FURNESS and Orsted Energy will again be locking horns on the rugby field on New Year’s Day to commemorate the life of former player Lee White.

The match is now in its third year, having been first held in 2017, and sees a select XV from White’s former club take on a side put together by his former employers.

The 30-year-old sadly passed away in April 2016 and this match has quickly become an established event on the area’s rugby union calendar, with a whole day of entertainment planned at the Strawberry Grounds on January 1.

“It’s really well-attended,” said Furness player Joe Mallinson, who has helped organise the event since its inception.

“The first year we had over 400 people there and, I think in total, over the past two years we’ve raised over £4,000 in total.”

In addition to the game, there will be a raffle with prizes donated by companies in the area followed by live music in the clubhouse afterwards

Hot food will be available during the game too, and all proceeds raised from the day will again be split between chosen charities St Mary’s Hospice and the Bluebell Foundation.

Admission for the day will be £2 per person or £5 for a family ticket.

Last year’s game saw the Orsted Select team come from 10-0 down to win 12-10, along with raising close to £1,200 for both charities.