The South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) is a non-profit organisation operating in South Africa. It is composed of former Springbok and Provincial rugby union players and provides a platform from which retired professional rugby players can work with the development of rugby in previously disadvantaged areas. The objective of the association is to raise money in aid of charitable causes and to provide sports coaching and life skills training to youngsters from previously disadvantaged areas in the country. SARLA also runs the South African Rugby Union (SARU) endorsed sustainable development rugby programme named Vuka.
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History
SARLA was started in 2005 by South African entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Richmark Holdings Gavin Varejes and former Springbok rugby player John Allan. SARLA comprises former Springboks and Provincial rugby players. Initially started with charitable games as objective, the association has evolved to provide programmes like ‘Legends Iqhawe’, ‘Legacy Parks’ and ‘Vuka’.
Current Legends in SARLA
The following former rugby players currently form part of SARLA:
Legends Iqhawe and Legacy Parks
The Legends Iqhawe (hero or champion in the Zulu language) program was created to provide coaching in sport and also life skills training to youngsters. The coaching and training takes place in Legacy Parks situated in previously disadvantaged areas in South Africa and is facilitated by a role model in the form of a sports personality. The program is sponsored by companies like van Dyck and Paracon.
Vuka Rugby Development Program
SARLA started a grassroots rugby development programme called Vuka (awakening or wake up in the Zulu language) in 2008. Over 2000 disadvantaged youngsters in more than 80 schools in the Western Cape have been given an opportunity to develop rugby and life skills by partaking in the programme.
Press Coverage
SARLA regularly features in the South African online and printed press. Selected press coverage includes:
Contribution to Charity
SARLA and Gavin Varejes donate time and funds to a variety of charities. The legends Joost van der Westhuizen, David Von Hoesslin, Mac Masina and Riaan Erwee visited one of FEED South Africa’s beneficiaries in the Alexandra Township; the Phutuditjaba Community centre where they visited and handed out blankets to elderly and bed-ridden citizens.