Premiership Rugby raises a glass to Guinness extension

Premiership Rugby, the governing body of the top division of English rugby union, has agreed a two-year extension to its partnership with Irish beer brand Guinness.

Under the deal, which runs across the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, Guinness will continue as the official beer and official responsible drinking partner of Premiership Rugby.

The partnership includes pouring rights at each of the 12 Premiership clubs and the presentation of the Guinness Premiership Rugby Director of Rugby of the Year award.

Dominic Hayes, Premiership Rugby’s commercial director, said: “Guinness have partnered with Premiership Rugby since 2005 and clearly appreciate the success of the domestic game.

“The continuing growth in attendances and TV audiences are part and parcel of what is a real boom in the club game and we are looking forward to a great Rugby World Cup on home turf creating new interest in the sport.”