South African rugby teams draw big sponsorship deals

Two of South Africa’s franchise rugby teams, the Bulls and the Stormers, announced big sponsorship deals this week.

In these uncertain times, South African rugby’s professional structures need to support of big business to keep one of our national sports in good nick. 

Bulls partner with Brightrock

BrightRock, South Africa’s fast-growing life insurer in its sector, joins the Bulls as an associate sponsor.

“With their Love Change message and a passion for rugby, BrightRock has made significant inroads as an associate sponsor since 2016 to Western Province Rugby and the DHL Stormers, and as the main sponsor of the annual BrightRock Players’ Choice Awards for the last four years,” The Bulls announced.

“BrightRock committing their support of the Vodacom Bulls is a massive boost for us. There are many similarities between the brands, but the two that are most fitting for me is that they are at the cutting edge of their field and strive for perfection in everything that they do. The team and I are excited about the journey ahead, and with partners like BrightRock at our side, we believe that our fans are in for a special ride,” said Blue Bulls Company CEO Edgar Rathbone.

BrightRock Deputy CEO, Suzanne Stevens concurred: “We’re proud to have the backs of the Bulls, one of South Africa’s most successful and beloved rugby franchises, as they help us spread our Love Change message. Just like life, rugby’s an unpredictable game – a lucky bounce of the ball can swing the game for or against you. Loving Change means embracing these game-changing moments and the opportunities they bring. BrightRock and the Bulls share the belief that, with skill and practice, it’s possible to become fitter and more adept at playing the game and learning to love change. We’re excited to be playing the bounce with them.”

DHL extends title sponsorship of Stormers and WP

Western Province Professional Rugby (WPPR) announced a multi-year extension of their partnership with DHL this week, continuing their long-standing relationship until the end of the 2023/2024 season.

DHL first signed on as title sponsor of the two professional teams in 2011 and they are already the longest-standing title sponsorship in Western Province Rugby’s history.

DHL, which is also the Official Logistics Partner for the upcoming British & Irish Lions Tour, has a strong connection to rugby on a global scale, with partnerships with the World Rugby Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup 2019 and Harlequins, to name a few.

WPPR Chairman Ebrahim Rasool said that having an international brand such as DHL continue their title sponsorship is a major boost going forward.

“DHL, and the excellence that it delivers in all areas of business, has become synonymous with our teams. We are delighted to continue this important partnership. This is a much needed show of faith in our vision for the future and investment in our strategy to achieve it; with DHL on board we are even more determined to take our teams to greater heights and reward our players’ loyalty to our brand,” he said.

Hennie Heymans, CEO for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa added, “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province. We have a close connection with the players, coaches, management, staff and we are excited to see the team grow in the coming years. The teams proudly wear the DHL brand and we’re equally as proud to have them as part of the DHL family.”

Megan Collinicos, VP Marketing for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa commented, “At DHL, we believe in the importance of connecting – connecting people, businesses, communities and opportunities – and through this partnership we pride ourselves on being the ‘team behind the team’, both on and off the field. Our partnership has evolved over the years, and the success of the DHL Stormers and DHL WP brands across the globe has given us many opportunities to engage with key stakeholders, not just in South Africa, but in other important markets for us across the world. As the DHL Stormers prepare for their inclusion in the upcoming European PRO Rugby tournament, this gives us great scope to leverage the partnership even further in the years ahead.”

Stormers Head Coach, John Dobson, said that the continuing support of DHL as a title sponsor is not something that the team takes for granted.

“DHL has been incredible over the last 10 years as a title sponsor and everyone is very grateful to have them right behind us. Having the support of a globally renowned brand with the personal touch that DHL provides means that this is far more than just a sponsorship, on and off the field. It is a working, successful, partnership,” he said.

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