BOITUMELO RANTAO
TOP South African rugby club – Sharks – have announced a new global partnership with the internationally acclaimed agency Roc Nation. The brand is a global powerhouse in entertainment management and will aim to form a unique and groundbreaking partnership with the South African rugby franchise.
Roc Nation have made recent previous investments into the rugby sphere by signing notable names such as Springbok (South African National team) captain Siya Kolisi and reigning French Top 14 Player of the Year, and fellow Springbok, Cheslin Kolbe.
“Both brands are built on a strong notion of family and entertainment, the partnership has been designed to reward, excite, and challenge the norm, reaching new audiences via purpose-driven initiatives and creative community-facing activation,” said a statement by Roc Nation.
This latest announcement follows the news early on in January that American company MVM Holdings had acquired a 51% controlling share in the Sharks, with president of Roc Nation Sports International, Michael Yormark, forming part of the consortium.
“Roc Nation is thrilled to embark on this unique partnership with the Sharks, supporting Ed and his first-class management team to position the club as the premium rugby club in South Africa and around the world.
“Leveraging our subject-matter experts across our International offices we are confident that the Sharks will be the envy of the rugby world, attracting top players from around the world.” Yormark concluded.
Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee said they were delighted to welcome Roc Nation to the Sharks family. “With their expertise and relationships in the international market, our vision of taking the Sharks brand to the world is very much on track. Working together with our team at the Sharks,
“Roc Nation will assist in growing our fan base in new territories and will ensure that our approach will always be of an international standard.
‘We look forward to the sharing of minds, a bold approach and the creativity that this partnership will produce, that will position our brand as the leading brand in world rugby.” he concluded.
