The sponsorship comes as the former ‘Webb Ellis’ Cup winners face the World XV this Saturday at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town.
Although no financial details were divulged, the deal runs until 2015 and will include world cup preparations.
Vice President and Managing Director of Samsung Electronics SA Sung Woo, says: “As one of the country’s top sporting codes, rugby has long been a passion for many South Africans. Loyal supporters of the Springboks demonstrate their pride by donning the green and gold jersey at every match, Samsung too is proud to lend its support to the national team through this innovative partnership.”
Samsung SA is known for backing sport, CSI projects and other celebrities; and adding rugby to their portfolio, shows the commitment by the company.
Last year during Samsung’s S4 launch in Cape Town, some members of the Boks were given the stylish mobiles. So, it was only a matter of when would this deal be concluded.
Both the Springbok rugby team and SARU will exclusively use the latest Samsung consumer electronic products and mobile devices to enhance everyday performance. The logo will also be featured on the Boks jersey.
“As an organisation, we understand how pride and passion fuels success and are excited to harness this energy and back the Springboks in their quest to become world champions again at the 2015 IRB Rugby World Cup,” continued Woo.
“Samsung is a global leader in its field and we’re delighted with our new partnership. Our aims are aligned in wishing to be the best in our areas of endeavour and there’s great synergy between our brands,” says Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU.
At the time, Samsung SA head of marketing and communication Dr Michelle Potgieter, at the launch was evasive when probed what was their relationship with SARU, then.
Whether the assertion that the return of Victor Matfield (interim captain) has anything to do with this is true, it’s a story for another day!
