In line with Carling Black Label’s campaign, players from the Carling Currie Cup teams will either make a vow or wear #NOEXCUSE silicone rings in support of the initiative in the opening two weeks of SA’s premier domestic competition, which kicks off today (Friday, 27 November).

The Cell C Sharks will host the Phakisa Pumas in the opening match on Friday at 19h00, while Tafel Lager Griquas welcome the Xerox Lions to Kimberley and DHL Western Province takes on the Vodacom Bulls in the North-South derby on Saturday.

The #NOEXCUSE campaign aims to address the incidence of Gender-Based Violence by getting the men of South Africa to renew their social contract with the women in their lives and with society in general. RenewAll’s goal is to drive South African men to publicly acknowledge the scourge and get them to take action on the ground.

Carling Black Label Brand Director Arné Rust praised the teams for supporting the campaign.

“Every man is responsible for ending Gender Based Violence,” said Rust.

“We ask all men to Re-New what you stand for in your relationship, Re-Commit to helping in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Re-bel against the idea that you cannot help.

“We would like to call on all rugby fans to follow the lead of their favourite teams and join us in committing to this very important campaign. Go to www.noexcusesa.com to make the vow.

“Together we are stronger. Let’s discover #TheChampionWithin.”