welsh rugby’s title sponsor Admiral has extended its current sponsorship contract with the reigning RBS 6 Nations Champions for a further two years, ensuring its name remains on the national team jersey until 2015.
Admiral’s logo first appeared in 2010, uniting Wales’ only FTSE 100 listed company with its national sport for the first time and it will now be retained until the next Rugby World Cup.
Admiral’s decision to extend the partnership strengthens the bond between two of the most high profile and successful organisations in Wales.
Although Wales lost to Ireland in the first 6 Nations international of the season the victory over France in Paris keeps the Welsh in contention for the title.
Rugby is the national sport of Wales with 314 clubs around the principality now attracting some 33,000 junior players to participate in the sport.
“We are delighted to be able to welcome Admiral on board for a further two years,” said WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis.
“It is always pleasing when a partner is interested in renewing sponsorship, it tells us we are doing something right and it is testament to the power of the WRU brand that a major company in Wales is now signed up with us until 2015.
“After a major sponsorship announcement like Admiral in 2010 there is a lot of hard work which goes on behind the scenes from both parties to ensure the partnership works.
“It is encouraging news for everyone at the WRU to know that Admiral can be counted as a satisfied customer in that respect, but it is also a huge endorsement of Welsh rugby as a whole that we can command and retain the interest of such a major blue chip company.
“Welsh rugby is a brand which defines Wales as a nation and it is important for us to have a major corporate alliance with our jersey sponsorship.”
Admiral strongly believes in the importance of a happy and motivated workforce and its staff have been thrilled with this sponsorship and the benefits they have received.
“To see the Admiral on such an iconic shirt gives all our staff and their families an immense feeling of pride,” said Louisa Scadden, Director of Communications.
“Our sponsorship with the WRU has always been about giving something to our staff and the success of this partnership over the last three years has clearly exceeded our expectations. Our staff have really embraced the partnership and it was obvious we should continue working with the WRU.
“We wish the boys well in the rest of championship.”