The South African Rugby Union (SARU) is in talks to replace two of the main sponsors of its Springboks national team.
German automotive manufacturer BMW’s five-year partnership will come to an end next month, while financial services company Absa has opted not to renew its jersey sponsorship after four years in the role of main partner.
“BMW advised (us) of their change of direction some months ago after a successful partnership for both of us,” a SARU spokesperson told the Sport24 website. “We have been working behind the scenes in the intervening period and are currently talking to two potential successors.”
As part of its partnership with the SARU, BMW’s logo featured on South Africa’s playing shorts. The company also provided vehicles for the team while it was on match duty in South Africa.
According to Sport24, the SARU’s deal with Absa was worth R100m (€6.7m/$7.1m) for the national team and R600m for the body altogether over the four-year period.
Absa has also chosen to end its backing of South Africa’s Currie Cup domestic competition, of which it is currently the title sponsor.