Engineering and infrastructure group Downer has signed up as the new title sponsor of the Australian National Rugby League’s Auckland Nines rugby league event in New Zealand.
The nine-a-side tournament will take place at Eden Park in Auckland on February 6-7. The deal with Duco Events, which operates the competition, will cover the 2016 edition.
Downer has succeeded electronics retailer Dick Smith in the role.
Earlier this month, Dick Smith entered into administration. The company also served as a main sponsor of Australian Big Bash League cricket franchise the Melbourne Stars.
“Being a highly respected and successful business throughout both Australia and New Zealand, they are a great fit with the Nines,” Duco Events chief executive Martin Snedden said of Downer. “The teams from both Duco and Downer have worked together quickly and co-operatively within a very tight deadline to reach agreement on how our relationship for an event which is now less than three weeks away can work.”