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Hollywoodbets has been announced as the new title sponsor of South African Rugby Union team, The Sharks.
The pair have grown the collaboration – which originally started in 2019 – into a title partnership, in addition to stadium naming rights of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager for Hollywoodbets, said: “Being a Durban-born and based company, we are massive Sharks fans. We know how much this team means to the fans and how it is an institution of our province.
“Through the passion and energy we put into every sponsorship, we look forward to enhancing The Sharks supporter experience, and further growing The Sharks position as one of the most recognisable rugby brands in the world.”
Furthermore, the operator stated that it shares many values with the Durban-based team, such as community support and sports development.
“We are nothing without our communities, and we are incredibly proud of the work we have done through our Hollywood Foundation,” he added.
Notably, from the 2023/24 season, the Hollywoodbets’ logo will feature prominently on the front and back of The Sharks’ playing kits across all competitions.
The bookmaker has also promised ‘an array of thrilling activations and engagements’ for rugby fans.
Heffer continued: “This has been extended through the sport of rugby, where we have developed the game at grassroots levels through our sponsorship of community clubs across South Africa via the Phaka Rugby Magazine Show, and the Hollywood Foundation iQhawe Week.
“Further to this, we have worked closely with The Sharks in their Hands of Hope campaigns, and currently sponsor six bursaries for students at the Sharks Academy.
“Through our title sponsorship of the Hollywoodbets Sharks, we look forward to further developing the future of South African rugby talent and working together in empowering our South African communities.”
Through the agreement, Hollywoodbets aims to further cement its commitment to promoting and supporting sport in South Africa and around the world.
The Sharks’ CEO, Dr Eduard Coetzee, concluded: “The unwavering support, commitment to excellence, and investment over the last few years has been immense and we look forward to taking our valued partnership to the next level.
“This strong partnership will continue to be elevated in the years to come. With both brands having an international footprint and global appeal, this evolution in our relationship is a momentous occasion for the global sporting and entertainment communities alike.
“We would like to acknowledge our outgoing title sponsor, Cell C for their massive contribution to The Sharks for over a decade as title sponsor. Their support and invaluable investment through the highs and lows cannot be underestimated.”
