The Springboks may be gearing up for their first match of the year, but it’s not just their on-field preparation grabbing attention — it’s what they’re wearing.
Fans got their first glimpse of the national team in their new kit, and let’s just say… reactions have been mixed, to put it mildly.
Gone are the classic green-and-gold combos.
In their place? A much brighter, bolder look — all thanks to their new sponsor, Pick n Pay.
Fans React to the Springboks’ Kit Makeover
It’s not the first time the Springboks have taken a creative turn with their jerseys.
During the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the squad wore aqua-blue jerseys inspired by Checkers Sixty60 — and those caused plenty of debate too.
Now, with their latest Pick n Pay-sponsored training gear — green tops paired with vivid yellow shorts — the criticism has returned in full force.
Social media users didn’t hold back.
One fan wrote, “Look at how they massacred our boys — out here looking like extras in Bollywood. Keep these bad jersey designs for the IPL.”
Another chimed in: “No amount of money can justify this.”
Others offered reluctant praise for previous kits in comparison.
“I take it back. The Checkers shirt isn’t too bad,” someone tweeted.
And one disappointed supporter summed it up: “We’re the world champions, and this is the best design on the table?!”
What’s Behind the Design? A Major New Sponsorship Deal
So what’s sparked this bold fashion shift?
Earlier this year, SA Rugby signed a new four-year sponsorship deal with Pick n Pay, making the supermarket chain a Tier 1 sponsor.
That means their name will be front and center — quite literally — on all official match-day jerseys and training gear.
Pick n Pay is taking over from MTN, who had been backing the Boks since 2017.
The deal reportedly costs the retail giant around R70 million a year — a hefty investment for prominent brand placement.
To top it off, the Pick n Pay name will now appear in gold lettering on the back of the jerseys, just above the player’s name and number.
Springboks Gear Up for Barbarians Match
Despite the fashion fuss, the Springboks are pushing ahead with their training for their first game of the season.
They’re set to take on the Barbarians in Cape Town on 28 June.
Players have already started wearing the new kit during their pre-season sessions — even if fans are still debating whether it’s a hit or a complete miss.
Interestingly, the Blitzboks were the first to showcase the updated look earlier this year during a match against Uruguay.
Love It or Hate It — Everyone’s Got an Opinion
The new kit has certainly stirred conversation.
Some are outraged, others are amused, and a few are just trying to see the bright side (literally).
So, what’s your take? Is the bold rebrand a win for the Boks, or should they stick to tradition?