It’s all systems go for this year’s ABSA Currie Cup and it will start with the Boland Cavaliers hosting the Platinum Leopards in Wellington on Friday.

And to mark the occasion SA Rugby and Absa have launched a new logo to renew the identity of Absa’s long-standing sponsorship of South Africa’s 118-year Currie Cup.

“The nature of the game is constantly changing, increasing competition for ‘market share’ so that competing in sports sponsorship necessitates a strategic review of tournament reach and flex in a developing market place”, said Bronwen Rautenbach, Absa Executive Creative Director.

“Absa is confident that the new identity will reflect the nature of rugby in South Africa as it is today, as the logo captures the emotion, professionalism and energy of the current game.”

Eight teams – Boland Cavaliers, GWK Griquas, Platinum Leopards, The Sharks, Vodacom Blue Bulls, Vodacom Free State Cheetahs and Vodacom Western Province and the Xerox Lions, will battle it out for domestic rugby’s most important prize in the Premier Division competition.

In the Absa Currie Cup First Division, the Border Bulldogs, Griffons, Mighty Elephants, Pumas, SWD Eagles and the Valke are the competing teams in this competition.

South African Rugby Union President Mr Oregan Hoskins said that the Absa Currie Cup would always remain one of the top rugby prizes in world rugby and believed that the 2009 competition would thrill and entertain rugby fans during the next few months.”

“Over the years, there have been many developments to the Absa Currie Cup. But this competition is still regarded as the cornerstone of South Africa’s rugby heritage, and the coveted gold trophy remains the most prestigious prize in South African domestic rugby,” said Mr Hoskins.

“All teams competing in this year’s Absa Currie Cup, be it in the Premier Division or First Division competitions, will no doubt be out make their local and loyal supporters proud.”

Absa General Manager for Brand Leadership Renny Letswalo added: “This new logo marks a change for this pre-eminent South African rugby tournament and whilst the logo has been redesigned to keep the competition in line with changing times, it will remain the symbol for a competition steeped in history and tradition.”

Source: sarugby.co.za

Pic: supersport.co.za

Tags: Currie Cup