Xbox Gaming in South Africa

505 Games and HB Studios have announced that they've secured an exclusive partnership with the South African Rugby Union (SARU), giving them exclusive rights over the South African Rugby World Cup 2011 team strip, emblem and "many" players' likenesses in the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2011 game.

"As with any sports title, we feel authenticity is key with Rugby World Cup 2011, and with that in mind, the involvement of SARU was an essential element of this title," commented Ian Howe, President at 505 Games. "With further partnerships yet to be announced, we’re confident rugby fans from around the world will be impressed with the level of detail within the game."

We can't say that we're too fond of exclusive agreements like this, especially when both upcoming rugby games - RWC 2011 and Rugby Challenge - seem to have so much potential, however, it's good to know that the green and gold of the Springboks will be present in at least one of the upcoming rugby games this year.

Check out two new screenshots featuring the boks in the gallery below:

Rugby World Cup 2011 is set to release on 26 August.