Pro12 clubs extend with shirt sponsors

Irish Pro12 rugby union club Munster has extended its sponsorship deal with Bank of Ireland, while Scottish team Edinburgh has renewed its partnership with Mitsubishi Motors, the automotive manufacturing arm of Japan’s Mitsubishi Group.

Munster’s new long-term deal with Bank of Ireland will run until the end of the 2023 season. The agreement grants the bank exclusive jersey branding on all playing and training kit for the club’s senior and ‘A’ teams.

Bank of Ireland will also hold naming rights to Munster’s rugby summer camps, which will be rolled out in 23 locations across the province from July. In addition, Munster players Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray will continue to serve as Bank of Ireland brand ambassadors.

The extension will take the two parties’ association past the 25-year mark.

“In Bank of Ireland we are committed to supporting communities across the country,” Gemma Bell, sponsorship manager for Bank of Ireland, said. “Our 72-strong branch network in Munster combined with Munster Rugby’s large and devoted fan base provides an excellent fit for Bank of Ireland to connect with communities across the Munster region and the wider country.”

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors’ expanded partnership with Edinburgh names it as the official car partner of the team. Edinburgh said it would receive a “significant investment” from Mitsubishi Motors as part of the new three-year deal, which runs until 2020.

The team will also receive a fleet of vehicles to support its operational requirements and community coaching programme, with the Mitsubishi Motors logo to feature on the club’s matchday kit.