Magners League changes to RaboDirect PRO12

RaboDirect, the online banking arm of Rabobank, has become the new sponsor of the Magners League which will become the RaboDirect PRO12 from the start of the new rugby season in a four-year contract.

John Feehan, Chief Executive of RaboDirect PRO12 said: "We are delighted to welcome RaboDirect as our new title sponsor alongside our new brand PRO12. The Rabobank Group are active and engaged sponsors of a number of sporting properties worldwide, including Holland, Italy and Australia and we look forward to working with them.

"Our competition has experienced a huge growth over the last few years and it was time to move it to the next level."

TV audience figures for the Magners League in the 2010-2011 season more than doubled and the Grand Final attracted significant viewers.

Attendance at matches has also increase with the number of paying supporters at matches going over the million for the first time in the competition.