South Africa: partnership between SA Rugby & its jersey sponsor MTN (telecoms) will not be renewed

The South African telecommunications company MTN, will not be renewing its partnership with the SA Rugby, which made the South African group the main jersey sponsor of the national XV rugby team (the "Springboks") for eight years, between 2017 and 2025, announced the body on 24/03/2025.

MTN became the main jersey sponsor of the two-time reigning world champions (2019 and 2023) for four years (2017-2021), on 09/06/2017. The agreement was valued at ZAR50m (€3.5m), before being extended until 2025 for an undisclosed amount. The South African group succeeded Blue Label Telecom, the Springboks' main jersey sponsor in 2016.

"This has been the most awe-inspiring and rewarding partnership for MTN after coming in as lead sponsors during a more difficult period for rugby in 2017 after the Boks had not fared as well after last winning the World Cup in 2007. For us, it was about more than branding; it was about redefining transformation by returning rugby to the people and fostering the spirit of Ubuntu. We demonstrated leadership and commitment to SA sport and could not be happier with the…