Vodacom has announced a five-year sponsorship of both the Stormers and Western Province teams, as well as Newlands Rugby Stadium from January 2006. The teams will now be known as the Vodacom Stormers and Vodacom Western Province.
Peter Matlare, Executive Director: Commercial at Vodacom SA, says: "We also bought the naming rights for the stadium but will not be exercising this right. The stadium name will remain Newlands Rugby Stadium. Newlands belongs to its fans."
Matlare added that sport sponsorships offer a unique opportunity for Vodacom to do something for their customers and to invest in their communities: "As we have established our presence in the market, we are now able to turn our efforts towards those activities many of our customers are passionate about. And rugby is one of those.
"Based on our shared values of leadership, caring and team spirit, this sponsorship is the ideal way for us to connect with our subscribers by supporting and sharing in their passion for the game."
Koos Basson, President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, says funding such as Vodacom's sponsorship is a critical component of WP Rugby's success, and is a vital source of income for Western Province rugby - not only for the operation and administration of the senior teams but for the future growth and development of the game in the province at all levels.
"The future of rugby depends on the quality of young players from all communities coming through the ranks and the funds we can allocate to developing this younger talent.
"It is in this area that the true value and impact of Vodacom's sponsorship will be felt for many years to come. We are proud to welcome Vodacom to the 'Province' family."
In terms of the sponsorship, Vodacom will assume branding rights to WP representative teams, the Stormers and Newlands Rugby Stadium, have full rights to brand all player and supporter apparel, as well as access to players for appearance and publicity purposes.
