US movie studio Marvel has entered into a partnership that will see it back South Africa’s Super Rugby franchises during the 2019 edition of the club competition.
Marvel has struck the deal with South African rugby union’s governing body, SA Rugby, along with pay-television broadcaster SuperSport and telco Vodacom.
Under the deal, some of Marvel’s most iconic super heroes will be utilised to turn every one of the South African derbies in the 2019 Super Rugby season into an “action-packed adventure” in and outside the stadia.
In a ground-breaking collaboration between the four parties, each of the South African teams will be assigned a Marvel super hero as their look for the home derbies next season.
The Bulls kit will be emblazoned with the colours of Captain America, the Lions will be partnered with Spider-Man, the Sharks’ kit will be inspired by Black Panther and the Stormers will be wearing Thor’s colours. The kit designs will be revealed at a later stage.
Super Rugby fans can also expect in-stadium entertainment and activations around the deal.
Jurie Roux, chief executive of SA Rugby, said: “Vodacom Super Rugby has always been about entertainment and providing supporters with something new, and in 2019 we will definitely achieve that with this exciting endeavour with Marvel.
“The global rugby landscape is changing and teams across all continents are trying new things to further raise the interest of fans. We envisage reaching new audiences and gaining new supporters for our franchises and the game as a whole in South Africa.”