The Players' Fund

15/06/2026

10/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Jason Poleman from Just Planting Seeds (JPS) for inviting The Players’ Fund to his 5th Annual Manenberg Schools Youth Rugby Tournament. 💙🏉

Watching learners with significant challenges at home, use sport to overcome and deal with struggles, and who began this journey years ago, now stepping into their own, was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when young people are given the support, guidance and opportunity to grow.

Congratulations on another successful tournament. The impact of your work is truly inspiring. 🏉
Support and follow .seeds

08/06/2026

You’re invited to An Evening with the Springboks 💚✨

Chairman of the Players’ Fund, Jean de Villiers cordially invites you to an unforgettable evening in support of seriously injured rugby players.

📍The Forum Hyde Park
📅 23 June 2026
🕐17:30 for 18:00
👔Smart Casual

Seats are limited, so be sure to secure yours via Quicket (link in bio).

We look forward to sharing this special evening with you 🌟

05/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Afrisam for their generous donation of cement to one of our recipients, Siphiwo Ceshemba. 💙

When we visited Siphiwo last year, it became clear that the area surrounding his home made it extremely difficult for him to navigate independently using his motorised wheelchair. As a result, he had spent years unable to comfortably access the outside of his home.

Thanks to Afrisam’s generosity, that has now changed. The donated cement has helped create a more accessible environment, allowing Siphiwo to move more freely, access his home with greater ease, and enjoy spending time outdoors with dignity and independence.

It’s amazing how something as simple as improved accessibility can make such a profound difference in someone’s daily life.

Thank you, Afrisam, for helping us create meaningful change where it matters most. 🏉

02/06/2026

Winter can be especially difficult for many of our recipients, which is why our Winter Warmer Campaign exists, to bring extra warmth, and comfort. ❄️💙

Through the incredible generosity of our community and sponsors such as we ran a successful Winter Warmer drive in both 2024 & 2025, which was exceptionally well received. Our Trustee Hanyani “Shimmy” and our Chairman Jean de Villiers joined us in hand-delivering the packages, and this was such a treat for our recipients. 💙

This year we are sending out packages at the end of June 2026, and want to make an even bigger impact!

You can still contribute towards our 2026 Winter Warmer Campaign. We still require neck buffs / hand towels/ face cloths for our 77 Recipients.

Get in touch via email - [email protected]

26/05/2026

Cape Town to East London… with plenty of road trip moments (and a few cows along the way). 💙🏉

Shoneé and our Trustee Dr Khaya Mayedwa, recently travelled to East London to visit six of our recipients across East London, Berlin, Peddie, Keiskammahoek and Soto.

From homes to workplaces, each stop was a reminder of the resilience, strength, and spirit of the players and families we support. These visits are more than assistance, they’re about staying connected and continuing the journey together.

It is wonderful to see our recipients doing well in their respective lives, serving as a reminder of what the fund strives to do for those in need. 💙

22/05/2026

The Players’ Fund is dedicated to providing lifelong care and support to seriously injured rugby players whose lives changed in an instant while playing the game they love. 💙🏉

Through ongoing medical assistance, rehabilitation support, home accessibility improvements, emotional care, and empowerment initiatives, the Fund helps recipients and their families navigate life with dignity, hope, and renewed independence.

Beyond direct support, The Players’ Fund continues to unite the rugby community through impactful fundraising events and awareness campaigns from the much-loved Evening with the Springboks and the annual DHL Stormers fundraising dinners, to Winter Warmer Drives, recipient upliftment initiatives, community outreach programmes, and collaborative campaigns with players, teams, and partners across the country.

Every event attended, ticket purchased, donation made, and campaign supported helps create meaningful change in the lives of our recipients. Together, we continue to prove the strength of the rugby family… on and off the field. ✨

FundraisingForGood

20/05/2026

Every season is a season of giving, and we would like to continue doing our part to ensure our recipients are warm and comfortable, through our annual Winter Warmer Campaign. 💙

How your organisation can join in, benefit and make an impact:

•⁠ ⁠By donating product that will be included in our 76 Winter Warmer Hampers. Eg: neck buffs, gloves, travel blankets, toiletries, face cloths/hand towels etc.

•⁠ ⁠Or become a financial sponsor of the the initiative.

Get in touch with is via email at [email protected]

15/05/2026

Leandro’s journey continues.. 💙

On 20 March, a special visit to the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre brought encouragement and unforgettable moments for Leandro, with Evan Roos and Zachary Porthen visiting, receiving a signed Springbok cap from Siya Kolisi and a message from Makazole Mapimpi.

On 17 April, Leandro returned home after four months of rehabilitation, now supported by an accessible pathway and adapted bathroom. A huge thanks goes to Candice Wharton for capturing beautiful images and securing linen to kit out the bedrooms, kindly sponsored by Linen House.

A heartfelt thanks goes to every single donor of Project 13, and the legendary mermaids who swam tirelessly in support of Leandro’s home renovation.

With the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre and a powerful community behind him, Leandro continues to grow stronger every day.

14/05/2026

Happy Birthday to Clint! 🎉🏉

Thank you for the steady guidance, care, and commitment you bring to The Players’ Fund. Your experience and passion for the game continue to make a real difference in the work we do for seriously injured rugby players.

Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with happiness, celebration, and time well spent with loved ones. 💙