Dozens of rugby players from 221 clubs affiliated to the Boland Rugby Union have received a welcome boost thanks to a a renewed commitment to the development of rugby at grassroots level.

The initiative, backed by Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation will see equipment donated to about 490 teams from 221 registered rugby clubs associated with the Boland Rugby Union. The donation included over 2,300 rugby balls, about 70 carrying boards and neck braces, and nearly 300 pole protectors.

The Boland Rugby Union is the biggest union - in terms of size and geographic distance - in South Africa and has played an integral part in ensuring that its members get the very best through these and other Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects.

"We are grateful to our long-term partners - Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation - for going above and beyond by empowering the Boland Rugby Union to make a noticeable impact at the clubs," said Bennie van Rooi, president of Boland Rugby Union.

"This initiative is its second year, and we can see the impact that it has made following last year's handover. Rugby clubs in the Boland have a strong loyal following so being able to help them with equipment will help improve things at club level."

This initiative underlines the Boland Rugby Union's unwavering commitment to helping grow talent and promoting the sport across the region.

“We are proud to support Boland Rugby because of the powerful role sport plays in empowering communities. Our partnership with Boland Rugby aligns with our core belief in the transformative power of sport to uplift and inspire young people, especially in our underserved communities. Through initiatives like this, we’re not only providing sports gear, but also aiming to foster confidence, resilience, and opportunities for individuals who can then give back to their communities,” said Carl Roothman, Chief Executive Officer of the Sanlam Investment Group.

This event will testify to the magnitude and power of sport within the Boland region which stretches across 13 municipalities and is played across four leagues including three senior men's divisions and one women's competition.

"When we partner with the Boland Rugby Union, we understand and know that it will be utilised to the maximum benefit of each club," said Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Chairperson of the Motsepe Foundation. "We hope that this investment will help clubs to continue to provide a safe space and ideal platform to showcase the talented and gifted rugby players that can be found in Boland, men and women."

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Empowering grassroots rugby | Boland Rugby Union's latest initiative