The Springboks rugby team will no longer play with Gilbert rugby balls in home Test matches.
SA Rugby has signed a seven-year deal with Rhino, which will see its elite-level match balls used for all home Tests for the Springboks and Springbok Women, as well as all SA Rugby-run competitions that include the Currie Cup.
The Rhino Vortex Pro is Rhino’s highest-spec rugby ball and will be used by the Springboks in all six of their home Tests this year, including the Rugby Championship.
Launched in 2024, it has been tested by clubs and universities, including at such famed British rugby institutions as Loughborough University, Hartpury University and the University of Exeter.
‘Choosing a match ball partner is a major decision for every rugby union, but Rhino’s product, coupled with their extensive history in elite-level rugby made them an exciting new partner for South African rugby,’ said Rian Oberholzer, SA Rugby CEO.
‘As rugby is in the very DNA of Rhino, we’re looking forward to seeing Rhino match balls in action, not only at Test level with our Springbok men and women’s teams, but also in all of our local competitions.
‘We’re really excited about what the next seven years are going to bring through this new partnership.’
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Picture: Anton Geyser / Gallo Images
