The Springboks will carry the names of everyday supporters on their match shorts when they take on the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June, in what SA Rugby has described as a unique tribute to the nation's rugby following.
Twenty-three fans selected through a competition will have their names printed on the back of the green and gold shorts, replacing the usual Betway logo for the season opener at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Supporters can enter by visiting www.behindeverybok.co.za, submitting their details and generating a preview of how their name would appear on the kit. Entries must then be shared on social media using the hashtag #BehindEveryBok.
"Springbok fans are behind every tackle, every try and every victory," said Jason Shield, head of sponsorship at Betway Africa. "This initiative will give 23 fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get their names behind our Springboks and an experience they will never forget. We see this as an opportunity to pay tribute to the fans who are truly behind the Boks."
SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer welcomed the innovation. "Springbok supporters play an important role in the team's journey, and this initiative is a unique way to recognise the passion and support South Africans bring to the game," he said. "To see fans' names carried onto the field alongside the Springboks makes this a really special moment."
The selected winners will attend the match in Gqeberha alongside Betway Squad campaign captain Jean de Villiers. The fixture marks the start of one of the busiest campaigns in Springbok history.