The IRFU and Intersport Elverys have announced a new partnership that will see the nationwide chain of sports stores become the Official Sponsor of the Ireland Men’s and Women’s 7’s teams and the ‘Official Sports Retailer to the IRFU’ for the next three years.
The first ever jersey that has been designed specifically for the Ireland 7s teams has also been revealed.
The new jersey, designed and produced by Canterbury of New Zealand will be worn by the Ireland Men’s and Women’s 7s teams in what is set to be a very big season for both sides.
Both sides have qualified for and will compete in the Sevens Rugby World Cup in San Francisco on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of July next year.
The Ireland Men’s 7s will seek to qualify for the World Rugby World Sevens Series at the Global Repechage Tournament in Hong Kong on the 7th and 8th of April, while the Ireland Women’s 7s side will compete in the Women’s World Series for the third consecutive season.
“Our sponsorship with the Ireland 7s teams was a huge opportunity for us to get involved in rugby at another level and create a strong partnership with the national organisation,” said Intersport Elverys CEO Patrick Rowland.
“We have been involved with Connacht Rugby for a number of years so it seemed fitting that we get involved with our national sevens teams especially since Men’s and Women’s 7s rugby continues to grow at an enormous rate both internationally and nationally.”
“Both teams made history this summer by making it to next summer’s Sevens Rugby World Cup so it’s clear the game is on the rise in Ireland.”
“This will be an amazing sporting occasion and will be great for us to be on board as a proud sponsor.”
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“We’re committed to more teams and sports than ever before, from hurling to football and running to rugby,” added Anne-Marie Hanly, Senior Marketing Manager, Intersport Elverys, speaking at yesterday’s launch event at the new Intersport Elverys store on Henry Street in Dublin.
“We want our new Henry Street store to revolutionise the sports retail experience on Dublin’s northside and provide shoppers with a fascinating shopping experience every time they are in our store.”
Vodafone will today launch their new season campaign using brand ambassador Conor Murray while Aon remains in place as the third brand to adorn a national Rugby shirt supporting the Women’s 15’s team.
Such a broad spread across the Green jersey speaks well of the support for Ireland’s international teams, with Three on the soccer jersey, Turkish Airlines on Cricket and Eirgrid on the International Rules shirt for next month’s trip down under.
There does remain scope though for partners to get involved in the wearing of the green Jersey with Basketball, Rowing and Hockey teams competing in major international events in 2018 but without an overall sponsor yet on board.
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