The Carling Champions Team will face Italy A in the second edition of this unique encounter.
This was confirmed by SA Rugby, the Italian Rugby Federation and sponsors Carling Black Label on May 4.
Supporters will be able to #ReachForGold by voting for their Champion Team as they line up against Italia Emergenti (Italy A) on July 2 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00.
Last year, Carling Black Label took innovation to the next level with the introduction of this new rugby concept, the Carling Champions match, which allowed fans to vote for their composite team, comprising of players from all seven Carling Currie Cup Premier Division teams, to play in a special exhibition match.
Carling Black Label has once again partnered with SA Rugby to give fans the opportunity to select their own starting 15. The spectacle will see fans from all provincial teams backing their heroes as they take centre stage against an international opposition, this year, hailing from Europe.
“We believe in doing more than just being a sponsor, we are here for the fans and what better way to entertain our fans than by giving them the power to choose their Champion Team?” said Carling Black Label brand director Arné Rust.
“Now, literally, the power of selection is in the hands of our fans which is quite exciting. To do that you must buy a Carling Black Label, dial the number and have your voice heard. It’s as easy as that.
“At some point, we’ve all been to a braai or a dinner or just having a beer with friends when the question comes up ‘so if you could choose any players from any team to make an all-star champion team, who would you pick?”
“Well, now everyone will have the opportunity of answering that question and giving the next generation of players to wear the Green and Gold a chance to prove themselves wearing the Black and Gold.
“We are proud to enable local rugby supporters and fans of Carling Black Label to choose their Carling Champion Team, allowing them to basically make their ‘fantasy team’ dreams come true.”
Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, said, “It is a tremendous honour to be selected for the team because it’s done by the fans, which makes it something very unique.
“This match is another good innovation as we step our efforts to increase fan engagement and offer something fresh for our valued rugby supporters and our loyal corporate partners.
“Also, you only had to see the excitement on the faces of the Kenya players last year at Loftus to realise that the match was real highlight for them. I am sure that the members of the Italy A side will have an equally special experience when they play at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium,” said Alexander.
Supporters of the Vodacom Bulls, Cell C Sharks, Sigma Lions, DHL Western Province, Toyota Cheetahs, Windhoek Draught Griquas and the Airlink Pumas can vote for the players they would like to see play for the Carling Champion Team.
In this year’s edition of the special match, fans are further empowered by not only voting for their favourite starting 15 but will also get the chance to vote for their favourite coach who will lead the Carling Champion Team on match day.
Supporters can select their Champion Team by voting through USSD, on Facebook Messenger or via the Carling Currie Cup website.
To vote, fans simply need to purchase a promotional Carling Black Label 500ml can or 750ml bottle branded with Carling Champions Match artwork. Should they opt to use USSD they can do so by employing the unique code on the can end tab or under-liner of the quart, and dialling *120*660*unique code#.
