Munster strike €2m deal with adidas

MUNSTER Rugby has agreed a three year sponsorship deal with adidas, believed to be worth approximately €650,000-a-year.

Under the terms of the agreement, which comes into effect on July 1, adidas will become the Official Kit Supplier to Munster Rugby replacing Canterbury, whose ‘CCC’ brand has been worn by the European Champions since the 1999/2000 season.

Though Munster’s long term relationship with Canterbury will end after a fruitful and money-spinning seven years, the Ireland senior rugby team will continue to sport the New Zealand brand-name until 2009.

During Munster’s record-breaking Heineken Cup 2005/2006 season, which culminated in ultimate triumph in Cardiff last May, Canterbury shifted in the region of 80,000 replica jerseys at an average price of €70 per item.

Speaking of the agreement Robin Money, Head of Sports Marketing, adidas Area North said: “adidas has a policy of working with the very best and we believe that Munster represents just that. Munster has always had a unique position in Irish rugby and they have been among the elite of European rugby for many years. They have a real passion for excellence and share many of the values that we have at adidas.”

Garrett Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, Munster Rugby said: “Munster are delighted to be entering into a new partnership with adidas, the world’s leading sports brand. We believe this association will open many new international opportunities for our brand whilst giving our players and supporters access to the best sportswear technology available today. This is an exciting opportunity that will further enhance our efforts to compete with the best clubs in Europe.”

Meanwhile, Ireland U20 Grand Slam-winning captain, David Pollock, is included in the Ulster squad that play Munster in the Magners League at Ravenhill on Friday (7.30pm).

Pollock led Ireland to an unprecedented Grand Slam, Triple Crown and Six Nations Championship treble in the final leg of their campaign against Italy.

The back row forward is a name for the future and his leadership qualities are obvious given that he captained both the Ireland U19 and U21 sides that participated in their respective Rugby World Championships last season.

Ireland prop Simon Best and international colleague Neil Best are doubts.

The loose-head is suffering from a bang on the head sustained when he came on as a replacement in Rome and no decision will be made until McCall names his side at lunch time tomorrow.

Flanker Best, an unused replacement in Rome, was forced out of the tomorrow night’s game due to a freak accident after the game in Italy with Pollock the player likely to benefit.

McCall includes the rest of Ulster’s Ireland players including Isaac Boss who missed the final two games of the Six Nations due to a shoulder problem.

Said McCall: “We have four matches left after this game tomorrow night, so we must win in order to be in contention to retain the title. Munster are capable of turning out a very competitive side no matter what injuries they have. So it’s a game we must win to have any chance of further success.”

ULSTER (squad v Munster): (Backs) K Campbell; I Boss; D Humphreys; P Wallace; A Trimble; P Steinmetz; P McKenzie; B Cunningham; T Bowe; A Maxwell.

(Forwards): J Fitzpatrick; B Young; S Best; P Shields; D Fitzpatrick; R Best; J Harrison ; T Barker; R Caldwell; K Dawson; R Wilson; S Ferris; D Pollock.