John Lewis Deal Boosts Scottish Rugby

Scottish domestic rugby has received a much needed boost after announcing a new
grass-roots sponsorship deal with retailer John Lewis.

The department store is to become sponsor of the Youth League Cup and the
Schools 7s competition, part of Scottish Rugby’s portfolio of tournaments for
young rugby players.

These competitions have played a key role in an impressive 19% increase in
participation over the past year with more than 18,000 under-18s (boys and
girls) now playing the game across the country.

John Lewis joins in The Royal Navy in supporting grass-roots rugby in
Scotland with the latter continuing to be involved with the Schools 7s
competition, entering its third year, in a support role.

The one-year contract with John Lewis, for a substantial five-figure sum,
includes an option for the retailer to extend the relationship for a further two
years.

The John Lewis Youth League Cup Final will be held on the international pitch
at Murrayfield on Saturday 26th January 2008, while the John Lewis Scottish
Schools 7s competition, supported by the Royal Navy, will be staged on the back
pitches at Murrayfield, with the final on the international pitch, later in the
Spring.

The new investment is in stark contrast to the state of affairs in elite
rugby in Scotland with the top clubs torn apart by a lack of funding.