Ireland Rugby Lands New Sponsorship Deal with Puma

As if a first Grand Slam in 61 years was not enough, it has been announced today that all levels of rugby in Ireland will also benefit from a new sponsorship deal with Puma.

Luke Fitzgerald: nice kit

PUMA® and the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) announced today a new partnership that sees the leading sportlifestyle brand become the official supplier and the official licensee of replica merchandise for Irish rugby.

The new deal will see PUMA supply team kit, replica kit, and training equipment for eight years starting from the beginning of the 2009/2010 season.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for PUMA and we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union, one of the world’s leading rugby teams,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of PUMA. “Their global reach, passion, heritage and dynamism match the PUMA brand perfectly. This long-term strategic partnership underlines PUMA’s reinforced commitment to further strengthen its position as one of the leading sportlifestyle brands.”

Philip Browne, CEO, Irish Rugby Football Union adds: “The IRFU is delighted to enter into this relationship with PUMA, an organisation, we feel, that not only understands rugby supporters but also has a proven track record in the sport.

"As a truly global iconic brand, PUMA is an ideal partner with the experience and ability to communicate with many consumer groups which we are confident will help us to secure the future of Irish rugby not only at the top level but right down into the grassroots of our game. With all of its proven technical experience, innovative product design and development and support systems, we are very excited about the future with PUMA and we look forward to a very successful partnership.”