The Players’ Fund has launched its Project Liberty to raise funds that will help rugby players who suffered life-altering injuries rebuild
Home is where the heart is. For two former rugby players, however, their homes are not the place of solace it’s supposed to be. Key adaptations are required after catastrophic injuries left Anzil Williams and Heinrich Erasmus wheelchair users. The pair are positive but admit that their home situations make an already ultra-difficult time that much more challenging.
Devastating contact
Representing Humansdorp Senior Secondary School at the Titans Knysna sevens tournament, a 16-year-old Anzil suffered a broken neck (C5/6) when his head slammed into the hip of a ball carrier in an attempted tackle on 30 September 2023. This left him paralysed and in a motorised wheelchair.
After his time at Groote Schuur Hospital, he underwent four months of secondary rehabilitation at Aurora Special Care Centre before returning to his Humansdorp home, where he’s in need of a ramp to get into his house as well as a walk-in shower.
The teenager admits he faces “emotional challenges” and has to “navigate stages of trauma and healing” but adds: “I am resilient and choosing to focus on the present and approach each day with courage and positivity. Life at home is incredibly tough for me as our house isn’t wheelchair accessible.”
“Simple tasks become daunting obstacles, but with renovations, particularly the bathroom makeover, my world would expand exponentially. Showering would cease to be a challenge and become a therapeutic haven, restoring my independence, dignity, and joy.”
Anzil is continuing his education at a new school and remains positive despite the challenges he faces in this regard. He says: “Following my injury, I was reintegrated into Grade 10 as recommended by the Department of Education. I currently attend Global Leadership Academy in Jeffreys Bay.”
“However, the 15 to 20-km commute from home poses significant logistical challenges, requiring daily transportation that’s exhausting. In light of these difficulties, as a family, we intend to explore alternative educational options, including homeschooling, for the upcoming year to ensure my educational and personal wellbeing,” he shares.
Looking towards the future, he says: “My plans include completing my matric with distinction and pursuing higher education in either Traffic Management or Sports Management. I’m determined to achieve these goals.”
Tackle gone wrong
Heinrich, who played lock, broke his neck (C4/5) in a tackle gone wrong on a tackle bag during a training session at Brighton Rugby Football Club in February of 2024, forever altering his life. He, too, had a stint in Groote Schuur Hospital and returned to his Oudtshoorn home in July after completing 12 weeks of secondary rehabilitation at the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre. The 35-year-old is in need of a ramp leading up to his home, a bigger room for greater accessibility and a bathroom.
“It’s been a tough journey, both physically and emotionally. Some days are harder than others but I’m trying to stay positive and taking it one step at a time. The support from my family and friends has been crucial, but I’m still adjusting to the new reality,” he says.
“It’s been very challenging. With my home not being equipped for someone in my situation, even a simple task can be overwhelming. If the necessary renovations could be made, it would mean the world to me. It would give me more independence and make daily life more manageable, which is something I desperately need right now,” he shares.
As for his future, Heinrich shares: “My focus is on rehabilitation. However, I’m looking into opportunities to further my education or perhaps even get involved in advocacy for spinal cord injury awareness. It’s something I’m passionate about now, given my experience. In the long term, I want to live as independently as possible and make the most of this new chapter of my life,” he adds.
Players’ Fund offers support
The pair thanked their families for their support and had special thanks to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund for their assistance. Anzil says: “The Players’ Fund has been a lifeline since my injury, providing emotional, financial, and practical support. Their care and guidance have eased my family’s burden, enabled my rehabilitation and given me hope. I’m deeply grateful for their unwavering assistance.”
Heinrich commented: “The Players’ Fund has been there for me from the beginning to offer not just financial support but also emotional encouragement. Their help with rehabilitation expenses and adapting to my new circumstances has made a huge difference. Their support means everything to me. It’s a reminder that I’m not in this alone.”
Known as Rugby’s Caring Hands, the Players’ Fund has supported over 500 players since its inception in 1980 and currently assists 88 recipients who sustained catastrophic head, neck and spinal injuries on the rugby field.
The Players’ Fund has launched Project Liberty to raise funds for the necessary home adaptations and appeals to the public to support the cause. Their target is R500 000. To donate, visit the Project Liberty page here.
