Motoring on with sponsor

MUNSTER’S reputation as a top sporting brand has spread throughout the world and sets them apart from many other European rivals, according to Toyota Ireland’s managing director David Shannon.

Confirming that Toyota would plough a further €5.75 million into supporting Munster over the next three years, Shannon said Japan would relish the opportunity to play the two-time European champions, either at Thomond Park or in Japan.

“Munster rugby is known and respected throughout the world and that extends to Japan, whose national rugby team currently holds its highest ever world ranking.

“There is an awareness of what we in Toyota Ireland are doing and of our involvement with Munster; I’m aware that Japan has indicated they would like to come over here to play Munster or for Munster to go there.”

Munster Rugby chief executive, Garrett Fitzgerald, described the ongoing sponsorship as essential for the continued development and standing of the province.

“I think this sponsorship has been of great mutual benefit and from our point of view it has helped to be involved with one of the leading company brands in the world,” he said.