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Three-time world rugby champions Springbok stay connected in Fourways

The Springboks rugby team and technology company Oppo have forged a new partnership to be the team’s official handset partner.

April 1, 2023

Khomotso Makgabutlane 1 minute read

Springbok players Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am and Bongi Mbonambi answer questions from the crowd. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

When three of South Africa’s most beloved Springbok players, Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am and Bongi Mbonambi, visit The Roof in Fourways, something big must be happening.

Springbok player, Bongi Mbonambi chats to attendees on the partnership between the Springboks and Oppo. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

The national rugby players visited the area to launch a collaboration with Oppo, the team’s new official handset partner. Oppo also partners with the football team Orlando Pirates and South African Fashion Week.

Springboks players Eben Etzebeth and Lukhanyo Am with head of marketing from Oppo, Avashnee Moodley, general manager for marketing and communications at the South African Rugby Union, Andy Colquhoun and fellow Springboks player Bongi Mbonambi in Fourways. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

For now, the agreement is with the men’s team. It is a work in progress to involve the women’s rugby and junior rugby teams in the future.

Shaheer Lala at the launch of the new partnership of the Springboks and Oppo in Fourways. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

General manager of marketing and communications, at the South African Rugby Union, Andy Colquhoun said a partnership like this aids the team to continue utilising technology more when it comes to their training. They not only go to camps, but they also receive exercises on what they need to do that are monitored by their management team.

Lebo Madiba at The Roof in Fourways. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

All three players agreed that the partnership is beneficial to them as a team as well as in their personal capacities. “It’s important to keep in touch with loved ones. We’re on the road for so many weeks and months,” Mbonambi said.

General manager for marketing and communications at the South African Rugby Union, Andy Colquhoun and head of marketing at Oppo, Avashnee Moodley speak more on the established partnership in Fourways. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Allison Ferreira and Sydney Michavi attend the launch of the new partnership of the Springboks and Oppo. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“When you get that free time to see family and friends, it takes your mind off rugby a little bit. The new technology definitely also helps us to keep in contact with them.”