Canterbury Replaces Nike As England Supplier
The Rugby Football Union has announced the appointment of sportswear company Canterbury as its new official kit partner, replacing long-term sponsor Nike in September 2012, in a deal that will run until beyond the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.
Nike’s partnership with the governing body of rugby union in England will now come to an end later this year.
Canterbury, now based in Manchester, already has a large portfolio of national rugby union partnerships in place, supplying kit to leading rugby nations such as South Africa and Scotland, as well as a host of other smaller national teams and club sides internationally.
Under the terms of the contract, Canterbury will supply kit to the England Senior, Saxons, Sevens, Women’s and age grade representative teams.
The RFU stated that the deal represents the ‘largest kit partnership in the union’s history, allowing continued investment into all levels of the game which is at the heart of the strategic focus for both organisations.’
Canterbury CEO Chris Stephenson said: ‘The partnership with the Rugby Football Union is the perfect combination of two brands steeped in rugby history that rugby fans know and respect.’
‘We are excited at the prospect of developing this relationship and enhancing the awareness of rugby to a wider audience with the aim of increasing participation levels. With over a century of experience in producing the highest quality playing apparel, designed specifically to maximise performance, we pride ourselves on producing the strongest, most technologically advanced kits available.’
RFU chief commercial officer Sophie Goldschmidt added: ‘We are delighted about this new partnership with Canterbury. The brand is recognised by players and fans alike and its heritage in rugby is unrivalled.’
‘The excellent quality of playing apparel Canterbury is famed for will also ensure the England teams have the best technical kit available to assist them on and off the pitch. This new exciting partnership will allow the Rugby Football Union to further invest in the game.’
