SA Rugby announced today that STADIO Higher Education has joined its family of sponsors as the first official higher education partner to the governing body and South Africa’s national teams.
This partnership marks a significant step in supporting the holistic development of South African rugby players by supporting their educational and development initiatives, across all SA Rugby national teams (Springboks, Springbok Women, Springbok Sevens, Springbok Women’s Sevens, Junior Springboks and SA age-group teams).
The partnership was celebrated at the new STADIO Durbanville campus on Wednesday, with a host of Springbok players in attendance, including Damian De Allende, Frans Malherbe, and Rights Mkhari, as well as senior management across both organisations.
Two Springboks, Damian Willemse and Zachary Porthen, are current STADIO students and sent videos of support of the partnership announcement.
Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, said: “Our ambition has always extended beyond performance on the pitch, and this ground-breaking deal proves it. It is extremely important for us to ensure players are well-rounded, with career options beyond rugby. Having a partner like STADIO, one that commits to both sport and education, is crucial, and strengthens our ability to provide meaningful opportunities for all players.”
This partnership reflects the strategic alignment between two brands aiming to make a positive impact on the country. By leveraging the combined power of sport and education, STADIO and SA Rugby are working together to empower young athletes to excel both on and off the field, supporting their well-rounded growth and development.
“We’re honoured to extend our support of South African rugby and invest in the future of our nation,” said Chris Vorster, CEO of STADIO Holdings.
“At STADIO, our distance learning is specifically designed to assist top athletes and working people to obtain qualifications, whilst pursuing other initiatives. We see how sport fosters resilience and unity, and we can all attest to the positive impact that the Springboks have had on nation building.
“We believe that supporting these individuals to obtain a degree will also have a big impact, not just for the individual players, but for their families, their communities and those who aspire to be like these heroes, too.”
Creating a Legacy Through Education
STADIO Holdings continues to widen access to quality and relevant higher education qualifications across southern Africa through its esteemed institutions: STADIO Higher Education, Milpark Education, and AFDA.
“Students can choose between distance learning and contact learning modes of learning delivery, and we’ve had several high-profile rugby players choosing to study with STADIO,” added Vorster.
“The flexibility of distance learning offers rugby players the chance to fit their studies in around their training, their matches and their touring schedules. We are super proud of Damian Willemse, Zachery Porthen, our many Vodacom URC players and our U20 players, who are currently studying with us.
“We believe you can be a hero both on the field and off the field, and we look to support these players to be able to pursue careers outside of rugby when their playing days are over.”
About STADIO Holdings
STADIO Holdings is a company listed on the JSE. The group is committed to transforming South Africa by improving access to post-school learning opportunities for school-leavers and adults by serving the needs of the higher education market through its three prestigious institutions, STADIO, Milpark and AFDA.
From 2026, the Group will offer in excess of 100 accredited qualifications, ranging from higher certificates, degrees and postgraduate degrees (including masters and doctorates). The Group currently serves over 50 000 students across the country and is on track to achieve its goal of accommodating 56 000 students by 2026. STADIO Holdings has set a target of accommodating 80 000 students by 2030.
Students benefit from a combination of contact, distance, and blended learning. Through its comprehensive learning offering, exceptional teaching, and the continuous development of relevant, forward-thinking courses aligned with student needs, societal demands, and the evolving world of work, STADIO Holdings provides an ideal foundation for academic success.
Mule Lock
The first ever international match took place in 1844.
Boost
160 international Rugby caps and still going – Alun Wyn Jones of Wales is a behemoth in the sport. He has over 160 international caps to his name and he’s still going. He’s played at 4 world cups (2007-2019) which is a record, has played in 4 Lions Tours (2009-2021), which is also a record, and has clocked up over 225 appearances for the Ospreys too. Someone needs to check in his loft for a portrait of himself, because this guy just keeps going and going.