Poignant rugby tribute to a popular teacher

Pupils and friends will line up for a game of rugby next weekend in memory of Russ Williams, a teacher at Al Ain English Speaking School who died last year.

Mr Williams, a 34-year-old Briton and father of three, was also a reliable full-back for the Al Ain Rugby team. He died in July after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

His widow, Nicky, said she wanted to hold the memorial to coincide with the end of the school term. Mr Williams was a highly popular physical education teacher.

Pupils will play touch rugby next Friday, June 29, before a Remembrance Tribute at Al Ain Rugby Club. Mr Williams's teammates will then play a charity game.

"Following on from that, we will have tributes and show videos of him," Mrs Williams said. Afterwards, lanterns will be lit by everyone and let off into the night's sky.

Mr Williams's three children are Anthony, 13, Cael, 6, and Faith, 3.

eharnan@thenational.ae