Later this morning we will get our first full exposure to the new European Rugby Champions’ Cup.
The tournament website will go live ahead of the draw for next seasons inaugural staging of the tournament. That will be broadcast live in Ireland on TG4, as well as simultaneously on the two live broadcasters Sky Sports and BT Sport.
The draw itself will take place in Switzerland and will be a major media event with representatives from each of the major clubs present.
It was announced over the weekend that Toulon, Saracens and Leinster will be the top seeds and that no more than two teams from any one country will meet in each of the five groups of four.
Sponsors
It is not known yet whether any sponsors of the new tournament will be unveiled though speculation continues that both Guinness and Heineken have been engaged in talks about becoming one of up to six top level partners.
Others are expected to include a motor company with BMW favourites to land that ahead of Land Rover who hold the same position within the Rugby World Cup and the Top 14.
An airline is also likely with Turkish Airlines name in the frame. There will also most likely be an energy partner. SSE, the parent of Airtricity, have a strong association with English rugby, and a presence in Ireland.
In financial circles, Mastercard last month renewed its association with the Rugby World Cup, praising the sport’s ethos as a key factor.
Higher spending
The French bank Societe Generale is involved with the World Cup as well as a top level supporter of the French Top 14, though the opening up of the event to others may well prompt interest from others in the sector, attracted by Rugby’s high level of popularity among higher spending consumers.
A Mastercard survey of rugby fans after the last World Cup found that 54% of Rugby fans were ABC1 as opposed to 24% in the general population.
With the FIFA World Cup struggling to fend off concerns over corruption, there could be a benefit for the new tournament who recently appointed the management company that looks after David Beckham’s interests to complete the search for commercial partners.
One or more new sponsors may be unveiled tomorrow though with most emphasis on the actual draw they may prefer to wait for a more media friendly opportunity later in the summer.
You can find out more throughout the day on Sport for Business.
