The deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union begins this week and will run for six years – to the conclusion of the 2011/12 season.
O2 are no stranger to sport sponsorship. They have a long-standing deal with the England rugby union team, Formula One’s BMW Sauber team, and English Premiership side Arsenal.
Andy Crawford, president of the Irish RFU, said: “O2 is a successful and respected brand that has supported Irish rugby at various levels including international, provincial and club since 2002 when it became official mobile communications sponsor for the IRFU.”
O2 will have the rights to place its logo on all Ireland senior international and Ireland A team playing and training kit and team related IRFU merchandise. The partnership will also give O2 key sites on advertising hoardings surrounding the pitch at home matches.
Mobile phone firm O2 has become the new official sponsor of the Ireland national rugby team.
