A RUGBY tournament is being staged in Southend next week to raise funds for a highly-rated player fighting for his life.

South Woodham Ferrers’ Andrew Sutton, who is just 18-years-old, is currently in a coma in Greece after falling down a set of stairs on holiday.

And family friend Jack Kershaw has now organised a 10-a-side event which will be held at Southend’s Warners Bridge base next Wednesday.

“The local rugby community have all pulled together to put on a tournament to raise further funds for Andrew and his family,” said Kershaw.

“A GoFundMe page has been set up which has already raised more than £9,500 and we hope to be able to make a bit more next Wednesday.

“Andrew is a great lad and is someone who broke into the South Woodham Ferrers first team last season.

“He also played for Essex’s under-18 and under-20 teams and we want to do all we can to help now.

“The event filled up really quickly and it’s been great to see so many local clubs and players wanting to get involved.

“We have plenty of other things going on there on the night as well and want to see a big crowd, so we’re hoping a lot of people will come down.”

Eight teams will do battle in the event - which gets underway at 7.30pm - with matches lasting seven minutes each way.

And running alongside the tournament will be an impressive raffle and charity auction which will be hosted by ex-England and Wasps star Andy Goode.

Among the items being auctioned are a signed Ireland international ball, England women’s signed 2014 World Cup winning side shirt, a 2016 signed Six Nations winning side team and tickets for Saracens’ game with Harlequins at Wembley.

The tournament has been well supported by the Prince Of Wales Pub, Thorpe Bay Marine, Maypole Press, RugbyEveryDay.co.uk, Barons Barbers, Balgores Property Group and S10 Supplies Limited.

Volunteers are required for the event along with a company with experience in live streaming sports to enable Andrew’s family to watch the event in Greece.

Anyone able to help should contact Kershaw on 07975 965003 or email jack@red-teamwear.co.uk.

Regular updates about the event can also be found on Twitter by searching for @andrewsappeal.