New official sponsor for Irish rugby

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has confirmed that O2 Ireland is the new official sponsor of the Irish national rugby team.

The agreement will be for the next six years to the conclusion of the 2011/2012 season.

Within the new deal, O2 Ireland will have the rights to place its logo on all Ireland senior international and Ireland A team playing and training kits and team-related IRFU merchandise. The partnership will also give O2 Ireland key sites on advertising hoardings surrounding the pitch at home matches.

“We would like to formally welcome O2 Ireland as our new official national team sponsor,” said IRFU president Andy Crawford. “O2 is a successful and respected brand that has supported Irish rugby at various levels since 2002, when it became official mobile communications sponsor for the IRFU.”

“We are proud to further consolidate our partnership with this new agreement and look forward to enjoying many successful years ahead with O2 and the Irish team.”

Commenting on the new Ireland rugby team sponsorship, Danuta Gray, CEO of O2 Ireland said: “O2 has been committed to Irish rugby for a number of years now.

“The Irish rugby team shares similar values and aspirations in sport as we do in business, continually reviewing and challenging convention to find fresh ways of working.”

O2 Ireland plans a number of initiatives to support its sponsorship of the Irish national team.

O2 customers will have exclusive access to a selection of interactive services on i-mode on their mobile phones such as player diaries, as well as text alerts with the latest news and scores. O2 customers will also be offered a preferential rate for membership of the Ireland Rugby Supporters Club.

In addition, O2 Ireland will introduce a specially commissioned Ireland supporter’s handset.

O2 also sponsors the West Stand at Lansdowne Road and has a sponsorship agreement with former Irish international star and Shannon coach, Mick Galwey.

Article courtesy of the Evening Echo.