Australia
Rebels launch chilli challenge for local player
ESPN Staff
July 7, 2015
ESPNscrum accepts Red Hot Chilli Challenge

Melbourne Rebels have launched a fine fundraising initiative to support local club player Maciu (Matty) Vosa as he continues his recovery from a serious neck injury.

The Rebels on Tuesday unveiled the #Redhotchillichallenge which, if it isn't reasonably obvious, calls on participants to eat a chilli of their choosing and then nominate three people to follow suit within 72 hours. The idea is largely similar to the ice-bucket challenge that raised the profile of motor-neurone disease - which Springboks great Joost van der Westhuizen suffers from - only this time it's solely in aid of Vosa.

A member of Melbourne's Harlequin Rugby Club, Vosa suffered the injury while playing against Melbourne University earlier this year. He spent six weeks in hospital and has now moved to Melbourne's Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre. Currently paralysed from the upper chest down, Vosa requires a specially made wheelchair and is likely to need ongoing care.

The Rebels are hoping to raise Aus$1,000,000 from the rugby community for the married father-of-two, and have launched the #Redhotchillichallenge to drive the fund-raising.

Donations can be made here

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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