Giving back to promote safer rugby and a better life for injured players



The SA Rugby Legends Association hands over a donation to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund

After a highly successful and entertaining Play the Bounce Braaiand Training Day with the Springboks, the South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) has capped off the event by handing over a cheque to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson PlayersFund. This was made possible through personal donations made by the SA Rugby Legends who attended the event, as a way of giving back to the sport.

The days events not only gave guests a chance to rub shoulders with some of SAs current and former rugby greats at a traditional and lekker braai at Monte Casino, but also focused on developing young rugby players with a specialised training clinic. The Chris Burger Petro Jackson PlayersFund was established more than 30 years ago after Western Province fullback Chris Burger sustained a fatal neck injury and seeks to assist all SA rugby players that have sustained disabling head, neck and spinal cord injuries on the field. For this reason, the Fund is focused on creating awareness amongst young players on the importance of preventing injuries and playing safer rugby. 

The clinic, which was hosted at Fourways High School, gave 50 u15 athletes from the Vuka Rugby League a chance to up their game on the field, led by Stefan Terblanche, Ian McIntosh, James Small, Breyton Paulse, Ethienne Reynecke, Warren Brosnihan and Dale Santon. The rugby legends showed the youngsters how it is done during a 45-minute non-contact training session and touch rugby games. There was also a 10 minute BokSmart presentation on injury prevention. Vuka sources many of its players from underprivileged areas in the country and thus, this clinic was an incredible and inspiring experience for these aspiring players. 

SARLA CEO, Stefan Terblanche, notes how important the work of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson PlayersFund is: In rugby, as in other sports, there is always a chance that something can go wrong. The Fund does amazing work to help injured players live with dignity and purpose, and for that reason, SARLA is honoured to present them with this donation. We thank them for everything that they do and hope that this contribution helps to make a difference in some way.He also points out that the Vuka athletes were thrilled and grateful to be a part of the day: Our Vuka players are so enthusiastic about the game and the opportunity to get out there and get coached by these rugby legends and put the hugest grins on their faces. It makes what we do at SARLA so rewarding, when we see initiatives like this pay off.

Event sponsors, life insurance industry player, BrightRock, became involved with the PlayersFund as an extension of their Play the Bounce philosophy, which embraces the ever-changing, unpredictable nature of life and of rugby.

For more info on the Chris Burger Petro Jackson PlayersFund, visit the following channels:
           Website: www.playersfund.org.za 
           Telephone: (021) 659 5615 
           Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/PlayersFund/ 

           Twitter: https://twitter.com/playersfundsa






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