RFU Announces New Merchandise Partners
CPLG Sport, licensing agent for the Rugby Football Union, has announced details of three new merchandising deals for the England Rugby brand.
The deals include Brecrest who join the RFU’s licensing programme producing England-Rugby branded babywear, BL Sports who are on board for luggage, bags and wallets, and Drew Pearson International who are soon to launch a variety of products including headwear, scarves, gloves, snoods, earmuffs and wristbands.
The new licensees will be able to tap into the popularity set to build during the build up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which is being held on English soil for the first time since 1991.
The new partners add to over 30 existing licensees across a wide range of categories, such as supporter apparel, publishing, gift, interactive and collectibles.
Andy Ward, head of merchandising at the RFU, said: ‘We are finding that prospective partners are increasingly aware of the potential that the 2015 Rugby World Cup offers from a licensing point of view and this is leading to a rapid strengthening of the programme in this year alone.’
Adds Nicola Thompson, CPLG sport senior commercial manager, added: ‘The England Rugby brand is always going to be a magnet for the licensing community but the extra incentive of the 2015 Rugby World Cup means that we are dealing with more interest than ever before and these new deals with best in class partners are testament to that.’
