Cape Town – SA Rugby has reached an agreement with Nike to be the Springbok’s new technical apparel provider, succeeding current partner ASICS, whose contract concludes at the end of 2022.
This was confirmed on Monday.
ASICS EMEA CEO, Carsten Unbehaun, said that ASICS has been a proud sponsor of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) since 2014, supporting their national squads including the renowned Blitzboks Sevens and Springboks teams.
“However, since 2020, ASICS EMEA has been realigning its activities to focus on key sports categories; running, tennis and indoor. Consequently, and in agreement with SARU, ASICS will not renew the contract. We want to thank SARU for its support through the years and wish the team the very best,” Unbehaun said.
Jurie Roux, Chief Executive Officer of SA Rugby, said that the national rugby side enjoyed a great relationship with ASICS and appreciate the contribution that the company made over the past eight years.
“It’s always sad to see a valued partner depart but we understand that business strategies shift over time and we wish ASICS well in its continued journey in South Africa,” he said.
? BREAKING! The famous swoosh will be back on the green and gold when @Nike returns as SA Rugby technical apparel provider in 2023 – more here: https://t.co/R01CTRVyr3 pic.twitter.com/ZDf60o9pI6
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 26, 2022
The partnership between Nike and SA Rugby was in place once before, from 1996 to 2003. After reuniting, Roux said he’s delighted to welcome Nike on board.
“It is an iconic global brand whose vision for their Springbok partnership impressed us from our first conversation,” he said.
‘Nike has big plans for the partnership and we’re looking forward to formally launching our new alliance next year,” Roux added.
The two parties have agreed a six-year deal that will run through the 2023 and 2027 Rugby World Cups.
According to SA Rugby, Nike takes over as apparel partner from July 2023 and will supply all South Africa’s national teams. It will provide the playing kit as well as the off-field apparel and footwear for the Boks as well as Springbok Women, the men’s and women’s sevens teams and Junior Boks.
Nike-branded jerseys will only be revealed and in store from July 2023.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/ @Springboks
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
