The Dragons, the Newport-based Welsh Pro14 rugby union club, has signed Monmouthshire Building Society as its main kit sponsor, while Irish side Connacht has named McDonogh Capital Investments as its new sleeve sponsor.
The Dragons deal will run for the next three seasons, until the end of 2020.
Under the agreement, the Dragons will bear the building society’s branding on the chests and collars of their home and away shirts.
“The contribution Monmouthshire Building Society has made to the future sustainability of the Dragons is the largest single sponsorship in our history in monetary terms and is a great example of what can be done when the true potential of the region is released,” said the club’s chief executive, Stuart Davies.
“I know that the commercial team here have had a busy summer, as the feel-good factor continues, and are close to announcing more sponsorships soon.”
The Dragons’ commercial director, Pete Grzonka, said: “This deal is a significant moment and is tangible proof that the Dragons are now a hugely investible prospect in the Welsh rugby marketplace. A new owner, a new pitch, a new coach, investment in facilities and personnel and a long term, realistic sustainable plan all add up to make the Dragons attractive to both supporters and businesses alike.”
Meanwhile, McDonogh Capital Investments has agreed a two-season deal with Connacht, with its branding to feature on the sleeves of the team’s playing and training jerseys.
The Pro14, formerly the Pro12, was renamed earlier this week following the additions of former South African Super Rugby franchises the Cheetahs and Southern Kings for the 2017-18 season.