Mastercard Signs Barbarians Deal

Credit card brand MasterCard has signed to a deal to become the new match sponsor of the Barbarians for all internationals in the 2009/10 season.

The MasterCard Trophy kicks off on the 5th December with the composite team made up of players from every rugby-playing nation taking on New Zealand at Twickenham.

As part of the agreement, MasterCard will have access to a benefits package that includes extensive on and off pitch branding.

The sponsorship is aimed at delivering increased value to commercial partners, including customer financial institutions and retailers, as well as MasterCard cardholders, enabling them to access ‘Priceless’ MasterCard Trophy experiences through promotional activity.

The Barbarians’ sponsorship adds to MasterCard’s growing foothold in rugby union with the brand having recently acquired the sponsorship rights to the Rugby World Cup in 2011 taking over from previous backer and principal market rival Visa.