Rugby/South Africa: Nike to become Springboks' equipment supplier again replacing Asics from 2023

Nike will once again become the official equipment supplier of the South African national rugby teams from 2023 until 2028, announced the SA Rugby (South African Rugby Union) on 25/09/2022. This six-year agreement will cover the 2023 World Cup in France and the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

"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," explained SA Rugby.

The American brand previously equipped the Springboks between 1996 and 2003. Nike is taking over from the Japanese equipment supplier Asics, which supplied the South African team's kits between 2014 and 2022, notably during their world title win in 2019. Asics has not renewed its contract with the SA Rugby, as it now wishes to refocus its strategy on running, tennis and indoor sports.

"Nike has big plans for this partnership" (J. Roux, SA Rugby)