Guinness Six Nations Launched In London
The 2019 season of the Guinness Six Nations and Women’s Six Nations has been launched in London with an event attended by all 12 captains and coaches of competing teams.
Owen Farrell and Sarah Hunter (England), Guilhem Guirado and Gaelle Hermet (France), Rory Best and Ciara Griffin (Ireland), Sergio Parisse and Manuela Furlan (Italy), Greig Laidlaw and Lisa Thomson (Scotland) and Alun Wyn Jones and Carys Phillips (Wales) were all present at The Hurlingham Club to help kick-off the two-month series.
This season marks a new era for the men’s Six Nations with new title partner Guinness beginning a six-year deal.
Commenting on the landmark, Mark Sandys, Global Head of Beer at Guinness parent brand Diageo, said: “This is a hugely proud moment for our business, which has always been synonymous with a passion for rugby.
“Working closely with the Six Nations, we have six years to demonstrate our love of this beautiful game, including helping to drive and expand on rugby’s loyal fanbase, heighten the extraordinary experience of spectators in and outside the stadiums and to champion the women’s game, bringing it to a wider public.”
The new season will also be the first in charge for new Six Nations Chief Executive Ben Morel, who said: “For 135 years, the Six Nations has been rugby’s greatest tournament and as we all look forward to the kick-off of this year’s Championship it promises to once again offer huge excitement and fierce competition in both the men’s and women’s games.
“I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new title sponsor Guinness. Guinness has been a tremendous partner of both Six Nations and our Unions for many years and we are delighted to have them on board.”
The Guinness Six Nations will open with France hosting Wales at the Stade de France on Friday 1st February. The Women’s Championship will begin with England, travelling to Energia Park, Dublin to play Ireland on Friday 1st February, on the same night Scotland host Italy at the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.
