Bkt URC Secures Qatar Airways Sponsorship
The BKT United Rugby Championship has announced that Qatar Airways will serve as the rugby competition’s official airline partner.
The BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) is one of three major professional rugby leagues in Europe, involving teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales and South Africa, featuring the likes of Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff Rugby.
The most successful teams from each league also go on to compete in the Heineken Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup against teams from the domestic leagues in England and France.
For the first time in history, both competitions, organised by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), will include South African teams.
Therefore, the deal has been unveiled alongside the announcement of Qatar Airways deal with EPCR, as it becomes the body’s official South African airline partner.
As part of the partnerships, Qatar Airways will support the BKT URC (URC) and EPRC to grow the game globally and will soon be offering URC all-inclusive travel packages with flights, hotels and match tickets.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “At Qatar Airways, we bring the world and communities together – through travel, of course, but also through sport.
“Today, we continue that mission by providing greater access to fans to watch their favourite teams compete and supporting URC players and coaches and South African teams competing in EPCR competitions as they make cross-hemisphere trips via Doha to match destinations.”
Martin Anayi, URC Chief Executive Officer, added, “Our league has greatly broadened its horizons in the past 12 months, and we are honoured that Qatar Airways have become one of our key partners.
“Travel is at the heart of all of our competitions and this partnership will allow us to tap into the incredible expertise and knowledge available at Qatar Airways as they support our teams and fans on their journeys to some of the biggest games of the season.”
The news closely follows the announcement of BKT, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of tires for agricultural, industrial and construction machines, becoming the league’s northern-hemisphere title sponsor until 2025.
The deal, that was unveiled on 2nd September, means BKT will hold naming rights for the league in all territories outside of South Africa.
The BTK URC and EPCR becomes the latest sports properties to join Qatar Airway’s extensive sports portfolio which up until now, has been dominated by football deals. These include the likes of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Paris Saint-Germain, FC Bayern München, Concacaf, CONMEBOL. Additionally, Qatar Airways is the official airline of The Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series, GKA Kite World Tour and multiple equestrianism, padel, squash and tennis events.
