First National Bank (FNB) has officially been appointed as the principal sponsorship partner of the Springboks, taking over from MTN South Africa, which held the main sponsorship role for the past eight years. This transition marks a significant shift in the sponsorship landscape of South African rugby.
FNB has been actively involved in supporting South African rugby since 2017 and will now see its logo prominently displayed on the teams’ jerseys following the signing of a new sponsorship agreement with SA Rugby. This partnership signifies FNB’s commitment to enhancing its presence in the sport and supporting its growth at all levels.
In a statement released on Wednesday, FNB highlighted that this extended partnership with the South African Rugby Union (Saru) represents a new era of commitment and support for rugby in South Africa. The agreement includes the prominent placement of FNB’s logo on the front of the jerseys for both the men’s Springbok XV and Sevens teams. Additionally, FNB will continue to support the Bok Women’s team and Saru Youth teams, further solidifying its role in promoting rugby across various demographics and age groups.
On the other hand, MTN South Africa announced the conclusion of its eight-year sponsorship of the Springboks. CEO Charles Molapisi expressed pride in the company’s contributions, stating, “For us, it was about more than branding; it was about redefining transformation by returning rugby to the people and fostering the spirit of ubuntu. We demonstrated leadership and commitment to South African sport and could not be happier with the results.”
He also indicated that MTN plans to “evolve” its sponsorship strategy to explore new opportunities that will benefit a broader range of sportsmen and women across the country. While the specific terms of the new agreement between SA Rugby and FNB have not been disclosed, the partnership is expected to bring fresh energy and resources to South African rugby, enhancing the sport’s profile and accessibility.
