Shorts: Leeds Rhinos, Sale Sharks, Wrexham
Leeds Rhinos have appointed Gill Spencer as the first female president in the rugby league club’s 134-year history.
Spencer is set to take over the role on 1st November, following the completion of the incumbent Andrew Thirkill’s six-year term.
Spencer, who has been a fan of the Rhinos since the age of 17, said she was thrilled that women were “beginning to play a key part in professional sport.”
She added, “We have an excellent group of players through all teams, and I am confident we will see our rugby teams, both men and women, reach some great achievements in the years ahead,”
Peterborough United have confirmed a sponsorship deal with Revelare Ltd, who have been tasked with completing a full refurbishment of the Boardroom at the Weston Homes Stadium.
The Cambridge based company have previously worked with last season’s Premier League clubs Arsenal and Ipswich Town.
Alex Harris, Commercial Director at Peterborough, said, “The refurbishment of the Boardroom will not only enhance the experience on match days for both sets of directors but will also provide another excellent option for companies who are looking for rooms to hire during the week.”
Wrexham AFC have appointed Rob Faulkner as the club’s Chief Business and Communications Officer
Faulkner joins Wrexham from the European Club Association, where he served as Communications and Marketing Director. He will take office from 1st December, and will report directly to CEO Michael Williamson.
His background includes roles at UEFA, Inter Milan, European Athletics, Yamaha, and Toyota, and he has demonstrated proficiency in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
Faulkner will oversee all commercial and communications activities at the club, including sponsorship, marketing, partnership management, retail and merchandising, ticketing, and hospitality, and communications.
“I can’t wait to get started in my new role at Wrexham AFC,” Faulkner said.
“The club has been on an upward spiral for the past three years, driven by its inspirational owners and loyal fans.”
Castleford Tigers have renewed their partnership with M&D Foundations for the 2025 Super League season.
M&D Foundations will remain as kit partners of the rugby league club, with their branding will once again feature prominently on the front of the first team’s shorts, marking the fourth consecutive year of collaboration.
In addition to the kit sponsorship, M&D Foundations will maintain their presence through stadium branding and extend their player sponsorship of Muizz Mustapha into the new season.
Sale Sharks have named Seat Unique as the Premiership Rugby club’s official premium ticket and hospitality sales platform.
Acting as the team’s premium ticket and hospitality sales platform partner, Seat Unique will provide supporters with access to premium hospitality at Salford Stadium.
The partnership is intended to elevate the match-day experience for fans.
Paul Smit, CEO of Sale Sharks, said, “We are always looking for innovative ways to elevate and improve our fan experience from the booking process right through to matchdays at the stadium and we believe this partnership with Seat Unique will do exactly that.”
Millwall FC have announced that Belgian-based LED specialist MaxAmaze will be its 2024/25 back of short sponsor.
In addition to the MaxAmaze logo adorning the Lions kit home and away for the rest of the campaign, ‘extensive work has been underway at The Den during the international break to replace the lighting systems with brand-new LED floodlights and stand lighting.’
Millwall Chief Commercial Officer, Luke Wilson, said, “Since our first meeting with MaxAmaze, their ambition, professionalism and expertise was clear. Their track record in equestrian lighting is unrivalled, while the systems they installed at Anderlecht’s stadium as part of their expansion into football are very impressive.
“We’re thrilled to be their first club in the UK, as part of significant expansion plans across Europe, and are excited to see the wide-ranging benefits a brand-new, modern and fit for purpose lighting system at the Den will bring.”
Hull City FC have renewed their partnership with Savoy Autocentres for the 2024/25 Sky Bet Championship season.
As per the agreement, Savoy Autocentres branding will be visible around the MKM Stadium on home matchdays on the big screen, LED boards, concourse TVs and inside the official programme.
Phil Dayes, Commercial Sales Manager at Hull City, said, “It has been a pleasure working with Savoy Autocentres since they first came on board, and we are excited to see how our partnership evolves over the course of the season.”
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