Vodafone is to become the front of shirt sponsor for the senior men's Wales rugby team next season.
The Welsh Rugby Union have secured a major new multi-year partnership in a landmark deal which sees Vodafone become principal partner of the men’s senior squad and pathway teams. Starting on July 1, Vodafone be the principal partner of men’s, women’s and pathway (U20s and U18s) rugby in Wales, uniting all teams within one partnership and committed to growing rugby at all levels in Wales, the union says.
It means Wales men's new kit, which will be unveiled next month, will have a different look. The jersey worn by Taulupe Faletau in launch photographs is not the new kit. The new Rugby World Cup jersey wi]ll not feature a sponsor but the kit which will be worn for the following two years will see Vodafone replace Cazoo.
Vodafone are already the front of shirt sponsor for Wales Women, and are very keen to help grow women's rugby.
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Throughout the partnership with the WRU, Vodafone will support player performance and welfare across the whole of Welsh rugby through innovative tech solutions.
This includes the continued investment into its Player Connect platform. The technology has seen major developments in the past year with the addition of menstrual cycle tracking technology which helps Wales Women analyse how the menstrual cycle impacts performance, wellbeing and recovery. Vodafone will also use its 5G network to enhance matchday experiences for both fans in Cardiff and those watching at home.
“We are delighted to have secured Vodafone as our key front of shirt sponsor for the Wales senior men’s side and pathway teams," said interim WRU chief executive Nigel Walker. “Vodafone’s partnership with and support for our Wales Women’s side and pathway teams, and with Principality Stadium as our digital transformation partner, is already paying huge dividends to Welsh rugby. These are exciting times for the game in Wales, with sustainability now established off the field allowing increased potential for long-term success on it.
“Through their partnership Vodafone will play an integral part in the future of the game in Wales and we are delighted to welcome their further commitment and support for Welsh rugby today. Finally, I’d like to say good luck to the U20s team who play their first match of the World Rugby Championships against New Zealand in Paarl this Saturday proudly wearing that Vodafone sponsored jersey.”
Vodafone's chief commercial officer Max Taylor said: "Vodafone’s expanded partnership with Welsh Rugby Union now covers both the men’s and women’s game, from grassroots up. With the World Cup just around the corner it is a hugely exciting time for rugby, and we are excited to see how technical innovation can help take player performance, player welfare and fan engagement to the next level."
