By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Rugby and First National Bank (FNB) announced on Wednesday the broadening and deepening of their relationship with the bank becoming the principal partner of all national teams.
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.
FNB were on the back of the Springbok jersey since 2017 but will now move to the front, with Pick n Pay set to replace them at the back.
“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”, said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.
“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.”
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.
Harry Kellan, CEO of FNB said: “FNB has a long history of help and support of rugby, and we are extremely proud and honoured to now further extend our help as the principal sponsor leading and headlining in our partnership with the Springboks.
Over the years, rugby has helped unify our country and has provided a unique platform for South Africa to showcase its sporting talent on both local and global stages.
“FNB supported South African rugby as a sponsor since 2017 and as principal sponsor offers an opportunity for us to continue living our legacy of ‘help’ and remain devoted to making a positive societal contribution through rugby that will take the country forward.”
Fullview learnt FNB beat out interest from international brands as, in addition to the bouquet of current sponsors, the Bok jersey is understood to have a value of approximately R300m, since the dark days of 2016 when SA Rugby was struggling to fetch R30m from sponsors.