The Blue Bulls Rugby Union has announced a significant new partnership with Sanlam, confirming the leading non-banking financial services group on the African continent as the official title sponsor of the prestigious Carlton League with immediate effect.
Blue Bulls Rugby Union president, Willem Strauss, said the partnership marks an important step in strengthening club rugby and supporting the development of the game at the grassroots level.
A shared commitment to community rugby
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in local sport and creating opportunities that extend beyond the rugby field. Through its support of the Carlton League, Sanlam will help strengthen local clubs, develop future talent, and create environments where discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience can flourish.
“We look forward to a fantastic relationship with Sanlam as the sponsor of our domestic premier league, which is arguably the strongest of its kind in South Africa,” said Strauss.
Anton Gildenhuys, CEO of Sanlam Life & Savings, said, “At Sanlam, we believe in the power of sport to bring communities together, inspire ambition, and create opportunities for young people to grow and succeed. Our partnership with the Carlton League reflects our commitment to investing in local talent and supporting the development of the game at the grassroots level, where future stars are nurtured, and lifelong skills are built.”
He adds, “Through this sponsorship, we are proud to help create pathways for players to realise their potential and pursue their goals with confidence, both on and off the field.”
One of South Africa’s oldest club rugby competitions
Dating back to about 1904, the Sanlam Carlton League is one of the oldest rugby competitions in South Africa and remains a cornerstone of the country’s club rugby structure.
The league features some of South Africa’s leading club rugby sides, including national club champions Naka Bulls (Gold Cup) and Tuks Rugby (Varsity Cup). Other participating clubs include Centurion, Grizzlies, Tshwane University of Technology, and Harlequin Rugby Club.
Strengthening the pathways to professional rugby
According to Blue Bulls Rugby Union General Manager, Jaco Dames, the Sanlam Carlton League is the flagship competition of Blue Bulls club rugby.
“The strength-versus-strength strategy in the Carlton League has contributed to Blue Bulls club rugby dominating on a national level. The Sanlam sponsorship will assist us in growing the game and creating more opportunities for our club players as part of the pathway to professional rugby,” said Dames.
He added that the league continues to play a crucial role in sustaining the broader rugby community.
“The Sanlam Carlton League represents the heartbeat of our rugby community. Our clubs are where players learn the values of commitment, respect, and teamwork, and they remain the lifeblood of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union. We are proud to partner with Sanlam, an organisation that shares our vision of investing in communities and creating opportunities for future generations. Together, we are not only strengthening club rugby but also ensuring that the pathway for aspiring players remains strong and sustainable.”
