Bursary recipients are predominantly from disadvantaged communities in South Africa. These scholarships offer opportunities for the youth of South Africa (men and women) to enrol in selected schools or tertiary rugby academies.

These educational bursaries go to promising young rugby players identified through SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development Programmes. Player identification is conducted in collaboration with provincial unions, drawing on initiatives like Youth Weeks, to ensure that talented players from all 15 provincial unions in South Africa are selected. As such, parents do not need to submit applications, as all candidates are chosen directly through these established programs.

We appreciate your interest in supporting the development of future rugby stars through this initiative.

The end goal is to equip players with a holistic education and to deliver more employable individuals. During 2018 a total of 52 young players received bursaries from the REF, of which 75% are black players. The goal is to build on this good start and to grow the bursary fund to be able to support more than 90 players annually.

Apart from the full academic fees, the annual bursary aims to cover aspects such as: accommodation, meals, medical services, medical aid, mentorship, gym access, strength & conditioning training, rugby coaching, transport, kit, stipends and life skills. Scholarships for players vary between R60,000 to R130,000 per year.

Corporates and individuals qualify for various tax incentives:

• Foundation is a Non-Profit Organization

• SARS approved as PBO (PBO number 930053333)

• Has 18A Tax Status

• Fits well into the Corporate CSI as well as Skills Development (SDL) funding

• Donations qualify for deductions from Income Tax (10% of taxable income)

Donors receive regular progress reports on the programme and the players. The financials of the Foundation are audited and are made available to donors.

For any further information please contact Zingi Hela: zingi.hela@sarugby.co.za