Telecommunications company Vodafone has agreed a deal with the Australian Rugby Union to sponsor the Super Rugby club competition in the country.
The two parties have signed a four-year deal covering the 2017 to 2020 seasons. The agreement grants Vodafone naming rights to Super Rugby in Australia.
Under the agreement, Vodafone will also serve as the back-of-shirt sponsor for Australia’s women’s 15s team.
Vodafone served as naming-rights partner for Super Rugby in Australia from 2001 to 2003 and has previously sponsored the men’s national team.
Ben McIntosh, customer business director for Vodafone Australia, said: “With teams based across the country, Super Rugby gives Vodafone a chance to show off the significant investment in the network we have made throughout Australia. Independent tests have shown that we have the best network in the cities where teams are based, giving us a great platform to show it off.”
Australia’s Super Rugby season begins when the Melbourne Rebels host the Blues of New Zealand on February 23.