Some of South Africa’s most influential women came together for a Spring celebration of The First Lady of Springbok Rugby, Annelee Murray. Annelee, who recently published a book that every South African interested in heritage, unity and strength, should read, is unbeknown to many but one of the most influential figures behind our beloved Boks.
Photographed (left to right): Layla Kolbe, Annelee Murray, Rachel Kolisi, Anastatia Mbonambi, Holly Nichol, Zelda la Grange.
In honour of Annelee’s monumental contribution to the sport for over two decades, these amazing ladies paid homage to and shed light on the Chris Burger Players Fund at the celebration as well.
As emphasised by former Springbok Captain and event MC, Jean de Villiers, a South African rugby player runs onto a field backed by a team that goes on beyond the pitch. We should add here that Mr de Villiers was the only gentleman invited to the event, but did a fabulous job representing every rugby player’s love and admiration for Murray.
Photographed (left to right): Zelda la Grange (former PA to President Nelson Mandela), Jean de Villiers (former Springbok rugby captain).
So, when our country’s sporting heroes find themselves having to adapt to life with a “new normal” after a catastrophic injury, it is once again a team approach needed to lift them up — and this is exactly what the fund does for many of our country’s dedicated players who sometimes suffer lifelong injury and in some cases permanent disability.
Annelee knows this first hand, having been given the title of the “Springbok mother” by some of our most iconic players.
Current Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi went on to describe Annelee as a “hero and a legend,” while former Bok superstar John Smit said the following:
“I don’t even think SA Rugby will fully understand how important Annelee was in the Springboks attaining their many achievements in her time with the team. While she might not have been physically present on the field, she deserved each win and carried the burden of each loss as if she were playing. I know that her time with the team has come to an end but her love for the boys in green and gold will never stop. It is in her blood.”
As we head out of Women’s Month, it’s ever so important to knowledge that Annelee’s story is not one limited to men who love rugby. It’s an opportunity to get an inside glimpse into the world of a woman who transformed and paved the way for women in South Africa to enter into male-dominated workspaces.
Photographed: Annelee Murray, The First Lady of Springbok Rugby
This is a story about life, leadership, learning, and fighting for those you believe in. Ladies and gentlemen, this is why you should dive between the pages of The First Lady of Springbok Rugby…
The First Lady of Springbok Rugby by Annelee Murray R295,00
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[Article & Featured image via CapeTown Etc]
