In rugby, a key element to success is selecting the right combinations of players and capitalising on the strength of these strategic partnerships. Hisense South Africa is therefore proud to announce that the company is now the Official Electronics Partner of Lions Rugby.

The sponsorship stretches across the 2017 Vodacom Super Rugby and Currie Cup competitions, with the Hisense logo appearing on the right shoulder of the Emirates Lions and Xerox Golden Lions kits. Hisense also receives exclusive signage rights within Emirates Airline Park.

As part of the sponsorship, the global electronics leader will provide the latest electronic devices, including ULED televisions, all around Emirates Airline Park.

Claire Noyes-Smith, Marketing Director at Hisense, believes that Hisense and the Lions brand share a common thread in their DNA: both are driven to succeed through quality and innovation. “They are the top local franchise and certainly the team to beat this year. We are honoured to be associated with them,” she notes. “With Emirates Lions always aiming for the top, their motivations align with Hisense’s local AIM HIGH campaign which endeavours to re-ignite the aspirations of South Africans. This partnership aims to deliver the goods, both on and off the field,” Noyes-Smith adds.

Rudolf Straeuli, the Lions Rugby Company (Pty) Ltd Chief Executive Officer, considers the partnership to be valuable. “We are very excited to have Hisense on board, a brand that consumers can engage with on an ongoing basis, and can become part of the fibre of the matches our team plays. With Hisense being one of the largest electronics companies worldwide, and with a strong presence locally, we couldn’t ask for more,” concludes Straeuli.

Hisense is no stranger to big sport sponsorships, having recently been a Global Partner of the UEFA European Championship 2016, an Official Supplier to the Infiniti Red Bull Racing, and an Official Refrigeration and TV supplier of the 2016 and 2017 Australian Open. Locally the company has been the Technology Sponsor for Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour in 2016.

The partnership was announced at Emirates Airline Park alongside the announcement of the 2017 Vodacom Super Rugby squad.