Proudly South African brand steps onto rugby’s biggest stage to celebrate the traditions, passion and shared moments that define one of sport’s most iconic rivalries
Few sporting contests capture the imagination of fans quite like the Springboks versus the All Blacks.
For generations, the rivalry has transcended the rugby field, becoming a symbol of national pride, sporting excellence and unforgettable moments shared between families, friends and communities. Now, as the legendary rivalry prepares to return to South African soil, one of the country’s most recognisable brands is joining the journey.
Klipdrift has officially announced its partnership supporting Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, the highly anticipated tour that will see New Zealand’s All Blacks return to South Africa for a series of blockbuster encounters against provincial sides and the Springboks.
The partnership was unveiled at an event hosted at Van Ryn’s Distillery and Brandy Cellar on 11 June 2026, bringing together two powerful South African institutions: a brand deeply woven into local culture and one of rugby’s most celebrated sporting spectacles.
More Than a Rugby Match
While the action on the field will undoubtedly capture global attention, Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry has always represented something bigger.
It is the anticipation before kick-off. The friendly arguments around team selections. The braais, watch parties and gatherings that unite generations of supporters. It is the collective emotion experienced when two rugby powerhouses meet once again.
The upcoming tour will see the All Blacks face South African provincial teams before taking on the Springboks in a highly anticipated Test series in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
For rugby supporters, these fixtures represent more than points on a calendar. They are moments that become memories.
“Klipdrift has always been part of the moments that bring South Africans together,” says Andrea Quaye, Marketing Director at Heineken Beverages.
“Being part of a rivalry like this gives us the chance to show up in a space that feels very natural to the brand and to the way South Africans experience rugby.”
Celebrating the Fans Who Make the Rivalry Special
One of the defining features of the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry is the role supporters play in creating its atmosphere.
From packed stadiums and neighbourhood braais to office predictions and social media debates, the rivalry is fuelled by millions of passionate fans who live every tackle, try and turnover alongside their teams.
According to SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer, partnerships such as this help elevate the overall fan experience and strengthen the traditions that surround the sport.
“The beauty of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is that it goes beyond the players on the field,” says Oberholzer.
“It’s created by generations of fans, the atmosphere they bring and the moments they share. This partnership helps us build on that legacy and deliver an even bigger experience around one of rugby’s great rivalries.”
As excitement continues to build ahead of the tour, the focus remains firmly on celebrating the people who make rugby such an important part of South African culture.
The Search for South Africa’s ‘Bok Doubles’
To mark the partnership, Klipdrift is introducing a uniquely South African fan activation inspired by one of the country’s most recognisable orders: the double Klippies and Coke.
The campaign invites South Africans to search for their “Bok doubles” — everyday people who bear a striking resemblance to their favourite Springbok players.
Participants stand a chance to win Klipdrift prizes and potentially become part of the campaign itself, adding a playful and engaging element to the build-up surrounding the tour.
The activation reflects the brand’s broader focus on creating memorable experiences around the game while encouraging fans to become active participants in the celebrations.
A Rivalry Built on Legacy
The Springboks and All Blacks have produced some of rugby’s most unforgettable moments over the decades, earning global respect as two of the sport’s most successful and influential teams.
Every meeting carries history, expectation and emotion.
As the rivalry prepares for another chapter in South Africa, Klipdrift’s involvement adds a distinctly local flavour to what promises to be one of the standout sporting events of 2026.
Beyond the tackles and trophies, the partnership shines a spotlight on the traditions, friendships and shared experiences that make rugby more than a game.
It is about connection.
It is about celebration.
And as the Springboks and All Blacks prepare to write another chapter in rugby history, Klipdrift is positioning itself where it has always belonged — at the heart of the moments that bring South Africans together.
