Scottish Rugby Extends Partnership with Whisky Brand

Scottish Rugby is delighted to announce today that it has secured a new substantial seven-figure sponsorship deal with The Famous Grouse, which will see the country’s No 1 whisky brand continue to back the Scotland rugby team for the next three years through until the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

The deal extends one of the longest partnerships in international sport. Scottish Rugby was the first northern hemisphere union to secure sponsorship for a national rugby team when The Famous Grouse backed the Scotland tour to New Zealand in 1990 and for the last 14 years the relationship has gone from strength to strength.

Phil Anderton, Scottish Rugby’s Chief Executive, said: ‘This is tremendous news and underlines the faith that The Famous Grouse, one of Scotland’s major brands, has in the Scotland team and Scottish Rugby.’

Scottish Rugby’s Head of Commercial David James added: ‘This is a real shot in the arm for Scottish Rugby. We are going through a time of transition and to have our longest-serving partner sign up to another term demonstrates a fantastic commitment to the game in this country.’

Scotland captain Scott Murray, who was named as The Famous Grouse Scotland Player of the Season last week, said: ‘The Famous Grouse has always been keen to work with the team and on behalf of the players I thank them for their continued support and look forward to the next three years.’

Ken Grier, Brands Director, The Edrington Group, said: ‘Scottish Rugby is an integral part of The Famous Grouse future marketing plans and we have committed a large proportion of our Scottish budget behind rugby.

‘Scotland’s number one scotch is a true supporter of Scottish Rugby and the partnership will continue to grow over the next three years.’

For further information please contact:
Graham Law, SRU 0131 346 5164 or 07764 178940
Viki Mendelssohn, Big Blue PR on behalf of The Famous Grouse 0131 477 2720