RUGBY players who are the same age as a rifleman was when he was killed in Afghanistan are playing a game in his memory.

The match between Westcombe Park Colts and the Borough BaaBaas comes 15 months after Rifleman James Brown died in Afghanistan.

He was killed, aged 18, while trying to stand his ground at a vehicle checkpoint in Helmand province when two suicide bombers on a motorbike tried to ride into a market.

Standard bearers from the Petts Wood and Orpington branches of the Royal British Legion will pay tribute to him before the game kicks off at 11.30am on April 2 at Westcombe Park Rugby Club in Goddington Park, Orpington.

It has been organised by ex-soldier Mark Birch, of Crescent Drive, Petts Wood, whose two sons play for the club.

The 43-year-old said: “James went to school with a couple of the boys that are playing in the match and it is to make them aware that he made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Some of the soldiers go to fight for us and never come back.”

Rifleman Brown’s dad Stephen will be at the memorial match which will raise money for services charities.

Mr Brown said: “I’m delighted [about the match] and anything that helps charity is a good thing.

“James made me the proudest person.

“As much as it hurts to lose him, the amount of pride I have for him helps me get through.”

Tickets cost £3 on the day of the match and the clubhouse will be open from 10am.