With the 2010 FIFA World Cup having come and gone, not to mention the away leg of the Tri-Nations involving our Springboks, the year is fast approaching the home straight yet again. It's the oldest saying in the book but it's true - time does fly by.

While football grabbed the headlines for a full month, it's now back to rugby as the Currie Cup and the rest of the Boks' international season approaches - South Africa might not be able to defend their Tri-Nations crown anymore, but I'm sure you will join me in wishing the boys well for their upcoming matches, starting with a very exciting encounter on 21 August at Soccer City against the All Blacks.

The venue of the FIFA World Cup final is truly spectacular, and to hear it was sold out just goes to show that even if the Springboks are struggling, as they currently are, they remain a huge drawcard and there remain out there thousands of diehard fans who will continue to support them through thick and thin.

Speaking of support, I must once again thank the Springboks for agreeing to take part in our annual banquet and telethon taking place on 17 August at Montecasino in Johannesburg.

Table booking are still open at R10,000 per table of 10, which includes the presence of one Gauteng-based ex-Springbok at your table. You can book online right here on the website, or by phoning the Fund office on (021) 659 5615.

I hope to see you there for an unforgettable evening!

And please remember, wherever you play your rugby, the Fund never closes its doors, and we are always ready when the telephone rings and there is an injured player to assist.

As this rugby season reaches the final straight, please continue to make note of our toll-free BokSmart Spineline number, 0800 678 678, which you can call at any time if there is a catastrophic injury to one of the players on the field wherever you are, be it at a school or club match anywhere in South Africa.

Knowing the number could just save the life of that player – and help make the game we all love safer.

Morné du Plessis
Chairman