Tomorrow they’ll be bitter enemies, but today Springbok hookers Bismarck du Plessis and Chiliboy Ralepelle were elected to lead the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA).
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Du Plessis was re-elected president with Ralepelle his deputy for their second term at the head of the organisation which represents the 600 professional rugby players in South Africa.
SARPA represents the players rights at the South African Rugby Union as well as playing a leading role in significant issues like insurance, medical aid and life skills for young up and coming players.
Du Plessis and Ralepelle have both been strong voices in protecting players rights, and will act as the voice for the professional rugby playing community in the country.
Also at the Annual General Meeting, Lions lock Franco van der Merwe and Chumani Booi were re-elected on the executive committe and will be joined by Werner Griesel (Griffons) and Jeremy Plaaitjies (Boland) respectively.
SARPA CEO Piet Heymans praised the elections saying: “We welcome the election and re-election of these office bearers as it shows the trust players have in their leaders and ensures consistency within the association. We wish them luck as they continue to be the voices for their fellow players.”
The South African Rugby Players Association Executive Committee:
Bismarck Du Plessis (President), Chilliboy Ralepelle (Vice- President) Gio Aplon (Western Province), Chumani Booi(Border), Werner Griesel (Griffons), Andries Strauss (FS Cheetahs), Jeremy Plaaitjies (Boland), Anton van der Westhuizen (SWD Eagles) and Franco van der Merwe (Lions).