Clermont Auvergne renews Orange connection

French Top 14 rugby union team Clermont Auvergne has signed a three-year extension to its sponsorship deal with telecommunications giant Orange.

The agreement consolidates Orange’s substantial presence in French rugby union.

Since 1999, it has been an official partner of the French Rugby Federation and its national team, while Clermont Auvergne is one of 12 Top 14 clubs to count the company as a major partner.

Orange director Olivier Faure said: “Rugby is one of the axes of Orange sponsorship. It is a sport that carries strong values (with) which Orange is fully identified. Auvergne is a land of rugby and it is natural we wanted to continue our partnership and this adventure.”

A 24-13 defeat to Bayonne on Saturday meant Clermont Auvergne slipped from top spot in the Top 14 and the team has won one and lost one of its matches in the European Rugby Champions Cup this term.