SA Rugby announces seven-year partnership with Rhino to provide official match balls for Springboks and domestic competitions

SA Rugby has announced a major partnership with Rhino, the world’s leading rugby training equipment supplier.

The collaboration, which spans seven years, will see Rhino become the official match ball partner for South African rugby, providing match balls for both the Springbok men’s and women’s teams at international level, as well as all domestic competitions.

This new deal will ensure that Rhino’s elite-level match balls will be used for all home Test matches involving the Springboks, including key domestic tournaments like the Currie Cup.

Rhino’s Growing Influence in the Rugby World

Rhino is no stranger to the world of rugby, having been involved with some of the most prestigious teams and competitions globally.

The company has supported the British & Irish Lions for the past four tours, providing contact and training equipment, with three of those tours also seeing Rhino supply training balls.

The company’s reputation as a top-tier rugby equipment supplier has made them a natural fit for South African rugby.

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting Rhino’s long history in elite rugby and their high-quality products.

A Legacy of Excellence in Rugby Balls

Rhino’s rise to prominence in the rugby world is not just limited to South Africa.

The company is the official match ball provider for major rugby bodies like Asia Rugby and Rugby Europe, covering over 80 nations.

Rhino balls have also been used in top-level club competitions globally, including the Pro12 (now URC), Major League Rugby in the USA, and Superliga Americana de Rugby in South America.

The Rhino Vortex Pro, their highest-spec rugby ball, will be used by the Springboks for all of their home Tests in 2025, including the Rugby Championship.

The ball has undergone extensive testing at renowned rugby institutions such as Loughborough University and Hartpury University, making it a trusted product for elite-level rugby.

A Long-Term Commitment to South African Rugby

Rhino’s partnership with SA Rugby began on January 1, 2025, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in South African rugby.

The company is already an established supplier for other top rugby teams, including the Lions and Hollywoodbets Sharks in South Africa, and continues to build its reputation as a key player in the rugby equipment industry.

Looking ahead, the partnership with SA Rugby is expected to bring exciting developments and innovations over the next seven years.

Fans can look forward to seeing Rhino match balls in action as part of the thrilling journey of South African rugby.