Land Rover drives on with Premiership Rugby

British multi-purpose vehicle manufacturer Land Rover has extended its partnership with Premiership Rugby, the governing body of the top division of English rugby union.

The new four-year deal covers the 2016-17 to 2019-20 seasons and will result in Land Rover becoming the body’s longest-serving partner, with the two parties having first teamed up in 2004. Land Rover will retain its title as Premiership Rugby’s official vehicle partner.

Under the agreement, Land Rover will continue to provide vehicles for the community departments of each of the 12 Premiership teams. It will also remain title sponsor of the Premiership Rugby Cup, an U11 and U12 series of grassroots festivals held across the country.

“Over the past 12 years, this valued partnership has contributed to the development of the game and seen graduates from the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup go on to play in Premiership Rugby fixtures,” Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty said.

“With Land Rover we share a passion for supporting the growth of the game at the grassroots. This renewed partnership will allow the community departments at our clubs to continue to perform their outstanding work, with the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup helping rugby in the UK to continue to flourish.”

Land Rover has a significant presence within rugby union and has partnered the last two World Cups in 2011 and 2015. It is also the main club partner of Premiership outfit Wasps and a sponsor of the British & Irish Lions team. Earlier this month Land Rover added Welsh Pro12 team the Cardiff Blues to its growing portfolio of rugby partners.