From Sixty60 to PnP: Springboks latest training kit fail to impress

by Sergio Miller

Following their initial two alignment camps, coach Rassie Erasmus and his Springbok team have officially begun their preparations ahead of the international season with their first official training session in Johannesburg. 

Last week, the double World Cup-winning coach announced his 54-man squad, which will soon take on the British invitational team, the Barbarians, Georgia, and Italy ahead of the Rugby Championship. 

On Monday, the Bok management shared some snippets of what exactly took place on day one, where several veterans as well as newbies could be seen on the training field. 

While this gave fans every reason to feel Bok fever, one thing that left a bitter taste in the mouths of many was the new training kits, which showcase the logo of the team’s newest sponsor, the retail group Pick n Pay. 

 

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The partnership between the retail chain and the Springboks was first announced in March, with the Blitzboks being the first national rugby team to don the green and gold while advertising their sponsor’s logo on the back of their jersey at the Hong Kong Sevens. 

“The Pick n Pay logo will also appear on the front of all national teams’ training apparel in a new departure for SA Rugby’s sponsorship model. Historically, the rights to the front of the playing jersey and training jersey have been the preserve of a single partner,” SARU said in a statement earlier this year. 

Meanwhile, fans have since taken to social media platforms to share their thoughts. 

“Hope they play better than those training kits,” commented one person, while another added, “If we play horribly this season, we’ll blame Pick n Pay and their training kits.”

This is not the first time the public has disapproved of a Springbok jersey. In 2023, many slammed the alternative turquoise kit worn at the Rugby World Cup, comparing it to the Checkers delivery service, Sixty60. 

Also see:Inside the Springboks’ first session of the year