The Carling Currie Cup has a long history of iconic players coming through the ranks from the various competing teams.
In 2021, Carling Black Label took innovation to the next level with the introduction of a new sporting revolution – the Carling Champions Match – allowing fans to vote for their Champion team comprising players from all seven Carling Currie Cup premier division unions to play in a real exhibition match – it’s like a real life fantasy team!
Carling Black Label, Africa’s biggest and most awarded beer brand, has once again partnered with SA Rugby to provide fans with the opportunity to select their starting 15. The spectacle will see fans from across all unions backing their heroes as they take centre stage against an international opposition this year, hailing from Europe.
Champion fans will #ReachForGold by voting for their Champion team as they line up against Italia Emergenti (Italy A).
The Carling Champions Match is set to take place on July 2 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with a 19:00 kick-off.
“We believe in doing more than just being a sponsor; we are here for the fans and what better way to entertain our fans than by giving them the power to choose their Champion Team,” explained Carling Black Label brand director, Arné Rust.
“This is something that only Springbok or Barbarian team selectors could do. Now it is literally in the hands of our fans.
“In the aftermath of COVID-19 we’ve all been distanced from so many things that bringing our fans closer to the action has become even more meaningful,” said Rust.
Rust further added, “At some point we’ve all been to a braai or a dinner or just having a beer with friends when the question comes up ‘so if you could choose any players from any team to make an all-star champion team, whom would you pick’? Well now everyone has the opportunity of answering that question and giving the next generation of players to wear the Green and Gold a chance to prove themselves wearing the Black and Gold.
“We are proud to enable local rugby supporters and fans of Carling Black Label to choose their Carling Champion Team, allowing them to basically make their ‘fantasy team’ dreams come true.”
Supporters of the Vodacom Bulls, Cell C Sharks, Sigma Lions, DHL Western Province, Toyota Cheetahs, Windhoek Draught Griquas and the Airlink Pumas can vote for the players they would like to see play for the Carling Champion Team.
In this year’s edition of the Carling Champions match, fans are further empowered by not only voting for their favourite starting 15, but will also get the chance to vote for their favourite coach who will lead the Carling Champion Team on match day.
Choose your Champion Team by voting through USSD, voting on Facebook Messenger or via the Carling Currie Cup website.
To vote, fans simply need to purchase a promotional Carling Black Label 500ml can or 750ml bottle, branded with Carling Champions Match artwork. Should they opt to use USSD they can do so by employing the unique code on the can end tab or underliner of the quart, and dialling *120*660*unique code#.
Fans may also vote via the Carling Currie Cup website by visiting www.carlingcurriecup.com (standard mobile data rates apply).
To cast their vote using Facebook Messenger, fans must start a chat with @CarlingBlackLabelSA and enter their unique code, and will be prompted to choose their Champion Team.
With each promo unit (the 500ml can and 750ml bottle) purchased, fans will be able to make their voices heard, and ultimately access and affect the world of rugby as no fan ever has before.
Win! Win! Win!
The Express, in partnership with Carling Black Label, is giving away a couple of Carling Champions Match replica jerseys and Carling Champions Match tickets to a few lucky fans ahead of the 2022 #CarlingChampionsMatch fixture between the Carling Champions Team and Italia Emergenti (Italy A) on Saturday, July 2, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
To stand a chance of winning one of these limited edition jerseys and some tickets, fill in the entry form below.
Entries close on Wednesday, June 29, at 10:00.
