For those who thought it was just an unkept mess, they were right, but it was for all the right reasons with Rory raising money for Cancer Awareness and to show his support for the Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA expedition.

 

“We spoke to the Sharks PR people who agreed that it was a good thing to do,” explained The Sharks scrumhalf and ace goal-kicker who last week converted six penalties in their match against the Chiefs for a 100% kicking record. “It’s been a few months now and I managed to develop a decent beard as well as create an opportunity to raise funds and I’m pleased to say we raised a few thousand for cancer. We’ve also linked up with Coast 2 Coast 4 CANSA with Russel Symcox and Lance Klusener who are doing a jet ski ride from Mozambique to Namibia and we’ve manage to raise some funds for that.”

 

Explaining that his last shave was the beginning of October last year, he added, “This ties in nicely with the social responsibility initiatives in The Sharks ‘Making a Difference’ campaign – The Sharks are good at being aware of contributing to places and people in need and to be able to do something for cancer is a humbling thing to do. Cancer is a costly and devastating thing and any way we can help in raising funds is great and a blessing.”

 

While The Sharks embark on a tough tour, Rory admitted that he was looking forward to it. “The challenge is always tougher when the tour is longer but that could be a good thing this year. Sometimes when things are easy, you tend not to step up to the plate. The guys are excited, as they always are, and we are all aware of not focusing on the end goal, but the steps along the way, and the steps we will take on tour are crucial.

 

“The boys are willing to prepare and give the commitment it’s going to take for the tour and whatever follows.”

 

On 20 April, 2010, six adventurers (Barry Lewin, Jason Ribbink, Lance Klusener, Daryll Cullinan, Mark Addison and Russel Symcox) on jet skis will travel over 2800km of coastline from Ponto De Oura, Mozambique to the Orange River on the West Coast border of Nambia in order to increase awareness and raise funds for CANSA as part of the Coast 2 Coast 4 CANCA (C2C4C) campaign supported by Spar.

 

During their 1511 nautical mile journey, the crew will stop over in major South African cities and with the assistance of CANSA and Spar make use of the opportunity to promote cancer awareness and encourage healthy, balanced lifestyles.