News Summary:
On July 8, 2026, Oakley announced a new partnership with SA Rugby, with CEO Rian Oberholzer stating the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation, leveraging the increasing crossover between elite sport and lifestyle products. This follows news from June 18, 2026, that SA Rugby is utilizing a World Rugby regulation through the South Africa A clash against Zimbabwe to identify 18 potential future Springboks, marking the return of the second senior national representative team after its last appearance in 2022. Earlier, on June 14, 2026, Rassie Erasmus confirmed Mzwandile Stick as head coach for the South Africa A fixture against Zimbabwe, revealing an ulterior motive beyond providing young players with Springbok environment experience, aiming to retain emerging talent in South Africa. On June 13, 2026, it was announced that Stick would lead the South Africa A squad against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on June 20, a fixture designed to identify future Springboks and secure the international careers of promising young players. Previously, on June 9, 2026, Rassie Erasmus initiated a search for the Springboks’ next attack coach, building on the impact of Tony Brown, who was hired in 2024 and improved South Africa's attack and adaptation to law changes since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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