Province land sponsorship windfall

The Newlands-based Western Province Rugby Union on Friday announced that it has secured the biggest sponsorship in its history after signing a three-year deal with DHL, the world’s leading logistics company.

The bond between the two parties will result in all WP teams being renamed DHL WP and the sponsors will have the option of including their name in the title of the world famous stadium.

Tobie Titus, president of the Western Province Rugby Union, said the sponsor had not yet indicated whether it would use the option of renaming the venue DHL Newlands.

“In future, the sponsor’s logo will appear on the jerseys of every WP team as well as the Stormers,” said Titus.

He said the value of the sponsorship would remain a secret.

“But, you can be rest assured it is far greater than any other sponsorship in the past.”

The traditional blue-and-white hooped jerseys worn by WP teams at all levels would not take in the new sponsor’s colours, but its logo would be prominently displayed.

There was a chance the Stormers’ outfit would change to reflect the sponsor’s corporate image, but this was unlikely to happen next season.

“WP’s blue-and-white hooped jersey is something that will never change, but in the case of the Stormers there could well be a colour or a design change,” said Titus.

“But, it won’t happen next season because of the time factor.

“I’m sure our kit designers could come up with a new design for future seasons in Super rugby.”

After two decades of sponsoring sports events, DHL’s portfolio includes events like Formula 1 Grand Prix motor racing, the Volvo Ocean Race (yachting), Rugby World Cup 2011 and the Dubai Rugby Sevens.