Kingspan has signalled its intention to conclude its association with Ulster Rugby on a phased-basis by June 2025.
Despite the current agreement for the naming rights of Kingspan Stadium and Senior Men’s shirt sponsorship due to conclude at the end of the 2023/24 season, Kingspan has agreed to remain on-board for a 12-month transitionary period to facilitate Ulster Rugby’s search for a new sponsor.
That is a measure of the respect built up between the two parties in a relationship that has lasted 20 years.
The Cavan based building supplies company had been involved at a deep level prior to the redevelopment of the Ravenhill Stadium and took the opportunity at the time to double down with the Stadium sponsorship.
The acceptance of the rebrand at the same time as delivering a new fit for purpose stadium means that a successor will find it easier to establish their own credentials albeit after a period in which the old brand will still be referenced.
“We extend our thanks to Kingspan for their long-term investment in Ulster Rugby over a number of years, which has allowed us to build a strong foundation for the club in the future,” said Ulster Rugby CEO Jonny Petrie.
“Kingspan has agreed to continue to support us through to June 2025 to allow for a seamless transition to a new sponsor, and we are now actively engaging in conversations with potential new partners for the end of next season onwards.”
That job will now fall to Keith Shorten who joined Ulster in November of last year from the Titanic Centre in Belfast.
“20 years is a great innings and feels like a natural stepping off point,” added Siobhan O’Dwyer, Global Head of Marketing with Kingspan.
“It has been our privilege to partner with Ulster Rugby, and we are pleased to continue that support during a transitionary phase to June 2025. We wish the club every continued success in the future and look forward to many more great games between now and the end of the 2024/25 season.”
Ulster has a broad range of existing partners including Kukri, Bank of Ireland, Go Power, EY, Heineken and others operating just below the top tier that Kingspan is now to vacate.
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