The Bermuda rugby community will come together to remember two of its shining lights over the next couple of days.

Tomorrow marks a year to the day since Devrae Noel-Simmons died and on Saturday, Stephen Edwards, who was killed in a bike accident last week, will be laid to rest.

The funeral in St George’s takes place on the morning of the George Duckett Memorial matches and the day promises to be a highly emotional occasion.

Bermuda Police Rugby Football Club, who host the Duckett Memorial in honour of the murdered police commissioner, have changed the schedule so that youth team players can attend the funeral in the morning, and then honour their team-mate and friend on the pitch in the afternoon.

“Unfortunately this year’s Duckett Memorial will be played so soon after losing one of Bermuda’s young rugby talents, Stephen Edwards,” a BPRFC spokesman said. “This is a great opportunity to pull together as a rugby community and show our respects towards losing one of our fellow players.”

Saturday’s matches at Police Field will start at 12.45pm with the George Duckett Memorial match between Police 1st XV and a BRFU President’s XV kicking off at 3.30pm.

Meanwhile, Teachers Rugby Club are inviting players, supporters, and friends to join them at Docksider Pub and Restaurant tomorrow evening to celebrate the life of Noel-Simmons.

A larger-than-life character in so many ways, Noel-Simmons had an effect on Bermuda rugby at every level.

“He was one of Bermuda rugby’s most passionate members,” Sean Field-Lament, the Bermuda Rugby Football Union president, said. “Devrae loyally served the BRFU for many years and volunteered his time and worked tirelessly to build Bermuda rugby from the grass roots level upwards.

He mentored our under-14 and under-16 national teams, TN Tatem Middle School, Berkeley, Purvis and Francis Patton primary schools. He was fitness coach to our women’s national team and head coach of his beloved Teachers RFC at the time of his passing.

“His contribution to the sport on this Island was immense. He was a fine ambassador for Bermuda rugby. His loss to the BRFU is immense, but his impact will never be forgotten.”