FNB UFS Shimlas say they feel honoured and privileged to continue with their outreach project in their #ShowUs campaign through working with the Clarens Eagles Rugby Club in the Eastern Free State.

It is easy to forget that players and coaches are the custodians of the game. While the number one job is to entertain on the field, it also remains their responsibility to leave the sport in a better place, and that is through ploughing back and exposing those who are less privileged.

This year the Shimlas once again conducted a coaching clinic with the aspiring players in Clarens, and whether they like it or not, they are heroes to these youngsters.

Shimlas coach André Tredoux says apart from teaching these kids important skills in the game, it also serves to inspire them.

“It is a great initiative where the Shimlas students can give back to the community in terms of coaching clinics and also showing the young boys skills to develop. It also gives them something to strive towards.

“It shows them that if they study hard and go to university, they can one day play in the Varsity Cup. It has been a really good journey with them.”

To illustrate, Tredoux mentions the fact that it doesn’t necessarily stop at the Varsity Cup, as three former Shimlas players showed on Friday (22 March).

“What is also nice is that three of their first heroes in George Lourens, Thabang Mahlasi and Litha Nkula, played for the Cheetahs on Friday evening. So, it's nice for those boys to see that it's not just about playing for the Shimlas, but they can also go on to achieve higher honours.

“Those three players were really heroes to the Clarens Eagles.

“It's a big privilege to be a part of that because you've got to be grateful for what you have, but also give back.”