The governing body for Rugby in South Africa, South Africa Rugby Union (SARU), has announced a new partnership with the sportswear giant, Nike.
This new six-year deal ensures the US-based company to become the new kit supplier of all Springboks teams. The agreement contains the men’s Rugby World Cups in 2023 and 2027. For the same event happening next year, Nike will be releasing the very first new Springboks jerseys in July 2023.
Nike takes over the SARU technical partnership from Asics, resuming a relationship that first ended after a seven-year run in 2003.
Nike will deliver playing kits for all of South Africa’s rugby union teams. Along with this, they will also provide off-field clothing and footwear, under the terms of the contract.
Carsten Unbehaun, Chief Executive of Asics Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA), commented, “Asics has been a proud sponsor of the South African Rugby Union since 2014, supporting their national squads including the famous Blitzboks Sevens and Springboks teams.
“However, since 2020, Asics EMEA has been realigning its activities to focus on key sports categories; running, tennis and indoor. Consequently, and in agreement with SARU, Asics will not renew the contract. We want to thank SARU for its support through the years and wish the team the very best.”