Boland Rugby (BRU) recently announced a transformative equity partnership with Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) and a consortium comprising companies controlled by the Motsepe family aimed at redefining the future of rugby in the Boland region.
The new partnership will have the Motsepe consortium and SAS own 74% of the Boland rugby professional arm with the BRU retaining 26%, the union said in a statement.
The new partners will have a collaborative arrangement to cultivate a shared commitment to providing substantial resources and expertise to support the BRU’s growth and development initiatives.
“This announcement symbolises a powerful commitment to grassroots rugby development and the advancement of rugby in our region,” said Mr Bennie van Rooi, president of the BRU.
“Our partnership with the SAS and Motsepe Consortium aligns perfectly with our mission to empower local communities through sports and unearth the vast potential of our young athletes. This partnership will empower and enable us to provide world-class resources to our players, coaches, and management teams. The amazing sponsorship and investment from Sanlam, Vumatel and Santam compounds this.”
The Motsepe consortium and SAS, two prominent names in the world of sports and business, emphasised their commitment to grassroots rugby development and the advancement of rugby in the Boland region.
“This partnership is about more than just rugby,” said Dr Johan van Zyl, representative of the Motsepe consortium, “it’s about investing in the future of this region and nurturing the incredible talent at the grassroots level.
“We believe in the power of partnership and are proud to join hands with the Boland Rugby Union on this journey. Our ambition is to create a professional environment and team that retains the talent within the Boland regions.
“The sponsorship of Sanlam, Santam, and Vumatel will add value in the retention, growth, and nurturing of the local talent in Boland.”
This announcement also marks the significant move of the appointment of the new CEO of the BRU, Quintin van Rooyen, who served as president of the union for two years.
The BRU says it is excited to build on the success of the 2023 season, where the Boland Kavaliere secured the Currie Cup First Division title for the sixth time.
It says this historic achievement serves as a testament to the region’s rugby prowess and sets the stage for even greater accomplishments in the future.
