Suzuki revs up local rugby as Griquas forge historic partnership
In exciting news on the local rugby front, Suzuki Auto South Africa proudly announced its partnership with the Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU), marking a significant milestone in South African sports history.
The signing ceremony, held with great fanfare at The Fire Restaurant in Kimberley on March 1st, ushered in a new era as Suzuki Auto was unveiled as the naming sponsor for both the team and their esteemed grounds. Henceforth, the team will proudly carry the name of the Suzuki Griquas, while their iconic venue transforms into the Suzuki Stadium.
Teruo Katakawa, Managing Director of Suzuki Auto South Africa, expressed immense pride in the collaboration, drawing parallels between the rise of the Suzuki brand and the storied journey of the Griquas. “This sponsorship allows us to embody our passion on the rugby field and bring the Suzuki brand front and center to the sport we dearly love,” stated Katakawa, underscoring the company’s commitment to the values of dedication and continuous improvement.
Suzuki Auto has officially become the name sponsor of Griquas. Suzuki will also take up the naming rights for Griquas' stadium and the team will wear a new Suzuki-branded jersey in the 2024 Currie Cup. https://t.co/mVTBIjQrzO
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) March 1, 2024
In response, Arni van Rooyen, CEO of the GWRU, welcomed Suzuki into the fold, hailing the partnership as a testament to both brands’ dedication to South Africa and its people. The union between Suzuki and the Griquas symbolizes not only the evolution of Suzuki from a small vehicle supplier to a top-tier brand but also its deep-rooted commitment to community development.
Founded in 1886, the Griqualand West Rugby Union boasts a rich legacy, having hosted the inaugural Currie Cup in 1892 and securing the prestigious trophy five times since. Today, the team and their stadium stand as pillars of the Northern Cape’s economy, serving as a hub for social and sport development initiatives that uplift the local community.
The newly christened Suzuki Stadium will extend its embrace beyond rugby, hosting soccer matches and various community events throughout the year. Suzuki Auto, as the naming sponsor, pledges unwavering support for the Griquas' endeavors, echoing the team's ethos of community empowerment.
Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa, emphasized the alignment of values between Suzuki and the Griquas, highlighting the mutual commitment to fostering talent and enriching communities.
The sponsorship represents not only a strategic investment in sports but also a testament to Suzuki’s dedication to making a meaningful impact in South Africa.
As the Suzuki Griquas gear up for the 2024 Currie Cup season, adorned in their new Suzuki-branded jerseys, excitement is sure to reverberate through the rugby community. With the backing of Suzuki, a titan in the automotive industry, the Griquas are poised to script a new chapter of triumphs on the rugby field, further solidifying their status as legends of the game.
The partnership between Suzuki and the Griquas signifies more than just a sponsorship deal; it symbolizes the fusion of passion, heritage, and a shared vision for a brighter future, both on and off the field. As the journey unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the relentless spirit of the Suzuki Griquas propel them to greater heights, embodying the indomitable spirit of South African rugby.