Castle Lager Joins Vodacom URC as Official Beer Sponsor in South Africa
Vodacom URC and Castle Lager Partnership
Rugby is relentless. It’s tough. And in South Africa, it brings people together like nothing else. That is why the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) has announced a major new partnership with Castle Lager, which will become the official beer sponsor of the competition in South Africa.
The multi-season agreement will see Castle Lager back the Vodacom URC through the next three editions, ensuring fans can raise a Castle in celebration — or consolation — as they follow their teams at stadiums, pubs, or braais across the country.
A Natural Fit
Castle Lager has long been synonymous with South African sport, supporting the country’s three biggest codes — football, cricket, and rugby — through its partnerships with Bafana Bafana, the Proteas, and the Springboks. According to Brand Manager Thomas Lawrence, expanding into the Vodacom URC was a natural progression.
“Castle Lager exists to bring fans together around the things they love most; and for South Africans, that’s braai, good times, and rugby,” Lawrence said. “This partnership with the Vodacom URC is about uniting South Africans through the sport.
“At the heart of Castle Lager is the drive to bring people together, and at the heart of the Vodacom URC is the drive to bring teams and rivalries together. It made perfect sense for Castle Lager to sign on so we can help fans celebrate being South African while celebrating rugby.”
Building on Rugby’s Growth
Since South Africa’s four franchises joined the Vodacom URC in 2021, the competition has experienced record-breaking growth in audiences and attendances. CEO Martin Anayi said Castle Lager’s sponsorship is perfectly timed to strengthen rugby’s connection with local fans.
“When the South African franchises joined, it transformed the competition and ignited a new level of excitement,” Anayi explained. “Rugby in South Africa is not just a sport — it’s a way of life. That’s why we are so proud to welcome Castle Lager as our official partner in South Africa.
“Their legacy in uniting fans through sport perfectly complements our mission to connect teams, players, and supporters across borders. Together, we will celebrate the rivalries, the triumphs, and the spirit of rugby that make the Vodacom URC in South Africa so special.”
A Season of Rivalries and Celebrations
The 2025/26 Vodacom URC season kicks off on Friday, 26 September, when the DHL Stormers host defending champions Leinster at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. The next day, the Vodacom Bulls open their campaign against Welsh side the Ospreys at Loftus Versfeld. The Hollywoodbets Sharks and Lions begin on the road in Scotland and Ireland, facing Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff Rugby, before returning home to Kings Park and Ellis Park in October — where Castle Lager’s fan experience will be in full swing.
Fans can expect premium activations, including live music, giveaways, and limited-edition cans featuring team designs. Whether in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, or Cape Town, Castle Lager will bring supporters together to enjoy rugby the South African way: with passion, pride, and a beer in hand.
“Supporters can expect the premium fan experiences Castle Lager always delivers,” said Lawrence. “Music, activations, promotions, and socialising with like-minded fans — all with Castle Lager — will be part of the Vodacom URC season.”
Raising a Castle to Every Moment
From the Pride of Jozi Lions chasing a Top 8 finish, to the Hollywoodbets Sharks and their star-studded line-up, to the Bulls under new coach Johan Ackermann, and the Stormers looking to replicate their 2021/22 championship triumph, Castle Lager will be there for every high and low.
With 151 matches across 21 weekends, involving 16 teams from five territories in two hemispheres, the Vodacom URC remains one of the most competitive and diverse rugby competitions in the world. And this season, South African fans can be sure Castle Lager will be part of every celebration.
Because whether at the stadium, in the pub, or around the braai, nothing pairs with rugby quite like a Castle Lager.