Shorts: Bbc, Arsenal, Scarlets

BBC Sport has won the exclusive rights to broadcast five autumn rugby league internationals, including a repeat of the Rugby League World Cup 2023 wheelchair final between England and France.

Following the Rugby League World Cup, Tom Halliwell’s World Cup winners will return to action for the first time since their 28-24 win against the French in a rematch against France. The match will take place at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Sunday 5^th November.

The Wheelchair International will follow a double header of England Rugby League action at Headingley on Saturday 4^th November. England Women will face Wales Women at 12pm, followed by the final Test of the Men’s series against Tonga at 2.30pm.

Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, said, “All 61 games of last year’s exhilarating Rugby League World Cup, across the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments, were broadcast live on the BBC. It was a privilege to be the home of that tournament, and it’s a privilege to continue to broadcast live rugby league internationals on free-to-air television.

“Alongside the England Men’s series against Tonga and the home nation Women’s clash between England and Wales, it is a tantalising prospect to have a re-match of last year’s thrilling wheelchair final between England and France.”

Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of Rugby League Commercial, added, “We are delighted to confirm both that the England Wheelchair team will return to action on November 5 with a rematch against France, and that BBC Sport will provide coverage to the nation of all five of our home England internationals this autumn.

“Last year’s World Cup was such a positive event for the sport, with huge support for our three England teams as they won 10 games out of 10 to reach the Semi Finals of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions, and the Wheelchair team going on to be crowned world champions on a truly memorable night in Manchester.”

Arsenal FC has appointed Omar Mohammed Shaikh to its commercial team.

The former Liverpool Vice President of Commercial Development joins the Gunners as the new Partnership Sales Director.

Omar will lead Arsenal’s Partnership Development team in driving commercial growth, with ‘a focus on bringing in new business and the renewal of existing partnerships.’

Juliet Slot, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Omar’s appointment is another example of our investment in bringing world class industry leaders to join us on our journey and help us unlock our full commercial potential. His arrival follows a period of sustained growth and strong commercial performance, including the announcement of several exciting new partners. We’re excited to have Omar on board, where he will play a key role in driving our commercial growth to support both our men’s and women’s teams.” 

United Rugby Championship rugby union club Scarlets has partnered with roadside retail destinations company Ascona Group.

Ascona Group will become a main partner for the Scarlets for the upcoming season with its branding displayed on the playing kit and in digital and static form around the stadium.

Ascona Group will also be the player sponsor for scrum-half Archie Hughes for the upcoming season.

Darren Briggs, Founder and Managing Director of Ascona Group, said, “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Scarlets. Since we started Ascona back in 2011, supporting our local communities has been central to our culture, so we are thrilled to be partnering with such an iconic Welsh sports team.”

Garan Evans, Head of Commercial at Scarlets, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Darren and the Ascona Group to the Scarlets family. They are a West Wales company who have shown incredible growth in recent years and have community very much at their heart. We look forward to some exciting announcements in the coming weeks before welcoming the team to the Parc for what promises to be a fantastic occasion for the Barbarians game next month.”

Gallagher Premiership Rugby club Bristol Bears has renewed its partnership with Shock Doctor for the 2023/24 season.

Chris Lord, European Brand Manager of Shock Doctor, said, “We’re thrilled to have renewed our partnership with Bristol Bears. We have developed a great partnership and understanding with the club and its great team of players and support staff.

“This new agreement is part of our long-term brand development strategy and cements our position as global leaders in sports protection. We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership and sharing in the ethos of Bristol Bears.”

Jack Targett, Team Manager of Bristol Bears, added, “The Shock Doctor brand is renowned for quality and protection and the intense physicality of rugby at the highest level means our players require the best. The feedback from players and staff has been superb and we are delighted to again be working with Shock Doctor and look forward to a successful partnership.”