Allianz Global Life has agreed a three-year partnership with Old Belvedere RFC, becoming the main sponsor of the club’s women’s section in a deal combining jersey branding with support for members away from the pitch.

The partnership will see the Allianz Global Life name feature on the women’s first team jerseys, with the new kit making its debut at home to Galwegians on Saturday, October 10, as Old Belvedere begin their Energia All-Ireland League campaign.

The agreement also includes financial wellness seminars designed to help the club’s female members build confidence in managing their finances, with further participation and engagement initiatives to be developed over the three years.

That combination gives the partnership a clear role beyond matchday visibility. For Allianz Global Life, it provides a community setting in which to build awareness of its business through practical financial education. For Old Belvedere, the three-year commitment provides support for the continued development of its women’s section.

Allianz Global Life has operated from its Dublin headquarters since 2008 and entered the Irish pensions market in September 2025. It has since expanded into the Irish life investment market, offering its Allianz Vantage range through financial brokers and advisers.

Old Belvedere has a strong record of developing international players. Former Ireland stars Sophie Spence and Nora Stapleton are among those to have represented the club, alongside current internationals Linda Djougang, Niamh O’Dowd and Ireland captain Erin King.

“We’re delighted to begin this three-year partnership with Old Belvedere RFC and in particular to put our support behind the club’s women’s section,” said Susan Duffy, Head of Communications at Allianz Global Life.

“We want to contribute to the continued success of this historic club by providing support to women’s and girls’ teams both on and off the pitch.

“Over the next three years, we want to engage directly with the club’s female membership through initiatives such as financial wellness seminars and other activities that add something positive to their experience of being part of Old Belvedere.”

Fiona Hayes, Old Belvedere Women’s Head Coach, welcomed the agreement as “a real show of support for our female players and members”.

“Our ambition is to continue growing women’s rugby at Old Belvedere and to give players the best possible environment in which to enjoy the game, compete and develop,” she said.

“Having a partner that shares that ambition, and wants to engage with our members in practical and valuable ways away from the pitch too, is hugely positive for us and we’re excited about what we can achieve together over the next three years.”

For the wider business of women’s sport, the deal illustrates how club sponsorship can connect brand exposure with services relevant to players and members. The three-year term creates time to build those relationships and develop a programme that supports both participation and the member experience.

 

Sport for Business Perspective

Sustained backing gives a club time to plan, strengthen its women’s section and build a relationship with a sponsor across successive seasons.

The financial wellbeing programme also gives a practical way to bring sponsor expertise into the partnership, and an opportunity for meaningful engagement beyond the jersey.

Old Belvedere’s international pedigree provides a strong platform. Supporting the club environment that develops those players invests in an essential part of the women’s rugby pathway.

 

 

 

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Image Credit: Allianz Ireland

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