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B&I Lions tour to SA confirmed

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

Special Moment for Treble

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).

Treble delivers top-notch entertainment and hospitality for Springboks clash with New Zealand

Newlands, Cape Town – We had the privilege of watching South Africa take on New Zealand first-hand, in what was one of the best international test matches to take place at DHL Newlands. The Springboks handed the Kiwis a nail-biting performance with a close 24-25 loss at full-time.

Meanwhile, the Treble events team delivered top-notch entertainment and hospitality to over 50,000 rugby fans from the world over. The Castle Lawns were setup with an all-out activation for the beer garden goers, with gees powered by Bokradio. All stadium bars and kiosks were putting out refreshing food and beverage at maximum efficiency. We were also grateful for the opportunity to kit-out several suites for DHL and CellC, and their guests.

The test match was a highlight on our calendar and we walked away extremely proud of our achievements.

Treble Successfully Activates Boktown for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship

Boktown, owned by the Springbok Supporters’ Club and managed by Treble Group, creates a unique experience for Springbok supporters, who cannot make it to the actual Springboks Test Matches. The official supporters’ fan village is brought to life by live acts, great sponsor giveaways and fan meet and greets with SA Rugby legends, current injured Springbok players and Bokkie; the official Springboks Mascot.

The Springbok Supporters’ Club hosted Boktown events around South Africa during the Castle Lager Rugby Championships, at the following venues:

  • Montecasino, Johannesburg
  • Silverstar Casino, Johannesburg
  • Suncoast Durban, Durban

In addition to the venues mentioned above, the Springbok games were screened at these venues:

  • Hemingways, East London
  • Emnotweni, Nelspruit
  • Golden Horse, Pietermaritzburg
  • Garden Route, Mossel Bay

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the passionate Bok Supporters for showing your support at Boktown.

Thank you to the Springbok Supporters’ Club Boktown sponsors and partners who generously contributed to the successful events. Thank you to Tsogo Sun, Mango, Castle Lager SA, SA Rugby Legends Association and the South African Rugby Union. With your shared vision, passion and commitment, we will continue to create world-class events of this nature.

Visit https://www.springboksupporter.co.za/Boktown.aspx for more info.

Treble to activate Springboks’ public farewell

The Springbok Supporters Club are inviting all Bok supporters to the official Springboks’ public farewell on 11 September, at Montecasino in Johannesburg.

Coach Heyneke Meyer, Captain Jean de Villiers, his 30 teammates and Springbok management, will spend their final few hours in South Africa with Bok Supporters before heading straight to OR Tambo International Airport to catch their flight to London.

The Treble team have spent months preparing an event fit for a heroes send off into the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Treble has secured live entertainment and great giveaways to treat the true Springbok supporters who attend the event this Friday.

The gates at the Piazza Montecasino will be open from 13h30 until 17h30 and will start with live entertainment from home grown artist; Lloyd Cele and later PJ Powers and HHP.

There’s more! One lucky Bok fan will receive a Springbok jersey signed by the team on the evening from Captain Jean de Villiers.

The Springbok team will arrive at 15h30 and depart at 17h00 with a crowd “walk through”.

Members of the public are urged to arrive early to secure their place as the standing area is limited. An overflow area with a giant screen will also be available.

The occasion is free and open to all.

Treble is proud to be part of this momentus occasion. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors and partners involved; Tsogo Sun, Vodacom, South African Breweries and ASICS.

Good luck to the Springboks in their quest to secure their 3rd Rugby World Cup title. We’re behind our Men in Green and Gold 100%!

For more information, visit www.springboksupporter.co.za.

Rugby World Cup Springbok Jersey Launch

The Treble Group team, who manage the Springbok Supporters Club, was honoured to attend the exclusive and glamorous launch of the 2015 Springbok Rugby World Cup jersey on Thursday, 5 June 2015.

It took months of hard work by scientists at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science in Kobe, Japan, in collaboration with the South African Rugby Union (SARU), to come up with the innovative technology of the jersey.  Alistair Cameron, CEO of ASICS Europe, says that the new kit has been designed specifically with the players in mind. It was created to reduce weight and without compromising its strength to give the Boks the competitive edge they need.

“We are passionate about preparation and performance, as success is not an accident,” said Cameron.

The Springboks Rugby World Cup replica apparel will be available countrywide at all leading sports retailers from 5 June 2015. For more information visit www.asics.co.za

Introducing the new and improve Springbok Rugby World Cup jersey! #BoksInAsics

Rugby World Cup Springbok Jersey Launch

The Treble Group team, who manage the Springbok Supporters Club, was honoured to attend the exclusive and glamorous launch of the 2015 Springbok Rugby World Cup jersey on Thursday, 5 June 2015.

It took months of hard work by scientists at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science in Kobe, Japan, in collaboration with the South African Rugby Union (SARU), to come up with the innovative technology of the jersey.  Alistair Cameron, CEO of ASICS Europe, says that the new kit has been designed specifically with the players in mind. It was created to reduce weight and without compromising its strength to give the Boks the competitive edge they need.

“We are passionate about preparation and performance, as success is not an accident,” said Cameron.

The Springboks Rugby World Cup replica apparel will be available countrywide at all leading sports retailers from 5 June 2015. For more information visit www.asics.co.za

Introducing the new and improve Springbok Rugby World Cup jersey! #BoksInAsics