The BKT United Rugby Championship has announced a new partnership with Macron, who will supply the match officials’ kit across the league from the start of the 2025/26 season.

Already a familiar name in Irish sport, Macron provides kit for Connacht Rugby, is the official apparel partner of Basketball Ireland, and works with Tennis Ireland through its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup teams.

The new URC role further solidifies the Italian sportswear brand’s presence in the Irish market, alongside its existing presence across European rugby.

Within the URC itself, Macron already supplies kit to seven clubs – Cardiff Rugby, Connacht, Edinburgh Rugby, Glasgow Warriors, Lions, Ospreys and Zebre Parma.

Extending that relationship to referees and assistants is a logical step for a brand that has made rugby a central part of its global growth.

It signed a deal to provide officials’ kits with World Rugby, including at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, back in 2022.

Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron, described the deal as a reflection of the company’s ambition:

“The BKT United Rugby Championship is one of the most prestigious and exciting competitions in world rugby, and we are honoured to support all match officials taking part in this tournament. This partnership further strengthens our global leadership in rugby and reflects our constant commitment to developing innovative and high-performance products.”

Martin Anayi, CEO of the URC, said the alignment was a natural one:

“Our officials are central to the integrity of the BKT URC, and it is vital that they are supported with the very best apparel. Macron is already a valued partner to many of our clubs, so this collaboration feels like a natural fit.”

The 2025/26 BKT URC season kicks off on Friday, 26 September, with 151 matches to be played across 21 weekends, 16 teams, five territories and two hemispheres.

Image Credit Macron and URC

 

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