A Community Carries Leandro Forward on His Healing Journey

Photo Credit: The Players’ Fund via Facebook

A rugby injury may have altered Leandro’s world, but his journey has been carried by extraordinary love, generosity, hope – and in one especially unforgettable moment, he even got to meet some of his rugby role models!

Western Cape, South Africa (19 April 2026) – In March, we shared the heartwarming story of four mermaids who braved the chilly Atlantic to take part in a 72-kilometre relay swim from Fish Hoek to Hout Bay.

They did incredibly well, completing the race and raising funds for a 13-year-old boy whose life was irrevocably changed by a catastrophic injury sustained during a rugby scrum on his home field in October 2025.

Leandro Jantjies became a lifelong recipient of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, and the organisation is pleased to share that his healing journey has been progressing steadily.

The talented teen has been on a long road to rehabilitation. On 20 March, a special visit to the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre brought encouragement and unforgettable moments for Leandro, with South African rugby forwards Evan Roos and Zachary Porthen stopping by, along with a signed Springbok cap from Siya Kolisi and a message from Makazole Mapimpi.

If the smiles from the recent visit are anything to go by, this young player was absolutely over the moon to be seen and supported in a way he could never have imagined.

Through generous and consistent assistance, Leandro’s critical needs have been supported, including the provision of mobility equipment, specialised medical care and rehabilitation, counselling and psychosocial support. On 17 April, he returned home after four months of rehabilitation, now supported by a newly built accessible pathway and an adapted bathroom made possible by the Players’ Fund.

The youngest recipient of the Players’ Fund in 45 years, Leandro may have had his life altered doing what he loves in the most devastating way, but he has an entire community standing right beside him.

“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.”