IT will be a marvelous 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season when the four South Africa conference teams meet right on your doorstep in the South.
The Super Rugby kicks off as early as January 19 at the FNB Stadium, less than two weeks before serious action begins.
Following a joint venture between SuperSport, Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) and the Remgro-owned Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS), all four SA franchises will be in action. They will be in their jerseys inspired by the Marvel characters – Captain America (Vodacom Bulls), Thor (DHL Stormers), Spider-Man (Emirates Lions) and Black Panther (Cell C Sharks). They will come to life with more super hero action in 2020 as Vodacom Super Rugby, one of the toughest competitions in the world which continues its collaboration with Marvel.
“WE look forward to returning to the South of Johannesburg, this time at the FNB Stadium, to play the other three teams in South Africa in support of CHOC,” said Pote Human, Vodacom Bulls head coach.
Playing at the iconic 2010 Fifa World Cup Stadium, which is mainly a soccer pitch, does not pose any problems for the Blue Bulls coach.
“We play on different fields all the time, and are happy to play at this great stadium. We will prepare as well as we can be for this opening fixture.
“We know the ball will travel in the air differently, but we will adjust. Our team is ready for the new season and hopefully we will do well.”
The 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season was officially launched with an array of coaches, players, sponsor representatives and other key stakeholders, in attendance for a live broadcast.
Apart from introducing the four South African franchises’ new jerseys, which include great new designs of their Marvel character-inspired super hero playing kit, an announcement was made that the Vodacom Super Hero Sunday was coming to Gauteng next year.
The Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers will kick off the action at 1pm, followed by the match between the Vodacom Bulls and Emirates Lions at 3.15pm.
A number of the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup heroes from Japan will be present at FNB Stadium, where tickets start from just R60, with a special group offer of four tickets for only R200 for a unique experience to watch all four South African teams in action at the same venue at the same day.
Tickets for Vodacom Super Hero Sunday will be available nationwide from November 29 at Computicket outlets and online. A public transport and parking plan, which will include free parking in designated areas around the stadium, and park and ride services from Pretoria and Johannesburg, will also be in place.
“We have a new generation of rugby heroes in South Africa ready to make their mark in Vodacom Super Rugby in 2020,” said Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby.
“With three new coaches and a host of exciting new players stepping up to the plate, I’m sure the four South African franchises will want to build on the Springboks’ achievements this year.
“We’ve seen a re-energised enthusiasm for rugby in South Africa in recent months, and that will spill over into 2020, when Vodacom Super Rugby will continue to impress with breathtaking rugby between the best players in the Southern hemisphere.”
Vodacom Super Rugby kicks off on January 31, with a replay of the 2007 final between the Cell C Sharks and the Vodacom Bulls in Durban. On February 1, the DHL Stormers host the Hurricanes in Cape Town, while the Emirates Lions take on the Jaguares in Buenos Aires. All matches, including those at Vodacom Super Hero Sunday, will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The South African franchises will yet again show their support for the real super heroes of the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation, with their #TacklingCancer initiative.
Vodacom and SuperSport will jointly donate R100 for every tackle by a South African player during the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby competition. Next year fans will have an opportunity to contribute to this great cause as R1 will be donated to CHOC for every Vodacom Super Rugby ticket purchased.
“We are delighted to once again be collaborating with Vodacom, SA Rugby and SuperSport, on the Vodacom Super Rugby competition,” said Luke Roberts, general manager of Consumer Products Commercialisation of The Walt Disney Company Africa.
“The response to the 2019 season was phenomenal, bringing the inspiration of some of Marvel’s most iconic, loved and recognisable characters to the thrills and excitement of this tournament. We certainly look forward to joining families across the country this coming year to witness all the skill, speed, agility strength, endurance, honour and strategy, that brings this collaboration to life in an even more spectacular 2020 season.”
