Go watch the Springbok double-header at Loftus

IF YOU'RE planning a day of rugby viewing — whether at Loftus Versfeld or in front of the television — SA Rugby is hoping you'll back both senior national teams.

- MORGAN BOLTON

As a reminder, both Bok sides — the men and the women - will be in action today in Pretoria, with the Springbok Women facing Canada in their crucial first Test at 1.30pm, followed by the Springboks’ clash against Italy at 5pm.

The latter is expected to draw over 40 000 spectators to the stadium, but SA Rugby president Mark Alexander is urging fans to show up early and support the Bok Women as well.

Despite the recent surge in commercial interest in SA Rugby — highlighted by new sponsorships with FNB and Pick n Pay, and a four-year extension with Hyundai earlier this week — support for the women’s game remains a concern.

SA Rugby have, however, implemented a more integrated sponsorship strategy in an effort to uplift all national teams.

"If you sponsor the Springboks, you sponsor all our brands," said Alexander from Hyundai's offices in Johannesburg on Thursday.