EPCR, the tournament organiser of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, has announced OMODA | JAECOO as its Official Automotive Partner for the 2024/25 season, marking a new chapter for international club rugby’s premier competitions.
This is the first time EPCR has teamed up with an automotive brand, as the organisation looks to unlock new commercial opportunities, introduce new revenue sources and drive expansion within the sport.
It also marks the first ever global, multi-market sports sponsorship for Chery International, the parent group of OMODA | JAECOO, China’s largest vehicle exporter for more than two decades.
“It’s great to welcome this new partnership between EPCR and OMODA | JAECOO,” said Dominic McKay, Chairman of EPCR.
“It is particularly pleasing to welcome a new global partner into our family and into the sport.”
“We share an aligned commitment to high performance and innovation. At EPCR our teams put together the greatest international club rugby competition in the world through the fantastic 42 clubs that take part, and they deliver unbelievable theatre and drama every time they take to the field.”
“Through this partnership, OMODA | JAECOO and EPCR will want to showcase the high performance and innovation that we share in the years ahead both on the field and off road.”
“We are looking forward to partnering with EPCR, and to bring our dual brand, new to the UK, to the wide and discerning audience of the rugby world,” added Victor Zhang, UK Director, OMODA | JAECOO.
“Both OMODA | JAECOO and EPCR share many similar values, from sustainability, to intelligent connectivity and overall accessibility. We are proud to showcase these via our vehicles and sponsorship across the upcoming season and beyond.”
The brand is also backing EPCR Challenge Cup club, Gloucester Rugby for the 2024/25 season.
EPCR’s 30th season kicks off on Friday 6 December, and will showcase the very best international clubs and world-class talent. Bath Rugby take on Stade Rochelais at The Rec in the first match of Investec Champions Cup (KO 2000 local time) and the EPCR Challenge Cup gets underway with Dragons RFC v Montpellier Hérault Rugby (Rodney Parade, KO 2000 local time) and Gloucester Rugby v Edinburgh Rugby (Kingsholm, KO 2000).
Munster take on Stade de France, Ulster travel to Toulon and Leinster to Bristol on the opening weekend.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
