According to well placed sources in the South African media, consumer bank ABSA will not be extending their shirt sponsorship deal with the Boks. ABSA came on board as a major sponsor in early 2011, replacing Johannesburg based energy giant SASOL on a five year deal reportedly worth R100m per year. The contract also included sponsorship of the Blitzbokke (SA Sevens team)

ABSA also currently sponsor the Currie Cup and the Premier Soccer League in South Africa, and it is believed that they will give up Currie Cup sponsorship as well.

The alleged reason for ABSA’s withdrawal, according to the Sunday Times, is the supposed slow pace of transformation in South African rugby. The Bok team that faced New Zealand in the World Cup semifinals had five players of colour in the 23.

The Times has also said that FNB have been approached by SARU to sponsor the Blitzbokke, who have a whole season of HSBC Sevens commitments coming up.