Welsh rugby regions announce new multi-million pound deal with BT Sport

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THE four Welsh regions have announced a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with broadcasting giants BT Sport.

Regional Rugby Wales (RRW), the umbrella body which represents the Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons, have heralded the three-year agreement as the start of “an exciting future partnership”.

The deal will see the BT Sport logo appear on the jerseys of the Scarlets, Dragons (home and away) and Ospreys (just home) — the Blues shirt sponsorship is to continue with Airbus Group. The Arms Park will also be known as the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

The announcement gives the regions a significant financial lift at a time of continued uncertainty in the Welsh game.

Hailing the new deal, Mark Davies, the acting chief executive of RRW, said: “It’s a time to celebrate the strides that the Welsh regions are making to take the game forward in Wales with real unity, a common purpose, shared philosophy and commitment to ensuring that our businesses are sustainable.

“This is a clear vote of confidence in the Welsh regions and we are delighted to be working alongside BT, a successful global brand that can see the real value in investing significantly in our regional businesses, our 200 professional players and the rugby development structures we have in place.

“It’s great to have positive news for regional rugby as we all now look forward to a new season, with a new European competition and greater challenges in our Pro12 domestic league.”

Ann Beynon, Director Wales BT, said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the four regions and there are exciting times ahead as we embark on our new relationship with Welsh rugby.

“Rugby is at the heart of BT Sport — we’re excited to support regional rugby and its distinct and dynamic culture, with all it stands for in terms of strength, determination, daring, passion and skill.

“We respect and want to support the passion of the very knowledgeable Welsh rugby communities and applaud the positive and progressive work being done by Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) and those overseeing and working within the four Welsh regions.

“BT will build on this exciting new partnership with the Welsh regions to expand its support for communities across Wales, with the roll-out of our high speed fibre broadband set to make a real difference — particularly in rural areas. We’ll see sport and technology working hand-in-hand.”

Article source: http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ruddock-believes-big-guns-will-be-wary-of-worldclass-ireland-29320891.html

Welsh rugby regions announce new multi-million pound deal with BT Sport