Rugby

Rolex-owned luxury watch brand Tudor has added sponsorship of World Rugby to its deals with the New Zealand All Blacks and high-profile sporting and celebrity ambassadors to build a brand identity distinct from its parent company.

APO Group, a media relations consultancy which operates in Africa and the Middle East, has agreed a multi-year partnership with Rugby Africa, the continent’s governing body of rugby union.

The Rugby Canada national governing body has renewed its sponsorship deal with global equity, foreign exchange and precious metals broker Velocity Trade.

World Rugby, the global governing body for rugby union, has extended its partnership with sports equipment manufacturer Gilbert.

Italian Pro14 rugby union club Zebre Rugby has agreed a shirt sponsorship deal with industrial weighing and batching company Laumas Elettronica.

Isotonic drinks brand Powerade has agreed a deal to become an official partner of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Shannon Airport in Ireland has entered into a partnership with Irish Pro14 rugby union club Munster.

Italian sportswear manufacturer Macron has entered into a partnership with the Pro14 Championship, the European rugby union club competition.

UK airline Virgin Atlantic has agreed a partnership with the English Premiership top-tier club rugby union competition.

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has agreed to extend its title sponsorship of English rugby league knockout club competition, the Challenge Cup.

Recycling solutions company Powerday has opted to extend its sponsorship deal with English Premiership rugby union club London Irish.

Sports equipment manufacturer Gilbert has extended a long-running partnership with the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Construction consultancy Blackrock PM has agreed a deal to sponsor Ireland’s men’s rugby sevens team, while Irish Pro12 club Connacht has upgraded its partnership with Brooks Group, a timber and building merchant.

Alcoholic ginger beer brand Crabbie’s has extended its sponsorship deal with Scottish Rugby, the country’s governing body of rugby union.

SA Rugby, the governing body of rugby union in South Africa, has agreed a deal for MTN to become its new headline sponsor after rival telecommunications company Vodacom opted to step aside from the role.

The AccorHotels chain has entered into a partnership with the Brazilian Rugby Confederation (CBRu) national governing body for rugby union.

Opticians chain Specsavers has agreed a deal to become a sponsor of the British & Irish Lions rugby union team’s 2017 tour of New Zealand.

Australian Super Rugby franchise Western Force has renewed its shirt sponsorship deal with iron ore producer Fortescue Metals Group.