British & Irish Lions In Double Dove Men And Laureus Deals

The British and Irish Lions have announced two new partners ahead of the start of the 2021 Castle Lager Lions Series in South Africa.

Unilever’s male skincare brand Dove Men+Care will become Product of Choice for the team, complementing its long-term relationships with the English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Italian rugby unions, as well as the Six Nations.

It will also launch a range of special edition Lions products, as well as working with Lions players to showcase how they balance excellence on the pitch with parenthood at home, as well as highlighting ‘caring moments’ throughout the Tour.

Meanwhile, Laureus Sport for Good has been unveiled as the Global Charity Partner for the series, working with both the Lions and South Africa Rugby.

Launched in 2000 by Nelson Mandela Laureus uses sport to help children and young people overcome violence, discrimination and disadvantage in their lives. The move makes the social impact organisation the first ever Lions Series Global Charity Partner, and will raise funds to support rugby-based community sports programmes in Britain & Ireland, South Africa and Japan which tackle social issues facing young people.

The one-year partnership, which will dovetail the existing official charities of the Lions and SA Rugby, sees both organisations support the charity’s important work by allowing Laureus to utilise its digital platforms for promotional purposes, as well as access to the Lions and Springbok squads, Lions legends and 2021 Tour memorabilia for fundraising.

“We are thrilled to confirm our partnership with Laureus Sport for Good – one of the most effective and recognised charitable organisations in the world,” said Ben Calveley, Managing Director, The British & Irish Lions.

“Like Nelson Mandela, we believe that sport has the power to change the world, and we look forward to working with them to highlight the important work they do and help make a difference.”

Sean Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, added: “A Lions Tour is up there at the pinnacle of rugby, both for players from Britain and Ireland, and those players from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Each Series consists of some of the toughest and most rewarding rugby matches you can take part in. 

“At Laureus Sport for Good, we are proud to become the first ever Global Charity Partner of a Lions Series, and we look forward to working with The British & Irish Lions, SA Rugby and partners to support young people facing tough challenges and tackling discrimination in their own lives. 

“21 years ago today, Laureus’ First Patron President Nelson Mandela stood on stage at the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards and said ‘Sport has the power to change the world… It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination’. More than two decades on, Mandela’s words ring true and this partnership will bring them to life.”