MTN May Not Renew Springbok Sponsorship

MTN, one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications operators, with a stated vision to “lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers,” is rumored to be considering not renewing its headline sponsorship contract with the Rugby World Cup champion Springboks when it expires this year.

Sources within Sportswire have indicated that MTN, the Springboks’ headline sponsor since 2017, may not extend the contract, which was last renewed in June 2021.

On 2 June 2021, SA Rugby released a statement announcing MTN’s renewal of its headline sponsorship of the Springboks for the next five years. The statement also confirmed MTN as a principal partner of the highly anticipated British and Irish Lions Series tour in South Africa.

SA Rugby stated at the time, “MTN, launched in 1994, renewed a five-year period and extends into 2025, supporting the ongoing effort to enhance rugby development and transformation in South Africa.”

However, a Sportswire source now suggests, “MTN is considering dropping the Springboks when their contract ends in June 2025 as their demands for a further extension are too much for the telecommunications company.”

MTN initially became the Springboks’ headline sponsor prior to the 2017 international season, a period during which both parties embarked on a journey of transformation that culminated in the Springboks’ 2019 Rugby World Cup victory, SA Rugby said at the time.

The 2021 renewal, ahead of the Lions series, saw the Springboks prevail 2-1, despite losing the first test. That initial defeat prompted Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus to release a lengthy video criticizing the officiating, a move that might have galvanized the team. The Springboks subsequently won the remaining two matches, all of which were played behind closed doors at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Former SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux emphasized the critical financial importance of the Lions series to South African rugby, stating that many franchises faced potential closure due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite initial speculation that the series might be relocated to Australia, SA Rugby successfully ensured it was played in South Africa, benefiting sponsors like MTN and maximizing exposure.

Since MTN became headline sponsor, the Springboks have achieved significant success, including two Rugby World Cup titles (2019 and 2023) and Rugby Championship titles in 2019 and 2024.

SA Rugby’s Andy Colquhoun, who is the Communications And Commercial Of Springboks, said: “Hi Robin-Duke, we don’t comment on speculation about rugby affairs – we’d never stop.”