2006 sees South African Airways solidifying itself as a main supporter of rugby in South Africa. SAA is well aware that sport is big business, and recognize the impact that rugby has in shaping the future of sport in South Africa. There are about eight million active and passionate rugby fans in South Africa, and they travel all over the world, following their favorite teams.
It is SAA's aim to be part of the traveling lives and experiences of this huge fan base. With the release this year of SAA's "Follow your Team packages, the national carrier will certainly be the airline that "Fly's the Fans."
"It is with great anticipation that we look forward to this first Super 14 season. We can now enter into this competition as a truly Jo'burg based team. We are honored to be associated with South African Airways and we believe that this partnership will really take off this year," Professor Jannie Ferreira concluded.
The Cats team sponsorship is an extension of the relationship which SAA enjoys with rugby through their agreement with SANZAR, the body which controls and administers all Super 14 and Tri-nation rugby matches in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. SAA are the preferred carrier for SANZAR personnel and participating teams in the Super 14 series as well as international teams competing in the Tri-nation series. South African airways have also shown their commitment to South African rugby as an Associate Sponsor of the Vodacom Super 14 on a national basis.
The Cats kick off their Super 14 season with a local derby against the Stormers at Ellis Park on Saturday, the 11th February 2006.
At a media launch held at Airways Park and attended by the Cats team, invited guests and the media, SAA President and CEO, Khaya Ngqula and CATS Chairman, Professor Jannie Ferreira launched the second year of the SAA Team Sponsorship of the Cats. The occasion also marked the official unveiling of the new Cats jersey for the 2006 Super 14 season.
