Lions lend a hand!

Members of the British & Irish Lions squad have lent a hand to their Principal Partner HSBC as they opened a brand new sports pitch in the heart of the Orange Farm township in Johannesburg.

The pitch has been built at Masibambane College which is a school supported by Education Africa - a South African charity which has a long standing relationship with HSBC. The multi purpose pitch was officially opened by Gerald Davies, Tour Manager of the British & Irish Lions and Giles Morgan from HSBC. The pitch includes some turf from Ellis Park - the venue of the Lions final test match against South Africa on 4th July. Students from the school then initiated the pitch with a special TAG rugby match involving the British & Irish Lions players. The players also planted trees around the outside of the pitch.

Speaking at the event Gerald Davies said, "Today is a special day and on behalf of the Lions players and management we are delighted to be able to attend and help with this fantastic legacy project. Education Africa is a fantastic charity and are making a real difference to the community of Orange Farm, and HSBC's new sports pitch will bring pleasure to the whole community for years to come. Spending time in the community is an integral part of any Lions Tour, and the players have really enjoyed spending time with the children here today."

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