National League Rugby is shocked and saddened to learn of the news that RFU Match Official Mat Coultas passed away last week.

Mat tragically suffered a cardiac arrest whilst out jogging. It is devastating to comprehend the loss of a match official at such a young age.

The team of RFU Match Officials have not only lost a colleague but a true friend, with Mat having been a member of the NLD Referees Society for 15 years and an RFU National League Match Official for the past four seasons.

This coming Saturday, Mat was due to be part of the officiating team for the National Two East fixture between Wimbledon and Barnes.

All match officials across the National Leagues will be wearing black armbands this weekend to mark this tragic loss. The RFU Match Officials would also request that a minute’s silence is held at all grounds.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mat’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.