Canterbury has secured a long-term deal to become the official kit partner to the Rugby Football Union.
The four-year agreement will see the brand supply kit to the England senior, Saxons, sevens, women’s and age grade representative teams from September 2012 to beyond the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
For the RFU, it represents the largest kit partnership in its history, allowing continued investment into all levels of the game, which is at the heart of the strategic focus for both organisations.
“The partnership with the Rugby Football Union is the perfect combination of two brands steeped in rugby history that rugby fans know and respect,” says Chris Stephenson, CEO of Canterbury.
“We are excited at the prospect of developing this relationship and enhancing the awareness of rugby to a wider audience with the aim of increasing participation levels.
“With over a century of experience in producing the highest quality playing apparel, designed specifically to maximise performance, we pride ourselves on producing the strongest, most technologically advanced kits available.”
Sophie Goldschmidt, RFU chief commercial officer, adds: “We are delighted about this new partnership with Canterbury.
“The brand is recognised by players and fans alike and its heritage in rugby is unrivalled.
“The excellent quality of playing apparel Canterbury is famed for will also ensure the England teams have the best technical kit available to assist them on and off the pitch.
“This new exciting partnership will allow the Rugby Football Union to further invest in the game.”
