Long-running rugby sponsorship ends as AIB sever links

By Colm O’Connor

Saturday, February 06, 2010

ONE of the longest-running sports sponsorships in Ireland is to end this year with AIB to sever its association with the IRFU.

The bank has supported club rugby and domestic game initiatives for the past 13 years with both the All-Ireland League and Cup carrying the AIB name. A spokesman for AIB said the sponsorship had "come to a natural conclusion".

IRFU President John Callaghan said: "I would like to most sincerely thank AIB for its generous support and backing. The bank has been a significant partner to the IRFU during this time and an important supporter of club rugby in Ireland."

Maurice Crowley, General Manager, AIB said: "We feel that after 13 years, our sponsorship of the AIB League and Cup has come to a natural conclusion. AIB has thoroughly enjoyed its partnership with the IRFU."

However Crowley believes the companies will join forces again.

"We look forward to working with them to identify a new project with which we can continue our support and development of rugby at a local level as well as continuing our very successful relationship with the IRFU."

Earlier this week an industry study released from leading Dublin Consultancy Onside Sponsorship found that rugby is one of the most attractive sports sponsorships in Ireland at present with the union having also signing deals with 02 and Puma.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, February 06, 2010