Members of two rival rugby clubs will go head-to-head in a charity match to commemorate players who died during the First World War.

Sutton and Epsom RFC and Streatham and Croydon RFC, rivals since their inception in the 1800s, will play on April 18 to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

Prior to the match, which will be played in kits that replicate those used in 1915, there will be a service of remembrance at 11am, followed by Last Post and a minute’s silence.

Sutton and Epsom RFC and Streatham and Croydon RFC suffered a collective loss of 50 members during the Great War.

Gavin McIlreavy, club captain of Sutton and Epsom RFC and organiser of the event, said: “We thought we should really do something for that. As players, we want to play our part.”

Relatives of the players who died have been invited to the match at Sutton and Epsom RFC’s home ground in Rugby Lane, Cheam.

Players from Winchester University, Winchester 2nd team and younger players of Sutton and Epsom RFC will be taking part in exhibition games later in the day.

The match is hoped to be the first of many to commemorate the First World War over a five-year period, with a trip to France to play against Stade Français’s amateur team anticipated in 2018.

Donations for the event are being collected on the day and through justgiving.com/greatwarrugby, which has already received more than £780 of the £2,000 target.