The South Africa Rugby Legends, a team that brings together players from the teams that won the World Cups in 1995, 2007 and 2019, are in Portugal until Sunday to inspire young people to play rugby and demonstrate the sport’s values: integrity, discipline, respect and solidarity.
The stories of these stars go beyond the achievements of leading the South African national team to three-time world champion status, which is why their careers didn’t end when they stopped playing. The famous springboks they were excluded from two World Cups because of Apartheid, but in 1995 they won the trophy on their debut, at home, in extra time with New Zealand. After a 9-9 draw in regular time, a rebound kick from Joel Stransky sealed the triumph that united a nation that would become world champions again in 2007 and 2019.
The 1995 hero is the most requested because of his connection to Nélson Mandela, but in Portugal there is also John Smit, considered the best South African player ever, Schalk Brits, Percy Montgomery, Butch James, Pat Lambie and many others. Together they will challenge the Portugal Barbarian International Legends, including Gonçalo Uva, João Correia, Marcelo D’Orey, Rui Cordeiro, in an exhibition game, scheduled for Saturday, in Jamor.
The duel may not even be even, but that will ultimately be the least important aspect of this solidarity initiative. Today, on their third visit to Portugal, the South African stars transformed the gardens of Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, in Cascais, into a makeshift field where they exchanged balls with several mentally challenged youths from Cascais Rugby.
Inclusion through sport is one of the messages they want to convey. And that’s why the Cascais City Council took part in the event. “I hope these legends enjoy Cascais and inspire more and more young people. We want champions within the four lines, but above all we want champions in life,” said Francisco Kreye, councilor in charge of sports, recalling that the council has a long and happy bond with rugby.
Through entrepreneur and founder Tim Vieira, the team will also visit the Hub of the Brave Generation Academy in Cascais, one of the main drivers of the tour.
Source: DN
