MTN Lions Team and Naming Rights Announcement
Lions Professional Rugby is pleased to announce that the team is now officially called the MTN Lions. This follows the recent signing of a three-year sponsorship deal by the mobile operator of Lions Professional Rugby.
The extension of MTN’s rights as naming rights sponsor of the team has come about as a result of the growth of the business relationship between MTN and Lions Professional Rugby, that will see the parties work even closer with the MTN Lions supporter base to bring additional value to supporters, and in building the MTN Lions franchise on a national basis.
“In MTN, we have found not only a generous sponsor, but also a partner who shares our vision of where we want to take Lions Professional Rugby, and our drive to breathe new energy and life into the team and its loyal supporters,” said Chairman of the MTN Lions, Robert Gumede.
“Since the Super Rugby season started and having had MTN come on board, we have witnessed a resurgence of support for the team, with attendance figures at our home ground growing week by week,” said Gumede.
Chief Marketing Officer of MTN SA, Serame Taukobong is excited that the MTN sponsorship has moved up a notch from the team’s main sponsor to naming rights of the team itself. “Owning the rights to the team name creates a visible platform from which we can build the MTN brand in the world of rugby.
“We are forging a strong relationship with Lions Professional Rugby since the signing of the deal. Both parties are focused on building a strong and successful team and growing the base of loyal fans to come back week after week to show their support for the MTN Lions. We are working together as the MTN Lions to achieve this vision,” commented Taukobong.
MTN has introduced some exciting campaigns at the Lions Den to connect with supporters, including the MTN World of Rugby, a family orientated rugby village that gives fans the ultimate rugby experience. Children have the chance to negotiate a fun, rugby obstacle course that includes a series of technical rugby routines such as line outs, passing, conversions, an agility test and ultimately, scoring under the poles in the fastest time.
Other activities for fans include the opportunity to meet players and get autographs, learn more about the game of rugby and participate in competitions to win great MTN prizes.
“MTN is in the business of connecting people and connecting communities. Our sponsorship of the MTN Lions enables us to use the game of rugby as a unifying thread to bring diverse communities together. And, scanning the crowd at a home game, I am delighted to see how many of the fans have embraced MTN as the new team sponsor by proudly wearing the new MTN branded jerseys,” said Taukobong.
President of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, Kevin De Klerk adds: “What better way to demonstrate that the relationship between the Golden Lions and MTN is more than just a sponsorship but a marriage of two businesses, than by celebrating the union through the official team name, the MTN Lions.”
The MTN Lions play their next Super Rugby match at home against the Reds on 2 April 2011.
MTN Lions Team Announcement
The MTN Lions will be playing the Reds this Saturday, 2 April 2011 at Coca-Cola Park. Kick off is at 3pm. The team was announced this afternoon and is:
| No | Position | Name | Surname |
| 15 | Fullback | Michael | Killian |
| 14 | Right Wing | Lionel | Mapoe |
| 13 | Outside Centre | Waylon | Murray |
| 12 | Inside Centre | Doppies | La Grange |
| 11 | Left Wing | Deon | Van Rensburg |
| 10 | Flyhalf | Andre | Pretorius |
| 9 | Scrumhalf | Jano | Vermaak |
| 8 | Number Eight | Warren | Whiteley |
| 7 | Right Flanker | Joshua | Strauss |
| 6 | Left Flanker | Cobus | Grobbelaar |
| 5 | Right Lock | Franco | Van der Merwe |
| 4 | Left Lock | David | Bulbring |
| 3 | Tighthead Prop | Patric | Cilliers |
| 2 | Hooker | Bandise | Maku |
| 1 | Loosehead Prop | JC | Janse van Rensburg |
| Reserves | |||
| 16 | Reserve Hooker | Edgar | Marutlulle |
| 17 | Reserve Prop | Jacobie | Adriaanse |
| 18 | Reserve Lock | David | Bulbring |
| 19 | Reserve Flanker | Derick | Minnie |
| 20 | Reserve Scrumhalf | Rory | Kockott |
| 21 | Reserve Back | Elton | Jantjies |
| 22 | Reserve Back | Jaco | Taute |
It was announced during the press conference that Franco van der Merwe is stepping down as captain of the MTN Lions and Doppies la Grange will be taking on the role. Franco said “I’ve been battling with my form and I need to focus on my game right now. Doppies has been playing some very good rugby and is a good leader”.
“The Reds will be coming to play, and in that sense they’re no different to us. But they are a lot more accurate than us at the moment”, John Mitchell said earlier this week. “The style of rugby we’re playing is good, but we just need the skill to come with it, but that skill is coming”.
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