With rugby being a team sport, each member of the team has a crucial role to play, and more so when a devastating injury changes the life of one of their own. We are grateful for the support that we receive from organizations closely linked to the game.
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 organization (NPO 000-881) which represents Quadriplegics and Paraplegics in South Africa. There is provision for any person to become a member of the organization. The organization is predominantly staffed and managed by people with disabilities.
QASA’s mission is to be an effective coordinating, policy-making and supporting organization 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.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb
We are grateful for individuals and corporate companies alike who choose to partner
us in our efforts to ensure that no South African rugby player ever feels forgotten.
Our funders, sponsors and individual donors are the heartbeat of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund. Through their steadfast commitment and generosity, we are able to uphold our promise to care for and support South Africa’s catastrophically injured rugby players — for life. Each collaboration and relationship represents far more than financial support; it is a shared belief in dignity, resilience, and the spirit of rugby. Without our partners, we would not be in a position to offer the exceptional, lifelong assistance that restores independence and hope to our recipients across the country.
Funders
- SA RUGBY
- MyPlayers
- Betway
- Ball Family Foundation
Sponsors & Supporters
- Banhoek Chilli Oil
- Barney’s Coffee
- Boer & Butcher
- Bluu Car Rental
- Brightrock
- Bruce Jack Wines
- Daimler Truck
- Edward Snell
- Empire Fleet
- Freddie Hirsch
- Fenns Inc
- FUAR (Argentine Rugby Union Foundation)
- Harlequins RFC
- Heineken
- Holistic Beauty
- Ina Paarman
- Jonsson Workwear
- MSC Sport
- MultiFine Products Pty Ltd
- Old School
- Primal Gin
- Peregrine Capital
- RGBC
- Roomkey
- SAB
- SAFFAIR
- Sh’zen
- Sir Juice
- Sling Aircraft
- Southern Sun
- Stormers Rugby
- Sweet Sparkle
- The Olive Grove
- Tino’s Coffee
- Tonic Promotions
- Wedgewood
- William Grant
- Yonderhill
We are deeply grateful to all those who support the Players’ Fund. Your generosity makes a tangible difference in the lives of players who have sustained life-altering injuries, restoring dignity, independence, and hope. By choosing to give on a monthly basis, supporters help us plan strategically and respond proactively, ensuring that each recipient receives consistent, long-term care tailored to their unique needs. Regular giving turns compassion into action, allowing us to maximise our impact and provide certainty, stability, and a lasting difference in the lives of those who rely on us most.
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.
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 organizations around the world.
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
Donations do not necessarily have to be money, you can donate your time or even just share our cause with a friend or colleague.