Springbok rugby fans get to rub shoulders with their heroes at Montecasino
FOURWAYS – The Player's Fund holds a braai to raise funds for rugby players who have been critically injured.
Fans were able to braai with their favourite Springbok rugby heroes during the Brightrock Play the Bounce Braai at Montecasino. Hosted by Café Cru on 20 June, the braai was held in honour of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund. The Springbok team graced fans with their presence and scrum-half Ross Cronje said giving back is a big part of their passion.
“For me, rugby is not a job. It’s something that I am passionate about, something that I love. I can influence people’s lives and I truly believe that it gives me the opportunity to make a difference, which is pretty awesome,” said Cronje.
The night kicked-off with some friendly banter and a quiz which tested the rugby knowledge of fans and players. After a hearty South African meal, the fundraising auction got underway. First up for auction was a classic bottle of wine signed by the team, followed by a private coaching session for a school rugby team and an event for 20 sponsored by Tsogo Sun. Last but not least was the auctioning of Bokke Jaco Kriel, Jesse Kriel and Andries Coetzee. Fortunately, the team clubbed together and bought their own players back.
Gerhard Swarts, who is a fund recipient, said the players’ fund has become like a family. He explained that it helped people like him who have suffered serious rugby injuries, to survive and to have a sense of dignity despite their disabilities. “I am currently the Valke team’s technical advisor, so I am still part of the game and I will always be involved because of all the camaraderie between the guys,” he said. “The whole set up of rugby is amazing and it is an incredible sport.”
Swarts became wheelchair-bound in 2003 after he was seriously injured in a school rugby game. Former Springbok captain Morné du Plessis, the chairperson of the fund, told Fourways Review that the fund could be compared to life insurance for players. His hope was that no one would need the fund in the future and he was incredibly grateful for the support the fans and players have shown.
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