The Springboks have warmed to their "new" jersey unveiled on Wednesday - which has the words Castle Lager emblazoned across the front.

Castle Lager have teamed up with Nike to become an official co-sponsor of the Springbok team. It's expected that the new sponsor will pump R15 million into SA rugby over the next five years.

At the same time, Nike, who only have their logo on the jersey, extended their sponsorship of the Springboks to 2005.

Bok Warren Brosnihan said: "Originally I suppose the team was a little unhappy, but when we saw the jersey on Vossie (André Vos), it didn't look bad at all, in fact, it looked quite good. I'm certainly not unhappy with it."

Earlier it was reported that SA Rugby Football Union chief executive Rian Oberholzer had expressed surprise over reports that the Boks were unhappy about the lettering across their jerseys.

"I met with the players during their training camp in Plettenberg Bay. I explained the realities of sponsorship in the professional era. I also emphasised the necessity of having sponsors involved in rugby. They are what keeps the sport alive," Oberholzer said.

"We (at Sarfu) are very pleased with the involvement of Castle and welcome them on board as a main sponsor to the Bok team. They, however, also have requirements and having their branding on the playing strip is in keeping with major team sponsorships the world over.

"It's nothing new. Most of the big teams have lettered branding on their strip. The players were aware of what was coming. They have even been shown the design.

"It's tasteful, it is within IRB regulations (no bigger than 84 square inches) and it will not detract from the tradition of the Bok jersey or from the jersey as a market leader. Our merchandise return indicates how popular the Bok jersey is.

"Having Castle's lettering on the front will not devalue it. The team will continue to be called the Springboks. The sponsor's name will not be attached to the identity of the team."