Springboks get another new sponsor as Pick n Pay also joins SA Rugby in four-year deal

SA Rugby has added Pick n Pay as a Tier 1 sponsor on a four-year contract, and their new logo is set to make its debut on the Blitzboks jerseys at the Hong Kong Sevens on Friday.

The logo of the retail giant will feature in gold on the back of the Springbok jersey, as well as the other national teams, with the Blitzboks set to don it first when they start their bid for a victory in the Far East against Uruguay when the tournament begins on Friday.

According to SA Rugby, who described the deal as a ground-breaking one, the logo will also appear on the front of all the national teams’ training apparel.

Historically, the front of the playing and training jersey was reserved for a single partner.

But Pick n Pay will now feature alongside the title sponsor, FNB.

FNB was recently announced as the new main sponsor, taking over from MTN, who was on the front of the Bok jersey for two successful World Cup campaigns.

The sponsorship will have an impact at a community level as well, with Pick n Pay acquiring the rights to the Gold Cup, the national amateur club championship of SA Rugby.

They will also be the naming rights holder of a new women’s rugby competition, with the details set to be announced later this year.

Rian Oberholzer, the CEO of SA Rugby, said on Thursday that they are excited about the new partnership.

“Just as the Springboks and our other national teams play for the nation’s pride, Pick n Pay’s people have made a difference every day for over 50 years.

“We are particularly excited that Pick n Pay will be assisting us in promoting the community game through their partnership with the Gold Cup.

“Similarly, they are backing our commitment to the women’s game by partnering with us in a new elite competition currently in the planning stage.”

Sean Summers, the CEO of Pick n Pay, said the sponsorship is about more than just a logo on the jersey.

“We are incredibly proud to back the Springbok teams as they push forward on their journey of excellence, and we are excited to help grow rugby from grassroots to the professional stage.”