THE close connections between Ipswich Rugby Club and the armed forces will be recognised during a dignified day of action.

Ipswich RFC boasts a number of ex-servicemen among their personnel as well as one player, Colin Humphreys, who is currently on active service in Afghanistan.

With the prospect of more club youngsters joining the military, Ipswich wanted to pay their own special tribute through a formal service of remembrance on November 14.

During a day of events, players will join vice-presidents and sponsors to lay wreaths at the Humber Doucy Lane ground followed by a two-minute silence and playing of the Last Post.

The short service will be followed by a number of matches between Ipswich and local rivals Bury St Edmunds.

Paul Rowland, the club’s youth and juniors chairman, said: “Within our group of current coaches and volunteers, there are a number of ex-servicemen and also within our senior squad, one is currently on active service.

“Accordingly, every time we hear of another lost soldier, the impact is felt very deeply at a club such as ours.”

Although a minute’s silence had been held by the club before, Rowland admitted the overwhelming consensus was for something more dignified.

During the day, which will start with a welcome address at 10.30am, the club will be collecting for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Help for Heroes and the East Anglian Benevolent Fund.

One of the area’s oldest clubs having been founded 140 years ago, Ipswich firsts are currently just below mid-table in the London 2 North East. It also has two other senior sides and a thriving youth section.