It’s an interesting age we live in. Most people now days are seduced, wowed, influenced by the cult of celebrity and show biz. But sometimes, when it comes to sporting heroes, there is so much more to admire and respect.

Attending the World Rugby Awards 2016 as a guest of Simon Halliday, ex-England player and distributor of Schalk Burger & Sons Wines, the wine sponsor on the night, was a real treat. For starters, it’s certainly surreal walking around a room, glass of wine in hand, chatting to past and present  rugby idols. Boks, Kiwis, Aussies, Irish, English, etc. They were all there!

But it’s not like going to a normal celebrity red carpet bash. These guys and gals are icons, heroes. They are a different breed to the cult of celebrity… they are warriors, elite sportsman yes, but also heroes and role models to millions around the world.

Of course, it was a tough night if you were a Bok supporter, though there was plenty of fine wine from Schalk Burger & Sons Welbedacht Estate to drown ones sorrows, including the very impressive Mon Rene Blanc de Blancs MCC (92+/100), the rich, honied, super complex Welbedacht Old Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2010 (93/100), and the new release Hat Trick 2012 Cape Red Blend with its plush, sweet, red fruited depth (92/100). 

However, the night was always going to be all about the fabulous All Blacks… with the current team probably the greatest rugby team ever assembled. What a privilege to rub shoulders with these lads! Legends of the future.