Perth-based Super Rugby franchise Western Force is to retain its innovative shirt sponsorship model for the 2015 season of the club competition.
Upon failing to secure a main partner for the 2014 campaign, Western Force sold the sponsorship to each jersey in its starting XV, while the Western Australian Government was promoted on its eight first-team reserves’ kits.
The club partnered with local businesses such as Perth-based engineering and project services contractor Clough and has now announced that all 23 jerseys have been claimed for the new season.
RugbyWA is the operating body for Western Force and its chief executive Mark Sinderberry said: “We implemented the initiative last season to counter challenges in the market. We worked side by side with these partners to understand their businesses and provide a strong ROI for their involvement in the club. The result was a fantastic opportunity to engage a series of organisations that may have not otherwise been involved with our club, and we’re extremely proud to have 11 of the 16 organisations that appeared on the front of our jerseys in 2014, returning for our 10th season this year.
“Similarly, we’re pleased to welcome 12 new partners onto the front of our jerseys, and we’re looking forward to not only having them involved with our club for this landmark season, but, importantly, providing an opportunity to facilitate growing their business.”
Western Force still has its playing shorts branding as an outstanding sponsorship property for 2015.