Rugby sponsorship goes on for Magners
Magners Irish Cider has announced that it has extended its sponsorship of the Magners League for a further two years, allowing the brand continue as title sponsor of the competition until at least May 2011.
Currently midway through its third season as title sponsor, the Magners renewal comes at an exciting time for the league, with Celtic Rugby confirming at the start of the season that a play-off structure will be introduced from 2009/10 onwards.
Stephen Kent, marketing director at Wm Magner Ltd said: “Our relationship with Celtic Rugby has been productive and rewarding over the last three years and we are delighted to be extending our partnership. Since the first year of sponsorship the stature of the Magners League has increased significantly; the next two seasons will mark a new stage in the development of the tournament, particularly with the introduction of season ending playoffs and we are excited about the prospect of being involved in this process.”
David Jordan, director of Celtic Rugby, also commented: “I am delighted that our partnership with Magners Irish Cider will be continuing until at least May 2011… In the three years since Magners have come on board we have seen a dramatic increase in attendances at matches and a substantial improvement in the competitiveness and attractiveness of our tournament.
“I believe that it is fair to say that the Magners League now commands huge respect in European and World Rugby…This season the trend looks even better with attendances ahead of last year by 20%, with four teams in European quarter finals, and Ireland taking the 2009 six nations championship with a grand slam.
“Magners Irish Cider has played an integral part in creating the credibility and success that the Magners League now commands and everybody within Celtic Rugby looks forward to continuing that success, especially with the introduction of end of season play-offs which is an important step forward in raising excitement levels even further.”
