SA Rugby and Qatar Airways have announced a new partnership, with Qatar becoming the ‘Official Airline Partner’ of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and ‘Official South African Airline Partner’ for European Professional Club Rugby.
The airline has entered into multi-year agreements.
“I have no doubt that Doha will become a very familiar and welcoming staging post for all our teams and staff,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby. “We are delighted to welcome Qatar to the family and to share this amazing new rugby journey, literally and figuratively, with them over the coming years.”
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “At Qatar Airways, we bring the world and communities together – through travel, of course, but also through sport. Today, we continue that mission by providing greater access to fans to watch their favourite teams compete, and supporting URC players and coaches and South African teams competing in EPCR competitions as they make cross-hemisphere trips via Doha to match destinations.”
HAVE YOU ALSO READ?: Vodacom to Sponsor United Rugby Championship
The three-year partnership kicked-off with a celebration at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Inside the Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker was joined by Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, Martin Anayi, CEO of the URC, Anthony Lepage, CEO of the EPCR, Ali Price, scrumhalf of the Glasgow Warriors, and Johan Goosen, flyhalf of the Vodacom Bulls, to commemorate the partnership.
As part of the partnership, Qatar Airways will soon be offering Vodacom URC all-inclusive travel packages with flights, hotels and match tickets.
Qatar Airways is also a leading global football supporter, sponsoring FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Concacaf, and CONMEBOL.
Additionally, Qatar Airways is the ‘Official Airline’ of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series, GKA Kite World Tour, and multiple equestrian, padel, squash and tennis events.
Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.
