IG Index, an established spread betting company in the UK which has set up a full Irish trading division is to sponsor Setanta Sports coverage of French Top 14 Rugby this season.
The company is headed up here by Declan Bourke who was formerly in charge of CMC Markets and is renewing a corporate involvement with Rugby after taking that firm onto billboards and online in recent years through a ‘Gain Line Challenge’ promotion that involved Leo Cullen and other senior players.
The deal is estimated to be worth €120,000 and is the second big sponsorship deal for Setanta after Hunky Dory’s came on board for the channels Premier League Highlights programme this season.
It is riding the crest of a wave after securing BT Sport on its platform in the Republic of Ireland as well as deals across rugby, soccer, GAA, Formula 1 and mixed martial arts.
IG Index has maintained strong growth through the recession in the UK and has a good pedigree in sporting sponsorship albeit mainly through cycling and polo in its home base.
“We have chosen to establish a full base in Ireland in recognition of the fact that people like to know who they are dealing with and that the Irish spread betting market has plenty of scope to grow in the coming years,” said Bourke.
“The French Top14 will generate plenty of interest this season with Jonny Sexton starting his French adventure at Racing Metro and Setanta is a good partnership for us to associate with.”
IG Index also revealed they will be involved in a GAA sponsorship which they will announce in the coming months. This may also involve Setanta who cover the Allianz Leagues.
Sports Tourism Seminar at Croke Park (September 19th)
Sport for Business 20/20 at Ulster Bank HQ (October 8th)
The Business of Youth Sport Seminar (November 28th)
