Heineken to continue Cup sponsorship

Heineken, the headline sponsors of the European Cup, have agreed to extend their heavy involvement in the competition for another four years, taking up until the final of 2009.

Heineken have been sponsors since the beginning of the competition in 1995 and ERC Chairman Jean-Pierre Lux is delighted to continue the partnership.

"We are delighted that Heineken will continue their association with us through until 2009, adding continuity and even greater stability to a tournament that is enjoying unparalleled appeal and success in our 10th anniversary season," he said.

"The Heineken Cup has developed into the world's premier club rugby tournament and ERC and Heineken can now look forward to embarking on our second decade together and ensuring the Heineken Cup continues to go from strength to strength."

In reaction, Jacco van der Linden, Marketing Manager Heineken, said: "We are delighted to announce our continued partnership with ERC as title sponsor of the Heineken Cup. The Heineken Cup is a unique event and has succeeded in bringing a renewed excitement to the game, it also brings a great level of variety, offering more rugby occasions and memorable rugby moments for us all to enjoy and savour."