Hurricanes drive away with Kia partnership for 2016 Super Rugby season

Korean automotive company Kia has entered into a season-long partnership with New Zealand Super Rugby franchise the Hurricanes.

Kia has been named a major partner of the Wellington-based team for its 2016 campaign, which got underway last week. Under the agreement, the company’s branding will appear on the front and centre of the Hurricanes’ away jerseys.

“Backing the Hurricanes will not only build the brand in New Zealand, but also in other key international markets,” Kia general manager Todd McDonald said.

The team’s new Kia-branded away kit was worn for the first time during the 52-10 defeat at Australian outfit the Brumbies on Friday. The Hurricanes face another away trip this Saturday when travelling to fellow New Zealand team the Highlanders.

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee added that the partnership with Kia had allowed the club to sign another sponsor for its home jersey, which will be unveiled ahead of the game against the Blues, also of New Zealand, on March 11.