The South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) was founded almost 20 years ago and is focused on two primary objectives. One being to promote the de-velopment of rugby at a grassroots level in disadvantaged areas and in those where rugby is a non-traditional sport and secondly, to provide ongoing support of its leg-ends. There are numerous supportive elements required in the management and support of our legends, ranging from the organisation of, and participation in, vari-ous match events, in addition to ongoing development and charity work.
Preparatory training is currently underway by the teams participating in the upcom-ing inaugural Stones Cup Deaf Rugby Interprovincial Tournament to be held in Bloemfontein from 29 March – 6 April 2019. Completely amateur, the Stones Cup Deaf Interprovincial Rugby Tournament is the first if its kind in South Africa, and organised by the South African Deaf Rugby Union (SADRU). The Tournament is named after its former president, Tim Stones, who has also sponsored the trophy.
This week, our SA Rugby Legends were alerted to the fact that the tournament’s in-vitational team, SA Deaf Invitational XV, did not have any kit to play in. This inspired our legends to supply the team with a full SARLA rugby kit; jerseys, shorts and socks, for both matches and training sessions. This generous gesture will ensure that not only will the SA Deaf Invitational XV team look the part but will assist in building a strong identity, adding to their team spirit.
The SA Deaf Invitational XV team expressed their immense gratitude, sharing that they were so appreciative of the gesture, especially in light of the fact that they would be wearing the rugby legends kit, which they view as a prestigious honour. The team are excited for the tournament ahead, which, as the first of its kind in South Africa, is guaranteed to be a great, action-packed event.
Longstanding SARLA sponsor and supporter, DSV Global Transport and Logistics, came to the team’s aid without hesitation, to ensure the safe collection and delivery of the kit to the team. Paul Muller from DSV Global Transport and Logistics said “Providing support to the SA Deaf Invitational Team is such an honour as we know how much this means to them. Working alongside SARLA and their partners illus-trates the wonderful team spirit that rugby inspires.”
Stefan Terblanche, SARLA CEO, said “We are thrilled to be associated with the in-credible work that SARDU does and so inspired by the esteemed upcoming tour-nament” adding that “Acts such as these illustrate SARLA’s values and I’d like to thank all of whom have assisted to make this event a success.”
SARLA would like to wish all players and management participating at a national level in this tournament the greatest success. We thank them for reminding all of us that rugby is an incredible game, capable of positive transformation.
The full match schedule is as follows below:
30 March – Sentraal High School
16h00 WP Deaf Thunder vs Blue Bulls Deaf
18h00 WP Deaf Cyclones vs SA Deaf Invitational XV
3 April – Bloemfontein Police (Bobbies Park)
18h00 SA Deaf Invitational XV vs WP Deaf Thunder
20h00 Blue Bulls Deaf vs WP Deaf Cyclones
5 April – Bloemfontein Police (Bobbies Park)
18h00 WP Deaf Cyclones vs WP Deaf Thunder
6 April – Toyota Stadium (Curtain raiser, Toyota Cheetahs vs Ospreys)
13h00 SA Deaf Invitational XV vs Blue Bulls Deaf
For more information on South Africa’s Deaf Rugby Union and the Stones Tour-nament please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/SADeafRugby or SARLA on https://www.facebook.com/SARugbyLegendsAssociation
