Boland Rugby unveils Umbro as new partner at the 2026 season launch

Boland Rugby officially unveiled Umbro as a new sponsor at the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and Sanlam Boland Dames' 2026 season launch, marking an important addition to the union’s growing commercial portfolio.

The new partnership and the 2026 playing kit was officially revealed at the season launch held at the Sanlam Head Office on 11 February.

The announcement formed part of a broader season launch programme that highlighted Boland Rugby’s continued progress across governance, commercial partnerships, and high-performance rugby environments.

As part of the partnership, Umbro was confirmed as the official technical supplier of playing and official apparel for the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers (men), Sanlam Boland Dames (women), Sanlam Boland U21 (men), and Boland Rugby’s junior teams. The agreement ensures consistency in kit quality and branding across all levels of the union.

The partnership is positioned as a key step in reinforcing professional standards within Boland Rugby, ensuring players and staff are supported with performance-focused apparel aligned to international benchmarks. 

“The announcement of Umbro as a partner is a strong endorsement of the direction Boland Rugby has taken,” said Mr van Rooi. CEO of Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd, Mr Quintin van Rooyen, said the partnership was the result of deliberate relationship-building and a clear commercial strategy. “The addition of Umbro reflects increasing belief in the Boland Rugby brand and the progress being made across the organisation,” said Mr van Rooyen.

Umbro representative Byron Mulholland affirmed the brand's belief that it aligns with Boland Rugby during a period of growth and momentum.

“Umbro is proud to be announced as the new apparel partner of Boland Rugby,” said Mulholland.

“We have been part of the Boland Rugby at the Sanlam Boland Top 12 level since 2023, and to grow the partnership to this level is a testament to the mutual understanding that we can continue providing opportunities for all within Boland. 

"There is a clear sense of purpose and progress within the union, and we are excited to support that through high-performance apparel.”