Shorts: The Lions, Newbury Racecourse, Leeds Rhinos

The British & Irish Lions have named IHG Hotels & Resorts as the official hotel partner for the 2025 Australia tour.

IHG will have a presence both on and off the pitch, including activations inside the Lions Den and Wallabies fan zones in the three test cities: Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

The Lions will play test matches at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

Prior to the first test, the Lions will face an invitational Australian and New Zealand XV in Adelaide, and a First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne. Fixtures against Australian Super Rugby Pacific teams are also scheduled in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra.

Ben Calveley, British & Irish Lions CEO, said, “A Lions Tour places many demands on players and staff, so it’s crucial that the touring party has a base that feels comfortable allowing them to focus on matters on the pitch.”

Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, said, “The Lions Tour is renowned for transcending borders to unite nations in celebration of sporting history, excellence, and performance.”

Newbury Racecourse has inked a sponsorship with BoyleSports until 2027.

The agreement sees BoyleSports become a Principal Partner of Newbury Racecourse, with the Group 1 fixture renamed The BoyleSports Lockinge with Ladies Day.

The three-year agreement includes BoyleSports sponsoring two races on 17th May, featuring eight World Pool races in collaboration with The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

BoyleSports will also sponsor the BoyleSports Handicap Stakes, a Class 2 Handicap.

Shaun Hinds, Chief Executive Officer at Newbury Racecourse, said, “We are delighted to announce the new partnership with BoyleSports and extend our thanks for their support of the Lockinge Stakes.

“BoyleSports is a big supporter of Irish racing, and we are very proud to be able to work alongside them to extend their sponsorship portfolio in Britain.”

Leeds Rhinos Bill Dyson Skip Hire and Waste Management will be sponsoring the club for the 31st year.

Bill Dyson Skip Hire provides skips for domestic and trade, covering Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Harrogate, Huddersfield and Halifax, offering a friendly, fast and reliable service.

Rob Oates, Leeds Rhinos Commercial Director, said, “We’re really grateful to Lisa, Bill, Mark and the Bill Dyson Skip Hire team for their fantastic continued support over an incredible number of years”.

Lotto Sport has returned to the UK market after Sheffield-based sportswear retailer Kitlocker was named as the UK football apparel and accessories licensee.

Founded in 1973, Lotto has a history in premium football sportswear and footwear, producing some of the most iconic football shirts of the 1990s. 

Margaret Kivett, EVP, Athletic Vertical at WHP Global, said, “This partnership represents a strategic growth opportunity for Lotto, significantly enhancing our presence in the UK – a pivotal market for us.”

Hull FC have promoted Gareth Ellis to Director of Rugby & Wellbeing.

The former captain will work with Chief Executive Richie Myler to implement the club’s football strategy.

Ellis will also continue in his wellbeing and welfare role at the club.

Gareth Ellis said, “Hull FC means a great deal to me, and I’m honoured to take on this role at such an important time for the club.”

Pragnell, a British jeweller, has renewed its partnership with the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic for a second consecutive year.

The sixth-generation, family-run business will serve as the official jeweller for the event. Celebrities including Sir Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan and Judy Murray are confirmed to attend.

The Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic raises funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, including support for The Hurlingham Club Foundation’s girls’ racquets project, Empower.

Charlie Pragnell, Managing Director, Pragnell, said, “We are delighted to renew our partnership with the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic for a second year.”

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