Canterbury of New Zealand and Newport Gwent Dragons have announced a four-year deal that will see the rugby sportswear manufacturer supply the Magners League side with first-team kit and training apparel from the beginning of the 2008/09 season. The deal, which will incorporate first team kit as well as Canterbury’s IonX BaseLayer garments, training wear and off-field fashion, enhances Canterbury’s pool of endorsements with leading club and national sides in world rugby. The Canterbury stable currently includes World Cup winners South Africa, Magners League champions Leinster, Top 14 league leaders Claremont Auvergne and Guinness Premiership finalists London Wasps.
As part of the deal the likes of Kevin Morgan and Tom Willis will be wearing Canterbury’s IonX BaseLayer, a state-of-the-art range of garments that create a process of ionisation in the body, raising athletes’ performance levels and speeding up recovery time. Canterbury has also committed to support the Dragons Academy, Age Grade teams and community projects aimed at developing rugby in the local area.
Says Mostyn Thomas, marketing director for Canterbury of New Zealand: “The deal with Newport Gwent Dragons brings together two brands that are looking to use technology and innovation in order to gain every available competitive edge on the field. Both Canterbury and Newport Gwent Dragons are companies with similar ambitions to grow and achieve success in the sporting arena, so this deal is seen by both parties as an ideal partnership. The deal also represents Canterbury’s continued commitment to the leading sides in club and international rugby. We wish the team every success next season and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Says Gethin Jenkins, chief executive of the Newport Gwent Dragons: “This agreement with Canterbury reflects the continuing growth in confidence of the Dragons team and a partnership with a key rugby brand. Like Canterbury, the Dragons are hardworking and passionate about rugby and committed to improving all aspects of their game. With leading innovators like Canterbury in partnership with us, this can only be good for the team. Likewise, their commitment to help our academy, community and Age Grade teams will ensure continuing development of our emerging talent.”
