AN Oxford rugby coach who died from a wasp sting last year will be remembered in a memorial tournament this weekend.

Will Lay, 43, died last August after he suffered a severe allergic reaction when he was stung while getting tools out of his garage.

The landscape gardener from Fyfield had been coaching Oxford RFC under-13s for three years.

Fellow under-13s coach and close friend Steve Jones, 48, said: “I miss him dearly, he was a great friend. He was my ally within the club and he’s still there with us all the time.

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“I was always hoping this would become a long lasting legacy of the memory of Will and I hope it continues that way.”

Current U13s manager Ian Atkinson, who is organising the tournament as a follow-up to an inaugural event last year, said: “It’s a horrific thing to happen, a true tragedy.

“He’s sorely missed not only throughout the club but throughout the county.

“We would like to embed this fixture into the calendar for all the under-13s to remember not only Will as a coach but his ethos for rugby, to develop energetic, confident young men.”

Mr Lay coached one of his sons Matthew, 13, before he passed away.

His widow Milly Lay said:“As a family we are all very happy and proud, and hope the memorial tournament will continue in memory of Will.”

The mother-of-three added: “He always hoped his son would go on to be a professional rugby player, and Matthew is more determined than ever now to go on in rugby and make his dad proud.”

A barbecue and bar will be laid on, with money raised going to the charity Anaphylaxis Campaign for severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.

Mr Atkinson said: “It’s beyond belief that such a big, burly, loveable, friendly guy can so tragically die from something as benign as being stung by a wasp.

“This can happen to anyone and we want to raise awareness of anaphylaxis.”

The tri-tournament will feature under-13 teams from Oxford RFC, Banbury RUFC and Maidenhead RFC.

The winners will be awarded the Will Lay Cup, lifted last year by Will’s son Matthew who captained the Oxford side.

All Mr Lay’s children, including Tilly, 10 and Ollie, 15, as well as Matthew, will be on the sidelines on Sunday.

Two Premiership rugby players from London Welsh will be joining the event.

Ben Pienaar and Nic Reynolds will be on hand to run warm-up sessions and provide feedback to the boys.

Anaphylaxis factfile

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It is relatively uncommon, but can affect people of all ages

People with other allergic conditions, such as asthma or the allergic skin condition atopic eczema, are most at risk of developing anaphylaxis.

Common causes include foods such as nuts), sesame, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs.

It is estimated that about 20 to 30 deaths due to anaphylaxis occur in the UK each year. But with quick and proper treatment, most people make a full recovery.

For information about the charity visit anaphylaxis.org.uk

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