De Villiers, a former Springbok captain, is the new chairman of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, and Brown recently retired from a distinguished career with the Springbok Sevens. They will talk, amongst others, about their roles both on and off the rugby field. 

The Ultimate Rugby Experience at Nooitgedacht Village in Stellenbosch is the largest private rugby collection in the world and a fitting venue for the incredible story of the Players’ Fund to be on permanent display for all to see. Museum owner, Theo Geustyn, honourably agreed to help pull together the 39-year history to ensure that the story of the Samaritan of South African Rugby is acknowledged and appreciated as a part of his extensive collection of rugby memorabilia.  

Since 1980, the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund has been supporting rugby players in SA whose lives were changed by serious injuries sustained on the field. Currently the Fund is supporting 108 recipients around the country, with a total of over 500 players having been cared for by the organisation since inception.

The severity of the recipients’ injuries often leaves the players and their families in need of psychological, emotional and financial support, as they learn to cope with their “new normal”. This support is made possible by the generosity of those who choose the Players’ Fund as their charity of choice. 

To mark the ceremonial unveiling of the History of the Players’ Fund, a fun and informal event is being hosted on Thursday 25 July 2019 at the Ultimate Rugby Experience at Nooitgedacht Village between 6-9pm.

This date falls in the week prior to the always hotly-contested battle between the Springboks and the All Blacks in Wellington New Zealand. This will provide plenty of talking points for the entertainment for the night, which will be an “On the Couch” conversation with the legendary former South African rugby heroes who will be interviewed by SuperSport and EWN Sports presenter Cato Louw. 

The honoured guests will include current chairman of the Players’ Fund and former Springbok captain, De Villiers, and the recently retired former Blitzbok captain, Brown, both of whom have had their time at the helm of their respective teams, guiding and living by the strong ethos of rugby.

As players and now post their professional careers, they all have a strong affinity for the Players’ Fund and in different ways, give back to the game by offering of their time to ensure that the recipients of the Fund, as former players of the game, are never forgotten. 

Tickets to this event are limited to 50 people and cost R350pp. This will include welcome drinks, wine sponsored by Zorgvliet, and a hearty meal. The Players’ Fund History exhibit box will also be up for auction on the night, providing the opportunity for the successful bidder’s name or corporate logo to be included on the display for the next three years.

Whilst guests are mingling, they will also be given the opportunity to view the Players’ Fund Project Hero which is a campaign of hope and positivity sponsored by Canon SA. This visual photographic documentary tells the story of five inspiring SA rugby players whose lives were changed by serious injuries on the field while playing at different levels of the game, yet all of whom still lead positive, fulfilled and meaningful lives as pivotal members of their own communities. The players’ stories were captured by well-known photographer Nardus Engelbrecht and acclaimed videographer Halden Krog.

To book tickets (R350pp) to this event, please call the Players’ Fund office on (021) 659 5615, email events@playersfund.org.za or visit http://www.playersfund.org.za/ for more information about Rugby’s Caring Hands.