Cape Town - The Bulls are finally able to sport the logo of their new kit sponsor, PUMA, after they won a legal battle against their former sponsor.

The Bulls on Tuesday announced a five year partnership with sports brand PUMA. The clothing brand will be the official kit supplier to every team representing the Pretoria-based union.

And according to the Beeld newspaper this was made possible after a legal battle between the Blue Bulls Company, the legal arm of the Bulls, and their previous kit sponsor, Gilbert. Gilbert was the union's main clothing and equipment sponsor for many years.

The Bulls wanted to end the partnership due to what they described as "poor service delivery and other problems". But Gilbert took the matter to court when it heard of the Bulls' interest in PUMA.

The saga was ended on Tuesday when an arbitrator decided in favour of the Blue Bulls Company.

The Blue Bulls were unable to play with either Gilbert or PUMA's jerseys in the recent Currie Cup and the players were forced to cover Gilbert's logo with stickers on their practice jerseys.

The Blue Bulls' CEO Barend van Graan says he is overjoyed that they could finally sign up with PUMA after all the legal problems of the last few months.

"PUMA is a brand that is young, dynamic, adventurous and proud. We look forward to launching our new playing kit within the next few days, a kit that we believe adequately reflects our style of play and rugby ambitions.”

Meanwhile, the team's away-jersey will look somewhat unfamiliar. Beeld reports that the jersey is pink with purple and blue flashes of lightning.



Wynand Olivier, Pierre Spies, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Francois Hougaard.