Scottish Rugby Extends Bt Deal

Scottish Rugby has extended its partnership with communications and broadcast company BT for a further three years.

The new deal, which begins in June 2018, maintains BT’s position as principal partner for Scottish Rugby and continues its investment, first unveiled in May 2014.

BT retains the naming rights to Scotland’s largest sporting stadium, BT Murrayfield, alongside its role as principal partner of the Scotland national team and Scotland 7s.

Since 2014, BT’s investment has helped the rugby landscape in Scotland through investment in the BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy, BT league and cup competitions, as well as supporting the Club Sustainability Fund to provide investment in capital projects at grassroots clubs.

BT’s logo will continue to be displayed on the front of Scotland rugby shirts, in the Six Nations Championship, as well as the summer and autumn test matches.

The partnership continues to see BT promoted at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Edinburgh Rugby and BT Murrayfield Stadium.

Graham Sutherland, chief executive, BT Business and Public sector, said: “I am very pleased BT is continuing its relationship  and investing in Scottish rugby with this sponsorship until 2021. BT is a proud supporter of Scotland and we hope to continue seeing further success on the pitch. This partnership allows BT to continue its commitment to support innovation and the development of the game in Scotland, as well as being the home of the Aviva Premiership rugby and European rugby.”

Scottish Rugby’s chief executive, Mark Dodson, said: “Over the past three years we have built an excellent relationship with BT and worked closely with them to ensure their investment made a material difference to the game in Scotland. This confidence has enabled us to have proactive negotiations with them to ensure they could continue as a principal partner.

“I believe we are just beginning to see the fruits of this investment and we are delighted this partnership will now be extended for a further three years, enabling BT to continue to support our ambitions for rugby at every level.”

Scottish Rugby’s chief operating officer, Dominic McKay, said: “We are thrilled BT has decided to extend its relationship through to 2021 and will invest significant sums in our game at all levels.

“I know their relationship with Scotland, and rugby, is important and having a partner they can work with both in the UK and internationally has been good for their business.

“Our counterparts at BT have been brilliant to work with and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming years.

“We are very proud of the way we deliver and support for our partners and this significant extension demonstrates the confidence and understanding we have built up with BT in recent years.

“This new deal will enable Scottish Rugby to continue to move forward on and off the pitch and clearly demonstrates we are open for business, with a fantastic product we are very proud of.”