The Southern Kings are pleased to have strengthened ties with long-term partner, Sun International, through a sponsorship for the remainder of the Vodacom Super Rugby season.
Sun International has been one of the Southern Kings partners who have enjoyed a close relationship with the franchise since the side first took part in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition in 2013.
Southern Kings Chief Operations Officer, Charl Crous, on Friday confirmed the sponsorship between the two parties.
“We are pleased to have Sun International as one of our partners for the remainder of the Vodacom Super Rugby season,” Crous said.
“Our relationship with Sun International dates back to 2013 and has been ongoing. We have now taken it a step further with a sponsorship for the rest of our season. We are really excited to have Sun International on board. Vodacom Super Rugby is a premier competition, the Southern Kings are a premier brand, it is therefore pleasing too that we continue to associate ourselves with another premier brand like Sun International.”
General Manager of Sun International (Boardwalk) Mike van Vuuren also expressed his pleasure at the partnership with the Southern Kings.
“We have always considered the Southern Kings as part of the Sun International family since their first involvement in Vodacom Super Rugby. We are therefore proud to have taken this step to solidify our relationship with this renewed partnership for the remainder of the season,” Van Vuuren said.
“Sun International, a firm follower and supporter of all sports, prides itself in partnering with some top, world-class sporting teams. We are no less proud to have signed this agreement with another recognised brand like the Southern Kings, who represent the Eastern Cape and South Africa in a premier competition like Vodacom Super Rugby. We look forward to a fruitful partnership and are confident that we will enjoy many successes with the Southern Kings team.”
Crous further added that it is important for the Southern Kings to be associated with the Boardwalk – a member of Sun International in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“The Boardwalk is a leading attraction in the metro when it comes to entertainment, accommodation, family fun, dining and gaming. It is therefore a perfect fit that this partnership is cemented with the Southern Kings – a leading attraction in the metro on the sporting front.”
Meanwhile: The Southern Kings counted two injury casualties following their Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday, 28 May 2017.
After a tough encounter against the South African Group log leaders in the competition, team doctor Konrad von Hagen confirmed.
Winger Alshaun Bock was replaced early in the match at Emirates Airline Park on Sunday after sustaining a biceps tear in the first half of the clash.
Ntabeni Dukisa, who made his first appearance in Vodacom Super Rugby at the weekend, replaced the 35-year-old Bock. Dukisa himself finished the match with an injury.
The 28-year-old utility back sustained a shoulder injury and will have X-rays done on Monday to assess the extent of the injury.
Bock will see a specialist in Cape Town on Monday for a full diagnosis of the injury.
“Unfortunately, we lost Alshaun Bock early in the weekend’s match after he sustained a biceps tendon tear in the match against the Emirates Lions,” Dr Von Hagen confirmed.
“With the team going on a break, Bock will be seeing a specialist in Cape Town on Monday afternoon; and only thereafter will be know the exact nature of the injury.
“The only other injury concern is that of Ntabeni Dukisa, who sustained a clavicle joint (shoulder) injury. We are not yet sure of the extent of the injury, but he will have X-rays done to ascertain the nature of the injury.
“The rest of the squad remains unscathed and will get an opportunity to rest over the next two weeks ahead of the travel to Argentina where we will face the Jaguares.”
Lionel Cronje (jaw) and Andisa Ntsila (shoulder) are making good progress following their injuries that ruled them out of action against the Emirates Lions.
The pair is expected to be ready to take part in the South Africa A side’s two matches against the French Barbarians.
Southern Kings head coach, Deon Davids, has given the rest of the team a two-week break before regathering to prepare for their next Vodacom Super Rugby match against Jaguares in Buenos Aires at the end of next month.
