Student rugby players from Matthew Flinders Anglican College and other schools are inviting the Sunshine Coast community to attend a special match on Saturday to support their friend, 16-year-old Josh Ward.
Josh requires rehabilitation after recently being struck down by a Basilar Artery Occlusion/Stroke. He will require much support from his family and friends through his rehabilitation.
The match will be played between Noosa Rugby Club and Flinders Rugby at the Forrester Fields, Ballinger Road, at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, from 5pm.
Josh is a passionate rugby union player, having been a member of the Saints Rugby Club through his primary school years and more recently at the Noosa Dolphins.
He is in his last year of high school at St Andrew’s Anglican College at Peregian Springs.
In 2018, Josh was part of a combined under-14’s Flinders Rugby Club and Saints Rugby Club team that were crowned premiers of the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union Junior Competition.
The match on Saturday will involve a number of the boys who were teammates of Josh’s in that victorious Flinders Saints under-14’s team.
The boys will be on opposing sides when the Flinders 1st and 2nd XV teams take on Noosa Junior Colts at Matthew Flinders Anglican College.
“One of the main responsibilities of every school is to ensure that its students, past and present, feel supported and cared for by their school community,” Flinders Principal Stuart Meade said.
“This rugby match is one way we can all come together to give Josh the support and friendship he will benefit from as he focuses on his health and rehabilitation.”
For more information about supporting Josh, visit: http://au.gofundme.com/f/josh-ward-help-josh-get-back-on-his-feet?qid=bbca33d08b6c3 401b27e7b73ab0776c1