SA Rugby and FNB announced on Wednesday the broadening and deepening of their relationship, with the bank becoming the principal partner of all national teams – with the FNB 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 Springboks Women’s team, having become the team’s principal sponsor three years ago.
“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.”
PICK N PAY JOINS SA RUGBY FAMILY OF PARTNERS
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.
Great to welcome @picknpay to our family of sponsors, with their logo appearing on the back of all our national teams' playing jerseys ✅
— Springboks (@Springboks) March 27, 2025
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.
SPRINGBOK ACTION IN JULY
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.”
Faye Mfikwe, Chief Marketing Officer of FNB, added: “As a proudly South African brand, our decision to deepen this relationship is in line with our core brand tenet of ‘help’.
“Our investment into youth platforms like Classic Clashes and Varsity Cup has enabled FNB to support the development of young talent across all spheres of rugby, and across various South African communities.
“Our efforts in youth development have supported transformation in the sport and is a demonstration of our grassroots to greatness sponsorship strategy, which allows us to not only help develop local talent but also showcase our country's ability to compete in the global arena.
“We recognise the power of sport in nation-building and our SARU partnership is also pivotal in our journey to empower women in sport.”