Members of East London Rugby Club spent an afternoon with members of the England squad meeting young children and residents of the Masiphumelele township in Cape Town, South Africa.
They joined an outreach project in June run by The Atlas Foundation, which was founded by England legend Jason Leonard to support poor communities through the power of rugby. The Foundation provides food, education, medicine and sports facilities for 10,000 children in 18 projects across 12 countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe.
The East London contingent was in South Africa as part of the Silver Hippos RFC group who followed England throughout their recent tour. They joined members of the England squad at Rondebosch High School to take part in rugby activities with 40 township youngsters who are helped by the Atlas Foundation.
East London RFC vice-chairman Simon Crick said: “It was incredibly humbling to spend the afternoon with the kids."
The club members donated East London shirts and other items which can be used by the township children and their families. A special shirt was presented to township coach Frank Fundile Charlie who has been accepted as an honorary member of the club.
Frank said: “I thank our East London friends for their great commitment towards the children of Masiphumelele township and for uplifting the lives of ordinary people.”
As well as the England players, other dignitaries included in the visit were Jason Leonard; Rugby Football Union President John Spencer; Rugby Football Union Chairman Andy Cosslett; British High Commissioner Nigel Casey; Edward Roman, British Consul General; and former Springbok international Stefan Terblanche whose South African Rugby Legends also support the township work.
The club has committed to supporting the Masiphumelele project in future.