1995 Rugby World Cup winner and Springbok rugby player Marius Hurter (the most aptly-named tight-head rugby player in the world) spoke at the Gala Charity Premiere of the movie Invictus.

(Picture insert: Ms. Tembi Tambo, Consul-General: SA Consulate in Hong Kong/Macau)

This is Part 2 of his chat with Robbie McRobbie of the Hong Kong Rugby Union:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the most aptly-named tighthead prop in world rugby… Marius Hurter!” 

This is how (HKRFU Head of Rugby Services) Robbie McRobbie introduced the 1995 Rugby World Cup winner and Springbok Marius Hurter.  The occasion was the Gala Charity Premiere of the movie Invictus at the  Grand Cinema, Elements Mall in Kowloon West (Hong Kong).

The looong evening started with a meet-and-greet at the downstairs bar/restaurant WildFire, part of Hong Kong’s Igor’s Hospitality Group.  Hong Kong RFU’s Robbie McRobbie kick-started events by asking the big man a number of questions relating to his experiences around Rugby World Cup 1995.  Marius aka. Shrek (watch the video for an explanation) responded by recounting his memories and some insights into his fellow-players, which were lapped up by the guests, especially those about Os Du Randt and (obviously the skollie/riff-raff in the 1995 Springbok squad) James Small, allegedly a minor-celebrity amongst the Robben Island prisoner population at the time!

Later, in the cinema lobby, he faced the local Hong Kong media, enticed by some strategically invited (and well-labelled with Invictus stickers) schlebs, also called pseudo-models in Hong Kong parlance.  The big man was clearly enamoured by the attention as the MC-lady translated his answers into Cantonese.  Then again, maybe he just loved her shoes!

Thanks to Elite Step Asia Limited, Howzit-HongKong.com was fortunate to be seated in Cinema 6 (some 600 folks attended the event spread between different cinema’s) with the VIP’s including, of course, Marius Hurter, HKRFU officials, sponsors’ representatives as well as the Consul-General of the South African Consulate in Hong Kong, the charming Ms. Tembi Tambo.

The extended  movie, that lasted until midnight, was clearly a hit with the South Africans in attendance who enjoyed the Souf Effrican eksent (South African accent) during the movie.  My personal favourite was Chester Williams’ (played by McNeil Hendricks) “I don’t think, because it influences my game.” 

Another hit with the guests was the seats that vibrated with heavy bass, especially when the SAA Boeing roared over the Ellis Park Stadium during the movie!   

Howzit-HongKong.com was lucky to capture Marius’ chat on the evening, albeit with a dinky point-and-click.  The evening was set in a busy, dark-ish bar, but enjoy Part 1 (Part 2 to follow):

As a Saffa rugby supporter living abroad, I must admit at being chuffed that the rugby season is about to start back home.  The International Rugby Board’s Sevens World Series resumes with the New Zealand-leg in Wellington on the 5th of February, followed by the USA event in Las Vegas a week later.

Another highlight of the southern hemisphere pre-season is Western Province playing neighbours Boland at the brand-spanking Greenpoint Stadium on February 5.  Then, on February 12 the Super 14 kicks off when local franchises The Cheetahs take on The Bulls.  The Stormers play The Lions the following day, while The Sharks play New Zealand’s Chiefs.

The newest landmark on the Cape Town skyline, the Greenpoint Stadium.

But I digress.  The Asia season is of course in full swing and local clubs are taking requests for Hong Kong Sevens tickets (unfortunately members only).  In a previous post, I wrote about the movie Invictus that tells the story of how Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) joined forces with Francois Pienaar (played by Matt Damon) in winning not only the 1995 Rugby World Cup, but also the hearts and minds of South Africans from all walks of life.

The local custodians of the game, the Hong Kong Rugby Union has joined forces with Warner Brothers Pictures as well as Standard Chartered to organise a Gala Charity Premiere on Wednesday 13th January at the Elements Mall in Kowloon Tong.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Operation Breakthrough charity programme which is a joint HKRFU – HKG Police charity that targets at risk youth and engages them in sports like rugby to keep them occupied and instill positive values.

Special guest at the sold-out event will be Springbok Marius Hurter, a member of the triumphant 1995 South African rugby team.

Springboks Os Du Randt (left) and Marius Hurter (right) showing off the RWC 1995 spoils.

Invictus opens in Hong Kong on Thursday, January 14.