Canterbury, the New Zealand based sportswear brand, and South Africa Rugby (SA Rugby) have signed a four-year extension to their kit supply deal that will see the rugby specialists manufacture the South Africa teams kit until 2013. The world champions had been in danger of losing their kit manufacturer after the liquidation of Canterbury South Africa, but have agreed a new deal with the parent company, of similar value to the previous contract.

The new contract will take in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand as well as the British & Irish Lions tour this summer. "The problems with Canterbury South Africa concentrated all our minds," said Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby. "Everyone connected with South African rugby is delighted to be working with the brand."