Shorts: Svns, Surrey, Whisper
Ahead of the HSBC SVNS Grand Final in Madrid, World Rugby has announced a new multi-year extension to its longstanding partnership with Gilbert.
The new agreement will see the rugby ball, apparel and equipment manufacturer continue in its capacity as the official match ball of rugby sevens competition, a position it has held since the Sevens Series’ inception in 1999.
Gilbert CEO, Richard Gray, said, “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with World Rugby into the revitalised SVNS series. The new SVNS Series has kicked off with a bang this season and it’s fantastic to see a growing rugby audience engaging with the shorter format of the game.
“The unique balls our team has created for each series event have been well received by fans across the globe and we look forward to seeing the Grand Final kick off in Madrid this weekend as we lead into providing the balls for the Rugby Sevens at the Olympic Games in Paris in July.”
The upcoming HSBC SVNS Grand Final in Madrid will take place from 31st May to 2nd June.
Men’s formalwear brand House of Cavani has signed as the official suit partner of the Surrey CCC men’s squad and team management for the upcoming cricket season.
As part of the new partnership, the clothing brand will feature on the in-ground advertisement boards at the 27,500-capacity Kia Oval.
Additionally, House of Cavani will receive digital marketing opportunities through Surrey’s channels as well as tickets for domestic and international fixtures at the ground throughout the season.
Luke Furnival, Head of Partnerships at House of Cavani, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Surrey CCC to our esteemed sporting portfolio. Through our partnership we are excited to expand our presence at one of the world’s most iconic cricket grounds. House of Cavani wishes Surrey the best of luck for this year campaign.”
The BBC has announced production agency Whisper North will produce the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, following a competitive tender process.
Starting with the 2024 edition of the programme, Whipser North will will work closely with BBC Sport to ‘ensure the effective and successful delivery’ of the broadcaster’s flagship awards ceremony programme.
Mark Cole, Managing Director, Whisper, said, “BBC Sports Personality of the Year brings together many of the elements Whisper loves to produce and celebrate: live events, awards shows, sporting moments, superstars and entertainment.
We celebrate sport and athletes across many productions throughout the year, so to be working with the BBC on this prestigious end of year show feels a fitting way to conclude what will be an incredible year of sporting achievement and endeavour. With the BBC, we will be seeking to deliver a bold and ambitious show that will appeal to a wide audience, driven by compelling and entertaining story-telling.“
Last year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year was won by Manchester United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps following a public vote.
Sport industry veteran Matt Rogan has been announced as a Strategic Advisor to Twenty First Group.
On joining the London-based B2B sports intelligence company, the Two Circles co-founder said, “I have seen at first hand the quality of Twenty First Group’s work and its material impact on sporting performance. I look forward to helping them build on this as they aim to build a category-defining business.”
Róisín O’Shea has joined Esports and gaming consultancy Epic Global as its new Chief Growth Officer.
O’Shea has previously held roles at Twitter, StubHub and Fnatic and most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer at mixed martial arts promotion Cage Warriors.
On joining the Cork-headquartered organisation, O’Shea said, “I’m delighted to finally join the dynamic duo Trev Keane and Sinéad Hosey, along with the amazing team they’ve got. I say finally because honestly, it was only a matter of time… I first met Trev way back in 2016 when I was in my first esports role, and have been so impressed by what he and Sinéad have done in the gaming and esports space for brands, talent and teams alike. Very excited for what’s ahead.”
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