With Rugby World Cup fever in full swing, South Africans are scrambling to get their supporters shirts, but authentic Springbok supporters’ wear is only available at a few legitimate websites and retailers.

This is according to South African Rugby, which has warned supporters and consumers against buying Springbok apparel from online outlets that pass themselves off as ‘official’ but end up scamming fans.

Authentic Springbok supporters’ wear is available on limited websites, such as www.sarugbyshop.co.za; on well-known retailers’ digital platforms, such as Sportsmans Warehouse, Totalsports and Studio88, and established online retailers, such as www.superbalist.com.

“We’ve seen many websites pop up online, calling themselves ‘official’ to get on the Springbok bandwagon, but they never deliver, and consumers end up out of pocket,” says Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“They cut and paste genuine marketing material from Nike to pass themselves off as having stock – even at discounted prices. But they are deceiving the public who should only purchase from established outlets, from brands with which they are familiar. We realise many supporters are keen to get their hands on the new range from Nike, but we would warn them to only buy from official and well-known outlets or risk being defrauded.”

SA Rugby advises fans to stay away from websites such as www.sarugbystore.co.za or www.rugbyworldcupstore.co.za, as well as accounts on social media advertising Springbok-branded gear at unrealistically reduced prices.

Due to SA Rugby taking legal action in an attempt to protect supporters, both of these sites have been taken down.