Rugby World Cup 2011
Boks support quake victims
2011-09-15 15:13
Peter de Villiers (File)
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Cape Town - The Springboks on Thursday offered their support and assistance to the
victims of February’s devastating Christchurch earthquake, which claimed almost
200 lives and devastated the New Zealand city.
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and star players Victor Matfield,
Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers met Red Cross representatives in Wellington.
The quartet presented a signed team jersey to John Ware of the New Zealand Red
Cross to be auctioned to raise funds for the organisation’s relief activities
in the zone.
“This was a tragedy that touched all of us and we wanted to offer our
support and assistance,” said Springbok coach Peter de Villiers. “All of us in
the Springbok team know Christchurch very well and to see it so devastated and
to read the stories of lost lives was shocking.
“With the support of the international rugby community we know the
people of Christchurch have the character to overcome this adversity.”
The international
Rugby Board has also launched an appeal aimed directly at aiding rugby organisations
in the region getting back on their feet. Details can be found at www.rwcchristchurchappeal.com.
Peter de Villiers (back left), Victor Matfield (back right), Bryan Habana (kneeling left) and Jean de Villiers (kneeling right) making a presentation to John Ware (Red Cross NZ, back centre), in aid of the Red Cross Christchurch Disaster Appeal at the Ekhaya Centre in Wellington on Thursday. (Gallo Images)