Kingspan announces sponsorship deal with Toulon

Kingspan are the new sponsors of Toulon

Irish insulation giant Kingspan is the new main sponsor of French rugby club Toulon.

The Kingspan brand will feature on Toulon's famous "Rouge & Noir" jersey for the next four seasons.

France is Kingspan's number one market, where it employs over 2,300 staff across 47 sites.

Last year, Irish golfer Shane Lowry cut ties with Kingspan following heavy criticism of the Cavan-based company in the final Grenfell Tower inquiry report.

Kingspan began sponsoring Lowry in 2017, before the fire in London in which 72 people died.

Kingspan was one of several construction firms to face significant criticism in the final report into the Grenfell disaster.

The company has long said its K15 insulation product, which made up 5% of the insulation in the Grenfell Tower block, was used without its knowledge.

Previously Kingspan had a partnership with the Mercedes Formula One team. However, the team pulled out of the deal following pressure from Grenfell families to cut ties.

Last year Ulster Rugby also announced the end of its sponsorship deal with Kingspan. However, it did not link its decision to Grenfell. 

Kingspan says its commitment to environmental sustainability through its Planet Passionate programme reflects the company's dedication to tackling climate change, accelerating circularity and protecting the natural world. It adds: "This shared commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with RC Toulon's efforts to promote more environmentally conscious practices within the sport."