SA Rugby has announced that a unique first ‘Champions Match’ will take place on the first weekend of November between a supporter-elected team and an opposition side to be announced closer to the time.
Black Label, sponsor of the Currie Cup, and SA Rugby have once again joined forces with the intention of recognising and rewarding the champion voices of rugby fans, with a first and historic Champions Match on 6 November.
The Champion team, consisting of players selected by the fans from all seven Currie Cup Premier Division teams, will go head to head with a strong opposition side, which will be confirmed closer to the fixture.
The match falls in the international window and a break in the United Rugby Championship, so that players from the four franchises will also be available.
“This is a brilliant and innovative concept and will give supporters an unprecedented voice as they will ultimately pick the players for this combined team,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.
“Due to the Covid pandemic, fans were not allowed to attend matches, but their voices were still heard in this era of digital connectivity, and the Champions Match will take this up a notch.
“We’ve been involved from the get-go with Carling Black Label, and we are in the process of procuring the opponent, which has unfortunately been complicated by the Covid pandemic. SA Rugby will also provide the coaching and medical teams for the Champion team.
“The Carling Currie Cup is underpinned by the heritage of the competition, and an almost tribal passion that spans generations. I’m sure our most fervent rugby fans will enjoy getting involved on a level they’ve never experienced before.”
Supporters of the Bulls, Sharks, Lions, Western Province, Cheetahs, Griquas and Pumas can select the players they would like to see play for the Champions team by voting on their mobile phones (USSD), on Facebook or the Currie Cup website.
To vote, fans must purchase a promotional Carling Black Label 500ml can or 750ml bottle branded with Currie Cup artwork. To vote via a mobile phone, fans can use the unique code on the can end tab or underliner of the quart, and then dial *120*660*unique code#. Voting via USSD is free on the Vodacom network and 20c for any other network providers.
Fans may also vote on www.carlingcurriecup.com or by scanning the QR code on the pack with their mobile device.
On Facebook Messenger, fans must enter their unique code in the input box and will then be prompted to choose their Champion team. With each promo unit (500ml can and 750ml bottle) purchased, fans will be able to make their voices heard, access and affect the world of rugby like never before.
To further empower fans, every third valid unique code entry will give them a bonus vote, with the brand also encouraging fans to stay tuned to Carling Black Label’s social media channels for additional special unique codes that they can use to ‘Choose Your Champion Team’.
Photo: Gallo Images
