IRELAND internationals Devin Toner, Tommy O’Donnell and Rob Herring were on hand in Carton House today as Ulster Bank announced the extension of their partnership with the IRFU.
The announcement comes just ahead of the RBS 6 Nations with Ireland kicking off their campaign on 7th February against Wales in front of a home crowd.
While RBS is in its 14th year of sponsoring the RBS 6 Nations Championship, Ulster Bank has been helping club rugby at a community level for the past six years, investing in the domestic game through the sponsorship and resulting initiatives. Along with the main club competition, the Ulster Bank League, these have included Ulster Bank RugbyForce and the Ulster Bank League Awards, bringing much needed funding and recognition to grassroots players and volunteers throughout the country.
Ulster Bank RugbyForce, an initiative which has provided rugby clubs with the chance to win support packages to renovate their club, has seen over €160,000 in funding go to over 175 rugby clubs across the island of Ireland.
The Ulster Bank League Awards will be returning this season for a fourth successive year. The awards, which recognise and celebrate the dedication and commitment shown by players, coaches and teams across all Ulster Bank League Divisions, have become an established event in the rugby calendar. Many previous winners from the past three years have even made the leap to professional rugby.
Speaking at today’s launch, Maeve McMahon, Director of Customer Experience and Products, Ulster Bank, said; “We are delighted to have extended our partnership with the IRFU until 2018. Since becoming title sponsor of the All-Ireland League in 2010 and Official Community Rugby Partner to the IRFU we have proudly worked with hundreds of rugby clubs around Ireland, providing them with help for what matters to ensure that grassroots rugby stays as strong as ever. We understand the hard work and dedication that players, coaches and volunteers put in on a weekly basis which is vital to ensure the development of players and the success of Irish Rugby.”
Padraig Power, IRFU Commercial Director, commented; “The IRFU is delighted that Ulster Bank have extended their sponsorship with us for another 3 years as our Community rugby partner. Ulster Bank have worked in partnership with the IRFU for the past six years and have made a vital contribution to club rugby, helping to fund important club development and fundraising initiatives as well as sponsoring the Ulster Bank League. We are very thankful for their continued support.”
For further information on the Ulster Bank League and Ulster Bank’s initiatives throughout the year visitwww.facebook.com/ulsterbankrugby, find them @UlsterBankRugby on Twitter or follow #UBL.
