The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund has been the pillar of support that seriously injured rugby players have turned to since 1980.
Our HistoryOur StakeholdersWhen a South African rugby player sustains a life changing injury to the head, neck or spine, we partner the player and their family on the journey of adapting to a “new normal”. A team approach is essential and we hold their ongoing care and quality of life as our top priority.
With over 100 recipients in South Africa, we work hard to uplift and encourage them to focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities, as they reintegrate themselves back into their families and communities.
Vision, Mission & Values
Our Vision:
To be an internationally recognised organisation that supports the recovery of all seriously injured rugby players across South Africa, whilst promoting safer rugby.
Our Mission:
When a serious rugby injury changes a life, we step in offering help and hope. Every aspect of the injured player’s welfare is our concern.
Our Values:
Caring
The holistic care of each recipient is our focus.
Accountable
If you entrust your support and funds to us, we are accountable for all the resources we apply to achieve a better quality of life for our recipients.
Transparent
We are open an honest about the work that we do and our processes.
Stable
We have stood firm in our work and approach since 1980.
Dependable
Our recipients and the rugby community can count on us to remain at their side.
Approachable
Help is only a phone call away.
+27 21 659 5615
Our History
The amalgamation of the Petro Jackson Fund and Chris Burger Fund took place in 1992, following the unification of the South African Rugby Union and the former SA Rugby Board.
Chris Burger was a Western Province fullback when he sustained a fatal neck injury in 1980 following a tackle during a Currie Cup match in Bloemfontein.
This led to the founding of the then Chris Burger Fund by the Western Province captain at the time, Morné du Plessis, along with his teammates.
Christiaan Petrus Bernard Burger, known as Chris, aged 28 (DOB 6 March 1952), was a Western Province rugby player who was playing fullback when he sustained a catastrophic neck injury during a Currie Cup match in Bloemfontein on 30 August 1980. He passed away the following day from his injuries. This tragic accident led to the founding of the Chris Burger Fund by the then WP rugby captain Morné du Plessis and his teammates. His widow and daughter, Esmarie, who was 18 months at the time of his death, still live in Cape Town.
Petro Jackson aged 23 (DOB 2 January 1964) was a young rugby player who played wing for his hometown Kylemore,near Stellenbosch. He sustained a catastrophic neck injury during a zone competition club match played against Excelsior on the 11 April 1987. Petro was tackled close to the touchline which carried him over a gravel path which ran close to the field and into an asbestos barrier. Petro did not get up from where he lay and it soon became apparent that he was seriously injured. Sadly he passed away before the arrival of the ambulance. His tragic death prompted the pre-unity body SARU (not to be confused with the current South African Rugby Union) to establish a similar fund in his honour – The Petro Jackson Memorial Fund.
The following members have proudly served on various committees of the Players’ Fund over the years:
-
Tubby Teubes
-
HO de Villiers
-
Mike Meintjes
-
Francois Majoos
-
Xhanti Lamani
-
Billy Wilson
-
Graham Barends
-
Piet Lombard
-
Harold Verster
-
Edrich Krantz
-
Tobie Hanekom
-
Ivor Bloom
-
Larriane Hlapoloso
-
Boy Louw
-
Schalk Burger Snr
-
Tiny Neethling
-
Peter Jooste
-
Harold Wilson
-
Lex Mpati
-
Ben Groepes
-
Nico Louw
-
Anton Barnard
-
Iszak de Villiers
-
John Pickering
-
Piet Greyling
-
Roger Williams
-
SJ de Villiers
-
Denys Hobson
-
Richard Prentis
-
David Melvill
-
Daan du Plessis
-
Anton Barnard
-
Jean Brider
-
Vincent Rootman
-
Bill Crossman
-
Jerry Brynard
-
Hennie Bekker
-
Rob Louw
-
Robbie Blair
-
Ismail Jakoet
-
George Rautenbach
-
Joel Stransky
-
Pat Tebbutt
-
Peter Whipp
-
Norman Mbiko
-
Jurie Roux
Rugby's Caring Hands at work
View our Organogram to find out who is involved in the Fund and in what capacity
Meet the Team
Together with the Board of Trustees, the General Manager (Gail Baerecke) and the rest of the office staff, the Players’ Fund has developed a reputation built on integrity and honour. Trust in the Players’ Fund’s exceptional governance has been established through years of dedication and these values are what guide the day to day actions of all involved.
Our Trustees
Jean de Villiers
Chairman
Jean played 109 tests for South Africa and holds the record of 94 of those in the same position as centre and was named the 54th Springbok captain to lead the team. He is also the 4th Springbok captain to join Morné du Plessis, Tiaan Strauss and John Smit as a trustee of the board of the Players’ Fund. He was nominated as Chairman of the Board of Trustees in 2018.
Aside from Jean’s history in the green and gold, he is also a Laureus Sport for Good ambassador and currently holds the position of head of Philanthropy for a firm of investment managers based in Cape Town. His long history with rugby in SA and his regular appearances on SuperSport as sports presenter together with his professional knowledge of philanthropy brings a wealth of knowledge for the Players’ Fund’s staff to tap into.
Jean is married to Marlie and they live in Paarl with their three children, Layli, Lana and Luca.
Hanyani Shimange
Vice Chairman
AKA, Shimmy is a former professional rugby player who represented the Sharks, moved to the Free State and eventually ended up playing for Western Province and the Springboks.
Whilst in Cape Town, Hanyani also completed a management course at the UCT Graduate School of Business, and spent several years working at the Bester Burke Slingers Advertising Agency whilst playing rugby.
Hanyani is a media broadcaster for Supersport and a coach at the Western Province Rugby Union. He has been involved with the Players’ Fund since 2015 and in 2018 was inducted as Vice Chairman of the Players’ Fund, taking over from Frikkie Naude.
Morné du Plessis
Founder of the Players’ Fund
Morné was born in Vereeniging in 1949 and has become a legend of South African Rugby. He was first selected as a Springbok in 1971.
He then followed the footsteps of his father when he was appointed Springbok captain in 1975. Under Morné’s leadership the Springboks won 13 of the 15 international games they played and in later years managed the Springbok side that won the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Johannesburg.
It was when he was playing for the Western Province team that he got to know the late Chris Burger and was the captain of the side when Burger sustained a fatal injury in 1980. This tragic accident mobilised Morné and the rest of the team to establish the Chris Burger Fund which has become known as “Rugby’s Caring Hands” since then.
Morné stood at the helm of the Fund from inception until 2018 when he handed over the reins to Jean de Villiers.
Frikkie Naudé
Frikkie played rugby for Shimlas & the Free State between 1973-1975, Maties Rugby between 1976 –1977, for Villagers and WP Rugby between 1978 -1980.
Currently he is the Chairman of Intertechnic, an Import & Export Company and has held this role since 1977.
He also is a wine and olive farmer at Yonder Hill Wines in Stellenbosch and Olyfberg olives and oil which is situated in Robertson.
As a retired President of the Maties Rugby Club, it is evident that rugby means a lot to Frikkie, who has served on the Players’ Fund’s Board of Trustees since it’s inception in 1980. Frikkie stepped down as Vice Chairman in 2018, making way for Hanyani Shimange.
Frikkie is married to Danila (neé Maartens) with two children Nicola and Daniel.
Joel Krige
Joel was born in Worcester and attended Worcester Boys’ High, now called Worcester Gymnasium, played cricket for Boland Schools, studied law at the University of Cape Town (BA. LLB), played under 20 rugby, and served on the SRC in 1977.
Joel is a member of the Cape Bar, practices from Huguenot Chambers in the field of human rights. He has 24 reported decisions on administrative and constitutional law, racially discriminatory practices, land claims, unfair labour practices, and also appears in the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court. He addressed the Constituent Assembly that drafted the new Constitution, Act 108 of 1996.
Joel joined the Players’ Fund as an honourary legal adviser and trustee in 2011. He is a published poet with two anthologies of poetry, and has written on the history of cricket at the Cape Bar.
Wayne Fyvie
Wayne Fyvie is a former Springbok and Sharks Rugby player. Since leaving the world of rugby in 2001, he has taken the same drive and determination into the business world, channeling his energy into a business venture called greenOFFICE.
His involvement in the Players’ Fund began when he was appointed as the Fund representative in the KZN region in 2005.
He was later invited onto the board of trustees where he has been an active member since 2009.
John Smit
John was one of Rugby’s most successful players of all time. He was the captain of the South African Rugby team (with an astonishing 111 caps), leading the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007 and was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011.
John has been a positive driving force behind the Players’ Fund since joining the board of Trustees in 2013.
Clint Readhead
Clint was born in Johannesburg, matriculated from Jeppe High School for boys in 1988 and then ventured down to Cape Town with the plan to get a degree and then move back to Johannesburg. This has never happened, the Cape became home.
Clint qualified as a Physiotherapist in 1993 at the University of Cape Town, then went on to work for two years in the Spinal Unit at Conradie Hospital. It was here that he developed an understanding of the life changing journey a neurologically injured person has to endure following injury, through rehabilitation and finally trying to integrate back into society.
While at Conradie he was fortunate to watch the opening of the 1995 Rugby World Cup tournament match between the Springboks and Australia as a guest in the CBPJPF suite at Newlands.
Clint has been actively involved in rugby for over 20 years, having worked at all levels of the game. After being named the physiotherapist for the Springboks in 2003 he went on to be a member of the Rugby World Cup Winning Springbok Squad of 2007, which he looks on as a career highlight. In 2008 he moved across to rugby administration and is the current Medical Manager at the South African Rugby Union.
Together with his wife Pippa, he has two wonderful children; Mathew and Emily.
Anton Engelbrecht
On the 19th of August 1988, Anton was injured while playing rugby at LC De Villiers Rugby Stadium. He was in his 4th year of his MBChB degree at the University of Pretoria. He suffered a C5/6 vertebra dislocation and was diagnosed as an incomplete quadriplegic, since then he has relied on a wheelchair for mobility.
Following his accident, he continued and completed a BMedSci degree, as well as a BSc (Hons) in Bio Systems in 1992. After working at Pretoria Academic Hospital, he joined Professional Provident Society (PPS) in 1993 and Alexander Forbes in 1995. Anton went on to complete an MBA in 2004. Currently he is responsible for business development and strategic consulting at Alexander Forbes Health. Providing expert advice into disability equity, accessibility and employment of people with disabilities in the corporate industry.
Anton’s hobbies are wine tasting, reading and visiting new places with his wife Stacey and watching his twin boys grow up and explore the world. His most recent achievement was finishing the New York ING Marathon 42km in 6 hours and 15 minutes with a hand cycle.
The Fund has been lucky to have Anton on the Board of Trustees since 2013, he also sits on the Assistance Committee where he provides valuable insight into living with the disability in South Africa.
He is married to Stacey and they have twin boys Eden and Aaron.
Tiaan Strauss
Tiaan grew up on a farm in the Kalahari and matriculated in 1983 in Upington. He then went to Stellenbosch University where he studied law and acquired a B.COMM. LLB degree.
He worked as a Lawyer in Cape Town until the end of 1995, when he and his family moved to Australia.
In 1998 he joined The Australian Investment Group, a wholesale mortgage provider, as General Manager, where he worked until the end of 2005.
In 2006 Tiaan returned to South Africa and started working with Megapro Marketing in March 2009 as General Manager of Rugby. Part of his role is running Premier Interschools as Managing Director.
Tiaan’s rugby career started at Stellenbosch under the watchful eye of Danie Craven. He was selected for WP in 1986 at the age of 20 and played arecord 158 times for them, which included 93 as captain.
He was selected for the Springboks in 1992 and played 15 Tests for South Africa.
He moved to Australia to play Rugby League for 2 years for the Cronulla Sharks in Sydney. He then returned to Rugby Union in 1998 and played for the Waratahs for 3 years. Tiaan was selected for Australia in 1999, who he represented in 13 Tests and was part of the World Cup winning team in Wales.
Tiaan retired from rugby at the end of 2000 and joined the Players’ Fund board in 2014.
FC Smit
In 1991, there was a welcome addition to the running affairs of the Fund, Well known WP forward FC Smit indicated that he was interested in the activities of the Fund. Morné du Plessis felt that the 25 year old, 2,02 meter and 112 kg flank could be a considerable benefit to the Fund, more especially as a link between current rugby players and the Fund. Other members wholeheartedly agreed and their confidence was not misplaced.
FC matriculated from Jan van Riebeeck High School in Cape Town and after completing 2 years national service went to Stellenbosch University where he studied psychology. He played for WP as a flank forward from 1991 to 1994 before moving to lock position in the scrum. He was chosen for SA in 1992 but played only one test as a Springbok. In 1997, an injury ended his career as a player. FC is still one of the dedicated Fund Trustees.
Khaya Mayedwa
Khaya joined SARU in 2008 as a Commercial Manager and has extensive commercial and marketing experience. He is well respected in the SARU family of sponsors and media. He is an enthusiastic business man with an academic background (Bachelor of Commerce – BComm, BComm Honours and Masters in Business Leadership).
Currently heading the Government and Stakeholder Relations Division of SARU, he has been appointed as the SARU representative on the Players’ Fund board of trustees, a position that he has held since 2016.
Phatho Zondi
Dr Zondi is a Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Physician experienced in clinical sports medicine, general management, and leadership. Her life mission is to use sport/physical activity as a tool for socioeconomic development and as a platform for transformation. She is the CEO of the Sports Science Institute of South Africa and also serves as the Chair of the Medical Advisory Commission for the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and on the Board of Directors of the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS). She is also a past President for the South African Sports Medicine Association (NGO).
Phatho has recently been appointed Chief Medical Officer for Team South Africa at the Tokyo2020 Olympic Games, with past clinical highlights including similar appointments at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Dr Zondi is involved with the World Rugby and the SA Rugby Union as a sports medicine consultant, tournament doctor and educator. In August 2017, Dr Zondi was conferred a Ministerial Recognition Award in acknowledgment of her contribution to sport in South Africa. She is passionate about developing and mentoring young women and future leaders of South Africa.
Phatho joined the Players’ Fund in 2018 and also holds a seat on the Assistance Committee where her medical background is hugely valuable.
Neil Strybis
Neil started his career at Shotland Sevenus Giles and Hobson, one of the firms which later became known as PKF (Cape Town) Inc. After completing his national service, in 1988 he qualified as a chartered accounting and in 1989 was appointed as a director.
During his career, Neil gained extensive experience and expertise in auditing, accounting, taxation and business consulting which allowed him to build outstanding relationships with key role players in the printing, retail, manufacturing and advertising industries.
He strongly believes in the values of maintaining strong relationships through sound communication and the delivery of quality professional services.
Our Staff
Mark Kritzinger
CEO
Having worked in corporate roles for most of my career, I am very fortunate to have been able to join the Players’ Fund in July 2022. I have been involved in the Fund in some way for the better part of 20 years, and it is a cause that is very close to my heart.
As a former rugby player, I understand the power of sports to bring people together and build strong communities. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to participate in sports and lead active, healthy lives, regardless of their abilities.
I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of people we serve, and I am committed to ensuring that our organisation continues to provide vital support and resources to those who need it most, and to creating a more inclusive and accessible society for all.
Gail Baerecke
Injured Player Welfare Officer
I grew up in Durban, KZN and moved to Cape Town in the early 80’s where I furthered my nursing career in both the public and private sectors. I joined the Players’ Fund team in 2005 and immediately became part of the Players’ Fund family. I have found it an immense privilege and a time of enormous personal growth working and managing the Players’ Fund over the years.
I continue to be inspired by the heroes of rugby who manage to pick up the broken pieces and continue with their lives often under difficult and challenging circumstances. Witnessing how many of the Fund’s boys focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities has strengthened my “can do” attitude.
I enjoy working with a team of dynamic and amazing trustees, all who give of their time and expertise willingly and for no financial gain, all to ensure that the Fund’s recipients are taken care of.
Aashia Hendricks
General & Financial Administrator
I joined the Fund as the new kid on the block in January 2020. This is a first for me in the NPO/PBO sector. My time thus far has been nothing short of a bottomless rewarding and learning experience. Having delved more into the world of rugby as a sport and more significantly rugby player injuries have proven to me, how one can do more with less and succeed at it.
Working closely with catastrophically injured rugby players and understanding their day to day will to live, has opened up for me a new world of strength, purpose and absolute determination to carry on in any circumstance.
The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund selflessly nurtures, provides hope and reinvigorates their recipients’ lives from day one, and this to me is humanity – doing for someone that they could never do for you.
It is an absolute honour to be a part of this dynamic team.
Get in touch with Rugby’s Caring Hands
Associate Organisations
SA Rugby
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) is the governing body for rugby in South Africa. It is a federation of 14 independent rugby unions covering the length and breadth of the country.
With this national scope and influence, a natural relationship with The Players’ Fund was formed, leading to the Fund being identified as the official charity of the Springboks. This is recognized with an annual grant, as well as SARU representation on the Players’ Fund board of trustees.
This ensures that rugby union players in South Africa are never forgotten once unable to participate in the game. An annual fundraising event which mobilizes corporate South Africa to play their part in taking care of rugby’s own, takes place. This is made possible by the keen involvement of SA Rugby and the attendance of the full Springbok Squad with their management. An opportunity which is highly sought after in South Africa. This partnership is invaluable and allows the Players’ Fund to continue playing the role of “Rugby’s Caring Hands”.
Read more about SA Rugby: https://www.springboks.rugby/general/cbpj-players-fund/
BokSmart
BokSmart, the National Rugby Safety Programme, is a joint initiative between the South African Rugby Union and the Players’ Fund. The main pillars of the programme are focused on: Injury prevention, injury management, rugby safety and player performance.
It is also through this national network that the Players’ Fund office is alerted of serious injuries as soon as they occur to enable the Fund to be there from the very beginning.
The BokSmart Spineline is a dedicated emergency helpline solely for potential serious concussion, head, neck and spine injuries sustained during a rugby match or practice. The 0800 678 678 number will fast track emergency treatment and medical management of the seriously injured rugby player 24 hours per day from anywhere in the country. The toll free number is linked to a National Emergency Service Provider, ER24 who provides the necessary advice, initial telephonic screening, and dispatches or arrange suitable transportation of the injured player to the nearest and most appropriate medical facility.
The Players’ Fund also supports the BokSmart initiative #VisionZero. The key motivation behind #VisionZero is to aim for that ultimate point where there are eventually no more rugby-related catastrophic spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cardiac fatalities and severe concussions.
As a secondary focus #VisionZero also extends to other areas of the game where full adherence to rugby safety regulations is achieved through safe playing fields, all referees and coaches being BokSmart certified, and the minimum medical staffing and equipment being provided at all matches, among other factors. (inclusion of the #VisionZero logo)
Read more about BokSmart: https://www.springboks.rugby/pages/BokSmart
The QuadPara Association of South Africa
The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) is a non-profit organisation (NPO 000-881) which represents Quadriplegics and Paraplegics in South Africa. There is provision for any person to become a member of the organisation. The organisation is predominantly staffed and managed by people with disabilities.
QASA’s mission is to be an effective coordinating, policy-making and supporting organisation striving to prevent spinal cord injury and to promote and protect the interests of people with mobility impairments through advocacy, lobbying and delivery of services and products to people with disabilities. With our recipients looking into a future of living with a disability, the network provided by QASA is invaluable and allows for networking and a support base with those in similar positions to themselves.
Find out more about QASA: https://qasa.co.za/
South African Provincial Rugby Unions and Franchises
Serious and life changing injuries know no boundaries and can happen on any field in South Africa, at any time. Being able to offer support where the accident occurs is paramount. The Players’ Fund rely on a team approach with these rugby communities their various representatives and officials being called on to provide on-the-ground assistance when required.
Sponsors and Partners
BDO
Remaining transparent, accountable and stable requires the guidance and regular auditing of our finances. This service is generously sponsored and performed by BDO which sets the Fund apart from many other local charity organisations.
To find out more about BDO visit: https://www.bdo.co.za
Blue Bulls Rugby Union
A wheelchair accessible suite has been made available for rugby enthusiasts with disabilities at Loftus Versveld. Tickets and catering are sponsored by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union for all match days with a regular contingent of Players’ Fund recipients visiting the suite to enjoy the rugby with their friends and family.
Read more about the various rugby suites around the country available to fans using wheelchairs here: https://www.playersfund.org.za/what-we-do/wheelchair-friendly-rugby-suites/
Tsogo Sun
With 45 years of experience, Tsogo Sun Hotels are the leading hotel group in Africa, providing world-class accommodation, restaurants and entertainment across all market segments, with unequaled levels of service to both the local and international traveler. Tsogo Sun Hotels are proud to be associated with the Fund as the Official Hotel and Experience partner.
To find out more about the Tsogo Sun Hotel offering visit: https://www.tsogosun.com/
Western Province Rugby Union
A suite for rugby enthusiasts with physical disabilities as well as match day tickets for all who attend has been set in a 99 year lease. The suite enables rugby fans with physical disability to enjoy the games out of what can often be cold and harsh Cape Town weather. The DHL Stormers, the SupeRugby franchise of the WP Rugby Union also commit one evening a year where the full team and management attend a formal fundraising dinner hosted by Kelvin Grove in aid of the Players’ Fund.
Read more about the various rugby suites around the country available to fans using wheelchairs here: https://www.playersfund.org.za/what-we-do/wheelchair-friendly-rugby-suites/
Nurture Health Aurora Hospital
Nurture Health Aurora Hospital in the Eastern Cape specializes in physical rehabilitation and sub-acute care provided to patients with a wide range of disabilities caused by disease or injury. Aurora is a part of the national network of Nurture Health Hospital network which extends throughout South Africa.
In early 2009, a young rugby player from Port Elizabeth sustained a spinal cord injury whilst playing for his school team. The damage was extensive and following spinal surgery to stabilise the injury, he required transfer from hospital to a specialist centre that offered rehabilitation. As none were available in the public sector, the Players’ Fund were called upon to try and assist in finding a suitable facility in the Eastern Cape for him to move to in order to learn how to live as a quadriplegic.
It took one phone call to Dr Rob Campbell (Aurora Hospital Director at the time). He suggested that the Players’ Fund arrange a transfer to Aurora for this young man and a 16 week spinal rehabilitation programme was offered to him free of charge.
This generous arrangement still stands and is offered to one spinal injured rugby player from the Eastern Cape per year.
To read more about the Nurture Health network of hospitals, please visit: https://nurturehealth.net/
Charles Glass Society
This is a social organisation which hosts monthly evening gatherings at the SA Brewery in Newlands, Cape Town where members and guests of the society can meet, enjoy a beer or two and hear the unique and interesting stories from both local and international personalities. Invited speakers from most sporting codes, national sporting legends and adventurers, have made the historic list of guest speakers which include; Paddy Upton, Bob Skinstad, David Grier, Gary Gold, Kyle Brown and Jean de Villiers. Each year the committee selects a number of local charities to which a generous donation is made to support people in need. We are tremendously grateful for this consistent support.
Rugbytots South Africa
These rugby themed, fun and carefully structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way. The aim is to teach 2-7 year olds how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. The South African region of this international programme nominated the Players’ Fund as their charity of choice in 2018.
To find a Rugbytots franchise near you visit: https://www.rugbytots.co.za/
Jenny Mitchell Design
Essential graphic design needs are met by long-standing pro-bono designer Jenny Mitchell who has been helping us for many years.
Lionel Johnson Memorial Golf Day
This Golf Day is held each year in July on the anniversary of the British Open, when more than 20 different ‘old boys from Zimbabwean and South African schools gather in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to battle out historic rivalry and reaffirm ageless camaraderie. The Players’ Fund is one of three charities that receive proceeds from this event each year.
South African National Golden Oldies Rugby Association
The first Golden Oldies festival was hosted by The Hamilton Rugby Club in Cape Town in 1983 and soon after that The South African National Golden Oldies Rugby Association (SANGORA) was formed and the world of Veteran Rugby in SA was born.
Annual Golden Oldies Festivals are held in the various host towns around the country where gentlemen over the age of 35 exchange rugby skills on the field and social skills off the field.
As of 2018 the Players’ Fund was positioned as the charity of choice for these events. To read more, visit: http://goldenoldiesrugby.co.za/
Players 4 Players
This private fundraising initiative is run by four ex-rugby players who wanted to give back to a game that gave them so much. Whilst they all have full time jobs and families of their own, they manage to put together one event a year, and every cent of what is raised is in aid of the Players’ Fund.
In 2019 the hosted their 10th annual event.
Kelvin Grove
Through an annual dinner with the DHL Stormers team, bowls days and luncheons before Springbok test matches, this local Cape Town sports club has managed to raise over R1 million for the Players’ Fund in over 15 years. A remarkable feat showing a long-term commitment which we are honoured to have been the recipients of.
Find out more about the club: https://kelvingrove.co.za/
Gravit8
Gravit8 host our website and assist with all technical elements of our online business profile. This is a relationship which stemmed from the long-term link to the Players 4 Players group who have been raising money for the Players’ Fund for over 10 years.
Associated Medical Partners
Without the partners with specialised services and skills required by our recipients we couldn’t function. They understand their value in the chain of injured player support, be it in the acute management phase and / or once the individuals have returned home.
Below are the providers whom form this network:
International Collaborations
We are proud to be part of a global team that supports and uplifts rugby players whose lives have been changed by the game.
Biennial Rugby Safety and Injured Player Welfare workshops are held with representatives from rugby organisations around the world.
These include:
- South Africa: Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund and BokSmart
- New Zealand: New Zealand Rugby Foundation & RugbySmart
- Australia: Hearts in Union & Smart Rugby
- Japan: Japanese Rugby Union Medical Officer
- Argentina: Fundación Unión Argentina de Rugby
- England: RFU Injured Players Fund & the Matt Hampson Foundation
- Ireland: IRFU Charitable Trust
Every Donation Counts
Donations do not necessarily have to be money, you can donate your time or even just share our cause with a friend or colleague.