When Two Greats Come Together: Castle Double Malt Begins a New Era for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
Castle Double Malt has officially become the Title Partner of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, ushering in a new chapter for one of the most iconic contests in world sport as the Springboks prepare to welcome the All Blacks to South Africa for their first full tour in 30 years.
The landmark announcement was made at Johannesburg’s iconic FNB Stadium, where rugby legends, current Springboks, executives from South African Breweries (SAB), SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby gathered to celebrate a partnership built on excellence, heritage and mutual respect.
Hosted by former Springbok and broadcaster Gcobani Bobo, the launch celebrated more than a sponsorship—it honoured a rivalry that has defined international rugby since the two nations first met in 1921.
Between them, South Africa and New Zealand have won seven Rugby World Cup titles, with more than 100 Test matches played since 1921.
For Castle Double Malt, whose brand celebrates the idea that “extraordinary things happen when two greats come together,” the partnership perfectly mirrors what happens every time the Springboks and All Blacks face each other.
Speaking at the launch, Vaughan Croeser, Vice President of Marketing at South African Breweries, described the announcement as a defining milestone for the brand.
“We’ve always believed extraordinary things happen when two greats come together. Few partnerships embody that belief more naturally than the Springboks and All Blacks.”
Croeser added that the campaign will focus on bringing supporters closer to the rivalry while celebrating the moments of brilliance, composure and camaraderie that define rugby at its very best.
Building A Legacy
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised the partnership, calling it another proud chapter in one of South African sport’s longest-standing relationships.
He said the collaboration goes beyond commercial sponsorship and represents a union of shared values centred around resilience, unity, tradition and national pride.
Alexander believes Castle Double Malt‘s involvement will help transform the series into a festival of rugby while strengthening the game’s future for generations to come.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer also highlighted the importance of restoring the tradition of full international tours, revealing that discussions with New Zealand Rugby began years ago.
The plan is for South Africa and New Zealand to alternate hosting the tour every four years, with South Africa hosting in 2026 before the series heads to New Zealand in 2030.
He believes the competition has the potential to become rugby’s equivalent of the British & Irish Lions tour.
Legends Celebrate The Rivalry
The launch featured memorable conversations between rugby greats including Sean Fitzpatrick, Bakkies Botha and Bismarck du Plessis.
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick described facing the Springboks as the toughest challenge in world rugby.
“There was never a tougher challenge than facing the Springboks. Every Test demanded everything you had.”
Bakkies Botha reflected on testing himself against the very best.
“Playing against the All Blacks was the ultimate challenge. Afterwards, the friendships you make become even more valuable than the game itself.”
Bismarck du Plessis echoed those sentiments, saying the respect shared between the two teams is what makes the rivalry truly unique.
Current Springboks Ready For The Challenge
Current Springboks Kwagga Smith and Lukhanyo Am also shared their excitement for the historic series.
Recovering from injury, Smith admitted he’ll miss playing but is eager to watch what promises to be a spectacular contest.
He believes facing New Zealand four weekends in succession will test every player physically and mentally while giving younger squad members an incredible opportunity to prove themselves.
Lukhanyo Am spoke about the privilege of facing the All Blacks, saying every player dreams of experiencing the haka before kick-off and measuring themselves against one of rugby’s greatest teams.
Fans At The Centre
Castle Double Malt Brand Director Thomas Lawrence said the brand’s ambition is to ensure every South African feels part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Whether through fan parks, watch parties, online competitions or unforgettable match-day experiences, the campaign aims to create lifelong memories while bringing communities together.
As anticipation builds for one of rugby’s biggest spectacles, Castle Double Malt is ensuring supporters won’t simply watch history—they’ll become part of it.
With four blockbuster Tests set to captivate the rugby world, South Africa and New Zealand are once again ready to write another unforgettable chapter in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
