PUMA signs Schalk Burger

Global sports brand PUMA has signed world rugby player of the year, Schalk Burger, a young Springbok fast becoming a living legend after just one year of test rugby. Burger, who will receive a retainer and cash incentives, will play in PUMA boots and will wear PUMA "sportlifestyle" gear off the pitch as part of the sponsorship deal, which runs until January 2008. PUMA will also work closely with the Springbok flanker to produce a Schalk Burger range of products, which will be released to the market later this year.

Burger, who is just 21, set the rugby world alight last year and being named the International Rugby Board's 2004 International Player of the Year was recognition for the important role he played in the resurgence of Springbok rugby.

PUMA marketing manager Brett Bellinger says Burger represents everything that the PUMA brand is about. "From his sport performances to his attitude to life and his street style, Schalk is dynamic, edgy, unpredictable and unstoppable - all elements of the PUMA brand as it is today. We look forward to being an integral part of Schalk's life and rugby career for many years to come," Bellinger says.

Burger is very excited about the new sponsorship deal. "PUMA are a fun, sports lifestyle brand. I enjoy the design of their kit as it is very innovative, dynamic and trendy. So far, the guys at PUMA have been incredibly supportive of me and I look forward to building a strong relationship with them," he says.