SA Rugby has welcomed two new sponsors on the Springboks kit this week, but one of them – Pick n Pay – is getting no love from rugby fans. The retail giant joins the likes FNB after their predecessor, MTN, parted ways with the national team.
The surprise move comes after Pick n Pay’s TV advert featuring Rick Ross went viral for all the wrong reasons.
South Africans can expect to see the new look jersey on Friday, 28 March, when the Blitzboks take on Uruguay.
According to SA Rugby, Pick n Pay has signed a four-year contract as a Tier 1 sponsor featuring on all Springbok matchday jerseys. It will also be printed on the front of all training apparel.
The brand’s name will feature on the back of the jersey in gold above the position number and player name. According to reports, the major move will cost the supermarket group around R70 million per year.
The rugby organisation stated that their partnership with Pick n Pay would mark the collaboration of “two loved and iconic brands, both deeply rooted in resilience, passion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans”.
It added in a statement: “This sponsorship is about more than just a logo on a jersey – it’s about celebrating the values that unite us as South Africans”.
Additionally, Pick n Pay will also bag the naming rights to the Gold Cup domestic club championship and new women’s rugby competition.
While the retailer’s name will be emblazoned on the back of the Springbok kit, FNB will take centre stage on the front. The bank succeedes telecommunications company, MTN, which began their sponsorship deal with the Springboks in 2017.
THUMBS DOWN FROM RUGBY FANS
With the reveal of the new-look Springboks kits – featuring both Pick n Pay – South Africans have been sharing their opinions on social media.
Needless to say, many were not impressed by the design or the choice of sponsor.
@Capevoetsek: “Disaster of a Bok jersey incoming.”
@SnoggsManduzi: “It looks horrendous.”
@Andrew_B1971: “Definitely not a jersey I would want to buy”
@itisjusstooeazy: “Will Rick Ross perform at home games?”
A few social media users questioned how Pick n Pay managed to close the deal after it recently announced that it had closed 32 stores nationwide.
WHAT ARE YOUR OPINIONS ON THE SPRINGBOKS PARTNERSHIP WITH PICK N PAY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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