Cape Town - Riding high after the Springbok's consecutive victories against Australia, SA Rugby
has added another feather to its cap. 

Superbrands, leading international arbiter of brands, has awarded it Superbrand status. 

There Independent Superbrands Councils in 46 countries around the world, which grade each 
country's premier brands according to the strictest criteria. Only the most highly graded brands
qualify for Superbrands status. 

With this accolade SA Rugby are to rub shoulders in the Superbrands large-format publication 
with around 100 of South Africa's leading brands, including Absa (ASA), Cell C, Cricket South 
Africa, Discovery (DSY), First National Bank (FNB), Handy Andy, Huisgenoot, KWV, Microsoft, MTN 
(MTN), Old Mutual (OML), Telkom (TKG) and SAA. 

Superbrands Project Director, Simon Goddard said on Tuesday the accolade is testament to the 
popularity of rugby in South Africa and the undying loyalty of its many fans. 

"The Springbok rugby team is undeniably a national icon that inspires the kind of passionate 
support displayed at the recent match against Australia. 

"Thousands of fans decked out in green and gold, cheering their team and uniting in support of 
their heroes - with that kind of following, SA Rugby is the epitome of a Superbrand," he said. 

The Springbok emblem, which has survived both triumph and turbulence during more than 100 years 
of association with the national rugby team, faced extinction some years ago because of its 
association with apartheid. 

It was suggested it be replaced by the Protea. 

But the passion for the Springbok has ensured its continued existence and it has become 
synonymous with the game of rugby in South Africa. 

An on-pitch presentation of the coveted Superbrands award will be made to SA Rugby officials 
during a match later in the season.

The full list of SA Superbrands are:
Absa, Adobe, Amarula, Armstrong, Auto & General, Avis, Cadbury, Cape Times, Cell C, Chateau 
Libertas, Coca Cola, Cricket South Africa, DELL, Discovery, DRUM, Fanta, Farmer Brown, FNB, 
Gallo, Gra? Graduate School of Business UCT, Handy Andy, Hollard, Huletts, Huisgenoot, Illovo, 
Intel, Investec, Klipdrift, KWV, Metro FM, Microsoft, MTN, Mugg & Bean, Nederburg, Nu Metro, 
Old Mutual, Omo, Orlando Pirates, OUTsurance, Pam Golding, Primi Piatti, Proudly South African, 
Rainbow Chicken, RMB, SAA, SABC, Sasol, Schweppes, Sotheby's, Sprite, Standard Bank, Steers, 
Ster Kinekor, Sunlight, Telkom, The Mercury, The Star, Vodacom, Woolworths and YOU.1