The Springboks will no longer play with a Gilbert rugby ball in home Test matches.
SA Rugby has signed a seven-year contract with: The Rhino will see the elite level match ball used in all home Tests for the Springboks and Springbok Women. The same goes for all SA Rugby run competitions, including the Currie Cup.
The Rhino Vortex Pro is Rhino’s highest specification rugby ball and will be used by the Springboks in all six home Tests, including this year’s Rugby Championship.
It will be launched in 2024 after testing with clubs and universities, including renowned English rugby institutions such as Loughborough University, Hartpury University and the University of Exeter.
“Choosing a match ball partner is an important decision for any rugby union, but Rhino’s products, combined with their extensive history in elite level rugby, make them an exciting new partner for South African rugby,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.
“With rugby being in Rhino’s DNA, we are looking forward to seeing the Rhino match ball in action, not only at test level for the Springbok men’s and women’s teams, but also in all regional competitions.
“We’re really excited to see what this new partnership will bring over the next seven years.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
