Springboks-All Blacks rivalry gets new title partner in Castle Double Malt
Castle Double Malt will headline Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with the partnership launching ahead of the highly anticipated Springboks and All Blacks series.
Castle Double Malt has been announced as the official title partner of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, strengthening its presence in South African rugby. The partnership comes as New Zealand prepares for its first full tour of South Africa in 30 years, bringing supporters closer to one of the sport’s biggest contests.
On July 14, Castle Double Malt was officially announced as the title partner of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, marking a major milestone for the brand as South Africa prepares to host New Zealand’s first full rugby tour in three decades.
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The announcement was made during a launch event at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on Tuesday, where rugby legends, current Springboks, representatives from SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, South African Breweries (SAB), members of the media and invited guests gathered to celebrate the new partnership.
Former Springbok and television personality Gcobani Bobo hosted the event.
Fans will be brought closer to the action through one of the largest fan engagement initiatives linked to the series, including national watch parties and fan experiences that will be unveiled before the tournament begins.
The Springboks and the All Blacks first met in 1921 and have since contested more than 100 Test matches. Between them, the two teams have won seven Rugby World Cup titles, cementing one of the greatest rivalries in world sport.
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Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, praised the partnership, saying the rivalry has always challenged players to raise their standards.
“Few rivalries in world sport have challenged generations of players to raise their standards quite like the Springboks and All Blacks. Castle Double Malt understands what makes this contest so special.
“It is not just about the intensity on the field, but the values that have defined it for more than a century. We’re delighted to welcome the brand as title partner and look forward to creating unforgettable experiences for supporters throughout the series,” he said.
According to Vaughan Croeser, vice president of marketing at South African Breweries, the sponsorship reflects the brand’s belief in the strength of great partnerships.
“We’ve always believed extraordinary things happen when two greats come together, and there are few partnerships that embody that belief more naturally than the Springboks and All Blacks. We’re proud to celebrate that legacy while bringing supporters closer to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry than ever before,” said Croeser.
Former Springbok and event host Gcobani Bobo said the rivalry is about more than what happens during the 80 minutes on the field.
“People see the intensity on the field, but not always what happens afterwards, the conversations, the friendships and the admiration between opponents who understand exactly what they’ve been through.
“Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry isn’t only about 80 minutes. It’s about the stories that live long after the final whistle,” he said.
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick said playing against the Springboks was always his toughest challenge.
“Every Test demanded everything you had. But that’s what made the rivalry so special. It pushed both teams to become better, and the regard that exists between those who’ve lived it is something you carry for life,” he said.
Guests also heard from Springbok legends Bakkies Botha and Bismarck du Plessis, as well as current Springboks Kwagga Smith and Lukhanyo Am, who shared their excitement for the upcoming series.
The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour will take place during August and September. New Zealand will play eight matches on the tour, including four Test matches.
According to the organisers, the Tests will be played in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Baltimore in the United States.
