ON a cold and wet Sunday afternoon Rugby World Champs Springboks, signed a new deal with energy drink Monster.
Having to negotiate my way to the Lanseria International Airport, being lost for an hour, the venue was packed with news hounds, to experience this monstrous occasion.
The four-year deal incorporate a sponsorship of the Springboks as well as other national teams- Springbok Women, the Junior Boks, and the Springbok Sevens Men’s and Women’s teams.
The partnership will include commercial rights, branding, and activation opportunities, as well as exciting fan-centric elements.
According to Antonio Clementi, Regional Vice-President of Southern Africa Monster Energy, this will commence immediately, with the Castle Lager Incoming Series, when the Springboks will host Italy and Georgia in South Africa in July, being the first of the local Tests.
Mark Alexander, President of SARU, who looked relaxed, indicated this partnership has been in the making for sometimes, without revealing when the talks initially started.
Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby says: “We are delighted to welcome Monster Energy to our family of partners. Their energy and passion for the sport align with our values, and we look forward to working together to achieve success on the field.”
Rodney Sacks- Chairman and Co-CEO of Monster Energy Company indicated: ”We are immensely proud to announce our partnership with the World Champions of Rugby, the Springboks.
South African Rugby, across all forms of the game, embodies first-class performance and the pride of a nation. Through our partnership with the national teams, Monster Energy will be bringing fans closer to their heroes and celebrates our shared passion for the Men, Women, and Under 20’s who pull on the world-renowned shirt.
We can’t wait to get started.”
The player who caught everyone’s attention Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Springbok and DHL Stormers star, said he ‘looks forward welcoming Monster into the rugby fold’, before dashing off to meet his Mom.
Other world cup winning stars included Ox Nche and Willie Le Roux, who were accompanied by DJ Maphorisa and Jack Parow- are both Monster Energy Ambassadors, whom all were flown in a private jet, as rain showed them with luck.
The absence of EFC champ Dricus Du Plessis raised some eyebrows, following the US Pres Donald Trump T-shirt debacle weeks ago, hence SARU decided not to extend invite.
Image supplied (Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ox Nche, Willie Le Roux, DJ Maphorisa and Jack Parow, Mark Alexander, President of SARU, and Antonio Clement- Regional Vice-President of Southern Africa Monster Energy, at the deal announcement held Lanseria Int’l Airport, on Sunday afternoon).
