Castle Double Malt has officially been unveiled as the Title Partner of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, marking a significant milestone in one of the sport’s most celebrated international contests between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
The partnership was launched at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on Tuesday, July 14 during a high-profile event attended by rugby legends, current Springbok players, representatives from SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby, members of the media, and invited guests.
Hosted by former Springbok and broadcaster Gcobani Bobo, the event began with a vibrant Impi Zulu warrior performance that showcased South Africa’s rich heritage and set the stage for celebrating a rivalry that has captivated rugby fans for more than a century.
Beyond becoming the official title sponsor, Castle Double Malt has committed to bringing supporters closer to the action through an extensive fan engagement programme.
The campaign will include nationwide watch parties and a range of exclusive experiences aimed at celebrating the passion, excitement and tradition of the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry.
The launch featured discussions highlighting the rivalry’s history, present and future.
Executives from South African Breweries, SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby reflected on the significance of the partnership, while rugby icons Bakkies Botha, Bismarck du Plessis and former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick shared memories of unforgettable clashes that have defined the fixture over the decades.
Current Springboks Kwagga Smith and Lukhanyo Am also looked ahead to the upcoming encounters and the opportunity to write a new chapter in the rivalry’s illustrious history.
Since their first meeting in 1921, South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other in more than 100 Test matches, producing some of rugby’s most memorable moments.
Between them, the two nations have claimed seven Rugby World Cup titles, cementing their status among the game’s greatest teams.
Speaking at the launch, SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer welcomed the new partnership, saying it celebrates not only the fierce competition on the field but also the values of excellence, respect and sportsmanship that have defined the rivalry for generations.
South African Breweries Vice President of Marketing Vaughan Croeser described the sponsorship as a defining moment for Castle Double Malt, saying the brand is proud to honour the legacy of two rugby powerhouses while creating memorable experiences that will bring supporters even closer to the action.
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick said facing the Springboks was always the ultimate challenge, adding that the mutual respect between the two teams remains one of the rivalry’s defining characteristics.
As anticipation builds for the latest chapter of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, Castle Double Malt is set to celebrate the unforgettable moments, extraordinary performances and enduring camaraderie that continue to make clashes between the Springboks and All Blacks among the biggest spectacles in world sport.
