Springboks Sign with Nike as New Kit Sponsor

Nike will become the official kit sponsor of the Springboks in 2023 after a new agreement between the American company and SA Rugby was finalised.

Nike and SA Rugby have agreed on a six-year deal – to include the 2023 and 2027 Rugby World Cups – which will see the famous Swoosh appear on the front of the Springbok jersey for the second time. Nike was the team’s apparel partner between 1996 and 2003.

“Nike has big plans for the partnership and we’re looking forward to formally launching our new alliance next year,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

Nike takes over as apparel partner from July 2023 and will supply all South Africa’s national teams. It will provide playing kit as well as off-field apparel and footwear for the Boks as well as Springbok Women, the men’s and women’s sevens teams and Junior Boks. Nike-branded jerseys will only be revealed and in store from July 2023.

The Springboks’ current kit sponsor is Asics, who have been supplying the national side as a technical sponsor since 2014.

Asics EMEA CEO Carsten Unbehaun confirmed that while Asics had a fantastic relationship with the Springboks, the brand is realigning to focus on the company’s key sports categories, which include running, tennis and indoor.

“We enjoyed a great relationship with ASICS and really appreciate the contribution that the company made over the past eight years,” added Roux.

“It’s always sad to see a valued partner depart but we understand that business strategies shift over time and we wish Asics well in its continued journey in South Africa.”