Premier Rugby announced today that it has signed a four year agreement with Diageo Great Britain for GUINNESS beer to become the new title sponsors of the world's leading domestic rugby union competition.
The agreement is valued at over
20m, reflecting the growth of the top flight club game in England. The Zurich Premiership will be renamed at the end of the current season and will become The GUINNESS Premiership for the start of the 2005/2006 season.
Jon Varney, Commercial Director at Premier Rugby said:
"Our partnership with GUINNESS is an exciting one and we look forward to working together in the coming months. To have a global brand with the stature of GUINNESS on board is a ringing endorsement of the success and growth of Premiership rugby in England."
Nick Robinson, GUINNESS Marketing Director said:
"We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Premier Rugby to become title sponsor of The GUINNESS Premiership, the world's leading domestic rugby union competition, in what is the number two sport in the UK.
"We have a long and happy association with rugby in the UK, and rugby fans will find us a dedicated and responsible sponsor with a passionate and genuine interest in the game. Our aim is to work with the clubs to build excitement around the games themselves to enhance the fans' experience as much as possible."
"Zurich have made a major contribution to rugby during their tenure as sponsor and it is our intention to build on the great work that they have already done."
Howard Thomas, Chief Executive of Premier Rugby said:
"I am delighted that we have agreed this deal with GUINNESS and look forward to working with them to grow the club game in England still further. On a personal note, I would like to thank Zurich for their invaluable support over the past seven years and we will be working together to ensure their final season is one that their long term commitment to club rugby in England deserves."
The new agreement enhances and extends the long association between domestic and international rugby and the GUINNESS brand, including its current status as the Official Beer of the 2005 British & Irish Lions, its sponsorship of Sky Sports rugby broadcasting and principal sponsor of London Irish RFC.
Further details on the GUINNESS sponsorship agreement will be announced after the conclusion of the current Zurich Premiership season and after the 2005 British & Irish Lions have returned from New Zealand.
Following the announcement that Guinness will take over the sponsorship of the Premiership from the start of next season, a spokesman for London Irish said:
"London Irish welcomes today's announcement that Guinness is to be the new sponsor of the Premiership. The new agreement complements the existing sponsorship between the brewer and the club and will enhance that relationship."