SG-SSB, a financial institution on Wednesday donated a cheque for GH¢5,000 to the Ghana Rugby Association (GRA) to support the development of the sport in the country.

The gesture is to support the implementation of an initiative undertaken by the GRA dubbed, “Catch them Young,” a programme designed to get many youngsters to take to rugby which counts as one of the lesser known sporting disciplines in the country.

Gilbert Hie, Managing Director of SG-SSB said his outfit’s marriage with the GRA dates back to 2005, with the provision of support towards the development of the sport amongst Basic Schools, a rugby league and training programme for trainers.

He lauded the programme which he said is being shared in countries at the developmental stage as far as rugby is concerned.

The Managing Director recalled his outfit’s association since 1987, when they became the official partner of the French Rugby Association.

The parent company, Societe-General (SG) has since sponsored the broadcast of the Rugby World Cup in 2003 and 2005 as well as being named partners of the 2007 and 2011 editions.

Gifty Annan-Myers, President of GRA commended the Bank for their kind gesture and said the money will be channeled through the acquisition of rugby balls to support the campaign.

She explained that the “Catch them Young” programme will be launched in June, where details and mode of implementation will be made public.

SG-SSB, it would be recalled, supported the organization of the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) U-18 Northern Zone II tournament held at the Ofori Stadium in Obuasi in July 2005.**