Scottish Rugby, the governing body of rugby union in the country, has agreed an early extension to its partnership with Italian sportswear company Macron.
The six-year extension announced today (Tuesday) ensures Macron will continue as the body’s kit supplier until at least June 2026. In February 2016, the two parties agreed to an extension of their existing deal, moving it through to June 2020.
Scottish Rugby said the new seven-figure deal represents a “significant uplift” on the previous agreement. It will see Macron supply match and training kit for the Scotland men’s team through this autumn’s Rugby World Cup in Japan and beyond, as well as sevens, women’s and age grades sides.
The country’s two Pro14 clubs, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby, Fosroc academies and referees will continue to wear Macron shirts as part of the contract extension which kicks in after the conclusion of the current agreement.
In addition, Macron will continue to operate the official Scottish Rugby store at Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh as well as match-day retail activity at Scotland, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby matches. The company will also manage the official Scottish Rugby online store.
Macron has supplied kits for Scottish Rugby since 2013, although its relationship with the governing body goes back to 2010, when it supplied kit for Edinburgh Rugby. Macron has operated as Scottish Rugby’s retail partner since 2014.
Scottish Rugby’s chief operating officer, Dominic McKay, said: “We have seen significant growth in our brands of Scotland, Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby in recent years. Macron have played an important role in this.
“This is in part through growth in UK and global sales for the shirts Macron have produced with us and seen an expansion of their brand across club rugby and sport in general over the period we have worked with them.
“It is global partnerships such as these which are enabling Scottish Rugby to invest in all aspects of our sport from local grassroot clubs through to the national stadium.”
Gianluca Pavanello, chief executive of Macron, added: “Here in Scotland we have been given the unique opportunity to develop with the union and clubs the highest level of rugby technical apparel for the modern-day athlete as well as a leisurewear and accessories range that are not only fashionable but unique technical designs of the highest level.”