The Chris Burger/Petro Jackson Players Fund is the official charity of WP Rugby.

The Chris Burger Fund was formed in 1980 following the death of Western Province Fullback Chris Burger, after a Currie Cup rugby match. Morne du Plessis then Captain of Western Province, together with his teammates, formed the Fund.

In 1989, Petro Jackson, a young player from Kylemore in Stellenbosch was killed during a rugby match. SARU founded the Petro Jackson Fund.

Unity in 1992 resulted in the two funds amalgamating to become The Chris Burger / Petro Jackson Players' Fund.

The aims and objectives of the fund are to raise money for the benefit of past, present and future rugby players at all levels, irrespective of colour or creed, which may be the victims of misfortune. The Fund have in the past, provided only basic equipment such as wheelchairs and cushions to recipients, but are now in a position where we are trying to assist the individuals to regain as much independence as possible, and to improve the quality of their lives where we are able to.

The majority of injuries occur in rural areas where coaching is minimal and players are enthusiastic. The Fund has, in the past, relied solely upon the public's support and monies received from donations and fund-raising events. The generous annual contribution from SARFU and the Unions has enabled the Fund to provide realistic assistance to the recipients, as well as enabling us to embark upon a programme of prevention.

In 1987 the Fund purchased the leasehold rights to a specially designed suite in the Danie Craven Pavilion at Newlands Rugby Stadium exclusively for the use of disabled rugby players in wheel chairs.

The Fund runs the “Power of Prevention” programme through which it has established the “SpineLine”, a 24-hour emergency response service for rugby injuries, the “Rugby Medic Club”, which trains hundreds of club and secondary school medics annually and the “Coaches Logbook”, a practical aid for coaches with advice of conditioning, safety, techniques and more.

The Fund hosts an annual banquet and golf day through which it raises much needed funding for its activities. As SARU´s official Social Responsibility partner, the Fund receives a generous annual grant from the governing body.

The affairs of the Fund are efficiently and competently administered by a Management Committee and Board of Trustees as well as a full time General Manager and a Manager.

WP Rugby is proud to be associated with the Chris Burger/Petro Jackson Players' Fund and hope to make a worthwhile contribution to assisting rugby players all over the region.

Players Fund

Address :
G5 Murray Field
Brookside Office Park
Lansdowne Road
Claremont

Telephone :
+27 21 683 0090

Fax :
+27 21 683 0093

E-mail Us : contact@playersfund.org.za