Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

WRU pen new £33m Under Armour deal

Published

on

WRU chairman Gareth Davies: With Under Armour CEO and founder Kevin Plank

WRU chairman Gareth Davies: With Under Armour CEO and founder Kevin Plank

PERFORMANCE apparel and footwear innovator Under Armour today announced a nineyear partnership extension with the Welsh Rugby Union thought to be worth £33m.

The deal is the longest on record for a Wales kit supplier, cementing a 17-year partnership that will see the brand maximise the national team’s sports performance through to 2025, and reinforces Under Armour’s commitment to making athletes better around the globe.

The global sports brand’s presence in rugby is rapidly expanding. Under Armour first emerged in the sport as Official Technical Partner of WRU in 2008, when the Wales national side became the first licensed rugby team to wear Under Armour’s technical apparel.

Under Armour has also reinforced its commitment to the WRU by becoming title sponsor of Welsh rugby’s autumn international series matches, for the next nine years.

The Under Armour Series 2016 – which will welcome Australia, Argentina, Japan and South Africa to Principality Stadium on consecutive Saturdays in November – will be the first to boast such a long term brand partnership.

The clash with Japan is the latest to be added to the 2016 Under Armour Series match schedule and they face Wales on Saturday 19th November, kick-off 2.30pm.

The Wallabies kick-start the Series on Saturday 5th November (2.30pm) and the Pumas visit Cardiff on Saturday 12th November (5.30pm), with the Springboks completing a quartet of top quality opposition for Wales on Saturday 26th November (5.30pm).

“The Under Armour Series will be about testing ourselves against the best sides in the world, and with Japan now completing the fixture line-up for 2016, we have four teams from World Rugby’s top ten coming to the Principality Stadium in November,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“Under Armour’s support for Wales has been unerring in every aspect since they came on board in 2008 and it is great news for Welsh rugby that they will be working with us until 2025.”

The long-lasting partnership will also provide WRU with access to Under Armour’s Connected Fitness platform, which will ensure that all athletes will benefit from health, fitness, and training data to improve their performance.

Since the partnership began in 2008, Wales have won the RBS 6 Nations Championship three times, including two Grand Slams and have continued to impress on the international stage.

Kevin Plank, Under Armour Founder and CEO, said: “We have always identified with the WRU’s relentless and determined attitude, which align with our core values at Under Armour. I’m proud to form a long-term partnership with the WRU and look forward to seeing our innovative performance gear produce world-class results on the pitch.”

In addition to match day kits, Under Armour will provide performance training apparel to the WRU first team, age grade squads, Sevens and Women’s teams – all of which will feature Under Armour signature technologies, enabling peak performance in all weather conditions. This includes sweatwicking HeatGear fabric to help keep players cool and dry, and ArmourGrid technology for light, durable strength.

Martyn Phillips, WRU CEO, said: “Welsh rugby’s partnership with Under Armour is a key foundation for our future plans and upholding the legacy of our national sport. We have much in common, in that we are both ‘challenger brands’ who have a tendency to ‘punch above our weight’. The positive impact of this partnership, which also sees Under Armour take on the role of series sponsor for our autumn matches for nine years, will reach new heights on a global scale. I’m excited about the future, the potential for both brands and the opportunity to deliver on higher ambitions.”

Gareth Davies, WRU Chairman said: “With the new partnership extension, Under Armour will become one of the WRU’s longest serving commercial partners, supporting Welsh rugby through three decades. Their support and dedication to our national side has been unwavering, reflecting some great successes for us on the field.”

Under Armour performance training apparel and footwear are currently worn by all Under Armour rugby athletes, including international players Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts, Jordi Murphy, Drew Mitchell, Jamie Cudmore, James Haskell, Taulupe Faletau and Dan Lydiate.

 

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sport

Pembrokeshire cricket results and tables – Week 5

Published

on

Week 5 of the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League delivered some emphatic wins, standout individual performances and movement at the top of several divisions as clubs battled for early-season momentum.

MatchResult
Neyland v BurtonNeyland (152-7) beat Burton (151 all out) by 3 wickets
Narberth v CarewCarew (163 all out) beat Narberth (119 all out) by 44 runs
Herbrandston v CressellyCresselly (205 all out) beat Herbrandston (60 all out) by 145 runs
Whitland v SaundersfootSaundersfoot (265-8) beat Whitland (179 all out) by 86 runs
Lawrenny v St IshmaelsSt Ishmaels (148-9) beat Lawrenny (144 all out) by 1 wicket

Top performers:

  • Jon Mansbridge (Saundersfoot) – 120
  • Ethan Hall (Carew) – 60
  • Charlie Arthur (Cresselly) – 6-19
  • Alan Webster (Neyland) – 30 & 4-20

Division 1 table

PosTeamPPts
1Carew579
2Saundersfoot570
3Neyland565
4Cresselly551
5St Ishmaels540
6Herbrandston539
7Burton539
8Narberth534
9Whitland532
10Lawrenny523

MatchResult
Llechryd v HookHook (140-9) beat Llechryd (136-7) by 1 wicket
Haverfordwest v JohnstonJohnston (114-6) beat Haverfordwest (113-8) by 4 wickets
Fishguard v LlangwmFishguard (158-8) beat Llangwm (157-8) by 2 wickets
Cresselly II v PembrokePembroke (235-7) beat Cresselly II (130 all out) by 105 runs
Llanrhian v Pembroke DockPembroke Dock (104 all out) beat Llanrhian (92 all out) by 12 runs

Top performers:

  • Jack Harries (Pembroke) – 102
  • Steve Mills (Johnston) – 59* & 4-8
  • Jack Jones (Llanrhian) – 66*

Division 2 table

PosTeamPPts
1Johnston578
2Pembroke571
3Haverfordwest567
4Cresselly II564
5Hook562
6Pembroke Dock552
7Fishguard542
8Llanrhian537
9Llangwm530
10Llechryd530

</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 3 results</strong></summary>

MatchResult
Pembroke II v Haverfordwest IIPembroke II (179-4) beat Haverfordwest II (178-5) by 6 wickets
Burton II v HundletonBurton II (121 all out) beat Hundleton (113 all out) by 8 runs
Carew II v KilgettyKilgetty (178-2) beat Carew II (174-5) by 8 wickets
Lamphey v LaugharneLaugharne (259-5) beat Lamphey (190 all out) by 69 runs
Saundersfoot II v StackpoleSaundersfoot II (143-4) beat Stackpole (142-6) by 6 wickets

Division 3 table

PosTeamPPts
1Kilgetty578
2Laugharne566
3Carew II562
4Lamphey554
5Saundersfoot II553
6Hundleton552
7Burton II452
8Pembroke II537
9Haverfordwest II530
10Stackpole420

</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 4 results</strong></summary>

MatchResult
Haverfordwest III v Herbrandston IIHerbrandston II (99 all out) beat Haverfordwest III (65 all out) by 34 runs
Hook II v Lawrenny IILawrenny II (148-7) beat Hook II (136-7) by 12 runs
Crymych v Llechryd IICrymych (253-5) beat Llechryd II (131-7) by 122 runs
Carew III v Narberth IINarberth II (77-1) beat Carew III (76 all out) by 9 wickets
St Ishmaels II v Neyland IISt Ishmaels II (166-8) beat Neyland II (139 all out) by 27 runs

Division 4 table

PosTeamPPts
1Narberth II587
2Lawrenny II574
3Hook II565
4Crymych560
5St Ishmaels II555

</details> <details> <summary><strong>Division 5 & 6 results</strong></summary>

Division 5

  • Cresselly III beat Hundleton II by 81 runs
  • Llangwm II beat Llanrhian II by 9 wickets
  • Whitland II beat Pembroke Dock II by 85 runs

Division 5 leaders:

  1. Cresselly III – 86 pts
  2. Whitland II – 72 pts
  3. Llanrhian II – 67 pts

Division 6

  • Neyland III beat H’West/Cresselly by 9 wickets
  • Haverfordwest IV beat Kilgetty II by 8 wickets
  • Laugharne II beat Whitland III by 143 runs

Division 6 leaders:

  1. Whitland III – 71 pts
  2. Lamphey II – 56 pts
  3. Neyland III – 55 pts

 

Continue Reading

Sport

Three days of world-class motorsport set to return to Mid Wales this September

Published

on

Expanded Rali Ceredigion event to bring elite rally drivers, historic cars and millions for the local economy

THE ROAR of rally engines will return to Mid Wales this autumn as the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion makes its much-anticipated comeback from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6.

Now firmly established as one of the biggest events on the UK motorsport calendar, the rally will once again bring world-class competition to the roads of Ceredigion and Powys, with drivers competing across three major championships.

The event will host rounds of the FIA European Rally Championship, the British Rally Championship and the European Historic Rally Championship, the latter making its first appearance at the Welsh event.

Organisers say the addition of historic rally cars will add a new attraction for spectators, with iconic vehicles from previous generations expected to take part alongside today’s top competitors.

Expanded programme planned

Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 event will begin with a ceremonial start and rally showcase on Aberystwyth promenade on Thursday evening (Sept 3), before competitive stages get underway across Mid Wales throughout the weekend.

The rally has grown into a major tourism and economic boost for the region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and putting local communities, businesses and landscapes in front of an international audience.

Figures from last year’s event showed a total economic impact of £11.6 million, including an estimated £5.59 million in direct spending, with businesses across the region reporting increased visitor numbers, overnight stays and higher spending.

Council backs return of event

The Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Cllr Bryan Davies said: “We’re proud to welcome Rali Ceredigion back to the county for 2026. The event continues to grow year on year, bringing significant benefits to our communities, local businesses and the wider economy.

“With an expanded programme and the addition of the European Historic Rally Championship, this year’s event promises to attract even more visitors to the region.

“As a council, our focus is on working closely with organisers and partners to ensure residents are well informed and that the event is delivered safely and successfully for everyone.”

Organisers are working alongside Ceredigion County Council, Powys County Council and emergency services to ensure the event is delivered safely, with details of road closures, timings and routes expected to be released in the coming months.

Historic rally cars to join line-up

Rali Ceredigion Director Charlie Jukes said organisers were excited to expand the event once again.

He said: “The addition of the European Historic Rally Championship is a fantastic development, adding even more variety and appeal for fans, with a wider range of iconic rally cars expected to take part.

“Rali Ceredigion continues to grow in scale and reputation and we’re proud to work alongside local authorities, partners and communities to deliver an event that showcases the very best of the region and generates a significant positive impact.”

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to plan ahead, with community engagement activity expected to begin before the summer.

Photo caption:

Rally return: Last year’s JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion attracted thousands of spectators and delivered a major boost to the local economy (Pic: Supplied).

 

Continue Reading

Sport

Vikings make history with cup final win

Published

on

HAKIN UNITED have made Pembrokeshire football history after retaining the West Wales Intermediate Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Penlan at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Ashley Bevan’s first-half goal proved decisive on Thursday evening as Scott Davies’ side became the first Pembrokeshire team to win the competition in back-to-back seasons.

It was another memorable night for the Vikings, who have now reached three finals in four years and added the cup to their league success to complete an outstanding double.

Penlan began strongly, with Kyle Hughes seeing a deflected effort drift narrowly wide before Kieran Jenkins curled a shot into the arms of Hakin goalkeeper Rory Williams.

Williams was called into action again after a defensive mistake allowed Jenkins a sight of goal, while at the other end Jack Britton was unable to generate enough power on a header inside the area.

Hakin grew into the contest, with Camron Thomas and Bevan both seeing efforts blocked following a half-cleared corner.

Williams then produced one of the key moments of the match, racing from his area to make a perfectly-timed sliding challenge as Penlan threatened to break through.

Ben Aldred went close with a rising 25-yard strike which flew over the bar, before the game became increasingly scrappy, with Britton and Jordan Kilby both booked for late challenges.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute. Shane Walsh made ground down the left and squared the ball across the area for Bevan, who slid in to finish and give Hakin a 1-0 half-time lead.

There was a brief delay after the interval while the stadium lights were switched on, before Penlan pushed for an equaliser.

Dylyn Perkins had a shot blocked by Britton, while Bevan remained a constant threat for Hakin and later fired over after Kieran King’s cross was only partly cleared.

Hakin suffered a blow when Aldred landed awkwardly after clearing a dangerous Perkins free-kick and was forced off. Craig Nicholson came on and slotted into a solid defensive line alongside Jay Power, King and the impressive Camron Thomas.

Penlan defender Jack Jenkins was booked for bringing down Bevan from behind, while Hakin substitute Liam Parks almost added a second when he latched onto a through ball over goalkeeper Luke Davies, only to lose his footing at the vital moment.

Parks later cut the ball back for Mason Dolling, whose low effort flashed just wide.

Penlan’s hopes suffered a late setback when substitute Anthony Finselbach was shown a straight red card by referee Ben Williams for a challenge on Matthew Broome.

At the final whistle, Hakin’s players and supporters celebrated a famous victory.

The Vikings have now won the West Wales Intermediate Cup five times and sit third on the all-time winners’ list, behind West End and Ragged School, who have lifted the trophy seven times each.

Penlan: Luke Davies, Jenson Lorey, Corey Young (Jaye Tebay 89), Liam Logan (captain), Jack Jenkins, Jamie James, Kyle Hughes, Navan Green (Anthony Finselbach 76), Thomas Davies, Kieran Jenkins, Dylan Perkins (Jayden Blackmore 76).

Substitutes not used: Robert Shannon, Kian Finselbach.

Hakin United: Rory Williams, Kieran King, Camron Thomas, Ben Aldred (Craig Nicholson 70), Jay Power, Jack Britton, Cameron Brunton (Mason Dolling 59), Jordan Kilby (Mark Jones 90), Ashley Bevan (Liam Parks 74), Ryan Wilson (captain), Shane Walsh (Matthew Broome 83).

Referee: Ben Williams.

Assistants: Cilan Thomas and Nick Pryor.

Fourth official: Kevin Price.

 

Continue Reading

Business1 day ago

Plaid energy policy challenged by Labour after Adam Price interview

LABOUR SAYS MINISTERS MUST EXPLAIN COST AND TIMETABLE FOR PYLON PLANS PLAID CYMRU’S approach to energy infrastructure has come under...

Community1 day ago

Pembroke Fair praised as well-organised community event

HORSES, STALLS AND FAMILY CROWDS RETURN TO MONKTON FAMILIES, horse owners and visitors turned out in force for Pembroke Fair...

Local Government4 days ago

Youngest mayor in century takes office in Haverfordwest

Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner makes history as town’s first millennial mayor and first from a diverse background HAVERFORDWEST has welcomed a...

Community4 days ago

Pembroke Fair set to return after last year’s success

STALL HOLDERS INVITED AS HORSE DRIVE PLANNED PEMBROKE Fair is set to return this weekend following the success of last...

Crime4 days ago

Neyland man accused of running over traffic worker’s foot

Jury hears conflicting accounts over roadworks incident in Milford Haven A NEYLAND man has appeared before Swansea Crown Court accused...

Community4 days ago

New pilot boat Llanion dedicated at emotional Milford Haven ceremony

Vessel dedicated at Mackerel Quay as Port marks major investment in safety and resilience MILFORD HAVEN’S new state-of-the-art pilot vessel...

Local Government4 days ago

Police and GoSafe to target speeding in Newport and Dinas

RESIDENTS’ concerns over speeding and anti-social driving have prompted planned enforcement action in the Newport and Dinas areas. Dyfed-Powys Police...

Community5 days ago

Safety first as Milford Haven’s new pilot boat marks end of troubled chapter

Gary Solomon, who was aboard St Davids during the 2016 collision, helped shape new self-righting vessel Llanion from conception to...

Crime5 days ago

Cocaine courier caught with £15,000 haul in Pembroke Dock

Defendant transported high-purity drugs from Cardiff to Pembrokeshire for £210 A PEMBROKESHIRE man caught transporting more than £15,000 of high-purity...

News6 days ago

Car bursts into flames near Redberth Croft as road closed after incident

Nobody injured after vehicle fire near A477 prompts emergency response A CAR was destroyed by fire near the entrance to...

Popular This Week