Inside Springboks Star Trevor Nyakane’s Bomalumz Business With Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi
- Trevor Nyakane co-founded Bomalumz Wines with fellow Springboks Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi after South Africa's 2023 Rugby World Cup victory
- The brand officially entered the market in May 2025 with three wines, each linked to one of the founding Springboks
- Bomalumz has since partnered with Bootlegger Coffee, and the founders are exploring a sparkling wine and non-alcoholic range
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Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane has moved from the rugby field into the wine industry, co-founding Bomalumz Wines alongside fellow World Cup winners Ox Nche and Bongi Mbonambi.
The venture took shape in the aftermath of South Africa's 2023 Rugby World Cup triumph, when the three forwards became the subject of a widely shared image capturing an emotional embrace after the final.
That moment, and the bond it reflected, ultimately gave rise to the brand's name. "Bomalumz" draws from the Sotho and Tswana phrase "bo malume", meaning "the uncles".
How Bomalumz wines came to life
What began as conversations about life beyond professional rugby became a formal business when Bomalumz officially launched in May 2025. The brand launched three wines, each linked to one of its founders.
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Nyakane is linked to Olé Olé Olé Rosé, a Moscato Rosé, while Nche's selection is Dark Arts, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend. Mbonambi's wine is Kantlyn, a Sauvignon Blanc.
The trio partnered with Van Loveren Family Vineyards in the Robertson Valley to produce the range. Their involvement extended well beyond branding. During the 2025 harvest, all three players worked on-site at the vineyard, picking grapes and operating tractors as part of a hands-on introduction to winemaking.
Within the business itself, each founder carries distinct responsibilities. Nche manages logistics and operations, Mbonambi oversees the broader running of the venture, and Nyakane leads launches, activations and content creation.
Nyakane's drinks industry roots
The Bomalumz project is not Nyakane's first foray into beverages. In 2021, he launched Nyakane Gin, a product he developed during the COVID-19 lockdown. The gin is distinguished by a botanical profile that includes lime, jasmine, chamomile, sandalwood and leather.
Bomalumz has since expanded its footprint beyond wine. The brand collaborated with Bootlegger Coffee on a limited-edition All African Blend, using Arabica beans sourced from Tanzania and Ethiopia. Further coffee products are reportedly under consideration, and the founders have discussed adding a sparkling wine and a non-alcoholic range to their portfolio.
For the three Springboks, Bomalumz represents a long-term ambition to build a business identity that will outlast their rugby careers.
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Source: Briefly News
