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.
Blackrock PM will serve as the sevens squad’s associate sponsor, with its branding to feature on the team’s shorts.
The length of the agreement with the Irish Rugby Football Union, which begins with this weekend’s Rugby Europe Sevens Grand Prix Series event in Exeter, England, was not disclosed.
Blackrock PM director David Barry said: “We are a global company and sevens is a sport that is growing globally. Ireland may be relatively new to the circuit but the men's sevens team have impressed with their development and their success to date.
"We hope that our sponsorship will help them to continue that excellent work as they aim for the Sevens World Cup and the World Series. We want to be on that journey with them.”
Meanwhile, Connacht has signed a new two-year deal with Brooks Group. The company, which previously served as a Connacht Rugby Business Club member, will now become a kit sponsor, with its branding to feature on the team’s playing and training shorts.
Connacht Rugby head of commercial and marketing, Brian Mahony, said: “After recognising the benefits of being a Business Club member for a number of years, we’re happy that Brooks Group have seen the value in becoming a club partner to help them achieve their business objectives.
“A position on the kit is a much sought-after asset, and with increasing TV viewing figures we’re confident that it will help Brooks Group achieve some of their brand exposure goals.”