Stephen Nell
Cape Town – The Springboks may well play with Castle Lager emblazoned on their jerseys again from next year.
Sasol announced on Tuesday that they will not be renewing their R150m jersey sponsorship of the national rugby team.
“We’re sorry to be losing them, but we understand their reasons and we’re now looking forward to forging a new relationship between the Springboks, South African rugby and another leading brand,” South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Oregan Hoskins said in a statement.
While there has been no official word on a possible new sponsor, Sport24 understands that SABMiller, of which Castle Lager is one of their most famous brands, are keen to get involved again.
Castle Lager were the Boks’ jersey sponsor prior to SARU and Sasol agreeing on a deal in November 2004.
Sasol said in a statement that there had been constructive negotiations over a protracted period, but the two parties could not strike a deal.
"We're very proud of our association with the Springboks and had certainly hoped our significantly increased offer would have found traction with the union," said Sasol senior group executive Lean Strauss.
"As a business, we must take current market conditions into account, while at the same time recognising the enormous value this iconic team has brought to our brand. We believe our offer reflected this approach but respect SA Rugby's decision to consider alternative sponsorship options.”
Sasol promised their full support to the Boks until their sponsorship runs out at the end of December.
Cape Town – The Springboks may well play with Castle Lager emblazoned on their jerseys again from next year.
Sasol announced on Tuesday that they will not be renewing their R150m jersey sponsorship of the national rugby team.
“We’re sorry to be losing them, but we understand their reasons and we’re now looking forward to forging a new relationship between the Springboks, South African rugby and another leading brand,” South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Oregan Hoskins said in a statement.
While there has been no official word on a possible new sponsor, Sport24 understands that SABMiller, of which Castle Lager is one of their most famous brands, are keen to get involved again.
Castle Lager were the Boks’ jersey sponsor prior to SARU and Sasol agreeing on a deal in November 2004.
Sasol said in a statement that there had been constructive negotiations over a protracted period, but the two parties could not strike a deal.
"We're very proud of our association with the Springboks and had certainly hoped our significantly increased offer would have found traction with the union," said Sasol senior group executive Lean Strauss.
"As a business, we must take current market conditions into account, while at the same time recognising the enormous value this iconic team has brought to our brand. We believe our offer reflected this approach but respect SA Rugby's decision to consider alternative sponsorship options.”
Sasol promised their full support to the Boks until their sponsorship runs out at the end of December.