South African rugby players turning into Marvel superheroes

Marvel has teamed up with SuperSport and the Super Rugby teams for their upcoming 2019 Vodacom Super Rugby tournament. Talk about the most ambitious crossover in history — this is a mashup we didn’t expect.

The Emirates Lions will still wear their red uniforms proudly, but now with the signature Spider-Man emblem and webbing. The Vodacom Bulls’ kit will feature Captain America’s colours, the Cell C Sharks will channel their inner Black Panther and the DHL Stormers will wear the mythical thunder god Thor’s hues.

“Marvel Super Heroes are among the most loved and recognisable characters in the world, very much like local Vodacom Super Rugby players and clubs,” says Luke Roberts, Retail Director for The Walt Disney Company Africa.

The first team to reveal their Marvel jerseys is the Emirates Lions. They will proudly wear their Spidey-outfits at all the upcoming Super Rugby games, as well as other SA derbies throughout the Super Rugby season. They’ll be available for purchase at selected sporting apparel retailers. 

You can see the Lion-Spiders in action against unlikely opponents the Shark-Panthers on 3 February in Cape Town. Following that epic battle, you’ll be able to witness the Thor-Stormers and the Captain America-Bulls fight to the death. Okay, maybe not quite to the death. To the final whistle, at least.