UK armed forces have played a rugby match to commemorate the life of Aberystwyth man, Steffan Rees, who died last year.

Steffan, 29, died in France after a cliff fall while on a rugby tour.

On 6 November, his life was commemorated by the first UK Armed Forces Remembrance rugby match, held at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester.

The Royal Naval Association sponsored the Man of the Match trophy and salver in honour of Steffan.

Steffan, from Aberystwith was an exemplary serviceman, who played Rugby for the Royal Navy and the UK Armed Forces Men’s team.

Steffan also played for Aberystwyth Rugby Club, joining the club when he was just seven-years-old.

He had been playing for the Combined Services team in the World Defence Rugby competition in Brittany when his body was discovered in August last year.

Steffan’s father, Jamie Tank, attended the match in Gloucester, along with Steffan’s best friend, Jordan Thomas.

Jamie said: “I have enjoyed the continued connection with the Armed Forces that this match offers. It is an emotional time and I’m so proud that Steff was so well thought of within the Navy. It is as though Steff belonged to a bigger family and I’m made up that they loved him too.”

This match is the first of a continuing annual Remembrance Rugby Match to be played in honour of Steff. This year, the match was UK Armed Forces Men against the German National Team. Ultimately the German team won, but not without some strong challenges from the UK side. The Man of the Match trophy, which was sponsored by the Royal Naval Association, out of deep respect for Steffan and his family, was Ryan Crowley, who played a blinding game.

Steffan’s best friend, Jordan Thomas said: “We were like brothers and I miss him. I was the last person who spoke to him before he died and that is a big responsibility. It has been such a hard day, because I know Steff would have loved this, he loved his rugby. Maybe he’s here with us. I hope so, except he’d have been annoyed that we didn’t win.”

The match was well attended by the Armed Forces and rugby community.

Sarah Oakley, Chair of Royal Navy Rugby Union, said, “What better way to commemorate Steffan’s life than by an annual rugby match. And a big thank you to the Royal Naval Association for the trophy.

“It was also great to see so many Royal Navy players on the pitch today.”

UKAF Director of Rugby, Ben Birkbeck, said: “Tonight we celebrate an enduring spirit of friendship through rugby. This match will now become our capstone annual Remembrance game, not only celebrating young men like Steffan, but also celebrating 100 years of UKAF rugby.”