Zurich Financial Services today announced a major three year partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for the title sponsorship of the English Premiership, to be known as the Zurich Premiership, and the sponsorship of a new end of season play off competition, to be known as the Zurich Championship.
The 12 teams* in the top flight of English domestic rugby, formerly known as Allied Dunbar Premiership One, will compete in the Zurich Premiership beginning on 19 August 2000 and finishing on 14 April 2001.
This will be followed by the Zurich Championship from 28 April 2001, the draw for which will be shaped by the final finishing positions of clubs in the Zurich Premiership, and culminating in the Zurich Championship Grand Final on 12 May 2001.
Matches from the Zurich Premiership and Zurich Championships will be broadcast live on Sky Sports through the 2000/2001 season.
Nigel Wray, Chairman of ERP, said: ‘The new season sees the launch of a new tournament structure with Zurich’s involvement in both the Zurich Premiership and the exciting end of league play-offs with the Zurich Championship. This is a significant commitment by Zurich and is recognition of the value that they put on English domestic rugby, arguably the most competitive and skilful domestic club league in Europe. Our supporters are in for a treat of fast and exciting rugby this season.’
Sandy Leitch, Chief Executive of Zurich Financial Services UK Operations, commented: ‘We are delighted to initiate this new three year partnership with English rugby, building on the excellent start made by Allied Dunbar’s sponsorship of the last three years. This sponsorship is an exciting first step for our plans to establish Zurich as one of the leading financial services brands in the UK market.
‘Rugby has never been in better shape and in a position to challenge the Southern Hemisphere on the field. We look forward to working with the Premiership clubs to help create the best most competitive domestic league in the world.’
The official Zurich Premiership season launch will be held at Twickenham on Thursday 17 August 2000.
For further information on Zurich Financial Services, please contact:
Sarah O’Rafferty
Tel:+44(0)1793 504013
Fax:+44(0)1793 524318
e-mail: sarah.o’rafferty@zurich.co.uk
For further information on the Zurich Premiership, please contact:
Laura Bogard at Octagon
Tel:+44(0)207862 0000
Fax:+44(0)207862 0001
e-mail: laura.bogard@octagon.com