The Irish Rugby Football Union is pleased to announce it has signed a new playing kit sponsorship deal with Canterbury of New Zealand, spanning the next five years and valued in excess of IRú3 million.

As of next season (2000 / 01), Canterbury of New Zealand – the world’s largest dedicated rugby company – will be supplying all of Ireland’s home and alternative playing strips, plus a range of branded training and leisure wear.

The new Canterbury – IRFU contract takes account of Ireland’s senior team, A team, under 21 team and schoolboy teams.

Mr. Billy Lavery, President of the Irish Rugby Football Union, says: ‘We are delighted that an organisation of the stature of Canterbury of New Zealand should become a partner with the IRFU. It is a massive vote of confidence in the future of Irish rugby that one of the World’s most renowned sports kit companies should wish to join with the Union in such a substantial sponsorship arrangement.’

Mr. Phil Morgan, the Sales and Marketing Director of Canterbury of New Zealand says: ‘We are delighted to have Ireland on board at what is an exciting time for both Irish rugby and Canterbury’s operations in Europe. We are all looking forward to a strong and successful working relationship.’

The IRFU’s sponsorship association with Canterbury of New Zealand follows a recently signed new contract by Canterbury with the Scottish Rugby Union and represents a significant addition to a rapidly expanding line-up that also includes reigning World champions Australia and other 1999 World Cup competing Nations: Italy, Canada, Tonga, Japan, Fiji and Namibia.

In Ireland, Canterbury of New Zealand already sponsors 1999 European Cup champions Ulster as well as Munster, Leinster and Connacht and the seeds for Canterbury’s success in Britain have been sown with kit sponsorships of London Wasps, Saracens, Swansea, Pontypridd, Northampton and London Broncos.

For further information, please contact: – Ian Keartland. Sales and Marketing, Canterbury (Ireland), Tel: 01 – 4565326; John Redmond, Slattery PR. Tel: 01 – 6614055.