SA Rugby sponsors: FNB levels up, and another joins!

03/27/2025 01:35 AM

With MTN ending its longstanding association with SA Rugby, it was then announced this week that FNB would become the principal sponsor of all national teams – with the banking giant’s logo now taking centre stage on the front of all team jerseys.

The agreement sees the FNB logo move from the shoulders of the Springboks to the front of the playing jersey, but also onto the front of the men's and women's sevens teams, and all age group teams.

It also marks the extension of their partnership with the Springbok Women's team having become the team's principal sponsor three years ago.

The FNB logo will be rolled out onto all national teams over the coming weeks and will make its first appearance on the front of a Springbok Test match jersey when the Boks run out against Italy in Pretoria on 5 July.

Whereas FNB used to be on the back of the Springbok jerseys, for example, Pick N Pay is set to replace that spot. You can see a post that was shared here showing what it could look like.

On Thursday it was confirmed that Pick n Pay has signed a four-year contract as a Tier 1 sponsor of SA Rugby, with the company's logo set to feature in gold on the back of the Springbok jersey, as well as those of all other national teams in a ground-breaking new partnership.

The South African retail giant's logo will make its debut on green and gold at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, when the Blitzboks take on Uruguay at 11h56 (SA time) on Friday, 28 March 2025.

The Pick n Pay logo will also appear on the front of all national teams' training apparel in a new departure for SA Rugby's sponsorship model. Historically, the rights to the front of the playing jersey and training jersey have been the preserve of a single partner.

The sponsorship will also have an impact at community level as Pick n Pay have also acquired the naming rights to the national club championship, the Gold Cup, and an exciting new women's rugby competition, the details of which will be announced later this year.

The agreement with Pick n Pay marks the coming together of two loved and iconic brands, both deeply rooted in resilience, passion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans.

Big week for SA Rugby sponsors

Welcoming the change in title sponsor, Rian Oberholzer CEO of SA Rugby, stated: "FNB has been an outstanding partner to the Springboks and rugby for many years and we are delighted that we have aligned to take the relationship to the next level.

"To have them partner all our national teams is a step change for our game and we look forward to continuing a long and successful partnership."

Talking about the Pick n Pay deal, Oberholzer added: "Through this partnership, Pick n Pay and SA Rugby unite to uplift, empower, and inspire. Just as the Springboks and our other national teams play for the pride of the nation, Pick n Pay's people have made a difference every day for over 50 years.

"The company has a proud legacy, serving South Africans and always being there for communities in need. Both teams prove that through teamwork and commitment, we can inspire a nation, both on and off the field.

"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 us in a new elite competition that is in the planning stage."

What did you think of these changes?

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