IRFU sign eight-year €15m partnership deal with Puma

FOLLOWING on from their multi-million euro naming-rights deal with Aviva for the new Lansdowne Road Stadium, the IRFU have announced a lucrative eight-year partnership deal with leading sport brand Puma.

The giant German sportswear manufacturer takes over from Canterbury Clothing Company from the beginning of the 2009/2010 season and will supply team kit, replica kit and training equipment to Irish rugby. The deal enables the company to become the official supplier and licensee of replica merchandise for Irish rugby.

The finance involved in the new contract with Puma remains confidential, but it is estimated the IRFU will benefit by €15m. It is a significant piece of business brokered by IRFU chief executive Philip Browne.