On Thursday 1st February 2023 during a normal skills training session in Oudtshoorn, Heinrich Erasmus was injured by compensating his neck on a tackle bag and placing his head first. This unfortunately caused him to break his neck. His injury damaged his spinal column at vertebrae’s C4 and C5. He was taken to Groote Schuur Hospital where he remained in ICU for one week before moving over to another ward. He will be transferred for secondary rehabilitation at The Western Cape Rehabilitation centre, where the real hard work will begin and where he will learn to regain his strength. He remains very positive and has a great supportive network around him. On the 21st  of February 2024, Shoneé and Aashia went to visit Heinrich and took along one of his favourite rugby player’s, Damian Williemse. He was so happy to meet him! He had one request and that was KFC chicken! Seeing him smile and spirits lifted was accomplished, and this is what counts at this time of his life. We assisted Heinrich’s family financially with transport and accommodation so that they could go through from Oudtshoorn to visit him. He completed 3 months of secondary rehabilitation at the Western Cape

MJ was injured during a head-on tackle while playing for his school against Hoërskool Monument. His head was positioned on the wrong side of the tackled player, resulting in a C4/C5 spinal cord injury. He received immediate medical attention and has since recovered well. He underwent physiotherapy and occupational therapy and continued his secondary rehabilitation for 3 months. He would like to complete his online matric in 2026 and is currently still undergoing his secondary rehabilitation gaining wonderful improvement in his functionality.

Injured: 2 February 2023 while playing for Young Brothers, Debe Nek, Perksdale Mission, Middledrift in the Eastern Cape. While playing flank he sustained an irreparable C5/C6 spinal cord injury as we only received notification of his injury in May which was very unfortunate as rehabilitation could have started a lot earlier. Simanga has flourished though his rehabilitation which took place at Aurora in Gqeberha and is now in assisted living at the Summerstrand Cheshire Homes.

Injured: 27 May 2014, aged 18, while playing centre for Adelaide Gymnasium. He has a traumatic brain injury which took place from a knock of the knee to his head and ended up in hospital for 3 years, only being able to go home in December 2017. He lives with his mother, brother and aunt and he loves channel 112, movies. He would like to be able to walk one day and would love to get married. He is always smiling and has bursts of energy and laughter that just oozes positivity

Injured: 30 May 2015, aged 40, while playing for Oudtshoorn Correctional Services. He lives in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. Gerald’s injury resulted in a T11/T12 spinal injury leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Gerald went home after 25 years in July 2023 but is restricted to his home under the care of his mom. Gerald would like to get involved in disability sport and his hobbies include watching sport and listening to music.

Injured August 2014 Dyllan got injured playing loose forward for Tuks youth rugby club on the 30th of August 2014 where his neck collided with the opposing players knee in a tackle. He only had feeling in his shoulders and could only move his right arm and both shoulders. 1 year later after his injury, he is now able to move his left arm as well as feel both his arms and my chest. Dyllan’s goal is to get stronger, exercise and look for a job in marketing as well as get involved in nutrition at school sports. Dyllan says that he doesn’t accept what has happened because he believes that his purpose in life is not to sit in a wheelchair but to rise from it.

Injured: 27 April 1996, aged 17, while playing hooker for Hilton College. Dylan lives with his wife and daughter in Germiston in Gauteng and works as a Data Executive at Nedbank and holds an undergraduate degree in Information Systems and Accounting from the University of Cape Town, as well as a postgraduate degree in Information Systems from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Injured: 24 July 1999, aged 16, while playing hooker for Schoonspruit Rugby Club. He lives in Malmesbury in the Western Cape and works as an admin clerk for the Malmesbury Stock Theft Unit, SAPS.

Injured: 23 March 2002, aged 24, while playing wing for Pietersburg Rugby Club. De Wet lives in Polokwane in the Limpopo Province and sees a Biokineticists for secondary rehabilitation weekly to build and maintain his strength and mobility.

Injured: 15 April 2000, aged 16, while scrumhalf playing for Suid Natal High School. Quintin lives at his family home in Shelley Beach, KZN and works as a sports editor. “I broke my neck (C5 vertebra) at the age of 16 while playing scrumhalf for Hoërskool Suid-Natals first XV against Durban North College in Durban on 15 April 2000. After matriculating, Quintin combined his passion for sport and writing and completed a creative writing course through Intec as well as a community journalism course through UNISA, leading to a successful career as a sports journalist. Quintin has worked as editor at SARugby.com, sports editor at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com. Quintin boasts close to 20 years’ experience and is currently a freelance sports writer, who has written for SA Rugby’s website, springboks.rugby, while he is a regular contributor at Bet Central. His work has also featured in various newspapers including The Witness and Daily Maverick, as well as Sports Illustrated, Sport24, Zigzag, Sixty40 Bodyboarding, Physique MMA Magazine, Bicycling, Cycle Nation and Enduro World Magazine. Quintin’s work has been recognised far and wide with a number of awards, including being named the

Injured: 16 April 2011, while playing hooker for Augsburg Agricultural Gymnasium. He was 16 at the time and in grade 11. Following the accident his school, family and close knit farming community rallied around him providing support and encouragement and before long he was back and school, this time in a wheelchair and more than ever determined to complete his schooling and continue his “new normal” and the plans for his future. Gerhard works as a Systems Administrator at Stellenbosch University. He completed his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Computer Science through UNISA — a remarkable achievement that reflects his determination and love for problem-solving. For Gerhard, independence is everything. “It’s the most important factor in making a life for yourself,” he says. “The more independent you are, the more you can carve out your own path and feel truly like yourself.” Gerhard achieved another milestone — earning his driver’s licence in 2024 and purchasing a modified Caddy to suit his needs.

Injured: 7 July 1996, at age 33, while playing lock forward for the Crusaders Rugby Football Club. Siphiwo walks with neural damage to the left side of his body and lives in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape with his family. He is a retired teacher and Principle after 27 years but is still involved with the U16 and U19 rugby teams and is President of the Crusaders Rugby Club. ‘Everything is possible with God’

Injured: 15 March 2003 at age 14, whilst playing inside centre for his school team Hoërskool Kanonkop in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. After a lengthy period of rehabilitation, he returned to school and matriculated in 2006. Post school he received a Honours degree in Sports & Recreational Management from the University of Pretoria. Since then he was employed by the Valke Rugby Union as Sports Analyst & Statistician as well as the TUKS Varsity Cup Side in 2020. He has extensive experience in rugby coaching and is BokSmart accredited and has his IRB Level 2 qualifications. He has also participated in wheelchair rugby over the years, representing Northern Gauteng and was included in the SA Training Squad in 2013. His currently a Grade 4 teacher at Laerskool Laeveld and has volunteered to coach the school’s 1st rugby team from 2026. Gerhard says what motivates him most is seeing someone smile because of something he did. He finds daily inspiration in the kids’ constant jokes and laughter — it’s their joy that gives him hope.

Injured: 20 April 1996, at age 24, while playing lock for Wanderers Rugby Club.  Anthony has a diploma in marketing and works as a strategist for an Advertising Agency called Saatchi. Antony is married with a beautiful daughter, is fully independent and drives himself.

Injured: 7 April 2007, aged 23, while playing flank for Winter Rose Rugby Club. Siyabulela lives at his family home in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. For the past 18 years, he has been a recipient of support and was affectionately known in his community as their own Schalk Burger. Siyabulela began studying Public Administration before the COVID-19 pandemic but, unfortunately, did not complete the course. In 2021, he transitioned to counselling and has since remained actively involved in his community.

Injured: 9 June 1996, at age 16, while playing flank forward for Afrikaans Hoërskool. Erich lives in Val de Vie in Cape Town, is married to Elzanne and runs his own business as a Digital Director for an online booking platform

Injured: 16 June 1999, at age 18, while playing hooker for the Apostolic Church in Ravensmead. After successfully completing several leaderships became permanently employed with the Sanlam Trust Beneficiary Fund and Umbrella Trust Department where he works as a Trust Administrator. Delvian received a promotion in November 2023 at Sanlam and is now working as a Senior Debt Claims Specialist. He would like to study Management in 2025 and has let nothing stand in his way. ‘Be the change you want to see in others. Keep shining, smiling and remember that the only disability in life is a bad attitude’

Injured: 8 August 2010, at age 23, while playing hooker for Desert Daisies Rugby Club. Aubrey lives with his aunt in Concordia, Springbok in the Northern Cape. In 2019 Aubrey successfully passed an NQF level 4 and 5 in Management Leadership with DYNA-Training which was sponsored by ENGEN. He is currently in the process of opening a tuckshop as soon as his license is approved. Always keeping himself active and motivated, Aubrey is busy finishing repairs on his vehicle, building a swimming pool, and hopes to start weight training to increase his muscle mass. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching sports, and remains committed to his daily stretches to maintain his mobility — a routine we are incredibly proud he continues to uphold

Injured: 23 March 2002, at the age of 17, while playing Hooker for the Mamre Rugby Club. Charles married the love of his life Amber on the 21st November 2023 and they live in Parklands. He is actively involved in the youth programme at his church and is looking to start his own business. Charles launched his own book called the Charles Oppelt Story in 2025, which is incredibly inspiring. ‘The more you can do for yourself the better it is for those who can do nothing for themselves I will work harder to represent you.’

Injured: 28 August 1999, aged 21, while playing wing for South Western District. Elroy lives at his family home in Grootbrakrivier on the Garden Route. Elroy enjoys watching rugby despite being injured for the last 25years, he remains positive in his outlook on life. Elroy is actively seeking employment in administration or computers and keeps himself busy on the computer at home. Elroy’s goals are to do more exercises knowing the importance thereof as well as to be able to work from home one day.

Injured: 22 July 2006, at age 17, while playing rugby at the Louis Botha Technical College. Alwyn lives with his family in Fauna in Bloemfontein in the Fee State. He is busy studying law at the University of the Free State. In 2017 Alwyn took his first steps into the legal world and shared his experiences with the Players’ Fund office who were so happy to hear his confidence and determination! In January 2017 Alwyn wrote… “Last week was my first week of shadowing at a law firm, for my future job. I was so scared before I started. I didn’t know how I would be received by the other lawyers and if everything would be ‘disabled’-friendly. Much to my surprise it went well. Great actually. I participated in numerous consultations and trials. The lawyers and magistrates I worked with were great. Everything was wheelchair friendly and I even met some childhood friends whom I had lost contact with, who are now advocates. A senior partner at the firm where I was shadowing, even asked me to send my CV. If ever I was unsure that being a lawyer is my calling, I’m not unsure anymore. I’m now more determined than ever

Injured: 20 May 1990 at age 18. Amos lives in Soto Village near HagaHaga East London in the Eastern Cape with his wife and 3 children. Amos started his own business in 2014 called the Great Kei Disability Centre where he has established a community centre for people living with disabilities. He received a Lottery grant in May 2024 after persistent applications and was able to purchase solar panels, camera’s, sewing machines and laptops for his place of work providing and creating job opportunities for his staff. For his impact in his local community he has been nominated for multiple community awards, was awarded as a ‘Local Hero’ by the Daily Dispatch and travelled to Japan & Thailand for training with JICA (Japanese International Collaboration Agency) in 2019.

Injured: 9 April 1989, aged 21 playing scrumhalf for Moonlight RFC. He lives in East London in the Eastern Cape and works for Supported Employment Enterprises in East London. Mawethu found his work opportunity by watching the Falkons vs Border game a few years ago where he happened to be wearing an old Chris Burger Petro Jackson branded top and was spotted by an individual who saw an opportunity. They exchanged numbers and the individual put him in touch with someone at his current work and today he sews all the clothes that are needed for staff in hospitals, linen and woodwork which is exported to Cape Town. The story of opportunity and favour is just incredible on where he is today. Mawethu was in a wheelchair for 9 months then went onto 2 crutches after extensive rehabilitation. Today he walks with one crutch and was told he would never walk again. He is incredibly positive and is such an inspiration to others proving that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination. Mawethu is married with 3 boys aged, 17yr, 20yr and 28yr. He coaches the U19 Homeboys RFC 3 times p/week and is still passionate about the game

Injured:  25 March 1996, at the age of 30, while playing for Storm Breakers Rugby team. Dan lives at the Summerstrand Cheshire Home in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. He is excellent at mouth painting and sells his works to earn an extra income.

Injured: 2 April 2006 while playing for the Western Rangers Rugby Club in Rustenburg. He now lives in Peddie in the Eastern Cape.

Injured: 2 July 2006, at age 20. Vuyo lived at the Cheshire Home in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape from 2010 and in 2025 he decided to make the move back home to King Williamstown and be independent. Vuyo studied Business Management at Dower College and is looking to start his own business. ‘It always seems impossible until it is done’

Injured: 4 April 2009, at age 21. Sikhosonke Mani, also known as ‘Sikho’ at the Cleary Park Cheshire Homes where he currently resides. Sikho was injured on the 4th April 2009 while playing lock for the Gladiators Rugby Football club. He has an incomplete C4/C5 spinal cord injury but has since managed to complete a Diploma in Public and Business Management at Dower College in PE. Sikho is passionate about health and wellbeing and has his exercise bands strapped to his chair so that there is never an excuse not to exercise. He exercises twice a day and is a real go getter looking for the next course he is able to complete while he waits for a door to open for an internship. Sikho is always smiling, has a positive outlook on life, is hard working and determined in completing the necessary tasks at hand. He is currently completing a Mentor Leadership programme through QASA Watch Sikhosonke’s Story here : http://bit.ly/Sikhosonke

Injured: 28 April 1992, at the age of 20, playing hooker for koshuis rugby at Stellenbosch University. JP runs his own successful business, The Olive Grove and is married with 3 children. He lives in Pinelands in Cape Town and remains positive in all he does.

Injured:  23 August 1996 at age 21 during a koshuis rugby match for the University of Pretoria. Jannie lives in Pretoria and since his injury Jannie completed his studies and became a qualified accountant and received his degree in BCOMM Law. Jannie enjoys hunting with his two brothers and nephews either in the bushveld or the Freestate. He is a great Blue Bulls rugby supporter and has the great support of a close family and they do a lot together. He lives on his own with the help of a carer and is still currently consulting on the odd occasion when it is needed.

Injured: 14 April 1988, aged 15, while playing lock for Postmasburg High School. Chris is married and lives with his wife in Parow in the Western Cape. He works in IT systems at the Old Mutual offices in Cloud Operations in Pinelands. A dream came true in 2023 when he was able to purchase his own home.

Injured: 20 April 2005, aged 19. Rikus lives in a retirement home in Pretoria and studied to be a pastor. He has a big passion for birds and nature and loves to spend as much time as he can outdoors.

Injured: 27 July 2008 at 21 years of age, playing hooker for his Koshuis rugby team at the University of Johannesburg. During the scrum, he was unable to get his head out in time, resulting in the C5/C6 injury that changed the course of his life. Refusing to let circumstances define him, Anthony went on to complete a Marketing degree at North-West University and has since built a thriving career as a music producer. It took him nine years of dedication and determination to establish his business, and today he enjoys the freedom of working on his own terms — a true reflection of his perseverance and passion. Anthony lives He lives in Mafikeng in NWP and lives a balanced and healthy lifestyle, exercising three to four times a week, spending time outdoors, and nurturing his mind through reading. Grounded and content, he embraces each day with gratitude and focus. His story stands as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from trusting the process and never giving up.

Injured: 9 March 1986, at age 34 when playing rugby in Adelaide. Zamile walks with the aid of a crutch and lives in Adelaide in the Eastern Cape.

Injured: 4 August 2012, at age 15, playing for Hoërskool Swartland in Malmesbury. Following 4 months of rehabilitation at the Western Cape Rehab Centre, he returned to school to commence Grade 10 and his plan is to finish his last 3 years of school, before deciding on tertiary education. Rowan lives at home with his parents in Atlantis, WC and is diligent with his exercise regime and has made wonderful progress over the years.

Injured: 13 August 2000, aged 21, while playing hooker for Winter Rose Rugby Club. He lives in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape with his brother who is his full-time career. Despite his injury, he remains committed to his exercise routine, training three times a week. Heinick’s passion for the sport remains strong, and he still dreams of finding sponsorship to form a group that supports individuals in need of wheelchairs

Injured: 6 May 2006, aged 17, while playing lock for Lichtenberg Hoërskool in Lichtenberg, NWP. He graduated with a BA degree in 2012 and completed his Masters Degree in Environmental Management. When not at university in Pretoria, he lives on his family farm in Ottosdal in the North West Province. He is diligent in his exercise regime and does stretching exercises twice a day. His goal is to focus more on strength exercises and one day complete his PHD.  

Injured: 20 April 1996, aged 24, while playing blindside flank for Lowville Rugby Club. He lives in Vredenburg on the West Coast of the Western Cape. After 6 months of acupuncture, physiotherapy and going to the gym, his spinal cord recovered to an extent that he is now walking with the aid of 2 crutches. Emil works for Transnet at the Saldanha Steelworks as the Chief Stock Inspector and is currently completing a 1 Year Project Management course. Emil is Captain for his cricket club as well as on the Board for Boland Members Cricket Council. He is still actively involved behind the scenes with his rugby club and assists where help is needed.  We are incredibly proud on everything he has achieved since his injury, and he continues to go from strength to strength.

Injured: 13 September 1989, aged 22, playing in the Saldanha Rugby League where he broke his neck when he was tackled by 3 players. He still lives in Saldanha in the Western Cape with his wife and children. He has a C6 incomplete spinal cord injury and currently uses one crutch to get around. He was in hospital for 9 months when he was injured with the first 6 months being bound to a wheelchair. Through his secondary rehabilitation, he recovered well with neurological weakness to the right side of his body. George is passionate about making food and has a heart for people and serving others. He believes that Love, Faith and Hope are important in life and his dream is to have a business where he buys and sells items one day.

Injured: 1 September 2007 at age 20 playing flank for Ceres Rugby Club. Roselt lives on his family farm in Ceres where he carries out all the finances and administration related to the farm. Him and his brother work alongside each other as the farm Managers. Roselt has come a far way in his rehabilitation and remains active with 2 Biokinetic sessions a week as well as daily stretches and strength exercises. Roselt enjoys the outdoors and goes for rides in his powered wheelchair around the farm enjoying the beautiful nature around him. Roselt would like to be more independent one day and remains positive in his work and daily life, a true inspiration in that hard work and dedication truly pays off.

Injured: 31 July 1992, aged 19, while playing 8th man for the University of the Free State. He graduated with a BA in Theology and now works on his father’s farm in Danielskuil, Northern Cape. He is currently a full time farmer with 1000 cows knowing them all by name as well as which calf belongs to which parents, which is pretty impressive. Willie is married with 2 daughters and is diligent in a 30min backstroke swimming routine of 3 times per week where he maintains his fitness and overall health. Healthy eating habits was a choice he made a few years ago which lead to incredible goals of weight loss and improved well-being. We are incredibly inspired by his strong mind, determination and diligence in the choices he has made and the lifestyle he has created for himself.

Injured: 14 March 1997, aged 25, playing flank for the Defence Force in Bloemfontein. He lives and works in Bloemfontein and is a Major in the SANDF since 2021 and after 35 years of service, he is still as passionate as ever. Johannes has walked an incredible journey, despite the challenges that he has faced along the way, he remains happy, positive and just a breath of fresh air. He maintains a daily exercise routine of passive exercises and has a passion for music, he is known as the music man in the suburb.

Injured: 28 June 1986, aged 23, playing flank for Glenwood Old Boys Rugby Club in Durban. Renzo is an IT Developer and works for EOY. He enjoys watching Formula 1 racing, rugby as well as socializing and meeting new people. He would like to enhance his work skill level and to form a more structured exercise and stretching routine. Renzo always has a smile on his face and has always been driven and determined to work hard and make a difference where he can.

Injured: 20 April 1989, aged 16, playing centre for Concordia Secondary School near Springbok. Simon lives in Ravensmead, Cape Town and having previously worked for Mweb, Simon currently works for Vodacom as the Senior Technical officer in the call department and has been a loyal employee since 2009. He completed the following courses to upskill himself; AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, OCI Multicloud Architect Professional (2025) and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2025 Data Science Professional (1Z0-1110-25). Simon remains diligent in his daily stretches and exercise routine which he needs to manage during work shift hours which vary from week to week but he lets nothing stand in his way of having a positive outlook on life and upskilling himself when an opportunity arises.

Injured: 17 August 1988, playing flank for Fundani High School. He lives with his family in Cathcart, Eastern Cape. Today, he remains committed to his daily stretches, doing what he can each day to maintain his mobility. One of his dreams is to start painting, a goal he speaks of with a soft but certain confidence. Despite the challenges he faces, Siphiwo’s positivity shines through with the biggest smile. He enjoys watching television, listening to music, and taking comfort in the small joys of daily life. Siphiwo’s journey continues to inspire, grounded in resilience, supported by family, and lifted by hope.

Injured: 20 May 1999, at age 15, playing flank for Hoërskool Noordkaap in Kimberley. He is currently pursuing his dream of becoming a DJ.

Injured: 16 April 2002, aged 18, playing 8th man for Punt Hoërskool in Mosselbaai. Since completing his matric, Martin has graduated with 3 degrees having studied through UNISA. He is about to embark on his working career.

Injured: 23 April 1983, aged 23, playing flyhalf in a club fixture for Excelsior Rugby Club in Middleburg when he sustained an incomplete C6 spinal cord injury — a moment that changed the course of his life but not the strength of his spirit. Although he still has no sensation on the right side of his body, Jan remains remarkably positive. His hands are most at home working with wood, and he pours that optimism into crafting furniture. He dreams of the day his RDP home is complete so that he can furnish it with pieces he builds himself, and eventually grow his passion into a source of income. Jan also finds joy in the soil. His garden is a patchwork of spinach, mielies, tomatoes, onions, and beetroot — each plant a small testament to his patience and persistence. “After my injury, my teammates lifted me up, put me on a roof sheet to carry me off the field. There was no ambulance around which meant it took me a long time to get to hospital. Years on, I am now painting and making furniture for a living.”

Injured: 18 August 1984, aged 15 while playing prop for his school Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch. After a long period of rehabilitation, Wentzel returned to Paul Roos to complete his matric in a self-propelling manual wheelchair, refusing to let his injury stand in the way of his education or ambitions. His drive saw him move on to Stellenbosch University, where he completed both a BComm and a Master’s degree. Over the years, Wentzel has served in several departments at the University—including Commercial, Security, Finance, and Athletics. He is now the Sports Manager at Maties, managing ParaSport as well as the clubs for persons with disabilities which include student and non-student clubs. In 2006, he played a key role in establishing the Maties Sports for Disabled Club, a pioneering initiative that opened doors for student athletes with disabilities to access proper equipment and facilities. Wentzel’s personal sporting achievements are equally impressive. Post-injury, he earned provincial colours in swimming, wheelchair rugby, and hand cycling (both track and road). He went on to represent South Africa at multiple international wheelchair rugby championships—an experience he describes as one of the highlights of his sporting career. Although his competitive days are behind him, Wentzel

Injured: 11 May 1996, at age 18 playing loose head prop for Hoërskool Gymnasium Potchefstroom. Pienaar, who was in his final year of school, sustained a C6 spinal cord injury. Despite the many challenges he has faced since then, Pienaar remains actively involved on the family farm, where he manages the accounting and bookkeeping. One of the highlights every year is their family’s annual camping trip to Hoedspruit, where he delights in the outdoors and takes great pleasure in identifying different tree species. Pienaar is also known for his positive outlook and mentorship, often offering guidance and encouragement to his close circle of friends.