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| From left, Rod McCall (Australian 1991 RWC winner), Joel Stransky (South African 1995 RWC winner), Israel Dagg (New Zealand 2011 RWC winner) and Grant Beuzeval (MC Asia Rugby Lead Commentator) appear at the Seoul Charity Rugby Dinner in 2019. / Courtesy of Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea |
By Jon Dunbar
The Seoul Charity Rugby Dinner is back in time for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The charity event, held once every four years, lands on June 16, a few months ahead of this year's hotly contested rugby tournament, which takes place in France from Sept. 8 to Oct. 28.
Held at The Ambassador Seoul hotel, the event will offer guests an evening of fine dining, world-class beverages, champion speakers and a chance to support some local charities.
The event will welcome two iconic players of the game, representing both the Northern and Southern hemispheres and also two countries who are among the top seeds for the 2023 event.
From France comes the 2-meter-tall David Auradou, who represented his country in 41 matches between 1999 and 2004. Also, a guest of honor is New Zealand's Stephen Donald, nicknamed Beaver, who is best known for kicking the winning penalty in the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final.
This year marks the fourth edition of the charity dinner held every four years. The 2023 edition is being run by the French Embassy in Korea and the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), with additional support from the chambers for Australia, the U.K., South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand.
The two local charities being supported this time are both located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and both offer the same range of daily, short-term and long-term care and accommodation services. One is Anna's House, a charity committed to helping all people suffering from a lack of shelter. The other is Seongnam City Women's Short-Term Youth Shelter, run by a pastor who started taking care of runaway girls in her own home.
"Whilst celebrating the amazing world cup final and the great sport of rugby, this event also seeks to showcase French culture and hospitality, and brings together people from all over the international community for a festival and wonderful celebration," organizers said in a statement. "Please join us for a night like no other, celebrating not only one of the greatest sports in the world, but also the amazing culture that France has to offer."?
The event starts at 6:30 p.m. this Friday at The Ambassador Seoul. Tickets cost 200,000 won for FKCCI members, or 220,000 won for non-members, and a table of 10 costs 2 million won.
The event is also being sponsored by Air New Zealand, Milbank, L'Oreal, OK Financial Group, Land Rover Defender, Pernod Ricard, Daesang Wellife, Korean Rugby Union, Seoul Wine & Spirits, Peroni and Veolia. Many local businesses have also donated raffle prizes.
Follow @srcd_2023 on Instagram or visit fb.com/seoulrugbycharitydinner for more information.
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