Western Province Rugby can look forward to the support of the toughest player on the block for the 2014 season: Land Rover.
At a launch function held in Cape Town this morning (January 21), it was announced that Land Rover will be the official associate and exclusive vehicle partner of the union for the next three years. In terms of the agreement, the Land Rover brand will be represented on the kit of the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province in Vodacom Super Rugby, the Absa Currie Cup and the Vodacom Cup tournaments, respectively.
The local sponsorship complements Land Rover’s global association with the sport of rugby, and in addition to the distinctive branding, a fleet of vehicles will be supplied to Western Province athletes and management.
Kevin Flynn, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa (JLR SA & SSA), said: “Today’s announcement marks a significant development in the partnership between Land Rover and rugby.
“The brand is proud of its latest partnership at this level of the sport and it is fitting that the world’s finest all-terrain vehicles – sold in over 160 markets worldwide – should support Western Province Rugby. It also dovetails perfectly with the build-up to Land Rover’s partnership with the 2015 Rugby World Cup.”
The full range of Land Rover models will join the DHL Western Province squad; from the iconic Defender to the all-new Range Rover Sport – the fastest, most agile, most responsive Land Rover ever.
“There’s nothing tougher or more capable than a Land Rover and we believe this partnership will build on and reinforce that fact,” explained Flynn. “Through this association we will drive the message home, and reap the benefits not only for our dealers in the Western Cape, but across the country.”
A number of senior DHL Stormers and DHL WP athletes were present at the announcement, as well as top management and executives.
WPRFU President Mr Thelo Wakefield commented: “We are delighted to welcome Land Rover to the family.
“This long-term partnership with one of the world’s most recognisable brands further enhances the enormous prestige and attraction of WP Rugby, both locally and nationally.
“Land Rover is a true champion of rugby from community to elite level and we look forward to working closely with the company in the future.”
Flynn concluded: “DHL Newlands has a capacity of almost 48000, and we hope to fill it to the brim – aided by Land Rover owners in the Western Province – for the DHL Stormers’ first Vodacom Super Rugby home game on Friday, February 28 when they take on the Hurricanes.”