Scottish Rugby Announces Landmark Deal
Scottish Rugby has partnered with UK home energy supplier Scottish Gas.
The agreement will see Scottish Gas, part of Centrica, become naming partners of Murrayfield Stadium and provide a decarbonisation plan and greener energy supply for the entire Murrayfield Estate from solar, wind, hydro power and biogas.
The stadium’s new official name will be ‘Scottish Gas Murrayfield’, with the first game at the ground under the new name taking place on 29th July when Scotland face Italy.
The deal also sees the energy supplier benefit from shirt sponsorship of the Scotland women’s squad as they begin preparations for the new WXV tournament later this year, as well as supporting age grade squads within the women’s development pathway.
Additionally Hive, the smart energy platform owned by Centrica, will become the naming partner for Edinburgh Rugby’s home, where both they and Scotland Women play domestic fixtures, which will become the Hive Stadium.
The partnership also aims to help the rugby community across Scotland ‘reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.’
A central initiative of the partnership is a £2m joint investment in the Club & Community Net Zero Fund across the five-year deal. The programme sees clubs across Scotland receive free tailored energy efficiency advice and access grants from the fund to help pay for improvements.
Through working directly with clubs, the partnership aims to engage communities across Scotland to deliver on the Scottish Government’s net zero ambitions for 2045.
Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive Officer of Centrica, said, “By partnering with Scottish Rugby, we are supporting communities across Scotland to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills, supporting the Scottish Government’s net zero ambitions. Our Club and Community Net Zero Fund gives clubs a much-needed boost, making rugby greener as a sport and freeing up more resources to develop the grass roots game. We are particularly excited about our partnership with Scotland Women.”
Mark Dodson, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Rugby, added, “Scottish Rugby is starting out on an important journey towards becoming even more energy efficient and is ready to take on its responsibility and play its part in the country’s transition to a lower-carbon future.
“This deal is therefore important in both a sporting and societal context. Unquestionably, it helps to future proof rugby in Scotland for the next generation through significant investment and also the contribution and impact Scottish Gas will be having within our community clubs. Our vision, at the time of cost-of-living challenges for clubs and households, is to provide meaningful support and funding to clubs and communities throughout Scotland.”
Jamie Farndale, Scottish Rugby’s Sustainability Ambassador and current GB 7’s player, commented, “The scale of the challenge of getting to net zero by 2045 is huge. I believe sport has a big role to play and can use its platform to support people in lowering their carbon footprints. This partnership, working with local clubs, is a perfect way in which Scottish Rugby can act as a trusted messenger and have a positive impact in communities throughout Scotland.”
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