The Springbok Sevens team will be sponsored by Steinhoff International on a new three-year deal.

The Blitzboks will wear the name of the Frankfurt and Johannesburg-listed company for the first time at the Wellington Sevens in New Zealand at the end of January.

Steinhoff’s sponsorship of sevens rugby will also extend to the Springbok women’s team and the SA Academy men’s team.

'This is terrific news for sevens rugby in South Africa and we’re delighted to welcome Steinhoff International into the South African Rugby Union family,' Saru chief executive Jurie Roux commented. 'In the past the sevens’ team sponsorship had been “bundled” in with that of the 15-a-side team, but the game has developed in recent years and the Springbok Sevens team and sevens brand have now matured to the point where it merited a separate focus.

'It’s a tribute to the power of the Springbok Sevens brand that we have attracted the attention of such a major international player as Steinhoff,' he added. 'The profile of sevens rugby has increased significantly in recent years and its inclusion in the Olympic Games is set to enhance that. This is a further very exciting development for sevens rugby.'

The new sponsorship will be formally launched in the new year.

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