Former Sharks and Springbok centre Jeremy Thompson and current Sharks prop forward Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira were special guests at the function. Thompson emphasised the importance of academies in developing and guiding young talent and Mtawarira shared his experiences of being at an academy and how this had helped him to play rugby at the top level.
Taylor and Steve Botha, manager of the MRA, gave a power-point presentation to the business community and Botha answered questions from the floor.
It certainly was a start to the process of getting the local business community involved in supporting local talent so that they will be able to attend the academy and develop as players while at the same time obtaining an academic qualification.
Further members of the business community who would like to support this initiative to help retain and develop young talent in order to better club rugby in the midlands region are requested to contact Botha at 082 443 7420.