On Wednesday evening, an evening of entertainment in recognition of a new partnership between Jonsson Work Wear and Rovers rugby took place at their new clubhouse.

"This is a fantastic partnership between Jonsson Work Wear and Rovers rugby," said chairman Graham MacKenzie. "What struck me from the time we initially met was how precise they were in what they wanted to do and how they wanted to behave and act. It was a business partnership that went deeper than just handing out money. They didn't simply want a return on investment but a real partnership with someone which would build the brands of both entities.

"What struck me was the fact that Jonsson's corporate philosophy, what they demand in business and the way they conduct their business has a lot of similarities to how we do things at Rovers.

"About 10 years ago, we sat down with Gary Teichmann and a few others and asked the question: 'How can we make Rovers the top brand in the province?' The formula was simple: dealing with people in the right way, respecting people, getting the best coaches and improving young players to become fantastic stalwarts for the club. And that's the philosophy of Jonsson. They have the right people, they make an exceptional product and in the last 55 years, they've taken a Durban family business into three or four continents.

"There have been many similarities between the two parties and I would like to say we are delighted to have Nick Jonsson (CEO Jonsson Work Wear), with us and hopefully the contract which is for the next three years and covers all sports (rugby, cricket, hockey and squash) will last longer. We would like the relationship to be mutually beneficial."

Graham MacKenzie welcomed and thanked the attending guests which included members of the KZNRU, Rovers, Jonsson's Work Wear, former and current Rovers and Sharks players as well as members of the media.

"We are delighted to have so many honoured guests and old boys here, it shows the great tradition of the second oldest club in the province, behind Kokstad. It is wonderful for the club."

Saturday is Rovers' family day and they are expecting a crowd of 3000-4000 which could be the largest club gathering in the last 10 years. They are playing their traditional rivals Collegians. Everyone is encouraged to come to make it a special occasion.

"I make a further request for Lynn Carolan, the backbone of Rovers rugby for a long time, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. We know the scourge of this difficult disease and the club will be supporting her on two fronts. Firstly, the players will wear pink arm or wrist bands, and then spectators are asked to wear pink in support and for awareness of breast cancer. Lynn is tough and has the whole Rovers family behind her in her corner, fighting for her."

In the picture: Justin Downey, Ryan Kankowski, Nick Jonsson (CEO Jonsson Work Wear), Riaan Swanepoel, Chris Jordaan, Abonga Nkwelo, Graham MacKenzie (College Rovers Chairman), Shannon Rick.