Shorts: Bath Rugby, ECB, England U20s

Bath Rugby have partnered with Arena, a global event and venue infrastructure company.

As part of the agreement, Arena’s logo will feature on the sleeve of Bath Rugby’s Women’s 7s kit. The company will also support the club’s grassroots programme, including matchday and residential initiatives aimed at developing young rugby players.

The partnership extends an existing working relationship between Bath Rugby and Arena, which has previously supported the club’s matchday operations.

Arena’s UK and European division will collaborate with the club on community and development projects throughout the duration of the partnership.

The agreement comes during a period of continued investment in women’s and grassroots rugby across the UK, with Bath Rugby expanding its community programmes and Arena strengthening its involvement in sport-related partnerships.

James Bibby, Commercial Director at Bath Rugby, said, “We’re proud to welcome Arena as a Club Partner of Bath Rugby. Their support will play a vital role in strengthening our grassroots programmes, helping us nurture the next generation of rugby talent across our community.

“Alongside this, being our sleeve sponsor for the Women’s 7’s team, Arena shares our commitment to growing the game at every level and we’re excited to work together to create lasting impact both on and off the field.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed Aarti Dabas as its new Chief Revenue Officer.

Dabas will join the ECB in the new year from Formula E, where she served as Chief Media Officer. Before this, she spent over 12 years at the International Cricket Council (ICC), including five years as Head of Media Rights, Broadcast and Digital, where she established its in-house production unit, ICC TV.

In her new role, Dabas will lead the ECB’s commercial and revenue strategy, driving negotiations across broadcast rights, media deals, and commercial sponsorships. She will also lead the organisation’s marketing functions across competitions and events.

Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said, “Aarti has an outstanding track record of driving sustainable commercial growth and engaging a diverse fan base, and I’m delighted to welcome her to the ECB. By growing cricket in recent years we have been able to invest in the sport at every level, from getting more children playing and supporting the grassroots game to running our England teams, while also delivering record funding to our counties.

“It’s vital that we continue to grow cricket’s reach, relevance and financial sustainability, and Aarti brings invaluable knowledge and expertise from a range of commercial environments to help us achieve this.”

England have confirmed that Northampton’s cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens and Bath’s Recreation Ground will host the U20 Men’s home Six Nations fixtures in 2026.

The campaign will open against Wales in Northampton on 6th February, before the side host Ireland at The Rec in Bath on 20th February. Both home fixtures will kick-off at 19:45. BBC iPlayer has been confirmed as the domestic broadcaster for the competition.

The fixture in Northampton will be the first men’s pathway game at the stadium in six years. The U20 Men’s team will return to The Rec for a fourth consecutive season, following two wins at the stadium in 2025 against France and Italy.

Andy Titterrell, Head Coach, England U20 Men, said, “We’re delighted to have our Six Nations schedule confirmed and are determined to make an impactful start with this hugely exciting cohort. Recent years have shown an increase in attention on pathway fixtures, with big occasions that have supported our players in developing their talents in front of fantastic crowds.

“I’m grateful to our hosts in Bath and Northampton in allowing us to begin our journey in such storied stadiums as we look to collectively earn our way to regaining top honours in 2026.”

National charity Activity Alliance has appointed Adam Paker as its new Chair.

Paker brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the sport and physical activity sector, having held senior commercial roles at FIFA and Chief Executive positions at Commonwealth Games England and Swim England. Most recently, at strategy consultancy Portas Consulting, he advised global governing bodies and national federations.

Throughout his career, Paker has also served as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Sporting Equals, The Swimming Trust, and the Children’s Activities Association. He takes over the role from outgoing Chair, Sam Orde.

Joining the new Chair on the Board of Trustees are five new Board members – Ian Mullane, Reena Parmar, Lindsay Games, Rory O’Keeffe and Jane Duncan.

Adam Blaze, Chief Executive, Activity Alliance, said, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Adam as our new Chair. The appointment marks a significant and exciting next chapter in our journey. Adam’s wealth of experience, strategic insight, and commitment will be invaluable as we work with disabled people and an alliance of committed partners to build a powerful movement for change.

“I look forward to working alongside him to deliver our vision, creating lasting and positive change.”

Several leading cricket venues have installed dedicated ablution facilities from WuduMate to accommodate Muslim players, staff, and spectators.

The installations at grounds including Edgbaston, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Kent and Essex, are a response to the 2023 Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket. The report found widespread issues within the sport, prompting the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to increase efforts to create pathways for underrepresented communities.

The wudu facilities enable Muslim attendees to perform pre-prayer ablution rituals, removing a practical barrier to participation. The move also aligns with Cricket Australia’s Multicultural Action Plan, which aims to increase engagement with Australia’s South Asian population.

Nick Hockley, former Chief Executive of Cricket Australia, said, “Our shared love of the game helps build relationships, cultural understanding, and strengthens communities.”

Betting brand CopyBet has agreed its most extensive series of horse racing sponsorships to date, with deals at several racecourses across England.

In partnership with The Jockey Club, CopyBet will sponsor four race days, including the CopyBet Friday Flat Finale at Haydock Park on 17th October, the CopyBet Jump Sunday at Kempton Park on 19th October, the CopyBet Two-Year-Old Day at Newmarket on 22nd October, and the CopyBet Afternoon Jump Racing at Kempton Park on 24th November. The agreement includes naming rights to 25 races across the schedule.

Alongside the new sponsorships, CopyBet has extended its partnership with Irish jockey Jonathan Burke, who will continue as the brand’s horse racing Brand Ambassador for a third year. The brand has also introduced free live streaming of all UK and Ireland races on its Sportsbook.

Mark Smith, Managing Director, CopyBet UK, said, “This latest series of horse racing sponsorships signifies a landmark moment for CopyBet’s growth and commitment to the sport in the UK. After the success of the CopyBet November Racing Weekend at Ascot in 2024, we are pleased to be increasing our presence this year and hope to add further sponsorships to our portfolio in 2026.”