Suzuki Auto has officially become the name sponsor of Griquas. Suzuki will also take up the naming rights for Griquas’ stadium and the team will wear a new Suzuki-branded jersey in the 2024 Currie Cup.
The agreement between these two well-loved brands was signed at a special gala dinner hosted by the GWRU for Suzuki Auto at their home stadium in Kimberley on 1 March. The team will now be known as “the Suzuki Griquas” and the arena as the Suzuki Stadium.
Says Teruo Katakawa, the managing director of Suzuki Auto South Africa: “Just like the Griquas, the Suzuki brand started from humble beginnings and through passion, hard work, and continuous improvement, became a key player in the industry whilst remaining true to its core values and identity.
“This sponsorship allows us to embody this passion on the rugby field and bring the Suzuki brand front and centre to the sport that we all love and support so dearly. We have no doubt that the Suzuki Griquas will make us extremely proud and I want to assure you of the Suzuki team’s unwavering support on all levels throughout the sponsorship period.”
In response, Arni van Rooyen, the Chief Executive Officer of the GWRU says: “We are proud to welcome Suzuki to our family. This partnership not only represents the next step in their journey from a small vehicle supplier to a Top 3 brand in South Africa, but it also symbolises their commitment to South Africa and to supporting and developing its people.”
As the new naming sponsor, Suzuki Auto will support the Griqua projects wherever possible.
Suzuki and Griqua fans can look out for the new Suzuki-branded jersey that will soon appear in retail shops.