SABC to air Springboks vs Italy test match, Bok store launches in Sandton!

SuperSport and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) have struck a deal to allow the second Test between the Springboks and Italy to be aired by the public broadcaster. 

According to the South African Rugby Union, the agreement is aligned with celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Springboks’ historic 1995 Rugby World Cup victory. 

The Boks vs Italy second Test will kick-off at Loftus just after 5pm on Saturday, July 12 and can be watched on SABC 2 or listened to via SABC radio stations and SuperSport TV on DSTV. 

SARugby President Mark Alexander said the 1995 Rugby World Cup Victory was a pivotal step for the young democracy in finding its feet. 

“As SARU, we are working closely with our broadcasters to ensure that all South Africans can be part of this historic occasion,” Alexander said. 

SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli said it was important that the public broadcaster be included in national sporting events of such a magnitude. 

“This agreement also highlights the reach that the public broadcaster has in universal access to the nation through its TV and radio platforms, as millions of South Africans will have an opportunity to witness this historic moment.

“We call upon all South Africans to tune in, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our Rugby World Cup win in 1995,” Chabeli said. 

SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha said their organisation was “pleased” to contribute to celebrations. 

To top things off, the Boks officially launched their first merchandise store in Sandton, Gauteng, which opened at 9am on Friday morning. 

Besides being the first store, the store will also serve as a combat method to the plethora of counterfeit Springbok merchandise that is currently for sale in South Africa, explained Rian Obelholzer – CEO of SA Rugby. 

“The Exco recognised there was a gap in the market that others were exploiting and that there was an opportunity and a need for SA Rugby to meet that demand and retain the value for the benefit of rugby.

“The intention is that this store will be followed by others in due course with a range of clothing that will allow rugby fans to show their support for the Springboks in many different items of clothing – it’s not just for Saturdays,” Obelholzer said.