The South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) and the Lions Rugby Company have partnered with SPAR during the national lockdown to pack and distribute much-needed food parcels to Gauteng’s poorer communities affected by COVID-19. Over the past five weekends, over 1000 parcels have been distributed to various charities within Gauteng, with lots of support from family and friends.

“It’s a privilege being reminded of what the rugby family is about in tough times. Seeing the younger generation take the baton and give of themselves when needed makes me proud to be a rugby player and proud of the work that rugby as a sport does for the community”, said John Smit, 2007 World Cup Winning Captain and Board Member of SARLA.

SARLA Legends, John Smit, Warren Brosnihan, Dave von Hoesslin, Joel Stransky, Kennedy Tsimba, Mac Masina and others all flexed their muscles with the Lions Rugby Captain, Elton Jantjies and a few of his teammates, doing some heavy lifting for charity, assembling and handing out food parcels at SUPERSPAR Fontana The Wedge in Johannesburg. And while the Lions Rugby Company may not be able to challenge their arch rivals, the Blue Bulls on the field at the moment, Jantjies is throwing down a different kind of gauntlet during lockdown.

“I challenge the Blue Bulls, Trevor Nyakane and Coach Jake White, to raise funds and to beat our distribution of over 1000 food parcels in Gauteng”, said Jantjies. “The Lions Rugby Company and SA Rugby Legends have proved that we’ve got what it takes and can pull together as a team. Let’s see if the Bulls and other rugby unions can do the same with the #RugbyUnites challenge!”

SARLA CEO, Stefan Terblanche, said, “There is nothing stronger in SA sport than our rugby family coming together. Ivan Van Rooyen and Elton did an amazing job of kicking off the #RugbyUnites challenge, and now we want to see the other unions doing the same – starting with the Bulls. Come on, boys!”

SARLA President Gavin Varejes said, “There’s more to the spirit of sport than playing on the field. It’s about adding value to the lives of people who need it. These food parcels are helping some of our most needy communities through a very tough time and we encourage all South Africans to donate their money and time to help, too.”

To support this worthy initiative, please visit www.backabuddy.co.za/rugby-legends-feeding-initiative.

To stay up to date with news about SARLA’s continued efforts to support local communities, follow the SA Rugby Legends on Facebook. And for more information, please visit www.sarugbylegends.com

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