With challenges facing rugby at grassroots and Club level, The Sharks and KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union hosted an Executive Dinner at Growthpoint KINGS PARK to raise valuable funds for development of the game at this level.

"The evening was a great success and no doubt an occasion which will become an annual highlight on our calendar," said KZNRU CEO Pete Smith.

Over R100 000 was raised for 'amateur' rugby, with the bulk of it coming from auction sale items. Signed and framed jerseys from the British and Irish Lions Tour, the Barney Army vs Natal match, the Pink Sharks jersey for Cansa and a Springbok jersey signed by the 2014 squad, were popular items, although the unique Sharks experiences on offer were highly valued too.

The spontaneous and very generous offer by Matt Stevens was certainly the highlight of the fund-raising efforts. Having entertained the guests in song, and roping in the multi-talented Sharks assistant coach Paul Anthony who played two sets of well-known songs, he threw in the raconteur skills of John Smit who would regale with stories of defeating Stevens in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final.

The offer? The three of them would provide the drinks, culinary skills and entertainment to the bid winner at their house, along with a group of friends at this completely unique experience.

"Thank you to the businesses that supported us and here we must thank Sibaya Casino, Bay Union, Varsity College/Air Duct, Mandlethu Group, Garlicke and Bousfield, Compendium Insurance, Oakbrook Investments and Barrows Africa.

"Thanks also to Henning Swanepoel for his R25 000 auction item purchase. And a big thank you to Novashni Chetty and The Sharks Marketing Department for putting it together. In fact the all-round support of John Smit, the Cell C Sharks players/management and staff is much appreciated by KZNRU.

"We will get going earlier next year with planning of this special event so that Council and Clubs can assist more with table sales," Smith concluded.