Expanded Partnership Between SA Rugby and Vodacom Continues After Decades
Vodacom Strengthens Ties with SA Rugby, Becoming Exclusive Telecom Partner
The partnership between SA Rugby and Vodacom has been expanded significantly, with Vodacom now becoming the first and exclusive official telecommunications partner of SA Rugby [1][3][5]. This comprehensive deal covers all national Springbok teams—men’s and women’s, senior and junior—including the Springbok 15s and 7s teams, and the U20 junior teams, as well as all SA Rugby-affiliated competitions from grassroots to elite levels [1][3][5].
The expanded agreement builds on Vodacom’s long-standing sponsorship portfolio, which already included the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and the Vodacom Bulls franchise, and extends Vodacom’s involvement to encompass every layer of South African rugby, ensuring a year-round 365-day rugby experience for fans [1][3][4][5].
Specifically included in the deal are:
- Springbok Men’s and Women’s 15s and 7s teams
- Junior Springbok Men’s and Women’s U20 teams
- SA Rugby junior development teams
- Competitions such as the Carling Currie Cup, SA Cup, and a new Women’s Super League competition currently in planning [5].
This expanded partnership aims to grow the women's game in South Africa and unite South Africans through rugby [2]. Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, expressed pride in deepening the long-standing partnership with Vodacom, stating that this alignment is a vote of confidence in SA Rugby’s direction, enabling continued growth from grassroots through to international competition [3][4].
Sitho Mdlalose, CEO of Vodacom South Africa, commented on the announcement, stating they are proud to strengthen the partnership with SA Rugby in giving the game unprecedented exposure and reach [4]. The investment from Vodacom enables SA Rugby to continue growing the game at every level, from grassroots to the global stage [6].
In recent years, Vodacom has played a major role in establishing the Vodacom United Rugby Championship in the hearts and minds of South African rugby fans [4]. With this expanded partnership, Vodacom will be firmly in the hearts of the fans for 365 days of action.
The new sponsorship deal represents one of the most comprehensive partnerships in the history of South African rugby [5]. Vodacom has been a true supporter of South African rugby for three decades [7]. This partnership aligns with Vodacom’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and driving positive social change in communities and now on rugby fields [3][5].
With this expanded partnership, Vodacom and SA Rugby now have an unprecedented opportunity for consolidation throughout South African rugby as new audiences can benefit from new levels of engagement and experiences [8].
Vodacom's extended involvement, now encompassing every layer of South African rugby, includes partnerships with both the Springbok Men's and Women's 15s and 7s teams, as well as the Junior Springbok Men's and Women's U20 teams. This comprehensive deal also covers SA Rugby junior development teams and competitions such as the Carling Currie Cup, SA Cup, and the forthcoming Women's Super League competition [5].
