Papa Johns Delivers Rugby Investment
England Rugby has agreed a multi-year partnership with Papa Johns, which sees the pizza delivery chain become the national governing body’s official pizza delivery and takeaway partner.
The agreement spans both men’s and women’s rugby and, beginning with the 2022/23 rugby season, will see the newly structured men’s and women’s Community Cup competitions renamed as the Papa Johns Community Cup.
The Papa Johns Community Cup, which will culminate in a showpiece finals day at an iconic venue, gives clubs a chance to compete for silverware whatever their position the English league system.
Papa Johns’ branding will debut at Twickenham Stadium during the Red Roses’ September international fixtures.
Liz Williams, Papa Johns Chief International Operating Officer, commented, “This will be a fantastic opportunity for Papa Johns to support the grassroots game all over the country for adults of different levels.
“With a brand-new competition format just announced, we’re sure that community rugby in England will continue to go from strength to strength and show the difference that rugby can make to local communities.
“We are excited to be part of this journey and can’t wait to engage with England Rugby fans at Twickenham for what is sure to be an excellent set of Autumn Nations Series matches.”
Steve Grainger, RFU Director of Rugby Development, said, “It’s fantastic to see Papa Johns becoming our first partner for the new community cup competition. As part of our recently revised competitions offer, the new cup will be an end-of-season climax for the community game where we will see many clubs facing new opposition, along with others re-igniting local rivalries.
“Papa Johns are looking to really engage with the community players during their partnership and will be rewarding many of them for their efforts on the field along the way.”
England Rugby joins Papa Johns’ growing list of rugby partnerships which also focus on investment in the grassroots level of the game, such as Scotland Rugby, Welsh Rugby Union, and Leicester Tigers.
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