Castle Lager has signed a new contract to become associate sponsor of Springbok Rugby for the next six years, re-affirming the brand's commitment to top level South African sport. Speaking in Johannesburg last week, SAB sponsorship manager Rob Fleming says: "Castle's passion for Springbok rugby is well known so we are delighted to renew our association with the sport through the new contract."
Brian van Rooyen, President of SA Rugby adds: "The 'Springbok' and 'Castle' are both iconic brands, each over 100 years old, and it is therefore significant that they have come together in the new millennium and the new South Africa, to forge a special partnership in South African sport."
Fleming also announced that Castle Lager will sponsor the South African Rugby Union's (SARU) High Performance Squad which is designed to develop high potential rugby players of colour. This programme will be tailored to the individual requirements of 20 players, who will be identified by the national coach.
Commenting on Castle's sponsorship of the High Performance Squad, Springbok coach Jake White says: "This type of partnership with Castle Lager goes beyond traditional sponsorship and will make a significant contribution to the successful transformation of Springbok Rugby."
Former national coach and current WP Director of Rugby, Nick Mallett, says for the Springboks to match Castle's perfect balance, they should take a long, hard look at the front row to take on France this Saturday: "In Pieter de Villiers and Sylvain Marconnet they have two of the best props in international rugby. Both have great skills in scrummaging as well as in open play. They have a high work-rate and can easily make 10 effective tackles a match. With perhaps the exception of Os du Randt, our props are not such all-rounders and that is why the Springboks' real test against the French will be in the scrums."
