Rugby Fans Unite to Raise Funds in Lions Series Charity Challenge

The British & Irish Lions will face the Springboks in the hugely anticipated Castle Lager Lions Series later this month, and while fans will not be there in person, they have the opportunity to show their support from home and raise funds for worthwhile causes through the Lions Series Charity Challenge.

Kicking off today, Lions fans can represent The British & Irish Lions in Team Sea of Red while Springboks supporters can join Team Green and Gold in a competition to cover the greatest distances and raise the most funds. Participants are requested to make a minimum donation of £5 and fundraise throughout the Challenge, with all funds raised making a difference through the Lions Series Legacy Fund.

Following sign-up, participants can track their contribution to their respective teams via Strava activity app and move as far as they can over the next five weeks. At the same time, all participants are encouraged to drum up the support of family and friends through community fundraising, helping ensure a lasting legacy is left and the Castle Lager Lions Series helps make a difference in as many lives as possible both in host nation South Africa and across the UK and Ireland. 

All funds raised will be added to the Lions Series Legacy Fund, which has been created to ensure that the 2021 Castle Lager Lions Series leaves a lasting and meaningful legacy transcending the rugby pitch and reaching into communities across South Africa and the UK and Ireland. 

The Fund will be distributed between Lions Series Global Charity Partner Laureus Sport for Good, British & Irish Lions charity partners the Atlas Foundation, Matt Hampson Foundation, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Wooden Spoon and The British & Irish Lions Trust and Springboks charity partners the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund and the Women’s Rugby Legacy programme.  

As the first ever Lions Series Global Charity Partner, Laureus believes that when rugby tackles discrimination, everyone wins. In every competition there are winners and there are losers. But every time young people use the power of sport to overcome violence, discrimination and disadvantage, the world becomes a better place. Every time children defeat these opponents, everyone wins.

All Black legend and Laureus Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick, said: “As a player, some of my greatest rugby memories involved The British & Irish Lions. For players from the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, it doesn’t get much bigger. In this year’s Lions Series, there will undoubtedly be winners and losers, but through the Lions Series Charity Challenge, we can unite the rugby community and ensure that when rugby tackles discrimination, everyone wins.”

Springbok legend and Laureus Academy Member Bryan Habana, said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a British & Irish Lions Series as a player in 2009 and I know the incredible impact that Series had on the people in communities around the country. This year’s Tour is taking place is very different circumstances, but through the Lions Series Charity Challenge, we have an opportunity to show support, make a difference and change lives through the wonderful sport of rugby.”

British & Irish Lions legend and Laureus Academy Member Brian O’Driscoll, said: “The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle for any player from the UK and Ireland, and obviously there’s the rugby, but it’s actually the impact you have on society and the country you go and visit. While the Sea of Red can’t be out there in South Africa, this Challenge gives people an opportunity to make a positive difference and leave a lasting legacy. That’s what the Lions Series is all about for me.” 

All partners strongly advise Lions Series Charity Challenge participants to fully adhere to government guidelines on how to exercise safely during this time.

Over the last 21 years, Laureus Sport for Good has raised more than €150m for the Sport for Development sector and, together with its partners, reached and helped change the lives of more than six million children and young people.
 
Laureus Sport for Good currently supports over 250 Sport for Development programmes in more than 50 countries, including more than 50 in South Africa, Britain and Ireland.