Springboks Face Fan Backlash Over New Training Kit
Team Prepares for Incoming Series Amid Uniform Controversy
The South African national rugby team, the Springboks, began preparations for their upcoming Test season in Johannesburg, but the launch of their new sponsored training kit has been met with considerable disapproval from supporters online.
Kit Sparks Social Media Storm
The Springbok squad assembled on Sunday and commenced field work at Johannesburg Stadium on Monday, gearing up for a series of international matches starting later this month. However, the new training apparel quickly became a topic of discussion – and not in a positive light. Fans took to social media platforms to voice their opinions, with many describing the design as unappealing.
Comments ranged from “horrendous”
to “terrible”
and “weird”
, reflecting a widespread negative reaction to the kit’s aesthetic.
Upcoming Fixtures and Player Availability
The Springboks will begin their Incoming Series against the Barbarians on June 28th in Cape Town, marking the first-ever encounter between the two sides on South African soil. Following this, they will face Italy in consecutive Tests in Pretoria (July 5th) and Gqeberha (July 12th), before concluding the series against Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19th.
Several players are joining the squad in stages, dependent on their commitments to club competitions. The United Rugby Championship Grand Final, featuring the Bulls and Leinster, and the Premiership final, between Bath and Leicester, both take place next Saturday. Players involved in these matches will integrate with the Springbok setup as soon as their club duties are fulfilled.
Rugby remains immensely popular in South Africa; in 2023, approximately 6.3 million South Africans identified as actively following the sport, demonstrating its significant cultural impact. Statista
Fan Reaction and Future Outlook
The Springboks will be hoping to put the kit controversy behind them and focus on their on-field performance. The Incoming Series provides a crucial opportunity to build momentum and fine-tune preparations ahead of more challenging international competitions later in the year. The team will undoubtedly aim to deliver results that will overshadow the current debate surrounding their training attire.
