Tag rugby player raising funds for World Cup in Oz

‘The cost of the tour is R40 000. I am doing what I can to raise funds’

SOUTH African tag rugby team’s youngest member, 18-year-old Ruth Wessels, from Grassy Park, could miss the chance to represent her country at the Tag Rugby World Cup in Australia in November if she cannot raise enough money for a plane ticket to the event.

Wessels said she felt honoured by her selection into the South African mixed tag Bok team and the opportunity to represent her country at a prestigious international sports event, which will be held in Coffs Harbour.

“Although I have worked hard to be in the team, I also have to work hard to raise funds to go to the World Cup.

“The cost of the tour is R40 000. I am doing what I can to raise funds.

“The financial barriers (potentially) restrict me as a player from going on tour and playing in the tournament.

“Therefore I would like help to generate funds to lift the weight off mine and my parents’ pockets,” said Wessels.

Wessels is in the squad of 51 players taking part in the tag rugby nationals on June 24 at the Villagers Rugby Football Club in the city, said director of the Tag Rugby Association Stuart McConnell.

He said the 51-strong squad of players going to Australia comprises 17 players each in the men’s open team, the mixed open team and the men’s over40s team.

It’s the second time that South Africa will participate in the Tag Rugby World Cup, he added.

Wessels said tag rugby was not well known in South Africa and that help was needed to create awareness of the sport, which struggled to get sponsors. This is the second year South Africa is taking part in the Tag Rugby World Cup, she said.

The banking details for those wanting to assist Wessels and her teammates are as follows: FNB Bank, account number: 62659117917, account type: savings, branch code: 250665.

Reference: Tag World Cup and name, or contribute via the CandyStick: https://candystick.co.za/c/ruth-tag-rugbyworld-cup-australia/