Rhino Rugby South Africa and South African Rugby League have agreed to enter into a partnership where Rhino Rugby will supply South African Rugby League with rugby league balls and other equipment in an effort to grow and develop the game in South Africa.
Dr Frans Erasmus, President of SARL, was very excited: " We see this investment by a global brand such as Rhino Rugby as indicative of the future of the sport in South Africa. The Team at Rhino Rugby South Africa believes in the game and has committed to the growth of the game over the long term. Angus Thomson, Rhino Rugby South Africa, said: "We are optimistic about the future of Rugby League in South Africa and we are excited to be involved in assisting the game to grow in Africa ".
The agreement details are being finalised but it will include several international tournaments planned to take place in South Africa, as well as the domestic Rhino Cup and Protea Cup Rugby League club competitions. What makes this even more significant is that it's the first commercial deal initiated after South Africa has declared its intention to bid to host the 2030 IRL Men's World Cup. SARL will also play, and hopefully host, the 2025 IRL World Series in October 2025. The IRL World Series will determine which 2 countries from South Africa, France, Jamaica and Cook Islands, make up the final two spots in the 2026 IRL World Cup in Australia.
The first international match where the new Rhino Rugby League Ball will be in play, will be this week's international against the USA Hawks at Centurion Rugby Club on Wednesday, 4 December 2024 at 16:00.
