Renewed Sponsorship for Wales Rugby

Rugby regions the Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys have announced lucrative new shirt sponsorship deals.

The Ospreys confirmed it has renewed a shirt sponsorship deal with energy company npower for the coming season, as part of a £700,000 investment package from businesses into the region.

The green energy developer and operator reaffirmed its backing for the club [for the fourth year] with a one year deal valued at £180,000 – the largest individual sponsorship in Welsh regional rugby.

The Ospreys said the deal formed part of a sponsorship package worth £700,000.

The rest of the funding comes from secondary sponsors Persimmon Homes, Worthingtons, John West Foods, Cuddy Group, Trade Centre Wales, Trade Depot, Solo Cleaning and Taylors Regional Foods who have all agreed to extend their relationship with the Ospreys – whilst the region has secured new sponsorship deals with Fujitsu, 4U Recruitment and Land Rover.

Paul Cowling managing director of npower renewables said: “As we enter our fourth year as primary sponsors of the Ospreys we look forward to building on the broad range of community initiatives that already exist due our sponsorship.

“Our association with the Ospreys represents our ongoing commitment to communities in South Wales, and countless local groups and organisations have already benefited as a direct result of our sponsorship.

Rivals Cardiff Blues has signed a main team sponsorship deal with technology venture company EADS Defence and Security.

The company, which employs 1.200 in Newport, has entered in a one year undisclosed sponsorship deal with the professional rugby region,.

EADS DS vice president Mike Simms said: "We are proud to support the Cardiff Blues. The rugby team is an important part of community life in the capital city and the wider region.

"Teaming up with Cardiff Blues is a great move for a world class knowledge-led company like ours. Skill, innovation, commitment and teamwork are essential to succeed in business and rugby.