Investec extends sponsorship of New Zealand rugby
allblacks.com - (15/07/2010)
Investec extends Tri Nations deal and takes new naming rights for Super Rugby
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The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Investec today announced the five year deal which sees the introduction of the renamed Investec Super Rugby competition next year and extends the bank’s naming rights with the Investec Tri Nations series for five years to 2015. Investec replaces Rebel Sport as the title sponsorship of the Super Rugby competition.
NZRU acting Chief Executive Neil Sorensen said today’s announcement showed the strength of the New Zealand rugby brand, and he welcomed Investec’s further commitment to the world of rugby.
“We’re delighted to be extending our relationship with Investec. They are an important supporter of rugby worldwide and it has been great to be able to build on our initial two-year partnership of the Investec Tri Nations. With this investment they become one of our most important partners, and it’s exciting to be moving forward with them,” he said.
Investec Head of Marketing in South Africa Janet Larsen said that with the expanded competition and new conference model Super Rugby coming into play next year, followed by Argentina’s expected entry into the Tri Nations in 2012, the timing was right.
“We have avidly supported rugby internationally over a number of years. As rugby is aligned with our specialist banking focus, we intend to capitalise on this unique opportunity presented by the Super Rugby and Tri Nations tournaments to enhance our brand presence in our major markets in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia,” she said.
The deal with Investec was brokered by sports marketing specialists, Essentially Group.