This has sparked the creation of the #1Team1Nation campaign, which unites rugby supporters to cheer on their team.

Together, these brands will rally fans to show support for their team during the biggest event of the year. The campaign, called #1Team1Nation, taps into the insight that sport has a unique ability to unite a nation, bringing people together and setting aside difference, solidifying a real sense of National Pride. The campaign ensures that all fans can participate and send their team their support, either via the website or USSD putting in them in line to win great prizes and stand a chance to win tickets to Rugby World Cup 2015.

“It’s great to see a South African sponsor of the Springboks play their part on a global stage by becoming a supplier to Rugby World Cup 2015,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of the South African Rugby Union. “The #1Team1Nation campaign captures the essence of what the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup 2015 campaign is all about – the players know they are playing for all of South Africa and that wherever they play the whole of South Africa is backing them.”

World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper adds, "We are delighted to be welcoming Shield and Vaseline to the Rugby World Cup’s family of major global commercial partners. The appointment of more brand sector leaders with a passion for rugby to our record-breaking commercial programme is great news for the sport and further underscores the strength of the Rugby World Cup brand in the global sponsorship marketplace."

A series of mall activations will also be launched around the country from June until October, in search of South Africa’s Number 1 Rugby Fan giving consumers the opportunity to partake in the #1Team1Nation campaign, kick balls through goal posts, tackle inflatable players and stand the chance to win great Springbok themed prizes.

To further bring rugby to life and create excitement in the lead-up to Rugby World Cup 2015, the Wanderers Rugby Club Development programme, in association with Vaseline, will run rugby clinics and tournaments from pre-school to high school level, as well as the under-19 and under-20 age groups. Part of this programme includes outreach to previously disadvantaged communities, including both a traveling rugby clinic and assisting some of the players to get to the Wanderers junior rugby practices to participate in matches and team practices.

“Through our brand involvement with Rugby World Cup 2015, and the Springboks, we hope to solidify a real sense of national pride through the #1Team1Nation campaign. We look forward to seeing people engaging with the activities we have planned and coming together to celebrate Rugby World Cup,” says Keegan Alicks, brand manager, Vaseline South Africa.

For more information on the #1Team1Nation campaign, visit www.1team1nation.co.za.