The Springboks test series is just days away from kicking off. But will the thrice-winning World Champions be wearing new jerseys, courtesy of sponsors Pick n Pay?
In recent weeks, the yellow and green training kits have been a hard pass for many rugby fans. Like the aqua-jade “Checkers Sixty60” alternative kit, which was introduced during the 2023 World Cup, supporters have voiced their disapproval of the design.
In March, the Blitzboks debuted their new look, which featured the retailer’s large logo on the back.
WILL SPRINGBOKS DON UNPOPULAR PICK N PAY KIT?
On social media, many South Africans, including rugby experts, have given the Springboks “Pick n Pay kit” a thumbs down. The national rugby team were seen wearing the yellow and green jerseys as part of their training kits following two alignment camps in Cape Town this year.
Speaking to The South African, SA Rugby’s Commercial General Manager Andy Colquhoun confirmed that Springboks replica jerseys and training kits would go on sale this week, ahead of the test series season.
The jerseys would not feature the Pick n Pay logo, as was anticipated, as the signing of the new sponsor was too late to incorporate into production.
Images of new jerseys – different from last year’s – would be released on Tuesday, 24 June, and would go on sale the next day.
Replica jerseys featuring Pick n Pay’s logo will be released to the public in 2026.
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW SPONSORS
Earlier this year, SA Rugby announced that Pick n Pay had signed a four-year contract as a Tier 1 sponsor. The sponsor’s logo is featured on all Springboks match-day jerseys and on the front of all training apparel.
The retailer replaces MTN, which previously sponsored the Boks from 2017 up until last year.
The brand’s name will feature on the back of the jersey in gold above the position number and player name. According to reports, the significant move will cost the supermarket group around R70 million per year.
In March, the Blitzboks sported the new kit for their game against Uruguay.
TEST SERIES – WHEN WILL THE BOKS PLAY?
The Springboks will play a friendly against the Barbarians at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium on Saturday, 28 June.
Home games include the following dates…
Castle Lager Incoming Series
- 5 July: South Africa vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld (Pretoria)
- 12 July: South Africa vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Gqeberha)
- 19 July: South Africa vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit)
Castle Lager Rugby Championship
- 16 August: South Africa vs Australia, Emirates Airline Park (Johannesburg)
- 23 August: South Africa vs Australia, DHL Stadium (Cape Town)
- 27 September: South Africa vs Argentina, Hollywoodbets Kings Park (Durban)
The Springboks will also play these away games.
- 6 September: South Africa vs New Zealand, Auckland (Eden Park)
- 13 September: South Africa vs New Zealand, Wellington (Sky Stadium)
- 4 October: South Africa vs Argentina, London (Twickenham)
- 8 November: South Africa vs France, Paris (Stade de France)
- 15 November: South Africa vs Italy, Turin (Allianz Stadium)
- 22 November: South Africa vs Ireland, Dublin (Aviva Stadium)
- 29 November: South Africa vs Wales, Cardiff (Principality Stadium)
WERE YOU HOPING TO SEE THE SPRINGBOKS WEAR THEIR PICK N PAY NEW KITS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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