Cape Town – MTN has announced the end of its eight-year sponsorship of the Springboks following back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023.
The telecommunications giant first partnered with SA Rugby in 2017 during a challenging period for the sport and played a crucial role in its resurgence.
MTN SA CEO Charles Molapisi highlighted the partnership’s success in growing the game beyond major stadiums, investing R30 million in grassroots rugby, and strengthening fan engagement through initiatives like BokSquad.
“This has been the most awe-inspiring and rewarding partnership for MTN after coming in as lead sponsors during a more difficult period for rugby in 2017 after the Boks had not fared as well after last winning the World Cup in 2007,” said MTN SA CEO, Charles Molapisi in a statement.
“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 SA sport and could not be happier with the results.
8 years. 2 World Cups. 1 unforgettable journey. As our partnership with the Boks ends, we celebrate an era of excellence, transformation, and unity.
Thank you, SA Rugby, @Springboks, and every fan who stood behind the team. We remain proud wearers of the Bok jersey.
Read more:… pic.twitter.com/gMRpI0CNZN
— MTN South Africa (@MTNza) March 25, 2025
“We would like to thank SA Rugby for placing their faith in us and having us as their headline sponsor for such a long time. We are proud to have been partners as they upped the game’s development and ushered in a golden era of success for current and future generations.
“After closing the page on a winning campaign on-and-off the field, where the game was taken from the big lights of Ellis Park, Stade de France, and Twickenham to the inner cities, small towns, and rural areas where growth needed a boost, the Boks and MTN will now open new chapters in their respective sponsorship journeys.”
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander thanked MTN for its unwavering support, calling this era a “golden age” for South African rugby.
“I’d like to thank MTN most sincerely for their support over the past eight years.
“If you remember, we put out a call to corporate South Africa to partner with us at a challenging time for rugby in this country, and MTN answered that call, loud and clearly. Together, we have enjoyed what will, in time, I’m sure, be regarded as a golden age for the sport in this country,” he said.
Alexander added: “The Springboks have twice visited MTN’s offices as newly crowned world champions, marking the pinnacle moments in our partnership. MTN has supported us every step of the way—not only in our efforts to win rugby matches and bring joy to the country but also in showcasing the power of South Africa’s diversity when we stand united.
“MTN’s faith was truly inspiring when they first came on board during those dark days. Of course, rugby would grind to a halt without the unwavering support of our partners. MTN led the way in this regard, and we wish them every success in the future.”
As part of its evolving brand strategy, MTN will now explore new sponsorship opportunities while maintaining its investment in South African sport, including football through the MTN8 tournament.
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Picture: X/@Springboks
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
