Ulster Rugby has named SAM Mouldings its new Principal Partner, Official Front of Shirt partner, and Training Partner. The UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturer of MDF mouldings replaces Kingspan and has signed an initial five-year contract.
The deal spans all Senior Men’s, Women’s, Academy, and Age Grade teams. It does not include the naming rights to Ravenhill Stadium, which remains available from the end of the current season when Kingspan eases out of its relationship with the club.
Founded in 1990 by Sam and Julienne McCrea, SAM Mouldings remains a family-run business today. For 35 years, it has been a trusted supplier to the construction and home improvement industries, manufacturing the widest range of high-quality MDF mouldings. These products have been installed in homes, offices, hotels, and commercial buildings across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and the USA.
“We are delighted to be supporting the growth of rugby across Ulster, from grassroots to professional levels, in both men’s and women’s rugby,” said CEO Sam McRea, MBE.
“This is more than just a sponsorship – it’s a genuine partnership. Two local employers, united by shared values and a common vision, can achieve great results and create a meaningful, lasting impact in our local community.
For 35 years, SAM has grown on the same core values of teamwork, respect, loyalty, and integrity, and it is these shared values that we have with Ulster Rugby that we believe will allow this partnership to flourish.”
“We are delighted to be entering into a new partnership with SAM Mouldings,” added Ulster Rugby CEO Hugh McCaughey.
“This long-term commitment is vital to shaping Ulster Rugby’s future, and we are very excited about the journey ahead.
“When we set out to find a new Principal Shirt Sponsor, it was crucial to identify an innovative business with the same ambitions and values that we have as a governing body.”
“SAM is a local, family-run company that is an industry leader with a fantastic range of quality products. Like Ulster Rugby, they are at the start of a new journey or era, aimed at bringing growth and success to their business and customers.”
“We are proud to showcase the SAM logo across our senior men’s, women’s and age-grade team kits for the seasons to come, the first brand to cover all three kits.”
Further Reading for Sport for Business members: Ulster Rugby Reveals 39% Increase in Women’s Game
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Kingspan’s notice gave Ulster Rugby and the team a longer runway to secure a new principal partner, and finding a local company willing to commit to a five-year deal is a big win.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Ulster Rugby are at home to DHL Stormers this coming Friday, March 28th, in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
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