The sponsorship includes the addition of the BMW brand mark to the left leg of the players’ shorts in official matches as well as the provision of vehicles to the reigning world champions while on Test match duty in South Africa.
Oregan Hoskins, president of SARU, said: “As vehicle sponsor of the Springboks they have taken a major place in our landscape and we’re proud of the association. The characteristics epitomised by the BMW brand of precision and performance are also hallmarks of the Springbok team, which makes this new sponsorship such a winning combination.”
The sponsorship sees BMW join ABSA and Canterbury as tier one sponsors of SARU and marks the German automotive giant’s first involvement with a leading South African national team.
Bodo Donauer, BMW South Africa managing director, added: “BMW sports sponsorships have historically epitomised the natural strengths of our brand. In this regard, BMW has always been involved with sports such as motorsport, golf, yachting and polo, all of which require a unique combination of power, performance, innovation, efficiency and passion in order to succeed. Rugby is no different in this regard and the characteristics of Springbok rugby, in particular, are values with which the BMW brand identifies perfectly.”
