The Rugby Football League is delighted to confirm that Gillette Group UK, sponsors of the Gillette Tri-Nations tournament, have today extended their support of Rugby League by becoming sponsors of the Great Britain team.
The agreement will see the Gillette logo appear on all official Great Britain playing, training and replica wear.
It follows Gillette’s support for Great Britain during last year’s Ashes Test Series, when the company were associate team sponsors. Gillette also enjoys further connections with the sport and are currently associate event partners of the Tetley’s Rugby Super League Grand Final and World Club Challenge.
And, to further illustrate their growing commitment to the game, Gillette are today also announcing a major prize competition, offering supporters the chance to win the ultimate Rugby League season ticket
Commenting on the sponsorship, the Rugby Football League’s Executive Chairman Richard Lewis said: ‘We would like to thank Gillette for their support of Great Britain Rugby League.
‘This sponsorship by such a widely recognised international brand is a clear demonstration of the prestige and value of the Great Britain team.
‘The team will face an exciting challenge when they compete against Australia and New Zealand in the Gillette Tri-Nations and we feel certain that their performances and the passion of the supporters who follow them will be beneficial to their new sponsor’.
Lewis added: ‘The build-up to the tournament will begin in earnest at the conclusion of the domestic Rugby League season but the anticipation is already starting and we look forward to seeing the Lions in action this autumn’.
Gillette Sales Director Tony Colquitt also commented on the sponsorship. He said: ‘This is a continuation of our commitment to the game and reinforces our support of Great Britain Rugby League.
‘We believe Rugby League is a dynamic, vibrant sport and we are proud to be associated with it.
We have enjoyed our growing involvement with the sport over the last two years, and are very much looking forward to the Gillette Tri-Nations tournament.’
Gillette recently announced a marketing agreement with Great Britain player Paul Sculthorpe, who will support Gillette in their Tri-Nations advertising.
Colquitt continued: ‘When we enter into a sports sponsorship, we look for two elements. One is to base the sponsorship around an event, and the second is to utilize personalities’.
The winner’s of Gillette’s exciting new competition will receive VIP travel and hospitality to every major game in the world during 2005 – including the NRL Grand Final in Sydney, the British Challenge Cup Final and Super League Grand Final, and the French Championship Final.
The competition is launched today, and runs until December 31st. Further information and entry details can be found by visiting www.mygillette.co.uk
The Gillette Tri-Nations tournament begins on October 16th, when Australia and New Zealand clash in Auckland. A week later the two nations meet again at Loftus Road, London before Great Britain begin their campaign at the City of Manchester Stadium on October 30th against Australia. The final is at Elland Road, Leeds on November 27th.
For further information on Gillette’s involvement with Rugby League please contact Graham Clay at Impress Sport Limited (01422) 367777.
For more details contact:
John Huxley
Media and Public Affairs Executive
The Rugby Football League
Tel: 0113 244 1114
Fax: 0113 244 1110
E mail: john.Huxley@rfl.uk.com