2017 marks the launch of a historic moment in rugby: the launch of the Rugby Centurions.
Being included in this prestigious club is an honor bestowed upon exceptional rugby players, the world’s finest – those who have represented their country in 100 or more test matches. Through the Centurions, these players will have a chance to give back to the game of rugby and help to grow the sport and support promising new players.
Ahead of the International launch of this unique initiative, which will be held in London on the 23rd of November, a local media launch was held in Johannesburg, South Africa on the 7th of September 2017.
The Johannesburg launch was an incredible success and was attended by speakers such as John Smit, former Springbok captain and Managing Custodian of the Rugby Centurions and SA Rugby legend Victor Matfield, both of whom are Centurions, as well as Founder of the Rugby Centurions, Gavin Varejes.
The media were briefed on how Rugby Centurions came to exist and its plans to promote the game with the integrity and passion that embodies the spirit of rugby.
Rugby Centurions is the toughest membership in the world to crack, with only 3 in every 1000 players ever reaching the 100-test milestone. As well as celebrating the achievements of its members, the Rugby Centurions has a bigger goal: to use the collective weight of the experience and abilities of it’s members to grow the sport across the world. This means promoting rugby at a grassroots level.
The aim is to take the game to new territories and break new ground in the sport. The Rugby Centurions will use special projects to attract investment in order to finance their initiatives, including erecting plaques of honor for each Rugby Centurion, creating art collections and illustrated books that celebrate the history and greatest rugby moments of each of these unique players, producing a documentary, and even creating a clothing line.
According to John Smit, “Every athlete dreams of leaving a legacy behind once they can no longer be on the field. With the Rugby Centurions, we are giving players a way to make that legacy tangible through our exciting projects. Rugby has given us so much, and shaped our lives, now we can give back to this magnificent game.” He adds, “Rugby Centurions will also pay homage to the legends of the game – this elite membership is reserved for those players who reached the pinnacle of success in rugby and we want to see these fine players given the glory that they deserve for their achievements.”
With regards to the launch, Gavin Varejes says that it heralds the start of great things to come: “Rugby brings people and nations together and during the local SA launch of Rugby Centurions we had a glimpse of the bright future of the game. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to this wonderful event. We look forward to the official launch in London on the 23rd November.”
For more information on Rugby Centurions and the Gala Launch click here.
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