RUGBY teams from across the country took part in a charity tournament on Weymouth Beach in honour of Julian Quick, a former rugby captain who died from cancer earlier this year.

Weymouth and Portland RFC organised a memorial five-a-side festival to raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare, which supported 28-year-old Julian through his battle with cancer until his death in February.

Before being diagnosed with cancer Julian was heavily involved in the club on and off the field and captained the men’s first team.

The sport star also played rugby for Dorset county and joined Exeter University’s first team while he was a student.

Carol Biggs, fixtures secretary of Weymouth and Portland RFC, said: “I’ve known Julian or a long time. He was such a large part of the club, he was the one that really got the club going with his dad and we just have so much respect for him. We’re just here today to show our support and remember a great guy.”

Throughout his battle with cancer Julian spoke openly about the disease and the importance of cancer charities.

Organiser and coach Mark Graham said: “There has always been a beach tournament of some sorts down here, but as a club we decided we wanted to give something back to our first team captain and the charity that supported him.

“The idea is to remember Julian and get people involved with the sport. The beach is perfect for it, it lends itself really well. If it’s done right it could definitely become an annual tournament.”

Over the weekend, a total of 20 adult teams and 14 youth teams took to the sand throughout the two-day event.

Jordan Kelly, a former roommate of Julian’s who played rugby with him at university, said: “We’ve decided to get involved for Jules. All the boys that used to play together as a uni team have got together to show their support and hopefully raise some money for the hospice.”

Hopefully we can make it an annual event and get all the people from Exeter rugby team together each year to play a few games and remember Julian.”

It is anticipated the tournament will raise between £5,000 and £6,000 which will be split between Weldmar and the RNLI, a charity the club chose because of its dedication to make the beach a safe place to play.

Captain of Weymouth ladies first team Ruth Harris said: “We’ve got men and women playing against each other today which is great. It is the beauty of touch rugby really, anyone can play against anybody and it really gets everyone involved. “ “After the tournament we will head back to the club to raise a glass for Julian. He was such a social person and always enjoyed a party so we will be having a toast in his name.”