Investec has extended its sponsorship of the Tri Nations in New Zealand for another five years and has taken the naming rights for SANZAR's domestic rugby competition from 2011.

Rebel Sport used to be the title sponsor of the competition, which has recently been expanded to be called Super Rugby 15. Essentially Sports was the agency that brokered the sponsorship.

"As rugby is aligned with our specialist banking focus, we intend to capitalise on this unique opportunity presented by the Super Rugby and Tri Nations tournaments to enhance our brand presence in our major markets in South Africa, the UK and Australia," Janet Larsen, the head of marketing in South Africa, said in a statement.

Investec provides services in six core areas of financial activity: asset management, private wealth, property, private banking, capital markets, and investment banking.