STADIO Higher Education (“STADIO”) announced earlier today a long-awaited partnership with SA Rugby, whereby STADIO becomes the official higher education partner to SA Rugby.
This partnership represents a meaningful commitment to the holistic development of South African rugby players by supporting their educational and developmental initiatives across all SA Rugby national teams (Springboks, Springbok Women, Springbok Sevens, Springbok Women’s Sevens, Junior Springboks, and SA pathway teams).The partnership was celebrated at the new STADIO Durbanville campus, with a host of Springbok rugby luminaries in attendance, including Damian De Allende, Frans Malherbe, and Rights Mkhari (Springbok Women), alongside senior management from both organisations.
This partnership reflects the strategic alignment between two brands committed to making a positive impact on the country. By leveraging the combined power of sport and education, STADIO and SA Rugby are collaborating to empower young athletes to excel both on and off the field, supporting their comprehensive growth and development.
“We are honoured to extend our support of South African rugby and invest in the future of our nation,” says Chris Vorster, CEO of STADIO Holdings. “STADIO’s distance learning provision is designed to assist working professionals and elite athletes in obtaining qualifications whilst pursuing other initiatives. We recognise 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 helping these athletes obtain degrees will create meaningful ripple effects—benefitting not only the players themselves, but also their families, their communities, and the young people who look up to them.”
Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, added: “Our ambition has always extended beyond performance on the pitch. 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.”
STADIO Higher Education is one of STADIO Holdings’ three esteemed institutions which, together with Milpark Education and AFDA, brings to life the group’s vision of widening access to quality and relevant higher education qualifications across Southern Africa. “Students can choose between distance learning and contact learning modes of delivery, and we have had several high-profile rugby players choosing to study with STADIO. The flexibility of distance learning offers rugby players the opportunity to accommodate their studies around their training, matches, and touring schedules. We are immensely proud of Damian Willemse, Zachery Porthen, our many URC players, and our U20 players who are currently studying with us,” says Vorster. “We believe one can be a hero both on and off the field, and we seek to support these players in pursuing careers outside rugby when their playing days conclude.”
