A local sports agency, F7 Sports Management, recently hosted an event, “The Journey”, at the Old Tannery in Wellington. The occasion was attended by young rugby hopefuls, parents and coaches, and made possible by Optimum Financial Services Group. John Dobson, director of rugby of the DHL Stormers, and former Springbok full-back Gio Aplon were the keynote speakers. Dobson spoke about the importance of having a party trick or something that sets you apart from the rest, but also warned against putting all your eggs in the professional basket. Aplon, now retired and working at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, focused on the importance of studying and having set plans in place. Optimum’s Dr Roelf Botha then provided valuable and insightful financial advice highlighting crucial strategies for financial stability during and after a professional career. Former Springbok scrum-half Rudy Paige, now co-host of the Behind the Ruck podcast, Franzel September, assistant coach of the Springbok Women’s xv team and Prof Wilbur Kraak, analyst on the new Boll & Oll rugby show, all attended. Entrance to the event was free, but sanitary towels were requested and collected and were due be distributed by the Human Nature Project to those who didn’t h
