Bank of Ireland has announced an extension of its Ulster Rugby sponsorship until the end of the 2022/23 season.
The new four-year deal will see Bank of Ireland continue as an official shirt sponsor, as well as enhancing their support of domestic rugby by becoming the new title sponsor of the Bank of Ireland Senior Cup.
Ulster went through a difficult period in 2018 amid the court case involving a number of players. The retirement of Ireland Captain Rory Best is another challenge but the Province has retained its key partnerships and is rebuilding teams on and off the pitch. It is in a stronger position going into the 2019/20 season than it was twelve months agao and this deal is another strong positive.
“Bank of Ireland are Ulster Rugby’s longest standing sponsor, with the new deal set to extend the sponsorship into a 25th year,” said Ulster Rugby CEO, Jonny Petrie.
“In such a competitive environment, having the long term support of a major sponsor gives us a significant degree of stability and gives us the platform to progress our ambitious plans for the future.”
“I am very pleased that Bank of Ireland have also placed their backing behind domestic rugby, and their sponsorship of the Senior Cup reinforces their support for both the professional and grassroots game in Ulster. We are looking forward to working with them to drive both areas forward over the next four years.”
The extension brings the Ulster partnership into line with those already in place at Leinster and Munster Rugby. Connacht rugby completed Bank of Ireland’s partnership with each of the four provinces last year in a three year deal.
The Bank has a major commitment across the sport and features the stories of the provinces in it’s current Begin TV campaign. The Bank is also supporting Rugby Coverage on Sport for Business throughout the build up to and the tournament itself at the Rugby World Cup.
“We are delighted to renew our sponsorship with Ulster Rugby for another four years allowing us to continue to build on the proud partnership we’ve built with the club over the past 20+ years,” said Ian Sheppard, NI Managing Director, Bank of Ireland.
“Additionally, coming on-board as title sponsor of the Bank of Ireland Senior Cup this year, further cements our purpose of enabling our customers, colleagues and communities to thrive, and demonstrates our long-term investment in helping drive the sport forward across the Province.”
“Bank of Ireland is synonymous with rugby across the island of Ireland; not only are we a proud partner of Ulster Rugby but also of Connacht, Leinster and Munster Rugby as well as the Emerald Warriors, Ireland’s leading LGBT+ rugby club. We look forward to continuing to help develop and grow the game, creating points of accessibility and non-traditional routes for all, and celebrating and strengthening provincial rugby at all levels.”
Later this month Sport for Business will carry exclusive interviews with the Commercial Directors of each of the four provinces as part of our annual ‘State of the Union’ series. This will also include a sit down with Dermot Rigley of PRO14 Rugby as the club season swings into gear.
Image Credits: Presseye
