SA Rugby has secured a major sponsorship agreement with Pick n Pay, elevating the retail giant to Tier 1 sponsorship status in a four-year partnership. The collaboration will be unveiled at the Hong Kong SVNS tournament, marking the first appearance of the Pick n Pay logo on South African rugby jerseys.
Branding and Visibility
As part of this deal, the Pick n Pay logo will be prominently displayed in gold on the back of the Springbok jersey, as well as on other national team kits. The Blitzboks will be the first team to showcase the branding when they compete against Uruguay in the tournament’s opening match. Additionally, the logo will feature on the front of all national teams’ training gear—an unprecedented move, as this space was previously reserved for a single partner. This means Pick n Pay will share the front of the training apparel alongside the title sponsor.
A Shift in Sponsorship
This sponsorship comes at a pivotal time for SA Rugby, following the announcement of FNB as the new main sponsor, succeeding MTN, which supported the Springboks during their back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories.
Grassroots and Community Impact
Beyond professional rugby, the partnership extends to grassroots development. Pick n Pay has secured the naming rights for the Gold Cup, SA Rugby’s national amateur club championship, reinforcing its commitment to community-level rugby. Furthermore, the retailer will be the title sponsor of a newly established women’s rugby competition, with further details set to be revealed later this year.
Statements from Leadership
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its significance beyond financial backing.
“Just as the Springboks and our other national teams represent the nation’s pride, Pick n Pay has been making a difference in communities for over five decades. We are particularly excited about their role in strengthening grassroots rugby through the Gold Cup, as well as their commitment to women’s rugby by supporting our new elite competition,” Oberholzer stated.
Pick n Pay CEO Sean Summers echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the sponsorship extends beyond mere branding.
“We are incredibly proud to support the Springbok teams as they continue their journey of excellence. More importantly, we are committed to fostering the growth of rugby, from grassroots initiatives to the professional arena,” said Summers.With this groundbreaking sponsorship, Pick n Pay’s involvement in SA Rugby is set to leave a lasting impact, strengthening the game at all levels while supporting the national teams in their pursuit of continued success on the global stage.
Related article: SA Rugby Awards 2025: Cheslin Kolbe Makes History as SA Rugby’s Player of the Year
