Epcr Converts New Champions Cup Sponsor

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has unveiled Investec as the new title partner of the Investec Champions Cup.

The five-year agreement sees the international bank and wealth manager replace Heineken as title partner of the premier European rugby competition. However, the Dutch beer brand will remain a premium partner and the competition’s official beer partner.

Following the announcement of the new deal, Investec and EPCR have expressed a commitment to continue evolving the European tournament which features the top eight clubs from each of the three Leagues – Premiership Rugby, the Top 14 and the United Rugby Championship – and includes clubs from across Europe and South Africa.

The two organisations will focus on ‘progressing towards a carbon neutral tournament, advancing the women’s game and developing innovative financial solutions and wellness programmes tailored to players.’

This will look to complement the recent launch of EPCR’s new sustainability strategy – impACT.

Investec already has a history in rugby sponsorships having previously struck deals with England Rugby, Super Rugby Aotearoa, the Rugby Championship, and the Investec International Rugby Academy (South Africa).

EPCR Chairman, Dominic McKay, said, “Following a record-breaking season for EPCR with over 1.3 million fans returning to stadiums and getting behind their clubs across the seven countries, in addition to further millions tuning into our broadcasters worldwide, it’s a brilliant time to welcome Investec into our growing partner family with such positivity surrounding the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR.

“Our combined passion for the game will enable us to deliver our new ambitious strategy for the Investec Champions Cup as we seek to grow our audiences further around the world in an intentional and sustainable way.”

Investec Chief Marketing Officer, Abey Mokgwatsane, added, “We are proud to sponsor the world’s premier club rugby competition. The Investec Champions Cup embodies Out of the Ordinary sporting achievement and is a fantastic platform to further innovate in diversity, sustainability, and financial solutions.” 

The new Investec Champions Cup season, which kicks off in December, will see a new format for the competition. 24 competing teams will be split into four pools of six rather than the previous two 12-team groups. Each of the four pools will feature two teams from the United Rugby Championship, two teams from the English Premiership, and two teams from the Top 14.

The EPCR finals weekend, featuring the Investec Champions Cup showpiece match, will be staged at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in May.