STADIO announced as official supplier to SA Rugby
Media Release
Durbanville, 10 December 2025 – STADIO Higher Education (“STADIO”) is proud to announce the long-awaited partnership between SA Rugby and STADIO, which sees STADIO become 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 development initiatives, across all SA Rugby national teams (Springboks, Springbok Women, Springbok Sevens, Springbok Women Sevens, Junior Springboks and SA pathway teams).
The partnership was celebrated at the new STADIO Durbanville campus on 10 December, with a host of Springbok rugby names in attendance, including Damian De Allende and Frans Malherbe, Rights Mkari as well as senior management across both organisations. This partnership reflects the strategic alignment between two brands aiming to make a positive impact on the country. By leveraging the combined power of sport and education, STADIO and SA Rugby are working together to empower young athletes to excel both on and off the field, supporting their well-rounded growth and development.
“We’re 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 offering is designed to assist working people and even top athletes to obtain qualifications, whilst pursuing other initiatives. We see 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 a degree 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.”
Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, 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.”
Creating a Legacy Through Education
STADIO Higher Education is one of STADIO Holdings’ three esteemed institutions who, 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 learning delivery, and we’ve had several high-profile rugby players choosing to study with STADIO. The flexibility of distance learning offers rugby players the chance to fit their studies in around their training, their matches and their touring schedules. We are super proud of Damian Willemse, Zachery Porthen, our many URC players and our U20 players, who are currently studying with us.” says Vorster. “We believe you can be a hero both on the field and off the field, and we look to support these players to be able to pursue careers outside of rugby when their playing days are over.”
About STADIO Holdings
STADIO Holdings is a company listed on the JSE. The group is committed to transforming South Africa by improving access to post-school learning opportunities for school-leavers and adults by serving the needs of the higher education market through its three prestigious institutions, STADIO, Milpark and AFDA.
From 2026, the Group will offer in excess of 100 accredited qualifications, ranging from higher certificates, degrees and postgraduate degrees (including masters and doctorates). The Group currently serves over 50 000 students across the country and is on track to achieve its goal of accommodating 56 000 students by 2026. STADIO Holdings has set a target of accommodating 80 000 students by 2030.
Students benefit from a combination of contact, distance, and blended learning. Through its comprehensive learning offering, exceptional teaching, and the continuous development of relevant, forward-thinking courses aligned with student needs, societal demands, and the evolving world of work, STADIO Holdings provides an ideal foundation for academic success.
For more info on STADIO Holdings visit www.stadio.co.za
For more info on STADIO Higher Education visit www.stadio.ac.za | Facebook: @StadioHigherEducation | Instagram: @StadioHigherEducation
DATE: January 2026 | DISCLAIMER: The content of this blog is accurate at the time of publication. STADIO reserves the right to change the content due to changes in legislation, as well as for market requirements and other reasons