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Toyota to sponsor rugby team, the Free State Cheetahs, in South Africa (also known as RSA) 
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Johannesburg - The Cheetahs managed to rope in a major sponsor just days before the start of the Super Rugby series when it was announced in Feb 2011 that Toyota is the company that has come to their rescue.
The Free State Rugby Union struggled for months to find a suitable sponsor after their deal with Vodacom had come to an end at the end of 2010.
There were also fears that they could lose valuable assets, like players, to some of the bigger unions, but with Toyota on board it looks like they will weather the storm.
In the new deal, which according to reliable sources was only finalised on Monday, the motor manufacturing company has committed itself to a three year contract which is said to be on par with other South African Super Rugby sponsorships.
The deal includes funding the Cheetahs rugby team in the Super Rugby and Currie Cup series.
"We at Toyota are delighted to expand our involvement in the great game of rugby and proud to be associated with one of the premier regional and provincial teams in the country," said Dr Johan van Zyl, president and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors.
The motor manufacturer had previously sponsored the SA Rugby Club Championships with its most recent involvement being at junior level.
Toyota South Africa has played an integral part of rugby development in Western Province through the Rugby School of Excellence -- an association that celebrated its 10th anniversary last year.