OPRO, the UK-based manufacturer of mouthguards for athletes, has struck a sponsorship deal with Rugby Canada ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which gets under way next week.

OPRO will provide elite level mouthguards to all junior and senior players from Rugby Canada’s national programme, as well as providing access to its range of Self-Fit mouthguards at grassroots level.

Rugby Canada said the partnership forms part of its wider ‘PlaySmart’ initiative, which aims to put players first by educating them on the importance of injury awareness, prevention and recovery.

OPRO is now the mouthguard partner of over 75 teams, including the national rugby union teams of New Zealand, England, Australia and USA.

Daniel Lovat, sports marketing director of OPRO, said: “Canada has a long and successful history in the sport of rugby, and we’re excited to now be a part of that.

“We have huge respect for the work they are putting into education around player welfare and are looking forward to working together to help foster improvements across all levels of the game moving forward.”

Canada face a daunting Rugby World Cup, having been placed in a pool with New Zealand and South Africa, as well as Italy and Namibia.

Sportcal