Zurich announced today that they are to be the official shirt sponsor for next summer’s British & Irish Lions’ Tour to New Zealand.

Zurich, as one of the UK’s leading financial service providers, are major sponsors of club rugby with their involvement not only with the English Premiership but also at a European club level through the Heineken and
Parker Pen competitions.

Wallace Dobbin, Director Strategy, Marketing and Communications at Zurich, commented: ‘The Lions represents the best elements of the game of rugby – determination, integrity, teamwork and passion. It is this passion that
Zurich share. We are a committed sponsor and supporter of rugby and the Lions sponsorship is a natural extension of our current involvement in the domestic club game – the English and Celtic clubs will be where the majority
of next year’s tourists will be selected from. We are looking forward to being involved in what promises to be a classic series in 2005.’

The British and Irish Lions Chairman and Tour Manager, Bill Beaumont, added: ‘We are delighted to have Zurich on board for the tour to New Zealand. They are a proactive supporter of the game at all levels and the support that Zurich are giving to the tour will have a huge effect both on and off the pitch and will help provide the platform to face the exciting rugby challenges that we anticipate encountering in New Zealand.

Sir Clive Woodward, said: ‘Zurich have proved themselves to be a dedicated professional sponsor of rugby and I look forward to working with them on what is set to be a huge challenge when the Lions tour to New Zealand next year.’

For further information contact: Sarah O’Rafferty, Zurich on 01793 504013
or Louisa Cheetham, Octagon on 0207 862 0058