Vodacom signs with SA Rugby for five more years

JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY SA RUGBY AND VODACOM

Vodacom, South Africa’s leading cellular network, has renewed its sponsorship with SA Rugby for a further five years.

Under the All Out Rugby, All Out Vodacom umbrella, Vodacom’s rugby tournament sponsorships include the prestigious Vodacom Tri-Nations, the exhilarating Vodacom Super 14 and the Vodacom Cup, aimed at developing the future rugby heroes of the nation.

Vodacom is also official supplier to SA Rugby and the Springboks. The reigning Absa Currie Cup champions, the Vodacom Cheetahs leads a host of rugby unions and Super 14 franchises that are currently sponsored by South Africa’s Leading Cellular network. This impressive rugby stable also includes the Vodacom Stormers, the Vodacom Bulls, the Vodacom Cheetahs, and in the Absa Currie Cup competition the Vodacom Western Province, the Vodacom Blue Bulls, the Vodacom Cheetahs.

Johan Prinsloo, the Chief Executive Officer of SA Rugby, described the sponsorship renewal as a tremendous investment in the development of the game.

“For a number of years Vodacom has been one of the strongest supporters of rugby in South Africa,” said Mr. Prinsloo. “As sponsors, Vodacom have been a strong pillar in our rugby engagements, particularly at international level.

“Locally, they have invested greatly to ensure the future growth and development of rugby amongst all South Africans. We are very pleased with the renewal of the sponsorship,” Prinsloo added.

There can be no doubt that Vodacom, through its substantial sponsorship, has helped SA Rugby to take the game to the people. As an example, the 2006 Vodacom Cup will again take rugby into the heart and soul of South Africa with a series of community matches and coaching clinics throughout the country as has been the case of the last couple of years.

Mthobi Tyamzashe, Executive Director Corporate Affairs at Vodacom said the cellular network views the sponsorship renewal as an opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of the game.

“Vodacom’s renewal of its sponsorship of the Vodacom Tri-Nations, Vodacom Incoming Tours, Vodacom Super 14, Vodacom Cup and as the official supplier to the Springboks and SA Rugby, for an extended period of five years, is testimony to Vodacom’s commitment to continued support for the game of rugby in South Africa,” said Tyamzashe.

“It is our belief that the sponsorship will go a long way towards restoring pride in the national team that will see to us reclaiming our place as a winning rugby nation.”