SA Rugby, the governing body of rugby union in South Africa, has agreed a new jersey sponsorship deal with banking group FNB.
The three-year partnership will run through to 2020, with FNB’s logo to appear on the back of the national team jersey above the playing number.
Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, but the Sport24.co.za website said the deal will be worth R20m (€1.32m/$1.54m) per year to SA Rugby.
“FNB’s slogan is ‘How can we help you’ and during June we spent some time with its executives, staff and some of its corporate clients, explaining where we were as South African rugby and what our recovery strategy was for the Springboks and the game as part of a roadshow to South African business,” Jurie Roux, chief executive of SA Rugby, said in a statement.
“FNB heard how they could help us and they have responded swiftly and decisively and we’re absolutely delighted to welcome them to the family. FNB is one of South Africa’s most respected brands – part of the national DNA, like the Springboks – and we greatly appreciate the support and confidence they have shown in the team and in rugby. We are sure we’ll replay their investment.”
SA Rugby in June agreed a three-year deal for MTN to become its new headline sponsor after rival telecommunications company Vodacom opted to step aside from the role. Sport24 said MTN’s agreement is worth R50m per year, bringing the annual value of the Springbok shirt up to R70m with the FNB deal.
Faye Mfikwe, FNB chief marketing officer, said: “The ultimate dream for many young hopefuls is to be given the honour of representing their national team and our grassroots platforms are increasingly playing an important role in facilitating the realisation of such aspirations. To date, our sponsorship properties have enabled 30 young players to represent South Africa on the international stage in Springbok colours.
“The partnership with the Springboks is the pinnacle of our journey and as a brand, we remain committed to making a positive contribution that will take the country forward.”
FNB’s logo will appear on the Springbok playing jersey for the first time in the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Port Elizabeth on August 19.