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Vodacom secure SA title sponsorship for URC

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The bold new world of the United Rugby Championship will fly under the banner of Vodacom following the announcement today that the African communications giant has dialled in as South African title sponsor for the new tournament for the next four years.

In South Africa the competition will be known as the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, which kicks off on 24 September as the North and South collide in what promises to be an intriguing and spectacular new global rugby competition.

Vodacom continue their long association with top-flight franchise rugby in South Africa with a new-look competition that will feature 16 teams from five countries, battling it out over 144 matches to reach the eight-team play-offs in a season that will extend over eight months until the final in June.

“The United Rugby Championship heralds an exciting new era for South African rugby that will bring us closer to our friends in the northern hemisphere, and we’re delighted to confirm our long-standing partner, Vodacom, as the title sponsor in the southern hemisphere,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

“This is an exciting new venture and promises to deliver international club rugby of the highest standard that will benefit South African rugby in the long run and it was typical of Vodacom’s vision that they didn’t hesitate in taking the opportunity to partner with us.

“We’ve been exposed to club rugby from the north for a while now, but the Vodacom United Rugby Championship is a bold step into a brand-new era of franchise rugby for South Africa, in a competition that will reshape the global game.

“The possibilities for the future reflect a gear shift for rugby in South Africa as well as on the north-south axis. As we’ve seen with the recent British & Irish Lions tour, our teams will be facing some of the best players in the world, testing their skills against some of the strongest club sides and going toe-to-toe with master tacticians on a weekly basis.”

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Michelle van Eyden, Head of Sponsorship at Vodacom, said: “Since 1996, when our involvement with Vodacom Super Rugby began, top-flight rugby featuring the best teams with the world’s best players has been ingrained into Vodacom’s DNA.

“As world rugby moved from the amateur to professional era and then into a time of incredible global growth, Vodacom has supported the game’s journey at every step.

“The Vodacom United Rugby Championship is yet another evolution of our proud association with the very best that rugby has to offer, and we look forward to again providing the platform upon which a new era of north-south competition can set a new benchmark in excellence for the game.”

The new Vodacom United Rugby Championship will be divided into four pools – a South African Pool, Irish Pool (Leinster, Munster, Ulster, Connacht), Welsh Pool (Ospreys, Cardiff, Scarlets, Dragons) and Scotland-Italy Pool (Benetton, Edinburgh, Zebre, Glasgow).

Each team will play 18 regular season games – nine at home and nine away – and all the sides will face each other at least once during the league phase of the competition, which will include double-rounds of local derbies before the top eight teams qualify for the playoffs.

Martin Anayi, CEO of United Rugby Championship, said: “We have the best European clubs in our league, and they as well as their fans are all very aware that we’re now bringing in the South African teams that basically feed the world champion Springboks.

“They will be bringing their own brand of big players, strong runner and high-intensity rugby and there is tremendous excitement about that.

“We have a team like Leinster who have been European champions so many times, and they were foremost in campaigning for the South African teams to join so that it can challenge them and continue to raise the overall standard.”

B&I Lions tour to SA confirmed

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SA Rugby and the British & Irish Lions confirmed on Tuesday that they were aligned on delivering the Castle Lager Lions Series in South Africa in the scheduled playing window.

The Lions Board confirmed its preference to SA Rugby on Monday evening, prior to follow-up meetings earlier today.

“After reviewing information relating to the various contingency scenarios being considered, I can confirm that the Board’s intended position is for the Tour to go ahead as scheduled in South Africa in 2021,” said Mr Jason Leonard, Chairman of The British & Irish Lions.

“We acknowledge that there is a significant amount of work still to be undertaken to deliver a robust COVID-19 countermeasure plan to ensure a successful, safe and uninterrupted Tour. SA Rugby will have our full support to help implement this plan.”

Mr Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, said he would inform the Executive Council of SA Rugby of the alignment.

“We appreciate the Lions’ faith and share their desire to see a safe and successful tour,” said Mr Alexander.

“We have been in regular contact with our government to make that a reality against the backdrop of the pandemic and its predicted progression over the coming months.

“There are serious financial implications for SA Rugby, should the event take place without any supporters in attendance, and we cannot ignore that in our considerations. But we are determined that the eventual outcome will deliver the best occasion and experience for players, supporters and our commercial partners.”

Mr Alexander said that the original tour schedule was subject to review because of those considerations. Should any changes be required they will be communicated as soon as possible.

SA Rugby assured everyone who had purchased tickets through the ticket ballot or as part of the official hospitality programme that they would be entitled to a full refund, with the mechanic to be communicated in due course once any revised schedule was confirmed.

Those who had bought official travel packages through SA Rugby Travel would be contacted by a company representative in due course.

Mr Leonard added: “Every British and Irish player dreams of wearing the famous red jersey, and players from the southern hemisphere aspire to be part of a Lions series. We owe it to the current players vying for a place in both squads to ensure they can become part of Lions history.

“We are very much looking forward to taking on South Africa for what promises to be a highly-competitive Series against the reigning World Champions.”

Mr Alexander thanked the Castle Lager Lions Series’ commercial partners as well as the British & Irish Lions and ticket holders for their patience during the extended period of uncertainty.

“As hosts and ‘owners’ of the Castle Lager Lions Series no one has been more affected or more challenged by the current circumstances than SA Rugby,” said Mr Alexander.

“However, with the support of our government and good planning we can navigate the pandemic to nonetheless create a most memorable event for players, fans and partners.”

The British & Irish Lions have toured South Africa on 13 previous occasions, with the first Tour taking place in 1891. In that time, the Lions have won four Test series, lost eight with one drawn. Their overall record against the Springboks is played 46, won 17, lost 23 and drawn six.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

SunBet strike it lucky with WPPR

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The Treble Team is proud to announce that SunBet, the online betting arm of Sun International, has joined the Western Province Professional Rugby (WPPR) family as sponsors of the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province teams.

SunBet, which offers a secure online platform through which bettors can bet on the outcome of games, will be an associate sponsor for both teams until the end of 2023.

The deal, which was exclusively brokered by the Treble Group, sees the Cape Town-based sports sponsorship agency securing a third sponsorship agreement that includes iconic sporting brands such as the Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras, Emirates Lions and the well-supported DHL Stormers and DHL WP.

Treble MD Kyle Nel is delighted with this new development and what value it brings: “Looking ahead we foresee exciting times in the rugby market with the unprecedented proposition of the DHL Stormers playing in the Pro16, which is a competitive northern hemisphere competition aligned with the top Irish, Italian, Scottish and Welsh clubs,” he said.

“Treble is proud to have played a major role in ensuring SunBet partners with a world-class rugby franchise that comes from a long and proud tradition of rugby excellence” says Nel. “We’ve recently seen SunBet partnering with the Six Gun Grill Cape Cobras and the Emirates Lions, so we are excited to see them joining forces with a leading rugby brand beginning a new journey with a new rugby stadium, which brings other exciting opportunities”

With SunBet being aligned with one of the oldest and most iconic rugby brands in the South African rugby, and now moving to the majestic Cape Town Stadium, there will be added value to the brands it represents. DHL Stormers are a team that has plenty of support around the country, and even the globe, having produced a number of leading Springbok stars over the years with talent that is the envy of other South African rugby teams.

The sponsorship makes SunBet the official sports betting partner of the teams, while the SunBet logo will feature on the shorts of the matchday kit of both the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province going forward.

WPPR is proud to welcome a sponsor of SunBet’s standing at the beginning of an exciting new era for the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province. The teams are at the start of a new chapter and SunBet’s support has further bolstered an impressive sponsorship portfolio, which links WPPR with top brands in the ongoing quest for excellence.

Sponsorship of the teams forms part of SunBet’s plans to expand its presence in the sports arena as it increases the number of games upon which bettors can bet on its secure, online, platform.

SunBet General Manager, Nitesh Matai, said that SunBet is proud to be associated with WPPR as a sponsor.

“Now fans can enjoy game time on TV as well as on our secure platform, where they can place bets against which team they think is most likely to win,” he said.

HSBC Cape Town Sevens to be staged in December as season finale

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The HSBC Cape Town Sevens will take on a new mantle after World Rugby announced that the popular event in the Mother City will be the final leg of a revamped and shortened HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 2021.

The South African leg of the Series will return to the Cape Town Stadium from 10-12 December after a Covid-enforced absence in 2020. Ticketing details will be announced in due course.

Treble Group is honoured to be part of this world-class event. Our operations team has successfully delivered an unmatched food and beverage solution for the past five events in a row since its move from Port Elizabeth, catering for over 100 000 rugby supporters during the course of each event, which always proves to be highly festive.

The condensed 2021 World Series includes five women’s and four men’s rounds and kicks off in Paris with back-to-back women’s tournaments on two weekends in May, before the teams set sail for the Olympic Games, scheduled for Tokyo in July.

The World Series will then recommence with men’s events in Singapore (29-30 October), followed by joint men’s and women’s events in Hong Kong (5-7 November), Dubai (3-4 December) and finally in Cape Town (10-12 December).

Detailed discussions are continuing with London and Vancouver on the viability of hosting men’s events in the window following the Olympic Games and prior to the HSBC Singapore Sevens in October and further updates to the schedule will be given when available.

SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux welcomed the announcement and said that the rugby fraternity had been waiting for confirmation of one of the most anticipated sports events in the country.

“The HSBC Cape Town Sevens has delivered a world-class event for spectators and players alike since we moved the tournament to Cape Town Stadium in 2015,” said Roux.

“We are working very hard to ensure the same high standards and expectations are met this year, given the changed environment and expected pandemic guidelines that will apply.”

Roux said the 2021 season would be a taxing one on players and administrators and applauded World Rugby’s efforts in this regard.

“We have seen the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in the last year and it was not easy to get all the moving parts together, especially as the postponed Olympic Games also impacted on the normal planning,” added Roux.

“Credit must go to those involved to make sure that we will not only have a World Series, but also one that could finish on an absolute high here in Cape Town.

“We saw a very good appetite for the dual format of the tournament in 2019 and I am convinced that the same will apply this December. The fact that we will be the final tournament of the series will add to the excitement and drama that is so closely associated with sevens rugby.

“Matches will be played over three days and with some of the world’s best athletes and the unpredictability of sevens, the HSBC Cape Town Sevens will yet again provide our spectators with hours of excellent entertainment.”

World Rugby Interim Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “Today’s announcement of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2021 schedule marks a significant and exciting moment for rugby seven’s re-emergence from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic and we thank HSBC and all Series partners for their unwavering support, and host organisations and participating unions for their hard work, patience and spirit of collaboration.

“As a key driver of game growth, particularly in emerging markets, the continued success of rugby sevens and the Sevens Series is a strategic priority for World Rugby and our US$4 million funding to support sevens programmes is a clear demonstration of our commitment. This unique Olympic year provides a huge opportunity to reach new audiences around the world and introduce them to the speed, skill and excitement of rugby sevens, encouraging them to become future fans of the Series.

“Above all, the health, safety and wellbeing of players, fans and the wider community remains our top priority and all stakeholders will continue to closely monitor global developments with the COVID-19 pandemic and work closely with host governments and health agencies to ensure a safe, secure and highly impactful return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.”

Sunbet wins big with Emirates Lions sponsorship deal

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Sun International’s online betting arm, SunBet, has added the Emirates Lions to its ever-expanding list of sports sponsorships. The announcement follows deal signed last month with the Cape Cobras cricket team, which further shows SunBet’s growing commitment to South African sport.

The deal, which was exclusively brokered by the Treble Group, sees SunBet being aligned with one of the most iconic rugby brands in the South African rugby landscape. The franchise has produced a number of leading Springbok stars over the years, including 1995 World Cup-winning Bok captain Francois Pienaar, who lifted the coveted trophy at the famous home of the Emirates Lions.

“Looking ahead we foresee exciting times in the rugby market with the Lions playing in the Pro16, which is a competitive northern hemisphere competition and supporters are excited about the new experience. Treble is delighted to have played a major role in ensuring SunBet partner with a world-class rugby franchise that is Lions Rugby” says Treble MD Kyle Nel. “We’ve recently seen SunBet partnering with the Cape Cobras, and we are excited to see them joining forces with a leading sporting brand at an iconic rugby stadium.”

General Manager, Nitesh Matai, said that SunBet was proud to welcome the Lions Rugby Company to its growing family. “We are excited to be associated with a leading brand in the rugby sector. As a recognisable and trusted brand, we take great care in who we align ourselves with and believe that the Lions Rugby Company complements our values and will be a successful partner. The SunBet platform is safe and secure and offers unrivalled rugby betting options. This deal communicates our brand and platform to the right audience who can explore those options.”

The deal will also enhance the experience for SunBet customers, giving them interactive access to players, coaches, and management, as well as insider tips. When spectators can safely return to stadiums, customers can also look forward to enjoying VIP hospitality at the home of the Emirates Lions.

SunBet’s sponsorship, which runs until the end of 2023, allows it to expand its marketing strategy to have its brand associated with games played at the Emirates Airline Park.

Pieter Burger, Managing Director of EPS (Pty) Ltd, welcomed SunBet on board as a new partner of the Lions Rugby Company. “As we head into 2021, we are delighted to welcome on board our brand new sponsor SunBet, to be sported on shorts. We are proud to be associated with a company like SunBet, Sun International’s premier sportsbook, and an affiliate that the Lions have long been associated with. We know it will be a long and prosperous relationship.”

Special Moment for Treble

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Humbled and over-awed was the reaction of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi when he walked out of customs to a united South Africa, where thousands of Springbok supporters were there to welcome their heroes at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening.

Kolisi and South Africa’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, whose flight via Sydney was delayed by a few hours, walked through the main arrivals hall, which erupted with thunderous cheers when the Bok captain walked through the doors carrying the Webb Ellis Cup.

This is only the beginning of what will be reminiscent of scenes in 1995 and 2007. Treble worked closely together with SA Rugby to successfully organise the Trophy Tour after Jake White and John Smit brought the Webb Ellis Cup following the Boks’ 15-6 win over England in Paris.

It’s our time again, and once again Treble has been tasked with ensuring that millions of South Africans get to see their heroes parade world rugby’s greatest prize. The planning of this project is mammoth and there is very little time to waste. But Treble’s experienced team will strive to ensure that South Africa shares this special moment with their heroes

No rugby team on the planet can eclipse the unification and nation-building that this little golden cup brings to South Africa. Treble has had first-hand experience of this for the entire duration of the tournament.

Treble’s management of Boktowns across the country, and through one of our valued accounts, namely the Springbok Supporters Club, we have seen South Africans from all walks of life unite. The Springbok Supporters Club is owned by South African Rugby Union (SARU) (51 percent) and Treble (49 percent).

Springbok Supporters’ Club account manager, Carmen Taylor, has been overawed by the power of rugby to unite all South Africans. “The Springboks have raised the hopes of a nation and united South Africans globally. We stand proudly behind the Boks and throughout the Rugby World Cup the Springbok Supporters Club has been in the front row rallying the support of the fans.

“With eleven official Boktown venues, Treble has seen thousands of Springbok fans gather to watch the games on the big screens. The atmosphere at Boktowns has been electrifying and we continue to drive the passion of the fans as we celebrate with the Boks on their victory parade.

The trophy tour kicks off in Gauteng on Thursday, 7 November, with the Bok bus travelling through parts of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto.

On Friday (8 November) the Boks will be in Durban, followed by stops in East London (Saturday 9 November), Port Elizabeth (Sunday 10 November) and Cape Town (Monday 11 November).