BUILT FOR THE BIND: PUMA AVANT PRO II RUGBY BOOT LAUNCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA
PUMA AVANT PRO II RUGBY BOOT LAUNCHES IN SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town, South Africa — 19 January 2026
Global sports brand PUMA has unveiled the Avant Pro II, the latest evolution of its technical rugby boot designed specifically for tight five players. Built for the rigors of the scrum, the Avant Pro II is engineered to provide maximum protection, stability, traction, and comfort for South Africa’s elite forwards.
Trusted by the Best in Rugby
The Avant Pro II has already been spotted on the feet of some of the most physically dominating tight-five players in South African and international rugby, including:
Bongi Mbonambi, Gerhard Steenekamp, Ruan Nortje, Franco Mostert, Lood De Jager, Johan Grobbelaar, Trevor Nyakane, Marnus van der Merwe, Vincent Koch, JF van Heerden, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Jaco Grobbelaar, and Ruben van Heerden.
These players put the boots to the test on the field, ensuring every design improvement is rugby-ready.
Performance Features of the Avant Pro II
PUMA has upgraded the Avant Pro II with feedback from professional players, delivering a boot that balances protection, comfort, and agility:
- Forefoot Armour: A padded structural cage made of moulded synthetic leather fused with the lining, offering enhanced comfort and protection.
- Toe Box Volume: Increased for better fit and performance.
- Heel Lockdown: Improved via a substantial heel construction with a fully moulded heel piece connected to the lacing for a secure fit. Softer cushioning and Armo Yarns technology provide durability and ankle support.
- Outsole: 11-stud configuration, including 8 metal studs for traction during scrums and 3 TPU studs to release pressure, ensuring grip and comfort.
“Rugby, especially among the tight 5 forwards, is a physically brutal game, and these big guys deserve a boot Built for the Bind — one which provides protection, stability, grip, and durability without compromising on agility, comfort, and style,” said Brett Bellinger, Marketing Director for PUMA SA.
Availability & Price in South Africa
The PUMA Avant Pro II is available from 19 January 2026 at:
- PUMA.com
- PUMA retail stores across South Africa
- Totalsports
- Sportsmans Warehouse
Price: R3999
Why South African Rugby Players Need the Avant Pro II
Tight five forwards endure the toughest physical challenges in rugby, including scrums, rucks, and mauls. The Avant Pro II offers:
- Enhanced protection against collisions and pressure in the scrum
- Stability and grip for explosive movements
- Comfortable fit to endure full matches
- Durable materials built to last season after season
For rugby players in South Africa looking for a boot that can handle the physical demands of tight five rugby, the PUMA Avant Pro II delivers the perfect combination of performance, style, and protection.
