/ 12 July 2004

New sponsor to give Boks gas

Sasol will become the new sponsor of the Springbok rugby team after the completion of the upcoming Tri-Nations tournament.

The sponsorship will kick in for the tour to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Argentina at the end of the year.

The six-year agreement includes sponsorship of the Springbok Sevens, South African under-21 and South African ”A” teams.

”We are delighted to have secured this sponsorship. We look forward to an inspiring relationship with the Springboks,” said Pieter Cox, chief executive of the sponsor.

In response to the announcement Brian van Rooyen, president of South African Rugby Football Union, said, ”we are very happy to see the enthusiasm that sponsors have for the Springbok brand. The partnership between us and the new sponsor will mean big things for the development of rugby.” — Sapa