September into the tragedy.

Andrew was a pupil at Rishworth School and his father Steve said many of his former friends will be playing and supporting the event.

He added: “Anyone can come along to watch on Sunday and the events starts with a tug-of- war to decide which code is played first.

Andrew played league with Rangers but union at school.

“There will probably be a few guys from the various academies there.

“Andrew was with Salford Reds before he went to Leeds — he had a very good game at Salford against Leeds and that’s when he was approached by Rhinos.

“But he got a bad injury playing against Huddersfield and never really got going again.

“He was hoping to get his fitness back when he got to university — he was going to go to Leeds Metropolitan to study sports science.

“He did get an A and two Cs in his A-levels, which would have been enough for him to go.”

Mr Curwell decided to set up the Saddleworth Rugby Trust after organising a trip for young players to go to Perpignan in France to play.

Now he hopes the match will become an annual event, played alternatively at Saddleworth Rangers in Greenfield and at the Old Rishworthians.

The event, which includes a barbecue, refreshments and bar, starts at 2pm and directions to the ground are on the website www.orrufc.co.uk/directions