A new sponsor, LHF Healthplan, will be backing National Leagues One, Two and Three for the 2004 season.
The Yorkshire-based company is part of the HSA Group and is one of the biggest Healthplan providers in the north of England.
The six-figure deal will run for one year and provide both the semi-professional National League divisions and development competition National League Three with a major backer from the healthcare business sector.
Richard Lewis, the Rugby Football League’s Executive Chairman, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome LHF Healthplan into Rugby League.
‘Over many years our sport has built up a reputation for being supported by top class sponsors and I am sure that our relationship with LHF will prove to be beneficial to both them and Rugby League.
‘The National League has developed into a very exciting competition and we are very pleased that it is being underpinned by an exciting, new sponsorship’.
Nigel Wood, the Rugby Football League’s Operations and Finance Director, said: ‘The introduction of the National League was an integral part of the national development of our sport and it is very pleasing that it has attracted a quality sponsor in LHF Healthplan.
‘This package should enable the community professional game to move on to the next level and further develop its profile as a significant contributor to British sport’.
LHF has been in the healthcare business for over 100 years and through its CommonSense Healthplans offers a comprehensive package of healthcare cash benefits to cover a wide range of everyday health treatments.
LHF Healthplans are delighted to have the opportunity to join with RFL to sponsor the National League. Jamie Wilson, Managing Director at LHF Healthplan, said: ‘We are very excited about the opportunity. It’s a great match in terms of values – community based, with it’s heartland predominantly in the North and family orientated.’
Wilson goes on to say: ‘We have a fantastic product and want to encourage more people to experience it. Sponsoring the National League gives us a great opportunity to emphasise how important it is to look after yourself.
‘The appeal of Healthplans is their affordability and the wide range of health benefits covering those everyday expenses in keeping the family healthy.
‘They provide cash payments towards the cost of a comprehensive range of everyday healthcare essentials. Healthplans provide money back towards the cost of primary care such as dental treatment, sight tests, glasses and contact lenses, chiropractic and other forms of complementary therapy. Consultation fees are also covered plus payments for hospital stays and day surgery’.
For more details contact:
The Rugby Football League Media Department
Tel: 0113 244 1114. Fax: 0113 244 1110.
E-mail: John.Huxley@rfl.uk.com or Andreww@superleague.co.uk.