As excitement builds around the 2018 Springbok Rugby season, there is further ex-citement brewing with the start of the SA Rugby Legends’ (SARLA) international sea-son ahead, starting in June.
This will be the second time our SA Rugby Legends have travelled to Lisbon, Portugal, where they first played the Portuguese Rugby Legends in 2016, at the invitation of the Portuguese rugby fraternity and South African entrepreneur Tim Vieira. Portugal’s na-tional team last played at the Rugby World Cup in 2007 and thus this event is aimed at developing a stronger interest in Rugby in the country and exposing more people to the wonderful game.
Coached by the legendary Ian McIntosh, our star-studded SARLA Team includes the likes of Percy Montgomery, Lawrence Sephaka, Dave von Hoesslin, Gcobani Bobo, Hentie Martens, Frikkie Welsh, Justin Swart, Jaco van der Westhuyzen and Stefan Terblanche. In addition, legends like Mac Masina, Hottie Louw, Justin Melck and for-mer Blitz Bok legend Mpho Mbiyozo will also take to the field.
Whilst the match features as the tours highlight event, the group will also spend valua-ble time skills-sharing at a local rugby clinic for young players, meeting Portuguese rugby fans and spending time with the Portugal-based South African community. Stef-an Terblanche, SARLA CEO said “It is so special that our SA Rugby Legends enjoy sharing their knowledge with younger players,” he added “The team totally supports the passion for the game in another country.”
There will be further former Rugby greats supporting and promoting the Legends Team, such as SARLA President, Gavin Varejes and celebrated commentator Hugh Bladen. In addition, 1995 Rugby World Cup Winners Chester Williams and Krynauw Otto, plus former Bok and Coach Carel du Plessis, Dale Santon, Rob Louw, Butch James, Jean De Villiers and Marius Joubert.
Terblanche shared that all parties were enthusiastic about returning to Lisbon “We had a fantastic time in 2016. It was a well-coordinated tour with an incredibly welcoming atmosphere.” He thanked the legends who had agreed to tour and play again, saying “We are always grateful to our legends who give of their time to help promote this amazing game.”
