FNB replaces MTN SA as the head sponsor of the Springboks. Image: The Post News.
(The Post News)– Following Mobile Telecommunication Network’s (MTN) decision to withdraw its Springboks sponsorship of eight years, the First National Bank (FNB) has been announced as the new head sponsor for South Africa’s rugby national team.
FNB’s sponsorship goes beyond the Springboks—the bank stated that the collaboration included the front of the jersey for the Springboks men’s XV and the sevens (Blitzboks). Furthermore, FNB will extend its current sponsorship and position with the Springboks ‘Bok’ women’s squad and SA rugby youth squads.
Over the coming weeks, the FNB logo will be rolled out to all national teams and will be making its debut on the front of the Springboks’ merchandise during a test match with Italy on July 5 in Pretoria.
FNB CEO Harry Kellan expressed excitement over the new partnership, stating that the bank has a long history of supporting and assisting rugby, and they are delighted and privileged to be extending their assistance and the head sponsors, leading and highlighting their collaboration with the Springboks.
According to Kellan, rugby has helped unite the nation over the years, and it has created an exceptional opportunity for SA to demonstrate its sporting ability locally and globally. He explained that FNB has been a part of the SA rugby community for the past eight years, and now as a head sponsor, they have a chance to continue living their legacy of assisting and staying committed to making a constructive social contribution through rugby that will carry the nation into the future.
Emphasising the excitement over the new partnership, FNB ‘s Chief Marketing Director, Faye Mfikwe, stated that as a “proudly South African brand”, their choice to reinforce the relationship resonates with their crucial brand concept of ‘help’. Mfikwe said that their involvement in youth platforms such as the Classic Clashes and the Varsity Cup has permitted FNB to lend a hand in the growth of emerging talent in all areas of rugby and across many SA communities.
According to her, their efforts in the growth of the country’s youth have helped to alter the sport and have set an example of their “grassroots to greatness sponsorship” approach that will enable them to promote local talent and also highlight the nation’s ability to excel on a global scale.
Meanwhile, CEO of SA Rugby Rain Oberholzer expressed that FNB has been an exceptional collaborator to the Springboks and rugby for a long period of time. He stated that they are pleased to be working together in taking the partnership to new heights. Oberholzer further said that the partnership is a significant step forward, and they look forward to a long and prosperous collaboration.
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