Latest news with #RianOberholzer
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Boktown brings fans face to face with Springbok spirit at historic Barbarians clash
Boktown brings fans face to face with Springbok spirit at historic Barbarians clash Local fans will gather to watch the Springboks face the Barbarians for the first time on SA soil at the Wanderers Oval in Johannesburg on June 28. Castle Lager Boktown is a travelling fan park series that brings the full Springbok match-day atmosphere to supporters nationwide. Locals can enjoy a stop featuring a giant-screen broadcast, SA music, appearances by former Boks, family zones and partner activations. This will create a festive and safe space for fans to celebrate the green and gold. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said, 'Castle Lager Boktown carries that heartbeat into towns and cities across the country, giving supporters a front-row view and offering partners a platform to enrich the Springbok story.' ALSO READ: Development rugby takes centre stage at Saints SportsFest day 4 Set up as a full-scale festival, supporters can expect live performances by GoodLuck, Shekhinah and the 4am Band, food markets, appearances by current and former Springboks and activations from official Springbok partners. 'Boktown turns every Test into a nationwide gathering,' said Thomas Lawrence, the Castle Lager brand director. 'From the anthem to the final whistle, we want fans shoulder to shoulder, singing, cheering and making memories. 'With our partners on board, we've packed the day with music, legends and family fun so everyone goes home smiling,' he added. The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said this should be something that unites communities regardless of race. He emphasised that sport is one of the few things that brings people together. First event details: Event: Castle Lager Boktown; Date: Saturday, June 28; Venue: Wanderers Oval, Johannesburg; Early-bird tickets: From R80; Gates open: Noon; Big-screen kick-off: 17:00. Boktown stops in 2025: June 28: Springboks vs Barbarians – Johannesburg; July 5: Springboks vs Italy – Bloemfontein; July 12: Springboks vs Australia – Witbank; August 16: Springboks vs Australia – Nelspruit; August 23: Springboks vs Australia – Durban; August 23: Springboks vs Australia – Soweto; September 27: Springboks vs Argentina – Nylstroom; October 4: Argentina vs Springboks – Pretoria; November 8: France vs Springboks – Boland; November 22: Ireland vs Springboks – Benoni. Tickets can be purchased on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
SAB Joins Forces with SARU as Events Delivery Partner Across All Rugby Events
The South African Breweries (SAB) and the South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) today announced the conclusion of a landmark long-term Event Partnership Agreement which sees SAB become the official and exclusive event delivery partner for all SA Rugby events. This partnership means that SAB will work closely with SA Rugby to plan and deliver all Springbok Test Matches hosted on home soil, from in-stadium activations to fan experiences outside of the stadium. Through this collaboration, SAB and SA Rugby aim to broaden access to rugby, bringing the spirit and excitement of rugby to more South Africans. Commenting on the partnership, SAB CEO Richard Rivett-Carnac said, 'Beer and sports have always been synonymous with each other. Being a delivery events partner for SA Rugby will give much needed access to rugby games across the nation, showcasing our long-term commitment to sports. This milestone underscores our commitment to national pride and access to world-class rugby for all South Africans'. SAB will bring to life these events through its heritage brand Castle Lager – whose purpose has always been deeply rooted in our nation's sporting culture. The agreement is for an initial five-year term and will see SAB activate platforms such as, Castle Lager Boktown across the country to give access to the rugby experience to all South Africans. The Castle Lager Boktown platform will elevate the fan experiences, bringing South Africans together and amplify national pride. Commenting on the partnership, Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: 'We are delighted to broaden and deepen our relationship with SAB and Castle Lager. 'We have been partners for more than four decades and this arrangement takes us to the next level. It allows us to tap into SAB's event delivery experience to enhance the match-day experience for fans as well as reviving a communal experience for national team fans. 'The new Castle Lager Boktown will allow fans to taste the Test match vibe at the best seats NOT in the stadium and bring fans ever close to the game day experience.' Springboks Elrigh Louw, Ruan Nortje and Morne van den Berg were in attendance to champion this partnership when the agreement was unveiled at the SAB Headquarters on Friday. From celebrated Springbok players and coaches to local personalities, these figures will bring the Castle Lager Boktown to life and deepen fan connections. 'We are celebrating more than a sponsorship; we are celebrating a shared national spirit.' said Mr Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture. 'The enduring relationship between Castle Lager and the South African Rugby Union reflects the kind of long-term, purposeful partnerships our sporting codes need. This commitment is a vote of confidence in our athletes, in our fans and the role that sport plays in unity, pride and social upliftment – the kind of partnerships that are based on consistency and a genuine passion for the game and our nation. It shows us what's possible when corporate and cultural leadership align.' The announcement event, attended by the Ministry of Sport, Arts, and Culture, SA Rugby executives, and senior SAB leadership, signalled a renewed call for inclusivity, legacy building and a future where everyone has access to sport. As SAB continues to commemorate its 130-year journey of commitment to South Africa, this partnership reinforces this commitment to building the nation. DM
The South African
7 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Klipdrift doubles down on SA Rugby support in new sponsorship deal
Klipdrift and SA Rugby have renewed their long-standing partnership, signing a new four-year deal that deepens the brand's role as the official brandy sponsor of South Africa's national rugby teams. The agreement extends Klipdrift's sponsorship of the Springboks, Springbok Women, and both men's and women's sevens sides, reaffirming the brand's presence in the local rugby scene. Klipdrift has been a familiar feature at rugby events for decades, from match-day braais to victory celebrations. The renewed partnership highlights a shared commitment to community, national pride, and South African identity. 'Klipdrift has been part of the rugby conversation for decades,' said SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer. 'We value their continued support and the role they play in growing the game and connecting with supporters across the country.' This next phase of the partnership goes beyond visibility, reflecting Klipdrift's active engagement with rugby communities and fan culture. The brand is set to play an integral role in supporting both elite players and grassroots initiatives. Andrea Quaye, Marketing Director at Heineken Beverages South Africa, emphasised the cultural connection behind the deal. 'This agreement celebrates two brands deeply woven into the fabric of South African life. Klipdrift is about bringing people together, and few things unite South Africans like rugby.' The renewed sponsorship comes at a crucial time, as the Springboks gear up for their 2025 campaign, starting with a high-profile fixture against the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium on 28 June. With growing global attention on South African rugby and increased local support, Klipdrift's backing ensures added momentum both on and off the field. The four-year deal strengthens SA Rugby's commercial foundation while aligning with Klipdrift's aim to remain embedded in South Africa's sporting and cultural identity. DO YOU ENJOY A KLIPDRIFT AND COKE WHEN WATCHING THE SPRINGBOKS? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
PICTURES: New-look Bok jerseys unveiled, including special '95 edition
The world champions have a new sponsor this season, with their first match of 2025 taking place in Cape Town on Saturday. The new-look Springbok playing jersey for the 2025 season has been unveiled. And, for hard-core Bok fans, apparel partner Nike have released a jersey commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Springboks winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The new-look Bok playing jersey. The release of a heritage jersey recreates the one worn by the Boks in the 15-12 victory over New Zealand at Ellis Park in 1995, while the new team playing jersey incorporates elements of the King Protea in a striking collar design. Also, one of the most noticeable elements of the new playing jersey are four stars that feature inside the collar, honouring the team's four World Cup victories — in 1995, 2007, 2019 and 2023. The Boks' alternate jersey is all-white with the Protea collar in traditional bottle green. The Boks' alternate strip. The recreation of the 1995 jersey is in traditional cotton and features the iconic badge of the Springbok leaping over a wreath of proteas. The 1995 commemorative edition. 'Nike has done a superb job to produce a kit range that both honours the traditions of the Springboks while giving it a modern design edge,' said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby. 'We also chose to honour the 30th anniversary of the 1995 victory that was such a watershed moment for rugby and for South Africa.' The home and alternative jerseys as well as the lifestyle collection will be available from Wednesday (25 June) from Nike stores, major retailers, and online. The Springboks kick off their 2025 season with a match against the Barbarians in Cape Town on Saturday.
News24
21-06-2025
- Sport
- News24
SA Rugby chief Oberholzer pours cold water on White's Bok complaints
SA Rugby chief executive officer Rian Oberholzer scoffed at Bulls director of rugby Jake White's season-long suggestion of having more overseas-based Springboks playing in South Africa, saying it wasn't financially feasible. In the aftermath of last week's 32-7 United Rugby Championship final loss to Leinster in Dublin, White said he needed what the Irish super province has. Oberholzer pointed out that the Bulls fielded 12 Springboks in their game against Leinster while also having a key player, Elrigh Louw, out injured. For more, please visit News24 Sport's dedicated rugby section. SA Rugby chief executive officer Rian Oberholzer poured cold water on Bulls director of rugby Jake White's season-long bleating about wanting the Springboks' overseas contingent to ply their trade in South Africa, saying the policy of having players overseas won't change. After last week's 32-7 United Rugby Championship (URC) final loss that the Bulls suffered against Leinster to lose a third showpiece game, White said he needed what Leinster had from a quality depth-in-strength perspective. The well-resourced Leinster provides the spine of the Irish men's national rugby team. Several players were on the British and Irish Lions team that played Argentina in Dublin on Friday, from where they'll be headed to Australia. White's messaging regarding the players that are not in the country has been consistent throughout the season despite the Bulls being the best South African team in the URC in the past two seasons. 'I need what Leinster have,' White said after the final. 'I need to be able to fight fire with fire. 'Leinster, Toulouse, La Rochelle... what do you need to win those games? Academy players or seasoned internationals? 'I'd like to sit in the coaches' box, be 19-nil up and be able to call up RG Snyman so he can menace the defence like he did today. 'You're in a dream world if you think that a club team that's made up of... I counted; we had eight players who weren't internationals finishing off the game. 'How do you expect eight non-internationals playing provincial rugby to beat 'Ireland'?' Oberholzer pointed out that the Bulls had 12 Springboks in their match-day line-up and that having players overseas helps significantly with their wage bill across the four URC franchises. READ | Stormers stalwart Dixon to stay in the Cape as arbitration saga draws to a close South Africa is one of the few rugby nations that consistently picks players who don't play in South Africa. This lessens the wage bill, as players also benefit from a weak rand and bigger overseas purses. 'One of our strengths is that we, as South Africa, allow our players who are internationals to play overseas,' Oberholzer told News24 at the Boktown launch at the AB Inbev offices in Bryanston on Friday. 'You need to look at the salary saving that we have with our players who are playing in Japan, France and England. 'We still have the total talent pool available for us, and we will not change that because it's a huge strength of ours that we can pick players who don't play here. READ | Eben on Jake's calls for star Boks to return to SA: 'Would be great, but a bit impractical' 'We often talk about the Boks playing in our national teams, and we tend to forget [that] the Bulls team that played last week had 12 Springboks. 'One must be careful of falling into the trap of saying we don't have the players in South Africa, because we do have them. 'This was our [fourth] URC season and SA has played in all of them. We're doing well with what we've got here.' Bulls utility forward Ruan Nortje, who started at flank in last week's final and has been capped as a Bok through his consistent efforts, chose to sidestep the matter with some diplomacy. 'I'm not going latch onto, or make a comment regarding what Jake said,' Nortje said. 'What we need to do is to be better.' His Bulls teammate Elrigh Louw, who is recovering from a knee injury he sustained in January against the Lions that'll keep him out for the rest of the year and some change of early next year, was firmer in his response. 'I'm not going to comment on what Jake said,' Louw said SA Rugby recently declared a R93 million loss, which is far better than some of the losses incurred by the other rugby nations. Their financial outlook is set to improve for this financial year when SA Rugby becomes a shareholder in the URC and the European Professional Club Rugby setups. SA Rugby has been paying for its participation in the URC and the two EPCR competitions, which has set back its finances but was also necessary. This may lead to conversations about salary caps for the South African teams so that they can compete with their European rivals. Rob Houwing | Bok season start: STILL a shortage of spring chickens at scrumhalf The South African salary cap currently stands at R127 million per team for the year, something Oberholzer hopes will remain the same in the next financial year. 'It's a participation saving because if you look at the net investment we had to make in 2024, [it] was R124 million,' Oberholzer said. 'We invested in playing in the URC, and we don't have to do that anymore, and I wouldn't like to see the salary caps increase. 'That's a challenge if we start to pay salaries that are too high because the unions and the teams would be under more pressure. 'Hopefully, the salary cap won't be upped, but we also need the competition to be ensured in the URC,' Oberholzer added.
