A powerful new chapter has begun for the Bulls Daisies — and it’s one that promises to tackle more than just points on the scoreboard.
In a landmark move announced today, an iconic brand synonymous with resilience, community, and bold progress has stepped up as the official title sponsor of the newly minted ISUZU Bulls Daisies, ushering in an era that puts women’s rugby firmly on the map in South Africa.
This transformative partnership, revealed in Johannesburg on 15 July 2025, cements a journey that began when ISUZU first joined as an associate sponsor. Now, the Bulls Daisies proudly carry the ISUZU name — a name that will be emblazoned across their match-day jerseys, off-field kits, training gear, and high-impact community activations.
“This is yet another remarkable feat for our team — a financial injection that capacitates us to continue elevating our high-performance product,” says Thando Manana, Executive for Women’s Rugby & Strategic Projects at the Blue Bulls Company. “A stronger domestic ecosystem benefits the national product.”
Beyond the branding: tackling gender inequality
This sponsorship is more than a logo. It’s a statement in a country where gender inequality and the gender pay gap remain deeply entrenched, especially in sport.
The global sports market is expected to top $600 billion by 2027, yet women athletes still receive only a fraction of the investment, visibility, and media coverage that men enjoy. While women make up 40% of sportspeople worldwide, they earn just 4% of total sports media coverage — a gap that has barely shifted even during landmark events like the Olympics or World Cup.
In South Africa, the push for equity has seen bright sparks: from community-driven Boktown fan hubs to inspiring performances by youth talent like the Boland U18 Rugby Boys, and standout athlete partnerships like Mapimpi’s Mercedes-Benz deal. The ISUZU Bulls Daisies sponsorship adds a vital piece to that puzzle.
Ziphindiwe Ngcobo, Department Executive Marketing at ISUZU, says the brand’s commitment reflects their values and their belief in bold partnerships that drive positive change:
“As the Daisies grow, we remain committed to standing by their side. This sponsorship is a symbol of pride for ISUZU, This sponsorship is a symbol of pride for ISUZU. It’s a reflection of our values and our belief in bold, dedicated partnerships that inspire positive change.”
Powering community and future generations
With the new title sponsorship comes a promise of more than just professional performance. ISUZU and the Bulls Daisies will collaborate on community outreach projects, youth development initiatives, and signature events like the newly branded ISUZU Bulls Daisies Women’s Day Event, celebrating women’s impact on and off the pitch.
Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Blue Bulls Company, adds:
“Their investment reaffirms to our players that they are indeed South African heroes, deserving of every opportunity the sport has to offer.”
It’s a reminder that behind every sponsorship announcement lies a bigger game plan: building pathways for young women to thrive, and closing the gaps that still hold sport — and society — back.
So when the ISUZU Bulls Daisies next run out onto the field, they do so not just as a team, but as a symbol of what’s possible when bold moves are backed with real investment.
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